The Very FIRST IMM by The Bibliophilic Book Blog

Hey Everyone!

This is my first IMM post and my first VLOG...this is hosted by The Story Siren. I am testing out this VLOG concept because I have an insane number of bookmarks to giveaway on Monday and I think a Vlog will be easier :)


Don't laugh to much :)

Books Mentioned:
Shadowfae by: Erica Hayes
The River Kings' Road by: Liane Merciel
The Darkly Luminous Fight for Percephone Parker by: Leanna Renee Hieber
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by: Leanna Renee Hieber
Forbidden Loves by: Patricia Daly-Lipe
Seduced by Shadows by: Jessa Slade
Flirting With Forever by: Gwyn Cready
Her Last Chance by: Michele Albert
Demon Posessed by: Stacia Kane
The Harlot's Progress by: Peter Motley
Tempt Me If You Can by: Janet Chapman
No Will But His by: Sarah A Hoyt

EDITS:
I have read a Janet Chapman book before, once, so this will be the second
I'm sorry I butchered names :/
The title of the first Leanna Renee Hieber book is The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, I said it wrong.

Ok I think that's it :)

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Bookmark Day Information

Morning Everyone!

As you all are aware, Bookmark Day is on Monday! I am so EXCITED! I have a TON of discounts, giveaways, articles and fun-ness planned. You will be so excited to be participating too.

First off, RSVPs are now closed, the people who RSVPd will be entered into a special drawing for an awesome prize, that I will be sharing later this weekend.

If you posted a link and information on your blog about Bookmark Day and sent me the link you will def be getting something awesome in the mail from me.

Here's how the day will run down...I am going to have a few posts scheduled for the day...so every few hours there will be a post displaying some amazing pieces of artistry, in the form of the bookmark, in addition to a couple giveaways and a couple discounts to Etsy sellers. There will also be information about the bookmark in general as well as an awesome guest post!

Stay tuned for more information.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Book Review: Shadow of the King by: Helen Hollick

Pages: 672 pages

Received: publisher for review

Genre: historical fiction

Book Blurb: They knew what was coming.
Man and beast knew what lay ahead.
After the war cry.
Bitter the grave.
 
At long last, the peace King Arthur was born to usher in has settled over the realm. But Arthur was also born to be a warrior... and all true warriors are restless without a fight. Yearning for battle and ever-loyal, Arthur is easily deceived into setting sail for Gaul to defend its territories-leaving his country vulnerable and leaderless.

A beacon of hope in a land of desolation, he was to be the Lord of the Summer Land for now and forever. But first, the Pendragon must face the ultimate test, one that will take all his courage, strength of will, and honor to survive.
Because once destiny is fulfilled, can you ever truly win again?

Book Review: I am so completely and thoroughly obsessed with this author right now. As you all know I am an Arthurian Legend obsessed nut, so I was so thrilled to get this book for review. SOOO thrilled. 'Shadow of the King' is a the third book in the Pendragon's Banner Trilogy, and the copy I have is the reprint of this trilogy.

This whole trilogy is just beautiful, amazing, wonderful, and I could go on and on but you get the idea. I love how the author turns King Arthur into a man and then the King of legend. It's amazing to see the transformation in the characters and to read a story that shows King Arthur as he truly might have been as opposed to the magically enhanced version of the story that is so popular (nothing wrong with those either). The amount of research Ms. Hollick must have done is astounding because the detail in this book is wonderful. I highly recommend this trilogy to any Arthurian Legend nuts or anyone who just likes a great read.

For more information or for purchasing visit Helen Hollick's webpage.

Rating:

To purchase:

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Some Winners and New Giveaway!

Here is an audiobook giveaway!!!

USA and Canada only, fill out the FORM to enter, no PO Boxes, ends 03/25.

Here some winners, chosen from the trusty Random.org:

Winner of a copy of Shiver is:

"Stephanie said... I referred you in the Linger contest. I lost the link (got interrupted by a child problem and it slipped my mind), but I'm under Stephanie."

Winner of a copy of Spider's Bite:

"SiNn said... awesome review i know a few i like tho id have to say one of the coolest one was on Alias everyone of them were cool tho i have to agree with Marrianna Major Motoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell is awesome"

Winner of a copy of Countess of Scandal:

"Bookie said... I just finished reading A Countess Below Stair that has a great countess named Anna."

Winners please email me your address to mojo09226(AT)yahoo.com, you have until 14 March to submit your info. THANKS so much to everyone who entered!

