Category / Giveaways

by mvbookreviewer

Shameless Giveaway Hop!

So, I am über excited to be a part of a giveaway hop, for the very first time!

Thanks to Jen (Red Hot Books), Brie (Romance Around the Corner) & Michelle (Michelle’s Book Blog) for organizing this awesome event.

This giveaway is open internationally, so come on over and enter!

I am going to make this giveaway somewhat different. In this giveaway, you, the visitor gets to decide which book it is you want from me.

Conditions:

  • It can be an e-copy of the book or paperback which should be available on Book Depository. 
  • You should be in a country to which Book Depository offers shipping if you are requesting for a paperback version of a book. 
  • Each person can request for only ONE title.
  • And last of all, the price of the book you are requesting for should not be greater than US$ 10.00.

I will be drawing THREE winners randomly from those who enter the giveaway.

Giveaway will be open from 00:00 hours of January 20, 2012 till 00:00 hours of January 27, 2012 Maldivian time.

To enter the giveaway:

  • Leave a comment with the book that you want (it need not be a romance).
  • Tell me whether its an e-copy or the paperback version you are requesting for. 
  • And leave a valid e-mail address via which to contact you.
  • And last of all help spread the word about  the giveaway! 

You can always check out the rest of the bloggers/authors who are participating in the giveaway from the link given below. Hop on and enter to win more fabulous prizes!



by mvbookreviewer

Pick of the Month December 2011 Giveaway Winners!

I am a trifle bit late in picking out the winners of the December 2011 giveaway post.

So the winners:

Copies of Dancing on Coals go to 2 winners, Jessicaf and Pamela.

The signed bookplate by Rainbow Rowell was won by Jill.

The 20 $ gift certificate as well as the e-copy of Sweet Dreams was won by Pamela.

Congratulations to ALL the winners. I have sent out e-mails to all of you. Please respond before the end of January 6, 2012.

Thanks to everyone who continually help towards making events on my blog a success.

by mvbookreviewer

Pick of the Month December 2011 + Interviews & Giveaway!

I can’t believe its the beginning of a new year which means a whole lot of new books are to come that I am sure will rock my world. I have 3 picks for the month of December as well, December being a month that I enjoyed almost each and every book that I read immensely. That might have got something to do with the fact that I just read whatever I wanted and went with the flow because I never want the one thing I love to do most in the world to become a chore. So without further ado, my picks of the month ladies and gentlemen. And don’t forget to read the giveaway part to find out which exciting prizes are in store for you this January!

Pick #1: DANCING ON COALS by ELLEN O’CONNELLDacingoncoals

Anyone who has read my reviews of the two previous books published by Ellen O’Connell would know that I just flat-out adore the way she writes. Her books aren’t the type that you can just read and forget, the characters, the setting and the romance tends to linger on with you for a long, long time even after you are done.

So it warms my heart to be able to present to you my first pick of the month for December 2011, a novel from one of my favorite authors, her latest book entitled Dancing on Coals.

MBR: Native American romance is a dying breed in the world of romance. So what made you decide to write a Native American romance as your 3rd romance novel?

EO: All my romances are stories of the kind I like to read myself and can’t find enough of. I’m a western and historical kind of woman and can get as absorbed in reading American history as in a novel. Vampires and werewolves aren’t my cup of tea. I see divorce lurking in the shadows whenever I read a contemporary. I confess when I published my first romance, Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold in April 2010 I had no expectations that it would sell more than a few copies. Conventional wisdom says westerns are out of style and western historicals are a niche subgenre hardly worth bothering about. I accepted that as true. My intention up to that time had been to concentrate on getting more books out in my cozy dog mystery series. If I had a future as a writer, that’s where I believed it would be. Still, Eyes was a finished novel. It was a finalist in two writing contests. Why not get it out and let it find a few readers rather than sit on my computer’s hard drive?

Two months later Eyes reached what I think were its highest rankings in the Kindle store – #1 in Westerns and #10 in Historical Romance – and my ideas about my future as a writer changed. Yes, western and even more so Native American romances are niche subgenres, but there obviously are enough fans in these niches with me to make it worthwhile for someone who loves the Nineteenth Century American West to write them. Of course the hope never dies that a reader who isn’t a western fan will hear good things about my books, try one, and become a convert. I have gotten emails from readers like that.

MBR: I think I have run out of words to describe Gaetan and his effect on my senses. I loved how you kept his thoughts hidden until Chapter 9, making his character a that much more mysterious one. Did Gaetan come across on paper as you envisioned him or did he morph into someone totally unexpected along the way?

EO: Yes, Gaetan is as I envisioned him. I too love the mystery of him and perhaps because of that find him unbearably sexy. For me the idea of a Native American hero who takes one look at a white woman and falls “in love” because she’s so beautiful not only smacks of racism but isn’t very realistic. And within the general limits of our genre, I wanted the story to be as realistic as possible. Telling a love story with a hero that tough was a challenge, particularly as I didn’t want love to change him. I don’t believe a man like that would change.

When the book was done, I thought I had succeeded but worried readers would be put off by Gaetan. So I sent the book out to beta readers and waited for reports, half afraid of what I was going to hear. The reports I got back ran the full gamut of reactions – for every reader who felt as you and I do there was one who wanted Gaetan different. They balanced each other in number and intensity of feeling. The reader right in the middle loved the story, didn’t want Gaetan changed but wanted more insight into his character. After long arguments with myself, I decided to listen to that person in the middle and made revisions designed not to change Gaetan but to provide more insight into what he felt and why. When I started those revisions, I was gritting my teeth, not really wanting to do it, but before long I realized the book was stronger for it and stopped dragging my fingers on the keyboard. All the revisions as to Gaetan are in the second half of the book. For instance, the paragraph you chose as a quote that begins, “If a man could taste wind and fire, they would taste like Katherine,” was part of those revisions. But I really wanted the mystery about Gaetan in the beginning. I wanted readers to wonder how on earth a man like that could be the hero, and I never yielded on that vision.

MBR: I always tend to ask this question about heroes that I just flat-out adore. If Dancing on Coals were ever to be made into a movie, is there someone in your mind who would be just a perfect rendition for Gaetan? Or does a man as such not exist in real life?

EO: I’m embarrassed to confess that I’m such a stick-in-the mud I hardly ever watch movies. The one television in the house is a small portable that only gets network channels and sometimes sits unloved and unwatched for weeks. So my knowledge of today’s movie stars is close to zilch. The faces I had in mind when writing the book come from the photos in Dee Brown’s Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and are those of the Apache chiefs, Victorio and Naiche.

