R.A.K - April 2012 Wrap Up!

R.A.K (Random Acts of Kindness) is an event hosted by two lovely girls (Isalys and Vanessa) at Book Soulmates. Choose a person (from the Google Doc list on the Book Soulmates website), check out their wishlist (it can be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, your blog...) and then select something from that list and send it as a gift.

Thanks to Beks for being so sweet to gift me "Tempest Rising" by Tracy Deebs and to my lovely friend Michelle for making me so happy with "First Drop Of Crimson" by Jeaniene Frost!

My R.A.K went to Beks, I gifted her "Angel" by L.A. Weatherly and (even if they're not books) I helped Michelle creating two buttons for her memes on her blog!

Now, it's always a pleasure receiving books and I really like to gift them as well, but unfortunately the past months weren't the best ones for me and since I'm having too much expenses, I decided to stop with the R.A.K, at least for a while... Hope to be able to join again soon and thanks again to Beks and Michelle!! :)

"Elemental" by Emily White

ELEMENTAL BY EMILY WHITE

SERIES: Auri #1
PUBLISHER: Spencer Hill Press
GENRE: Sci-Fi/Dystopian
SOURCE: ARC received from the publisher

SUMMARY (from the book)

Just because Ella can burn someone to the ground with her mind doesn't mean she should. But she wants to. For then years - ever since she was a small child - Ella has been held prisoner. Now that she has escaped, she needs answers. Who is she? Why was she taken? And who is the boy with the beautiful green eyes who haunts her memories? Is Ella the prophesied Destructor... Or will she be the one who's destroyed?

MY REVIEW

I'm not a science fiction fan, it's simply a genre I don't particularly love to read about, but "Elemental" caught my attention from the beginning and, Sci-Fi or not, I knew I needed to read it.

The first part is what I really liked the most! Ella's fear, her weakness and her feeling uncomfortable was almost palpable, I felt terribly sad for her and so the connection was there immediately. Of course these traits remain a constant in Ella throughout all the book, but when the powerful skills she has inside emerge, something changes and you see that strong, dark side that wants to excel so bad and it totally intrigues you. Now, believe it or not, I wasn't intrigued by those green eyes at all... I tried, but I couldn't feel a thing for Cailen. Then I felt everything for Meir! (Can I have him, Emily?)

I got confused from species, planets and the political stuff all around. I'm not saying an introduction should have been done, I like to discover things in different moments, but perhaps in this case I would have preferred an explanation all together (at least of the main events), because I couldn't keep up with all the stuff involved in every chapter.

Lots of action, great powers and something you can't see coming at all... You should certainly give this book a go!

RATING: 3/5

"Switched" by Amanda Hocking

SWITCHED BY AMANDA HOCKING

SERIES: Trylle #1
PUBLISHER: Tor
GENRE: YA Paranormal
SOURCE: Review copy received from the publisher

SUMMARY (from the book)

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she's not the monster her mother claims she is - she does feel that she doesn't quite fit in... She's bored and frustrated by her small town life - and then there's the secret that she can't tell anyone. Her mysterious ability - she can influence people's decisions, without knowing how, or why... When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night - her world is turned upside down. He holds the key to her past, the answers to her strange powers, and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist: Forening, the home of the Trylle. Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring - not only to separate them, but to see the downfall of everything that Wendy cares about. The fate of Forening rests in Wendy's hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever...

MY REVIEW

I hadn't read anything by Amanda Hocking and "Switched" was one of those books I kept seeing around but, even if I always had a good vibe for it, I was never convinced enough to buy a copy... Now, thanks to the Publishing Company that sent me a review copy, I finally read it. Was it like I expected it to be? Absolutely not, it was even better!

Wendy had a traumatic childhood and she always brings with her every single scars of that in her life. But thanks to the difficult childhood, Wendy has a strong personality, she doesn't like people who tell her what she has to do or how she has to do it. Then, when she finds herself in the Trylle society, she needs to face the fact that it is practically impossible not to follow certain rules and some of them are really hard to digest... It's a kind of life that I couldn't stand, especially because Elora is in it. Surely her character is the one who brings all the difficulties that make the reading more interesting, but still, she's terrible. I can't say the same thing about the boys, of course... Oh boys!

The magical Trylle world is intriguing and very creative, add to this powerful abilities, forbidden love and the bonus short story at the end of the book that shows a different and definitely darker point of view, and you totally got me! This was an entertaining first instalment of what sounds like a pleasurable, interesting, original trilogy!