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Book Review: Angel and Apostle by: Deborah Noyes

Pages: 189 pages

Received: From publisher for review

Genre: Literary Fiction

Book Blurb: At the end of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel, The Scarlet Letter, we know that Pearl, the elf-child daughter of Hester Prynne, is somewhere in Europe, comfortable, well set, a mother herself now. But it could not have been easy for her to arrive at such a place, when she begins life as the bastard child of a woman publicly humiliated, again and again, in an unrelentingly judgmental Puritan world.

With a brilliant and authentic sense of that time and place, Deborah Noyes envisions the path Pearl takes to make herself whole and to carve her place in the New World. Beautifully written with boundless compassion, Angel and Apostle is a heart-rending and imaginative debut in which Noyes masterfully makes Hawthorne’s character her own.

Book Review: Having had to read and discuss 'The Scarlet Letter' in high school English class it was sort of cool to see this book and I jumped at the chance for a review copy. This book did not disappoint, I truly love it. I wish I could have had it to read after 'The Scarlet Letter' in high school.

The one thing that truly held me captivated was the detail of each character's life. I got to know each character while reading, it's like when you are acquaintances with your neighbor, you know a bit about them but don't truly know them, then you invite them for tea and truly get to meet them and spend time with them. I think I just met some of these characters briefly in high school and just now got to truly make friends with them.

I loved getting to see little Pearl grow up, I loved learning a bit more about Hester and I loved seeing the whole world and times that these characters lived in. Ms. Noyes gave this story a new life, now I am going to go back and re-read 'The Scarlet Letter' with adult eyes and see if it feels differently.

For more information or for purchasing visit Deborah Noyes's webpage.

Rating:

To purchase:

Book Review: The Afflicted Girls by: Suzy Witten

Pages: 456 pages

Recieved: From author for review

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book Blurb: Something terrible happened in Salem in 1692 . . . but it isn't what you think! THE AFFLICTED GIRLS A Novel of Salem by author-researcher Suzy Witten presents a startling new theory of the Salem Village witch-hunts which is certain to put this 300 year old unsettled mystery to rest . . . by expertly guiding readers through The Historical Record to revelation. Part parable, part star-crossed romance, and part supernatural venture, this is an intuitive human history--and inhuman--spun with a modern twist.

Book Review: I have read many books based on the Salem Witch Trials through out the years, a sort of "learn from previous mistakes to never let happen again effort" and this book certainly sets the reader down in the middle of it all, you learn every minute detail about these character's lives. Every single thing.

In the beginning of the book I found the amount of time spent on the character development a bit monotonous, I just wanted to get on with the story but as I continued to read I quickly learned that the development was necessary to understand the concept and later plot points. It was certainly worth the fight to get to the middle of the book where everything quickly starts to pick up. The detail the author puts into being historically accurate (as much as possible) and detailing the whole Salem world is truly amazing.

As stated before, the characters are extensively developed and the plot is planned meticulously, everything is laid out in perfect order for the reader to understand and grasp. I wish the author would have made the development a bit easier to get through but overall I can't wait to see what Ms. Witten comes up with next.

For more information visit Suzy Witten's webpage.

Rating:

To purchase:

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Sonnet Sunday (3)

 

Fire and Ice by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Are You LOVING the New Look?

Hey Everyone.

I am still in Ohio, head back on an airplane and get home this afternoon. I miss my dogs, ok ok and my Husband, so...I can't wait to get back. Well, while I have been away my awesome friend Rachel (aka Parajunkee) has been working on a new blog layout with the works for me. Parajunkee has her own blog that is really awesome and she is also one of the geniuses behind one of my favorite collaborative blogs Blog With Bite. Parajunkee also has a separate design site where she posts design information, tutorials, freebies, and the occasional giveaway. I always love every design she does for me and for others, she is very flexible and will work with you until what you want is exactly what you have, she offers an excellent discount to bloggers and authors as well. So go check her site out, she does so many things I can't list them all here.

So...in honor of my site's new look I proposed a button giveaway to Parajunkee and she agreed! So! Want a cool new button designed by Parajunkee?? Then get on it, here's how to enter:






Leave a comment on this post and tell me about your favorite design of Rachel's, you can find all of her blog launches on her design site, so go poke around, don't forget your email address so we can notify you if you have won, go forth and spread the word! Open international and ends: 27 March 2010.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010 V764SJJQGH7R

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Jordan by Susan Kearney

Summary: Vivianne Blackstone devotes herself to her career, putting her love life on hold. Her latest project is a spaceship designed to protect Earth from the deadly Tribes. But its engineer, the alluring Jordan McArthur, now threatens both her job and her wary heart . . .