MBR: I loved Katherine. No two ways about it. She is courageous, daring and bold, her childhood lending her a lot of those qualities. When you first envisioned the story, was it someone like Katherine that you had in mind for Gaetan?

EO: My stories start the way I think a lot of writers’ stories do with a what if. What if two people were in these circumstances? Then of course the people have to be of a certain kind to react to those circumstances in a way that makes a story, and finally each character has to have a background that could produce that particular person in that particular time. Just as Gaetan could not have been Gaetan unless he had spent years in the white school, Katherine could not have been Katherine unless she came from a background that had her used to facing danger, being familiar with guns, etc. So to answer your question – Gaetan came first, and he required a woman like Katherine. When I threw him into a situation where he was forced to endure the company of a white woman rather than kill her, she had to be the kind of woman he would eventually stop hating and begin loving, not because of physical beauty but because of character.

MBR: So, what’s next in line from you? Any new releases set for 2012? And what would they be?

EO: Right now I’m working on the second book in my Rottweiler mystery series. The first mystery has its fans too, and I’ve been promising them another and putting them off in favor of the romances for some time now. As I’m working on that book I’ve been outlining the next romance. Yes, another western historical. I’ll probably start on that as soon as the mystery is finished, although I also have an idea for another short story featuring Anne and Cord Bennett from Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold. So I would say at least one mystery, one romance, and one short story in 2012. I’ve always been a binge writer and am trying to become more disciplined – with mixed results so far.

Pick #2: ATTACHMENTS by RAINBOW ROWELLattachments.jpg

I can’t express my love for all that makes up this book enough! If my gushy review wasn’t enough to drive across the point, then I guess the fact that this book landed as one of my favorite reads of 2011 would just have to be enough. This is a romance for those who love sweet and endearing heroes who just makes you go all warm inside just by their presence alone in the story.

MBR: I read from your website that Attachments is a novel that was a long time in the making. What made you write the story the way it is, using e-mails between two out of the three lead characters to develop them as endearing characters throughout the story?

RR: I think I was drawn to that sort of storytelling — sort of e-pistolary — because I really like to write dialogue. I’d never written a novel before, and I was very nervous about the narrative writing. It was hard for me to adjust to that third-person, past-tense distance. Also, I was insecure about my descriptive writing …

But I could write dialogue all day long.

I actually wrote all the emails before I wrote any of the chapters from Lincoln’s point of view, which have a much more traditional narrative.

MBR: I know that anyone who reads Attachments would irrevocably fall in love with Lincoln. How did his character come about? Is he based on any real life person/character that you know or are familiar with?

RR: Oh, thank you! I love when people love Lincoln; I have such a soft spot for him.

Lincoln isn’t based on any one person. In a lot of ways, he was written as a reaction to the heroes in most romantic comedies. When I was writing the book, I was really sick of characters who start out as insensitive, immature womanizers but then are converted into good guys by true love.

That doesn’t happen in real life. Insensitive jerks pretty much stay insensitive jerks.

So I wanted to write about a really good guy. A sensitive guy. The men in my life — my husband, my brothers, my stepfather, my friends — are loving, sensitive men. I wanted to show that guys like that aren’t boring or lame.

MBR: And I just have to ask this, if Attachments were ever to be made into a movie, who would you cast as Lincoln?

RR: Well, he’d have to be tall, wouldn’t he? I’d like an actor who can be both normal-looking and really cute, depending on the day. I kind of like Cory Monteith from Glee. He’s the right age, and he was a really thoughtful, sweetness to him. (He’s a little cute for Lincoln, but I think your could dress him down, let his eyebrows go to seed, etc.)

The other actor who I think would be great is Chris Pratt from Parks and Recreation. He’s pretty zany on that show, but he’s also got that sweet, lovable thing down.

MBR: So what’s next from Rainbow Rowell?

RR: My next book is called Eleanor & Park. It’s more of a straight-up love story than Attachments. (The characters actually meet before the last chapter …) I wanted to write a story that brings back that visceral feeling of falling in love for the first time. It’s about two misfit teenagers in 1986 who spend one school year falling in love and trying to sort each other out.

The book comes out in the UK and Australia in April — and in the U.S. in late 2012/early 2013.

Here’s some promotional copy for it:

Bono met his wife in high school, Park says.
So did Jerry Lee Lewis, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be, she says, we’re 16.
What about Romeo and Juliet?
Shallow, confused, then dead.
I love you, Park says.
Wherefore art thou, Eleanor answers.
I’m not kidding, he says.
You should be.

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Pick #3: SWEET DREAMS by KRISTEN ASHLEYsweetdreams

For me, my first experience of Kristen Ashley turned out to be a memorable one. Sweet Dreams turned out to be an outstanding read in every single way that I cannot recommend this book highly enough for everyone who loves romances. The hero is bad-ass and sexy to boot, him walking into the story just made me rejoice in everything that is female in me. And I was delighted when Kristen agreed to answer some questions about this awesome book, which I am sure fans of Tate would love to read!

MBR: Almost everyone who has read Sweet Dreams agrees with the fact that it is an outstanding read. Though a lengthy one, every single page was so worth it. As the story continues to hold a very special place in my heart, why do you think Sweet Dreams is such a roaring success with romance readers?

KA: Firstly, thank you for saying it’s an outstanding read! Secondly, it’s a surprise to me that it’s so successful. Not that I don’t love my folks in Carnal, I definitely do, just that I took a chance with this novel and wasn’t entirely certain it would be embraced. However, I’m delighted that it was embraced PRECISELY because of the chance I took.

My thought process was that I was intrigued with the idea of creating a hero who was a jerk. He had flaws, significant ones. He made poor life decisions. And he was hard to like. Then set about making people like him. Then Tate came into my head and away I went. But it was more than Tate. Those around him, too, are not cardboard cutouts and, on the face of it, not very likable either. For instance, Krystal is hard as nails. She has a soft center but she exposes that very infrequently. Bubba is more of a jerk than Tate, lovable but a total mess – he’s that guy in your life that you can’t help but like but you don’t exactly know why you do. And Jim Billy is, essentially, a functioning alcoholic.

I’m uncertain why it has been received so well but I think it might have to do with the fact that these folks are not perfect. These folks are people you know, people in your life and maybe even bits of them are in you. Readers can identify with them. There is a place for fantasy, the perfect hero who says everything right and does everything right, is unbelievably handsome, wealthy, jet-set and owns yachts and penthouses. Or he is angst-ridden and the heroine is so spunky, she breaks through and brings him bliss. And all the secondary characters are like fairy godmothers and godfathers flitting around the couple providing support and comic relief. I’ve written these too and love them as well. But then there are other fantasies, like Sweet Dreams, based more in real life that may be more fun because the reader might like their fantasy based in reality rather than the impossibly perfect knight in shining armor riding to the rescue.