RATING: 4/5

"Lover Reborn" by J.R. Ward

LOVER REBORN BY J.R. WARD

SERIES: Black Dagger Brotherhood #10

PUBLISHER: Piatkus

GENRE: Paranormal Romance

SOURCE: Review copy received from the publisher

SUMMARY (from the book)

Now back in the Brotherhood - and unrecognisable as the vampire leader he once was - Tohrment is physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair. When he begins to see his beloved in his dreams - trapped in a cold, isolating netherworld - Tohr turns to a self-serving fallen angel in the hopes of saving the one he has lost. When he's told he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed... Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King's throne, Tohr struggles betweens the buried past, and a very hot, passion-filled future... but can his heart let go and set all of them free?

MY REVIEW

This was my first The Black Dagger Brotherhood series book. How did I manage to understand everything properly and not feeling lost even for a second you say? Well, because I have an amazing friend who knows how to explain nine books in one chat with such a devotion and passion that I enjoyed every minute of my reading and I really didn't have problems with the background story. Of course I will read of all them anyway, once started you need more and even if I know the previous events, I'm sure I will find a huge pleasure in reading every book!

I found Tohrment a beautiful character in every sense! I felt so much pain for him, and it's true I couldn't feel a connection with Wellsie so I know I missed that sadness fans can relate to with Tohr, but still I see how desperately in love he was with her shellan and it made me struggle for him... Along came cries, but with No'One... I liked her character a lot and I absolutely loved every Tohr/No'One moment!

It would be a big lie if I'd say there's just one character who captured my attention first and my heart then, I practically love all of them and in this it helped the fact that even if the book focus on a particular couple, others have always found their right space among the chapters and so you live more than just one story. I liked that and one thing is for sure, give me more Qhuinn, John and Lassiter and I'll be a damn happy woman!

I really love J.R. Ward's writing style, you laugh so much that you start having cramps one minute and cry like a baby the next, so (to quote V) "fan-fucking-tastic"!

RATING: 4.5/5

Ghost Talk: New Design & Giveaway!

Buttons... They're so beautiful and powerful... You know, with a simple click you find yourself in fascinating virtual worlds, and Ghost Talk is the charming one of a great friend of mine, who happens to be an amazing writer, as well, Lisa Rogers! I redesigned her blog/site and I'm managing it (so honoured to do that!) so now me and Lisa are totally waiting for you all to go check it out and let us know what you think about it! :)

Adult Non-Fiction
published through Llewellyn Worldwide

But that's not the only reason I'm writing this post... To celebrate her new book release, "On Haunted Ground", Lisa is giving away a copy of it! What? What's "On Haunted Ground"? A book where you can read true stories of two decades of terrifying, funny, and heartwarming paranormal encounters. You heard that right, Lisa tells about her experiences of living in a house haunted with ghosts who manifest themselves in different ways...

I bet you're very intrigued now, huh? Well, if you want a copy of the book all you have to do is haunt Lisa's page and leave a comment. (Sorry U.S. mailing addresses only!) Then, if you let your friends know about the giveaway through facebook, twitter, your blog etc. that will give you an additional entry (just let Lisa knows you helped spread the word in your comment). Random.org will choose the winner on April 23!

What are you waiting for? Go try your luck and don't forget to follow Lisa and her great blog, I promise she has some real hauntingly powerful stuff in there! ;)

Lisa Rogers is the author of "Angelina's Secret", check out my review to find out more about this amazing book!

The Last Girl Tour: Excerpt & Review!

The Last Girl Tour starts today (by Dark Mind Book Tours) and I couldn't be more excited to be its first stop!

Welcome to Darkest Sins, Kitty!

Kitty Thomas writes dark literary fiction that explores power dynamics and sexuality (back in the olden days people called it erotica). This work is fiction and meant for an adult audience. The author does not endorse or condone any of the behavior carried out by characters in her stories. Her work is not “erotic romance”. Often on some level it is about love and/or obsession. Often the couple in some way ends up “together”, but the work should not be expected to follow the conventions of any type of genre romance, erotic or otherwise. If you are looking for genre romance (erotic or otherwise), please read a different author. Erotic romance is “more explicit romance”. This is something different. Inspiration for Kitty’s work comes from many sources including Story of O, Nine and a Half Weeks, and the work of Claudia D. Christian.

Where you can find Kitty: Blog/Website - Facebook - Twitter - Amazon
Don't forget to subscribe to Kitty's newsletter by sending an email to kittythomas29@gmail.com with the word subscribe in the subject line, Kitty runs amazing contests for her followers!