Jordan's past goes back to King Arthur, and he must find the ancient artifact that can save the galaxy. Vivianne's ship is his best hope, but convincing the fiercely independent beauty won't be easy. Especially when the passion flaring between them burns through their defenses - and love is the last thing they need to survive.

Book Review: This book is by far my favorite of Susan Kearney's "Pendragon Legacy" so far. Of the series this is the first book I have read all the way through in one sitting. I really enjoyed reading it. I like that we got to meet certain characters and see certain aspects of this futuristic world we had yet to see.

This book has an excellent plot, has a great sense of purpose and framing also, you know exactly what the characters need to be doing and what they are looking for. I also enjoyed the idea of Jordan and his secret past, that is my favorite part of the book, always has been one of my favorite literary characters. There are also multiple steamy scenes throughout the book and a couple that are anti-gravity, oh yes, wait until you get to those, very interesting. This is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

EXCERPT

Want to win a copy, fill out the FORM, must be a follower to enter, US and Canada only, no PO Boxes. Ends 19 March.

Received from: Publisher for review
For more information or for purchasing visit Susan Kearney's webpage.

I give this book 4/5 stars. ★ ★ ★ ★

To purchase:



Blog Tour Participants:
http://sumanam.wordpress.com/    Review, Giveaway, Q&A    2/22/2010
http://www.startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/    Review, Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://www.takingtimeformommy.com    Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://myoverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com/    Review, Giveaway    2/22/2010
www.mgpblog.com    Review, Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com    Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post    2/22/2010
http://zestynachos.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/    Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/    Giveaway    2/22/2010
http://thisbookforfree.com    Feature, Review, Giveaway    2/22/2010
www.booksoulmates.com    Review, Giveaway    2/24/2010
www.booksoulmates.com    Review    2/24/2010
http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com    Feature, Review, Giveaway    2/24/2010
http://patricias-vampire-notes.blogspot.com    Giveaway, Guest Post    2/25/2010
http://www.eclecticbooklover.com    Review    2/25/2010
http://triciareads.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    2/25/2010
www.froggaritasbookcase.net    Review, Giveaway    2/26/2010
http://www.jeannesramblings.com    Review, Giveaway    2/26/2010
http://visionquestfail.blogspot.com/    Review, Q&A    2/28/2010
http://mom2mycrazy2.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    2/28/2010
bookmakeupreview@gmail.com    Review    2/28/2010
http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/    Review, Giveaway, Guest Post    3/1/2010
www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/1/2010
fayeflamereviews.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/1/2010
http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/    Review    3/1/2010
http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/    Giveaway, Q&A    3/2/2010
myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com    Feature, Review, Giveaway, Q&A    3/3/2010
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/3/2010
http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/3/2010
http://www.findthetimetoread.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/3/2010
http://myreadingroom-crystal.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/4/2010
http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com    Review, Giveaway    3/4/2010
http://razloversbookblog.blogspot.com/    Review, Giveaway, Guest Post    3/4/2010
http://bridget3420.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/4/2010
http://www.thehappylittlewren.com    Feature, Giveaway    3/4/2010
www.bibliophilicbookblog.com    Feature, Review, Giveaway    3/5/2010
http://www.rundpinne.com    Review    3/5/2010
www.cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com    Review, Giveaway    3/5/2010
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/    Review, Giveaway    3/5/2010
http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/    Review    3/5/2010

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Book Review: Dare to Surrender by: Lilli Feisty

Summary: Art gallery currator Joy Montgomery has never liked her body's generous curves. And she's always been too shy to explore her wild side. But tonight, everything is going to channge...


Desperate to save her job, Joy approaches bad-boy artist Ash Hunter and asks him to exhibit his erotic work at her gallery. Ash agrees on one condition: Joy must post as his model. But business soon turns to passion beyond her wildest imaginings...and Ash finds more than just inspiration in his voluptuous new muse.

This is definitely one of those book where you are yelling at the character to "just do it" or "don't go in there", most definitely. I love Joy's character a lot but I just kept yelling at her because she was being stupid quite often in this book. I love love love Ash as well, he is completely and utterly delicious, and I think I would be fine if he tied me up any which way.