And, personally, when I find characters in a book that I fall in love with, I can’t get enough of them. Silly little things like what they wear, how they redecorate a house and how they interact not just in situations that push forward the plot but everyday situations, I want to know. That is why this book is lengthy. Because I gave my readers not just a story but a town, its inhabitants, how they connect and interact, who they are and how they live. And, fortunately, I’ve been told by readers that folks enjoy that which is good because I do that in all my books!

And lastly, although our Tate is rough around the edges, the love he feels for Lauren is intensely beautiful. The way they learn to be with each other is wonderful to watch unfold. For instance, when she buys him the picture for his bedroom and he knows she’s spent a fortune on it. He knows that IF he knows what she’s spent, he’ll lose his mind. And he knows that losing his mind when she’s done something thoughtful for him will cause a fight, bad feelings, harsh words (right after they’ve had a go-’round). So he tamps that down and instead decides to look at it only as the loving gesture it was intended to be, enjoy it and the knowledge that she loves him like that. I love that Tate did that for Lauren. And (definite spoiler here), when she’s taken and he’s walking through the house, seeing her everywhere, smelling her, remembering their lives together in that house – writing that scene, I felt his pain intensely, his desperation, his understanding that at that moment while he’s walking through the house she could be enduring torture, he knows precisely what that torture entails, and these thoughts consume him. Even for a man of his strength, he is barely able to function. That’s how much he loves her. If she is killed, he will not be able to move on romantically. She’s the one, there is no other. When the villain is found, this is all Tate can think about… not only what he felt while he walked through their home but also knowing that, in a different way, his son was feeling much the same thing. Reading that scene, when they happen onto Lauren and the villain, I always have difficulty reading that Deke and Shambles see to a wounded Lauren while Tate sees to beating the crap out of the bad guy. The perfect hero would have no thought but for his heroine. But this is Tate, he is imperfect. This man caused his woman to feel fear, he hurt her, he set her running through the wood in terror and he must feel Tate’s wrath, he must pay because Tate cannot abide that his home was breached, the protection he provided for his loved one was broken and he must have vengeance. Obviously, that kind of love for a romance reader is going to be well-received :-).

MBR: Tatum Jackson has got to be one of the most awesomely fantastic and bad-ass heroes ever. I loved how realistically you portrayed his character which is I guess one reason why I fell so hopelessly for him. Is Tatum’s character based on any real life person that you know of? And I always envision Sawyer from Lost when reading about Tate. Who did you envision when you were writing his character?

KA: There you go, obviously a realistic hero is the ticket! Imperfect and real IS awesomely fantastic and badass! Love that!!!!

And kind of yes and no for Tate being based on a real life person. I went to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a couple of years ago and met a GREAT number of bikers. There are many, many more men than women there and the crowd is very mixed. We were told, in the past, that it was very dangerous. But we experienced none of that. This is not to say there were not rough dudes there who were people we would not want to know. This is to say we met and spent time with men who were not like that and who made certain that that element did not come near us. Everywhere we went, we were surrounded by a bevy of bikers who looked out for us. If some not-so-nice biker made an approach or our biker boys sensed some danger, they would step up. They even watched our purses for us while we danced! No joke! There was something very cool about these rough and tumble men (VERY rough and tumble) who were who they were, got into what they got into but who were gentle and fiercely protective of women THEY DIDN’T EVEN KNOW that, as a writer of romance, I found utterly fascinating. And I put this in Tate.

That said, Wood is based on an actual man I met there… but Tate is not. He’s pure fantasy.

And as for envisioning someone while writing Tate or any of my characters, this doesn’t happen to me. This is because my characters come to me (in most cases) fully-formed. They live in my head. Even the secondary ones. So Tate, in my head, is a real person and I know exactly what he looks like, I hear his voice, I know how he walks, how he moves, how his clothes hang on his frame. Very recently, I was having a conversation with my husband and he asked if I could have my choice of anyone to play any of my characters in a movie, who would it be? I admitted to him that I would struggle with even selling my books to be made into films. He was surprised to hear that. But, for me, to have an actor play one of my characters would forever personify in people’s mind who that character is/what s/he looks like and I worry that my own lock on them in my head would melt away. And I love them in my head and I don’t want to lose them. That is not to say I would never entertain the notion of any of my books being made into films. I just would find that process difficult.

By the by, Sawyer from Lost… YUM! I don’t think I’d be upset if he was chosen for any of my heroes but my contract would state I have to meet him :-).

MBR: I absolutely adored Lauren’s character and I have to certainly agree with Tate on Lauren being all in a class by herself. If Sweet Dreams were ever to be made into a movie, who would you cast as Lauren?

KA: I think I answered that question above :-) (laughing to myself now because, really, I do go on). What I will say is that I would be extremely displeased if she was a 20- or 30-something size 0. I would want a beautiful actress with a curvy, woman’s body who was in her 40’s. I would want her to be true to my Lauren in those ways. And she would need to be able to pull off Lauren’s journey. It is probably not a surprise that I identified very closely with Lauren. I enjoyed her journey of self-discovery as led by Tate and the inhabitants of Carnal. And part of what I enjoyed about her is that she didn’t discover who she was or where she wanted to be early in life, as many of us don’t. I also enjoyed the fact that this woman “had it all” in the sense of materialistic things and career but had absolutely nothing because, bottom line, she had no sense of self so she was rather clueless as to all that was going on around her. I loved it that in the end a simple house, a simple job and the love of a man and his son, a small cadre of good friends and a close family was all she really needed to find happiness. Because, truthfully, just the latter two are all anyone needs – the former two are icing on the cake! And we each have our bit of special to give to the people in our lives, we just need to understand it and embrace it so we can give it more fully to those we love.

MBR: So how many books in this series is lined up for release next year?

KA: I’ve been writing as a hobby for years and had over 20 finished or nearly completed manuscripts on my hard drive with only three in print (Rock Chick, Rock Chick Rescue and Rock Chick Redemption). But in March of 2011, I decided to take an enormous chance and focus solely on writing in hopes of making a career of it. That’s why I have a huge number of books that have been released this year because I spent nine months cleaning up these manuscripts and publishing them on eBook. In the meantime, as you do, I became inspired and wrote a few more. Of that lot, I currently have six novels left to unleash, one complete and to be published very soon (Heaven and Hell) and five that I will be working on getting out there in the first 3-4 months of 2012. In that time, I also intend to move back to The ‘Burg and write Mike Haines’s story. I’m also kicking around another stand-alone romance in my head that probably will consume me and I won’t be able to deny myself the pleasure of plunging into that world. Indeed, a number of my series have books to be sorted including my Fantasyland Series and the final in the Rock Chick series.