Here you can read the summary: Six years ago strangers broke into Juliette’s house; she was home alone and only thirteen. She kept her eyes closed, praying that if she didn’t see anything, she wouldn’t be killed. No one harmed her. In fact, one of the thieves protected her. Now Juliette’s dreams are haunted by him. Christian has waited to take her, resisting the urge each night. It always ends badly with human pets. They’re too fragile. The longer he can wait, the better, because the moment he takes her, the clock on her life starts ticking down. Then she’ll be gone forever.
AUTHOR NOTE: This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behavior done to another human being without their consent.
Warning: This book is meant for a mature audience and contains master/slave, group sexual activity, sadomasochism, girl-on-girl, oral and anal play, exhibitionism, blood play, edge play, as well as one other thing I’m not warning you about because it would be a spoiler... but it’s not a big taboo.

Watch the Trailer & Purchase The Last Girl

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THE LAST GIRL EXCERPT
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT 2012 KITTY THOMAS

I feel absurd being a nineteen-year-old virgin, a fossil from another time. Part of me is just glad to do the deed and get the fucking thing over. I feel like I’ve got a white V emblazoned on me, or as if I give off some type of scent. I don’t like the idea that something that should be private feels as if it’s somehow being broadcast.
I open the door a little bleary-eyed, my hair still mussed from oversleeping.
“Did I wake you?”
He’s got this stupid grin on his face. And flowers. I want to smack him. I know this is all because I’ve decided to give in and put out after three months of dating. I feel like I should love him if I’m going to do this.
I run my hands self-consciously through my hair.
“You look great,” he says, holding out the flowers.
No I don’t. I know it. He knows it. He’s just so happy to be getting laid tonight that he’s seeing me through horny-guy glasses. I’m still too sleepy to be annoyed.
I put the flowers in a glass of water and slip some flip flops on. It’s Southern Florida. Flip flops are a year-round joy here.
He’s got something romantic planned at the beach. Black cloth goes over my eyes as we get out of the car—a blindfold. I almost panic, but then I realize if I make a fuss, it will invite questions I can never answer. So I smile shakily and allow him to lead me down to the beach. My flip flops are still in the car. I breathe slowly in and out, listening to the waves crash against the shore, inhaling the crisp, salty scent of the sea, feeling the instability of sand collapsing beneath my feet.
“Don’t move. I’ll be right back. I’ve got to get a couple of things.”
I try not to be in that dark closet. I try, but I can’t help it. I’m there again, my eyes squeezed tightly shut, silently begging not to be found, not to be killed. A hand is on my arm again, leading me away and I come out of the fog, remembering I’m here with Devon. Everything’s okay.
“Where are we going?”
“Shhh”
My heart starts to hammer faster in my chest. Then it pounds and vibrates in my head. My entire being is one rapidly thudding heartbeat with no slowdown in sight. Something is wrong here, but I can’t make myself remove the cloth from my eyes.
You’re being ridiculous. It’s just Devon. He has a surprise.
I find myself in the passenger seat of a car. It’s not Devon’s car. I just know. Even blindfolded I know. This is the point where I should rip the scrap of fabric off and run. There is no evidence this person has a weapon, and he or she hasn’t spoken to me yet. But before my hands can move to the blindfold, the driver’s side door is shut and the car has started.
It’s so fast, I assume there must be more than one person involved. Tears gather and absorb into the thick cloth covering my eyes. Terror freezes me, keeping me from taking off the blindfold, from trying to leap out of the car that’s moving too fast now anyway. I’m suddenly thirteen again. The dream is real, and I believe that if I don’t see them, they won’t kill me.
I’m silent and they are silent. The only sound is the wheels scraping against the rough road and the occasional bump. My tears are coming harder now. Why can’t I fight back? Scream? Beg? Try to escape? Just take the fucking blindfold off! But I can’t do it. I may as well be tied up because I’m so scared I don’t know what to do or what to think.
A little while passes and the car stops. Again, too fast for me to react, my door is open and someone is helping me out. How many are there?
I cringe away but find my feet moving in the direction I’m being led. “Don’t hurt me. Please.”
Then I feel stupid. What if it’s Devon? What if this is part of some stupid frat thing he’s gotten himself into? It would be just like him to combine my deflowering with a secret frat party or something.
I expect someone to start giggling or say I’m a spaz, but fingers gently grasps my wrist, lifting my hand. I feel the planes of his face as he guides me to see him. I shake my head in disbelief.
No.
I was good. I didn’t say anything. I didn’t tell anyone anything. This can’t happen. I did what I was supposed to do. But it’s him. It’s my nightmare.
“I missed you, Juliette.”
Christian.