The book is strong in characters, a bit short in plot because I found that it was a bit predictable, but not to bad over all. I enjoyed this book a lot, and learned some interesting things. It is definitely borderline erotica/romance though.

Want to win a copy of this book, fill out the FORM, must be a follower to enter, US and Canada only, no PO Boxes, ends 3/14.

Received from: Publisher for review
For more information or for purchasing visit Lilli Feisty's webpage.

I give this book 4/5 stars. ★ ★ ★ ★

To purchase:

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Fiona Jayde Guest Blogs...

I am so excited to be hosting Fiona Jayde today in celebration of her new book, available through Samhain Publishing, 'Pas De Deux'. Here is the blurb to learn a bit more about the book:

One wrong move, and she could be dancing on her grave…

Two years after an injury put her dancing career on hold, Lynnrina Kovaleva is determined to reclaim her place on the stage. On the eve of her comeback production, she takes the edge off her nerves with a one-night stand in the strong arms of celebrity bodyguard Mateo Rivera.

Ex-cop Mateo is celebrating one hell of an anniversary: eight months since he was declared unfit for duty. When a delicate beauty boldly propositions him in a bar, he chooses to lose himself in her body rather than lose his mind to alcohol. This choice comes back to haunt him when he’s hired to protect a prima ballerina who’s been receiving threats.

Despite her shock at seeing him again, Lynn must not allow their intense attraction—or any creepy fan letters—to undermine her performance. Mateo can’t reconcile this coldly focused dancer with the passionate woman who seduced him. Yet he sees fire under the ice, pain hidden by the smooth mask of perfection.

The vivid memory of their entwined bodies wars with the job at hand, but he must keep Lynn safe—regardless of the cost. The most difficult challenge, however, will be keeping his hands to himself.

Warning: Contains jetés, pliés, a chilling touch of danger, and the boiling heat of an unwanted attraction that combusts into passionate sex.

And here is Fiona Jayde...

Confession time: As much as I love to read and write about heroines who kick ass, I adore a romance where the heroine is in danger and falls for the sexy guy who must protect her. Don't get me wrong - the heroine still must be strong minded and be able to hold her own, but there is something deliciously appealing about a romance where the heroine is on the run from danger where one wrong move can be the last one. And of course, in the midst of all the trouble, she falls for the man who is keeping her alive.

Some of my favorite guilty rereads revolve around such premise:

1. Linda Howard's Ice - this recent release immediately caught my attention. I love Linda Howard as it is, but the premise - hero rescuing a heroine in a snowstorm had me at first page:) To top it off, the heroine was a firecracker and was rescuing herself when said hero showed up! It was a short book, but immediately one of my favorites.

2. Skin Deep by Nora Roberts - classic tale of a movie star and her bodyguard. Throw in a stalker and hilarious family for a terrific read. Plus it's written by Nora who is one of my favorite authors!!

3. Once A Princess by Johanna Lindsey features a bold fearless heroine (who happens to be a Royal Princess but doesn't give a crap about that!) and a sexy intense Prince grimly determined to marry her and keep her safe from those committed to ending her bloodline. Of course Prince and Princess fall in love at the end of the book, but what a thrill ride! (Can I just say I adore Johanna Lindsey romance novels?)

4. Lover Mine - JR Ward. I admit, I actually haven't read that one, much less re-read it :) But I think I know how its going to go - John Mathew will rescue Xhex from the evil Lash. And since Xhex is one hell of an ass kicker, she won't take either the kidnapping nor the rescue kindly:) Can't wait for May to read the next installment from JR Ward! (Yes that was a fan girl sqee that you all just heard lol)

5. Jane's Warlord by Angela Knight features a hunky time-traveling hero determined to save the heroine from a murderer determined to end her life. Baran is gorgeous, intense and determined to keep the Jane Colby alive at all cost. It was one of the first things I read by Angela Knight and have been a fan ever since!

To The Readers: Do you have favorite Heroine in Danger novels?

Leave a comment for Jayde here and on the other tours to win a 15$ Amazon GC!!! The more you comment here and on other stops along the tour, the higher your chances of winner. GO!

Thanks Fiona!