But fortunately, I am very prolific and I write very fast. Ideas come to me all the time and I don’t think I’ll ever be at a loss for a story to tell.

As for the Colorado Mountain Series, it will continue on with at least two books. The next will be Chace and Faye and this will be set in Carnal. Then I will take readers back to Gnaw Bone of The Gamble and write Graham Reece’s story (he was introduced in For You which is in The ‘Burg series but Reece is a mountain man and he’ll be heading up to Gnaw Bone to work at The Dog). It is more than likely I will also tell the story of Maggie and Wood. Further, I’ve had readers request I move onto “the next generation” and tell the stories of the my heroes and heroines’ children and I like this idea. So, in the end, this series will have AT LEAST two more books with the current generation, likely three with Chace and Faye definitely coming out sometime in the first half of 2012. Then again, I hope to get a vacation in there so my family doesn’t think my computer has gobbled me up so end of February/early March I will be heading home to America for four to five weeks to reconnect with family and friends therefore this may cause some delays. Still, lucky for me, my “office” isn’t stationary so I can work whenever and wherever I want and I won’t be able to stay away from my people for too long!

Now, where I’ll be headed, and this is subject to change… but Chace (who was introduced in Lady Luck) has grabbed hold of me very strong. This is somewhat of a miracle since I do not have one, single blond hero (though, Mike Haines is blond too, clearly I’m expanding my horizons :-)). Chace has shared his secrets with me as to what caused him to do the things he did in Lady Luck to get trapped the way he was trapped. He is an exceptionally loyal man, so loyal, he is self-sacrificing. For some time, he’s known who is the woman for him, he was simply biding his time in going after her. But now, after the sacrifices he made and what he was forced to do, he feels the women he’s chosen is beyond his reach. I do not know if she will disagree or if she’ll give him a run for his money. Faye hasn’t really come to me yet. We shall see.

But Reece’s story is more well-formed. Understanding way too late that he was in love with February Owens (For You), then being caught in that drama and (spoiler) attacked by a serial killer, he’ll have learned his lesson and will be taking a close look at his life and how he lives it. He’ll also be taking a close look at the women in his life and how he feels about them (for Feb was not his only one). And he will make a choice and see to making her his. The thing is, by the time he does this, her life will be in disarray and she’ll be focusing on that, not falling in love. I’m looking forward to getting back to Gnaw Bone, seeing how Max and Nina’s family is growing and spending time with Arlene, Cotton, Mindy and the gang. It’ll be like going home.

Maggie and Wood, if their story is told, will be a departure for me. This will be a reunion and, as they have already been reunited in Lady Luck, it will also mean that I will probably have to go back in time. I was careful not to expose too much or get too into their reconciliation in Lady Luck because Wood is important to me and deep down, I want his story told and him to have his happy ending. But Chace and Reece are dominating my headspace so Wood and Maggie are going to have to wait.

I’d like to end by thanking you for even wanting to know the answers to these questions! And also for featuring Sweet Dreams on your site. I cannot explain how fabulous it is that people are responding to my stories. I pour a lot into them, often find I’m giggling myself stupid or crying my eyes out. I identify strongly with what John Mellencamp said during his speech when he was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, “I didn’t do it for the money, but I sure like to get paid.” I enjoyed the heck out of writing these stories and often reread them again and again. But I love it even more knowing that I’m sharing these with others who love them just the same.

Thank you, MBR, for sharing Sweet Dreams with your readers. I hope they enjoy it as much as you.

GIVEAWAY!!! GIVEAWAY!!!

So guys, I have awesome stuff to giveaway this month. 

  • First of all, Ellen O’Connell is giving away SIX e-copies of Dancing on Coals. How cool is that?
  • Secondly Rainbow Rowell is giving away a signed bookplate to a lucky winner. And yes, this is open internationally as well!
  • A 20 $ gift certificate from either Amazon, Barnes&Noble or Samhain.
  • And last but not the least, an e-copy of Sweet Dreams!

So, the giveaway rules:

  1. Open a page of the current book that you are reading. (If you are not reading a book at the moment, open a page of the book that’s nearest to you.) And give me 3 sentences from the page you open up. Please do not forget to mention the book title and author as well. And tell me whether you like what you have read so far!
  2. Remember, you can enter for ALL THREE giveaways. But if you would like to enter for just one, state in the comment which one it is that you are entering for. If not I will consider you eligible for ALL THREE of them.
  3. Leave a valid e-mail address for a way to contact you in case you are the winner!
  4. Help spread the word about the giveaway! Tweet and earn 5 extra entries (use the hashtag #MBRPickofTheMonthGiveaway), recommend this post on Facebook & earn 5 extra entries. And don’t forget to mention in your comment whether you have tweeted or recommended the post on Facebook to get your extra entries.
  5. Like my page on Facebook to gain 5 extra more entries. If you are already a member of my page, just state so and you would gain your 5 extra entries.
  6. Giveaway begins at 00:00 hours January 1, 2012 and will end at 00:00 hours Maldivian time on the January 3, 2012. Winners will be contacted soon after and announced here on my blog!

As always, thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment and enter the giveaway!

by mvbookreviewer

Adrienne Interview Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to all who signed up for the giveaway.

The 20$ gift certificate from either Amazon or Barnes&Noble or Samhain was won by Musing Bookworm who has already received the 20$ from the store of her choice.

Musing Bookworm left behind the following comment to gain entry to the giveaway:

I can’t remember the first romance book I read (I used to nick my Mum’s Mills & Boons from time to time) but the first one I remember would be Jane Eyre. Its still one of my favourite books.

Once again, thanks to Adrienne Giordano who graced us with her presence and many thanks to those who stopped by to enter the giveaway!

by mvbookreviewer

Get To Know My Favorite Authors – Adrienne Giordano & Giveaway!

Adrienne Giordano is an author who is unbeatable with the stories that she writes. Romantic suspense with at times laugh-out-loud humor and a ton of emotion with “real” characters, she is an author who I would continue to read because I just love what she does with her characters, the plots and of course the romance.