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Aren't you all extremely intrigued after what you've read above? And trust me, it's even better than you're imagining now! What? Don't you believe me? Well, then read my review and I dare you not to buy this book just for the pleasure of reading something different, unique and so scarily fascinating!

MY REVIEW

*Once more, don't forget to subscribe to Kitty's newsletter by sending an email to kittythomas29@gmail.com with the word subscribe in the subject line, Kitty runs amazing contests for her followers!

"The Last Girl" by Kitty Thomas

THE LAST GIRL BY KITTY THOMAS

SERIES: Stand-alone

PUBLISHER: Burlesque Press

GENRE: Dark Erotica

SOURCE: Review copy received from the author

SUMMARY (from Goodreads)

Six years ago strangers broke into Juliette’s house; she was home alone and only thirteen. She kept her eyes closed, praying that if she didn’t see anything, she wouldn’t be killed. No one harmed her. In fact, one of the thieves protected her. Now Juliette’s dreams are haunted by him. Christian has waited to take her, resisting the urge each night. It always ends badly with human pets. They’re too fragile. The longer he can wait, the better, because the moment he takes her, the clock on her life starts ticking down. Then she’ll be gone forever.

AUTHOR NOTE: This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any behaviour done to another human being without their consent. Warning: This book is meant for a mature audience and contains master/slave, group sexual activity, sadomasochism, girl-on-girl, oral and anal play, exhibitionism, blood play, edge play, as well as one other thing I’m not warning you about because it would be a spoiler... but it’s not a big taboo.

MY REVIEW

I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, soooo unique! It's psychologically intense and disturbing until the very end, and trust me, the ending is something you really don't wanna miss!

I totally support the author's choice of writing this book in the present tense, it had a very good impact on me. Everything is from Juliette’s point of view and this helped me kinda live the story. I could feel her emotions, her hate/love inner fight with Christian and, considering the situation in which she was, I found her reactions really believable.

Christian... So-pure-evil... I'll be damn, but I love him! From the very beginning I was charmed by the way he talked to Juliette (ok I admit it, I even had laughing moments because of some dialogues between the two of them) and the way he showed his home to her. Then, when he started listing his rules I had chills everywhere, sometimes of terror, others of real pleasure... Speaking of pleasure, I know some erotic scenes should have bothered me, but thing is Master-Christian is too Mastery-Hot not to feel the power of it every time! We're suppose to hate someone like him, for what he is and even more for what he does, but let's face it girls, aren't beautiful and dangerous two of our favourite adjectives? I surely felt disturbed many times because of Christian's actions, I can still have nightmares with/about him, this evil sadist with a very cruel mastery attitude who scares me as hell, but still, he is tortured, alone and if you can see his pain and torment you will probably shed the same tears I shed in more than one occasion. And if you do, well, welcome to the Christian Addicted girls club.

This book is a beautiful piece of Dark Erotica literature and sure as hell it's incredibly disturbing, but Gosh if it's disturbingly WOW!

RATING: 4/5

Happy 30th Birthday to me and a Mystery Swag for you!

3...2...1... Oh come on, I heard you saying Happy New Year, that's not fair! -.-

Ok, let's try this way... 1...2...3... GO:

Yeah!!!! Thank you, thank you!! ;P

I'm 30 today, WOOT! Now, since this is a very special occasion, I thought I'd do something out of the ordinary... 

From today and for the rest of the month there's a discount on some of my design services, but ATTENTION, the "out of the ordinary" thing is that everyone who books a service (and I mean any services, it can be a full blog makeover or just a custom button) will be entered into the draft to win a MYSTERY SWAG! What is exactly a Mystery Swag? Well, it's called Mystery Swag for a reason, right!? ;P All I can say is that this is a book blog soooo... And yep, it's open Internationally!
So, do you like my graphic skills? Do you want a new look for your blog? Be my guest, go to this page, book the service you want and remember, you could be the lucky winner of a Mystery Swag full of surprises!!!! (Remember, this is only happening this month!)

And since we're already on it, Mind Reader is my latest design (I made it yesterday), click on the button on the right, have a look at it, follow Franny and her great blog (so many fab things happen there!) and if you wanna see more of my creations here's my portfolio.

Me and the Mystery Swag will be waiting for your bookings! ;)

The Forever Girl Tour - Giveaway Winner!

The lucky winner of an eBook copy of "The Forever Girl" + scented candle is...

Rob Zimmermann

Congratulations, Robert! :)
I sent you an email, you have 48 hours to reply and claim your prize, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Hope you all had a blast with this tour and don't forget to let Rebecca know your thoughts about her amazing book!