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Feb Wrap Up

Feb 2010
1. Goddess of the Sea by: P.C. Cast
2. Heaven Sent 6: Revelations by: Jet Mykles
3. Her Wolf by: Rebecca Royce
4. Sleep No More by: Susan Crandall
5. Slave to Sensation by: Nalini Singh
6. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by: Laurie Viera Rigler
7. The Stone Prince by: Gena Showalter
8. Steamed by Katie MacAlister
9. Spider's Bite by: Jennifer Estep
10. Countess of Scandal by: Laurel McKee
11. The Blonde Samarai by: Jina Bacarr
12. Stray by: Rachel Vincent
13. Fireworks Over Toccoa by: Jeffrey Stepakoff
14. A Season of Eden by: J.M. Warwick
15. The Wives of Henry Oades by: Johanna Moran
16. Pleasure of a Dark Prince by: Kresley Cole
17. The Undead Next Door by: Kerrelyn Sparks
18. All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire by: Kerrelyn Sparks
19. Shadowblade by: Seressia Glass
20. Firespell by: Chloe Neill
21. Hearts at Stake by; Alyxandra Harvey
22. Into the Mist by: Lacey Thorn
23. Wereslave by: Lia Slater
24. First Test by: Tamora Pierce
25. Dark Nest by: Leanna Renee Heiber
26. Master Your Debt by: Jordan E Goodman

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

EREADER GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woot! I am so happy I got an early start on adding these up, I have actually been adding them up the entire time the contest is going because it took me FOREVER the last time to add them up. So...

I use random.org to pick my winner and added up everyones extra entries to include my battle buddies collection and the donations to the troops.

I will also reward a couple of my peeps who sent me a TON of entries but did not win the grand prize...so for:

The Book Vixen

WickedLPixie

Ellz Readz

All Things Urban Fantasy

You girls rocked my socks with all the people you sent my way to enter...but I am sending you each a 15$ Amazon GC,or GC from any book store really, just for being awesome and helping out immensely! Please email me at mojo09226(AT)yahoo.com with your email you want the GC sent too (if amazon) or mailing address for ordering other places...you can get one from wherever you prefer if you would like, just tell me where.

The winner of the ereader giveaway...gets to pick between a Nook, a Kindle, a Sony Pocket, or a 150 Amazon GC...is.....*drum roll*...so excited!

Brooke (weeshinanigans)

So many characters to pick from... I'm feeling sassy tonight so probably Morgan le Fay... I get to pick on my brother and be wicked. She was naughty but a very strong female and fearless... weeshenanigans (at) gmail (dot) com

Brooke: PLEASE email me at mojo0922(AT)yahoo.com and let me know which you want and your mailing address please!

Thanks everyone for entering, for donating and participating...I appreciate you all and my Battles do too! Please don't stop donating now that the contest is over, they appreciate every single book sent their way.

My answer...King Arthur! He was amazing in battle and untouchable until a women brought him down, but I believed he loved her, and you know what they say about that...and for all you who tell me he wasn't real....HUSH...I don't do around telling you that werewolves don't exist! So be nice and let me have my fantasies ;)

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Book Review: Dark Nest by: Leanna Renee Heiber

Summary: Chief Counsel Ariadne Corinth has just found out her long-time lover, the powerfully gifted Chief Counsel Kristov Haydn, has died. Newly evolved psychically gifted humans have been sent by the Homeworld on a space mission aboard two distinct “Nests”.

Relationships between the Light Nest and the Dark Nest have faltered and Ariadne is sure there’s something insidious behind it. In a matter of hours, Ariadne must find out what really happened to Kristov, unite her people to discover vast new powers the Homeworld denied them, or else submit to genocide.

You can check out my review HERE at the Dark Diva Review site.

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010

Awesomeness From "What Book Is That?" blog.

As many of you know I have been collecting books and money to send romance, YA, paranormal, UF books, and ereaders over to my home-girls in Iraq. I truly believe in this cause and do everything I can to support it, well today I got some additional support.

Emily from What Book Is That posted about my efforts and is donating 5 cents per comment left on her blog in the month of March up to 100 bucks. SO amazing of her, thank you so much Emily.

I have gotten so behind on my pics and features for people donating lately since I have had books pouring in from wonderful blogger and anonymous donors, if you have donated something to the collection for my BB or for just sending books over please email me at mojo09226(AT)yahoo.com so I can get caught up and recognition to my wonderful friends.

Know what I am going to do...I am going to match her, most of the funds I get towards ereaders comes from donors and people being generous, I usually donate books myself, I will donate cash in this one up, to 100 dollars as well, 5 cents per comment in March on her blog...I invite anyone else who wants to be generous to join in and match her as well, you will be most welcome!

Thanks Emily!

Monica S.

Copyright The Bibliophilic Book Blog 2009-2010