I first discovered or rather stumbled across Adrienne Giordano’s work on Netgalley when her debut and the 1st book in Private Protector’s series Man Law became available from Carina Press. Since I fell head over heels in love with the book’s glossy cover and then  Vic Andrews, his Man Laws and Adrienne’s way with the words I haven’t looked back.

For those who may not know her, Adrienne lives in the Midwest, is married and has a son. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. She is a co-founder of Romance University blog, is a member of Romance Writers of America, Windy City RWA, Kiss of Death, and RWA’s Women’s Fiction chapter.Adrienne can be found on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads as well!

So the wonderful Adrienne and I had a chat about her life as a writer, her favorite authors and books and of course I wouldn’t finish off an interview with Adrienne without talking about Vic now would I?

So without further ado, please give a warm welcome to Adrienne and make her feel at home at MBR’s Realm of Romance.

MBR: Welcome Adrienne to my little corner of romance on the World Wide Web. And thank you so much for taking the time to do this. So onto my first question, did you always know that you wanted to be a romance writer?

AG: I knew from the time I was in high school that I enjoyed writing. In college, I wrote a story for a creative writing class and I was hooked.  After that, I always fiddled with writing, but it wasn’t until I was in my early thirties that I started to think seriously about writing a novel.  I’ve always been an avid reader and enjoy the romance genre (of course!) as well as the mystery/suspense genre, so I thought it would be fun to tackle a romantic suspense.

My first book, which I lovingly call my practice book, will never see the light of day. You can beg, but I will never (ever!) let anyone read it. Writing a novel is like anything else. The more you practice, the better you get. Let’s just say I learned a lot of hard lessons about plot structure and characterization with my practice book. It’s 135,000 words of chaos! That’s a lot of chaos. :)

MBR: So why romantic suspense? I see most authors try their hand at either historical romances or contemporary romances before moving onto write romance with elements of suspense.

AG: As I said above, I’m a big fan of romance, mystery and suspense so I gravitated to romantic suspense. The challenge of romanticmanlaw suspense is weaving the relationship in with the suspense angle. I always strive to have the challenges the couple faces on an emotional level slam up against the challenges in the suspense angle. In Man Law, Vic Andrews is a security contractor for the government. When the government wants to neutralize a terrorist, they call Vic to do the job. Vic is a loner with a dangerous job and, for this reason, has chosen not to marry and have a family. The heroine in the book, Gina, is a young widow whose firefighter husband was killed in the line of duty. She has no interest in being with a man in a dangerous profession. But she and Vic have been friends for a long time and they are drawn to each other. When one of Vic’s assignments goes wrong, the target selects Gina and her kids for revenge.

With this book, I had a man who thrived on no-strings relationships fall in love with a woman with three young children. For her part in this, Gina broke her own rules by falling for a man in a dangerous profession and then that profession put her children in danger.

I also love romantic suspense because I get to chase bad guys and blow things up. :)

MBR: So what made you come up with the Private Protector’s series? Did you have a sort of epiphany one fine day and decided to write the series or was it just good old fashioned planning, plotting and some more plotting that lead you to this day?

AG: None of the above. LOL. The series actually started with Roxann Thorgesson, the heroine in Risking Trust. I have a newspaper background and thought it would be fun to write a story about a woman who is forced to assume control of her family’s large newspaper after the sudden death of her publisher father. To add to Roxann’s conflict, I threw her ex-boyfriend (and love of her life) Michael Taylor at her. Michael walked out on Roxann twelve years earlier and now finds himself a suspect in his estranged wife’s  murder. He goes to Roxann and offers her an exclusive on the story in exchange for helping him clear his name.

While writing Michael and Roxann’s book, Vic Andrews started yapping at me. If you haven’t read Man Law, he’s one of those characters who likes to make himself heard. I had such fun with him in Risking Trust, I decided to give him his own book.

Then, when writing Man Law, I began wondering why Monk (a secondary character in Man Law) always wore a do-rag. To satisfy my curiosity, I gave Monk his own book (A Just Deception). It’s a long-running joke around my house that Monk’s book was inspired by a do-rag.

ajustdeceptionAfter finishing A Just Deception, although all the books are stand alone novels, I realized I had a series going.

MBR: Every writer has a story to tell about how they reached the publication of their 1st book. What would yours be?

AG: My story is about my need to recognize when a change had to happen.  For five years, my books had been making the final rounds in contests and editors and agents were giving me great feedback, but I wasn’t getting any offers. I kept coming close, but never quite got there.

At that point, one of my trusted writer friends received an offer from Carina Press, the digital arm of Harlequin. I had never submitted to an e-publisher before, but loved the idea of being under the Harlequin umbrella. I was conflicted over submitting to Carina because I’d been hanging on to the dream of holding my printed book in my hand. Finally, my husband, in all his grand logic said, “Is it about getting published or holding a book in your hand?”

That question was the “aha” moment I needed and the next day I sent Carina my book. Eight weeks later, I had an offer. Soon after, they bought the rest of the series.

So, for me, getting published came from me re-evaluating my approach. It’s been an amazing ride!

MBR: The 3rd published book in the series, Risking Trust actually serves to be the 1st book in the series. If given a second chance, would you change the publication timing such that Risking Trust be published first?

AG: Oooh, this is such a good question! I love it. I’m going to say no, I wouldn’t change the timing. When I originally submitted to Carina, I submitted Man Law first. I knew Risking Trust had some characterization issues, so feeling that Man Law, the second book in the series, was the stronger book, I submitted that one.

When the offer was made for Man Law, I told my editor I had two other books in the series and she asked to see them. Carina made an offer on A Just Deception (book three), but wanted to see revisions on Risking Trust before they made an offer.

My wonderful editor gave me a detailed revision letter and I immediately went to work on a rewrite. Michael and Roxann have a special place in my heart, and I was excited to update the book with the writing skills I’d acquired since first drafting it. I had a ball rewriting Michael and Roxann’s story, and I’m thrilled that readers are enjoying the little time warp we put them through.

MBR: So let’s talk about your heroes. Vic Andrews, Peter Jessup and Michael Taylor, all serve to be equally enticing in their own way. The one reason I love your books is the fact that you let men be men in your stories, not just how the fairer sex views them to be. Who would you say serves as your inspiration when you create your male characters?

AG: First, let me say, I’m an Italian girl from Jersey. Need I say more? LOL. I grew up surrounded by alpha males. Many of my friends are married to alpha males. I’m married to an alpha. Alphas sort of come naturally to me. :)

Men overall are really fascinating creatures. They communicate differently than women do and I’m always entertained by it. One of my favorite lines from Man Law is when Vic is admitting his worry over his cover being blown and Michael says “Are we having a moment here or what?” These two are the closest of friends, but they don’t go for any big, emotional chats. They have their own ways of telling each other they care.

Overall, I try to make my male characters strong, but not obnoxious. They all tend to get chest-bumpy now and again, but they’re also reasonable when they need to be and quite loyal.

MBR: Vic Andrews and his man laws cracks me up every time. And his character is one that is certainly an unforgettable one. How did the Man Laws come about in the first place?

AG: I always tell people I want to be Vic when I grow up. He has irreverence about him that I had fun with. There are not a lot of gray areas with him. If someone asks for his opinions, they should be prepared for the realities of those opinions. LOL.

The man law concept came about at a friend’s birthday party where a guest stood to offer a toast. In the toast he declared a man law that his wife would no longer be allowed to go shopping with the birthday girl. I had already started thinking about Vic’s book and decided he would be ruled by his own set of (sometimes) whacky man laws.

MBR: And this question is just about VIC ANDREWS. Who would you choose to play Vic’s character if you ever have the chance? (Already dreaming here)

AG: Okay, girls, brace yourselves. Physically, Vic is a cross between McSteamy on Gray’s Anatomy and Sawyer on Lost. If I could put Sawyer’s hair on McSteamy, you’d have Vic. He is smoking hot!

MBR: OH MY GOD!! (breathes deeply) That brings me to your heroines, Gina Delgado, Isabelle DeRosa and last but not the least Roxann Thorgesson who in their each individual stories face huge obstacles, stumble upon the way to their HEA but still make it in one piece. And I loved every one of them. Who would you say serves as your inspiration to write characters who are strong, a bit sassy and loyal to a fault?

AG: When it comes to heroines, it takes a strong woman to deal with the men in my riskingtrustbooks. When these guys are on a mission, they want nothing more than to take control and fix whatever situation they face. They’re also protective and will deal accordingly with anyone aiming to do harm to the people they care about.

I think because the men are bossy, they need women who aren’t afraid to tell them if they’re acting like idiots. For Roxann, she loves verbal swordplay, so she is not opposed to debating issues with Michael. For Gina, well, she’s raising three kids on her own. She’s pretty much seen it all and when Vic is acting up, she has no problem urging him to rethink his approach. In A Just Decpetion, Monk is dealing with PTSD and, in Isabelle, he finds someone who has her own catastrophic emotional issues. Together, they learn to help each other.

MBR: Have you get any plans to write just a plain old contemporary romance for your fans? Or would you continue to stick with Romantic Suspense where you certainly seem to have found great success in?

AG: I don’t know that I’d ever write a straight contemporary. I honestly think contemporaries are some of the hardest books to write.  With a romantic suspense, there’s a crime or some situation that needs to be resolved. If there’s a bad guy, the writer’s job is to bring the bad guy to justice in whatever form it takes. Every scene in the book should be a stepping stone to making that justice happen. The plotter in me loves that.

I do have a women’s fiction book that I’m fiddling with. It also has a mystery element to it though, so I think I’m naturally drawn to the mystery/suspense genre.

MBR: So what’s one genre of romance that you would never ever write?

AG: I freak out every time I have to write a sex scene, so I don’t see myself writing an erotic. Usually, when it’s time for the sex scene, I write ADD SEX SCENE here and then I go back to it at a later date. I like the sexual tension aspects, but when it comes down to actually writing the sex, I avoid it as long as possible!  LOL.

MBR: Any romance writer has read tons of romances before proceeding to write the genre. So may I ask, who is your favorite romance author or who are your favorite authors in general? And what type of books do you prefer to read to unwind? And is there any author whose work inspires you?

AG: Suzanne Brockmann is my favorite romance author. I love her voice. Outside of the romance genre, Harlan Coben is my other favorite author. He writes amazing thrillers. When I want a book I know is a good read, I look for one of my keeper books from either Suzanne or Harlan.

MBR: So what’s your favorite way to spend your “me-time”?

AG: I love to grab a book and hit the beach. I grew up on the Jersey shore and spent my summers on the beach. For me, there is nothing more relaxing than salty-air and warm sand.

MBR: What’s the one thing that you can’t picture your life without?

AG: My family.

MBR: I see that Billy’s story is up next in Private Protectors. When can we expect to get our hands on his story? And what’s to come after Billy’s story?

AG: The tentative release date for Billy’s book is September 2012. Like Vic Andrews, Billy is quite the handful and I’m hoping readers who enjoy Vic’s personality will like Billy. He has to learn to filter in his book, which is something he’s not very good at. I’m also working on a novella that features Janet, the tech geek from the Private Protectors series. I’m having fun with her.

After that, I’d like to write a book that features Lynx, who is Vic’s friend at the State Department. Lynx always seems to pop up in my books, so he may need a story of his own. I’m still noodling that one.

MBR: So that brings me to my last and final question. What would your advice be to those who are aspiring to become writers?

AG: Keep writing, stay focused and find ways to keep your spirits up during the tough times. There is nothing easy about getting a book published, but when it happens, it’s an amazing sense of accomplishment.

MBR: Thank you so much Adrienne. It has certainly been a fun experience.

AG: Thank you for having me here! And thank you for all of your support of this series. It’s such a special feeling to have readers and reviewers praise my work.

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

  • There will be two giveaways happening. Both open internationally.
  • You can enter for both giveaways. If you are entering for one of them or both please state so in your comment.
  • Adrienne herself will be giving away an e-copy of Risking Trust her latest novel. She would also be giving away a pair of bullet earrings and a bullet key chain together with character trading cards.
  • The other giveaway happens to be a 20 $ gift certificate from either Amazon, Barnes&Noble or Samhain. The winner gets to choose from which online store he/she wants the gift card.
  • To enter the giveaway all you have to do is tell us what was the very first romance that you remember reading that had such a profound effect on you and made you turn into a romance reader for life!
  • And as always, if you help spread the word you get 5 extra entries for each whether it be Twitter or Facebook. Just state in the comment if/whether you have done so.
  • Giveaway will be open from 00:00 hours December 13, 2011 till 00:00 hours December 15, 2011 Maldivian time.
  • Winners will be contacted and announced on the blog soon after. Please leave a valid e-mail address behind as a way to contact you.
  • And if inquiring minds want to know, you can find reviews for all 3 books by Adrienne from here.
by mvbookreviewer

Giveaway Winners – Pick of The Month November 2011

First of all, HUGE thank you to all those who helped spread the word. 

Pick #1: Hot Text by Cari Quinn

Winner #1: Pamela Notchey who left behind a couple of sentences from Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas. Sounds quite intriguing I must say.

“I wanted you,” he said, his voice soft and singed, “the first time I saw you. Did I tell you that?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“It was raining. You were crossing the street. You took longer than everyone else, because…because you were picking your way around all the little…puddles. I wanted you.”

Winner #2: Eva P. left behind a couple of sentences from Escaped (Running from Fear) by Trinity Blacio

Even though they’re my brothers, you’re still my best friend, and I’ll help any way I can. I better go so you can take a shower and put some hot water on that calf.” Jaycee watched Shelly get up and slip out of the room.

Pick #2: On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart

Winner: Cindi Mitchell who is reading Inappropriate Thoughts by Ian Dalton and left behind a sneak peek of the book.

No more clothing was removed, but what she did next would change Brian’s life forever. Natalie stood perfectly still, took a deep breath, and slowly and gracefully lifted one of her legs until it was pointed straight at the ceiling while the other remained firmly planted on the floor but up on the ball of her foot. She held her leg there with one hand, almost effortlessly, as Brian looked her up and down.

Pick #3: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

Winner: Eva P. who seems to have rocked with this giveaway, who won a copy of Hot Text as well.

Congratulations to all the winners and I hope you would stop by from time to time to see what’s hot on MBR’s Realm of Romance.

And winners, don’t forget to answer my emails to you before December 5, 2011.

 

 

 

 

by mvbookreviewer

Pick of the Month Reads, November 2011 & Giveaway!

November was the month I wanted to finish catching up on ALL my pending review requests and ARCS. But as usual, life happened every now and then and hindered with my grand plans for the reading world. Nevertheless, I would say November was a good month because I read a lot of good books with a bunch of fantastic books in between which I say is just as good as it can get. This month I have not two but THREE picks to giveaway and I hope you would find something that tickles your interest and you would enter the giveaway to try your luck. Don’t worry overly much because you can enter all for all 3 giveaways!

Pick #1: HOT TEXT by CARI QUINNhottext

Believe it or not, Cari and I have something in common. That is our fascination with heroes who sometimes maybe perceived as “jerks” or those heroes who are a bit rough around the edges that lovers of “traditional” romance novels may not fully fall in love with.

For me, Hot Text has a hero of that calibre. He is not a jerk, but he is that reclusive type that just has a rougher edge around him that just shook me to my very core!

And since I loved Hot Text so much, yes, it is one of my picks for the month of November 2011 and I had the wonderful Cari answer some questions regarding Hot Text and writing in general.

MBR: As I wrote in my review of Hot Text, you deal with a situation that some readers might find offensive. And I wholeheartedly approve of the fact that you continue to push the “boundaries” when it comes to writing romances. So what made you write Hot Text and pit the hero and heroine in that very situation they find themselves in?

Cari: Thank you for your kind words! Hot Text is actually a story I came up with in response to Ellora’s Cave’s request for technology-based books for a special anthology. As often happens, I started with the scenario of someone getting hold of another’s cell phone and played what if. I didn’t really do much pre-plotting when I started writing (I often don’t) and just followed the characters where they took me.

Honestly? It never occurred to me that anyone would find this situation offensive until I was probably halfway through writing it. Karyn and Jeff are both such ethical people despite the circumstances in which they meet. Neither of them proceeds lightly into the relationship though things go much faster than either planned. And of course, Karyn not only is separated legally from her husband, they’ve been living apart for months and she has already received the divorce papers that are just waiting for her signature. She’s really only married in name only at that point.

MBR: Jeffery Maddox; now there is a hero I could have spent reading and dreaming about for a long, long time. He is so not the type that would make heads turn at first, but the way you brought him to life, I have got to say that “average” is the new hot! Is Jeffery based on any real life character that you know of? If you were to cast him, who would you pick?

Cari: Jeff appreciates your praise! ;) Nope, I rarely base my characters on anyone I know, with a couple notable exceptions that haven’t yet made it into print yet. If I had to cast him…man, now there’s a tough one. I think I might cast country singer Gary Allan as Jeff actually. Gary’s a rough around the edges, straight talker – and he’s also the kind of guy that could steam the panties off you with a single look! Jeff doesn’t have Gary’s tattoos, but yeah, I think Gary would do a very decent rendition of him!

MBR: When you sit down to write a romance, do you have your characters already mapped out and their characteristics all jotted down somewhere in your brain? Or do you let them lead, make their own mistakes and let them find their own way to their happily ever afters?

Cari: Ha ha, my CP Taryn would enjoy this question since we have very different methods to approaching a story. I don’t do much mapping at all. Sometimes, like with my upcoming novel Virgin Territory, I didn’t even know one of the main character’s names when I sat down to write. I try to plot the series of events in my mind as I go but more often than not, what I think my characters will do turns out not to work. I try to let them lead the way because when I try to force things to match my conception it never works! It’s a fun – and sometimes stressful – journey to the HEA for both me and my characters.

MBR: You seriously have a talent for making unusual scenarios in romances work. I for the world still cannot stop thinking about Spencer from Provoke Me and I say that is because of a job well done in creating the hero just the way I love em’. So will you continue to push the boundaries when it comes to writing romances or would you bow down to popular demand and start writing more “traditional” romances in the future?

Cari: Aww, I really appreciate that. Since Spencer is my favorite hero I’ve ever written, your opinion of him makes me VERY happy! I’ll admit, I sometimes get a wild hair to try to write more mainstream. All writers – and people actually – want to be liked and I guess now and then I figure “well, if I wrote more mainstream stuff like so-and-so” more people would enjoy my work. But I doubt that will happen. Some of my books are a little more traditional in the sense that not every one of them involves tortured characters dealing with a ton of angst. In fact, most don’t. But I’ll still keep writing books I know may not go over well because I don’t want to get bored. If a book interests me, I always hope someone out there will find something of merit in it too.

Author branding is a topic often mentioned but I sort of want to not have a label. “Cari Quinn writes stories about people who find their HEAs” is about as particular as I want to get. I don’t want to stick to one romantic pairing (or grouping, as the case may be) or one heat level or eventually even one genre. Because in the end it’s all about the stories, right?

MBR: Any hopes of reading a novel/novella featuring a HEA for Jeffery’s sister Daisy?

Cari: You know, I hadn’t considered it until you asked. Thanks for the idea! I definitely think she’s ripe for a HEA so…maybe. I tend to like writing about seemingly difficult to redeem characters (Diana from Provoke Me as an example, though her book is still ahead of me on my writing docket.)

MBR: Would you like to tell your fans about new releases we can expect in the near future? I am dying to read your answer to this one.

Cari: I’ve got a few things coming up actually. First up is Unwrapped, coming out 12/6 (my birthday!) from Loose Id. Unwrapped is a m/m/f menage, my first, and it’s also about best friends who live and work together. Caitlyn, Matt and Tristan gave me fits but I ended up being proud of their story. I loved doing three main points-of-view for the first time ever. And if you like them dirty…well, this is the one for you, LOL! But it’s also really emotional. I don’t think anyone who reads this story will doubt their love for each other…and I also hope that one day I can convince you, MBR, to give reading a m/m/f a try. *poke, poke*

Next after that is Virgin Territory, coming soon from Decadent Publishing. It’s also my first published story that doesn’t quite hit the erotic level. I’m looking forward to writing more sexy contemps and I hope readers like Vincent, my sexy erotic romance writing/IT geek! (Said with love, because geeks are hot!)

I also just received a contract for my next Ellora’s Cave short novel, Heart Signs, which should be out in time for Valentine’s Day. Lots of angst – and sexual tension – in this one!  

MBR: Looking forward to the angst and the sexual tension *winks* Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the questions Cari. You indeed are the best!

Up next is a book by an author that is famous for her ruthless heroes. She writes them without apology, gives us non-traditional romance lovers a taste of what it is like to truly revel in a hero in a league of their own making.

Pick #2: ON THIN ICE by ANNE STUARTonthinice

Alpha heroes are the type of heroes that we all love to talk about. But Anne Stuart writes heroes known as gamma heroes who not many take to. But for me, they are the best of the best the romance genre has to offer!

So it is no surprise that book 6 in the ICE series ended up being one of my picks for the month of November and I was lucky enough to get Ms. Stuart to answer a couple of questions regarding her ICE series and writing in general.

MBR: Thank you so much for agreeing to answer a couple of questions about the ICE series and writing in general. You must get this a LOT, but for the record I am a HUGE fan of the ICE series if my reviews are anything to judge my fascination for them by.

Anne: Thanks so much!  I love the series as well — it’s been wonderful to write.

MBR: My first question focuses on your heroes in general. They aren’t your usual run-of-the-mill variety heroes. What makes you write heroes of that calibre, heroes who are so ruthless that some people judge them not to have that “hero” quality?

Anne: You know, I don’t really feel they’re all that bad.For instance, I thought Killian was a pussycat, and in my historical series I didn’t think my heroes were all that dark.The thing is, I see their redemption.  

There are any number of reasons why I write such dark heroes — I had a very dark childhood and I’m working out my issues, I have a wonderful beta husband which enables me to work out my darkest alpha fantasies.  Maybe it’s as simple as being Taurus with Scorpio rising.  My heroes are mostly Scorpios.

I think if I have a hero go as dark as he can then the eventual redemption is all the sweeter.

MBR: Finn is a man who has been in captivity for 3 long years, enough time for any man to lose his sanity. But he is tougher than most and survives it against all odds. For a man of that calibre, the heroine has to be someone really special and Beth truly matched him in every way. How did you come up with her character? Who would you cast as Beth if On Thin Ice were ever to be made into a movie?

Anne: Oh, I know the answer to that one!  I’d put … damn, what’s her name.  Elizabeth Mitchell, who played Juliet on Lost.  She had the calm but powerful demeanor.  I loved Beth — she was strong, a perfect match for Finn, and she doesn’t fall apart easily.  I liked that she could stand up for herself, and even when certain things got to her she pulled herself together quickly.

MBR: Wow! Elizabeth Mitchell perfectly fits the role! I just love the way you manage to bring countries that you situate your novels in truly alive for the reader. Take for instance Fire and Ice, the 5th book in the ICE series. I ended the book wanting to book a flight to Japan ASAP. Which country would you say is your favorite to base a novel on or for that matter to travel to?

Anne: Well, I keep hitting Venice over and over again during my career, so that probably wins, but Japan and Paris come close. It was a taxi ride during a one-day trip to Paris that started the ICE series. The driver had the radio on and a song with the lyrics “ella a les yeux revolver” which means she has eyes like a gun. That lingered in my subconscious for a couple of months until BLACK ICE  suddenly appeared. I had 70 pages of a different book written and I was hating it. I ditched it and started BLACK ICE and it took off.

MBR: Would you like to share with your fans any news about your upcoming releases?

Anne: I’ve got a couple of Kristina Douglas paranormals coming out in the new year. And we’re in the midst of reissuing my classic historicals, like TO LOVE A DARK LORD, THE DEMON COUNT, and A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT, which will be a treat.

At this point no new Anne Stuart books, but that will change in the next couple of months.  Stay tuned to my web site, www.anne-stuart.com for updates.

MBR: A huge thank you for taking the time.

Anne: Happy to do it.  Thanks so very much for your kind words about the ICE series and ON THIN ICE.  I love the books so much that it means a great deal to hear that other people do as well.

Pick #3: HEAD OVER HEELS by JILL SHALVISheadoverheels

That brings me to my 3rd pick which happened right about the time I was going to finalize this post for publication. Yep, that’s right; Jill Shalvis totally did me in with Sawyer Thompson from the 3rd book in the Lucky Harbor series and my Picks of the month for November wouldn’t have been complete without Sawyer in the mix!

MBR: Hi Jill. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer a couple of questions about Head Over Heels and your writing world. First of all, I just want to say I love Lucky Harbor. Is there any way you could fit me in and give me a big, brawny hero like Sawyer? LOL! Not that you have to answer that question but I have read from one of your blog posts that the three sisters and the Lucky Harbor series came into existence after seeing your girls argue at the dinner table. Are there bits and pieces of your girls in the  3 sisters or have they COMPLETELY materialized from your imagination alone?

Jill: I really try to go from imagination alone.  Real life is never as fascinating as fiction, and plus, real people have a tendency to get annoyed when you write them on the page.  :)

MBR: If you have come across my review for Head Over Heels, you would know that I am completely head over feet in love with Sawyer. And to think I haven’t still gotten over my fascination with Jax Cullen and his toolbelt. *sigh* But, you have such a way with writing them sexy and endearing that I just love them. What’s your secret to writing heroes that just makes one blush all over while reading?

Jill: I guess I have a really good fantasy life, lol!  

MBR: If you missed out on the fact, I just loved Chloe. She was such a contradictory mix of wildness and everything in between that I fell in love with her from book 1 itself. If given the chance, who would you cast as Chloe Traeger?

Jill: This is difficult.  I don’t really have a picture of any star in mind, she’s truly a product of my imagination.  But it should be someone who has ‘tude yet great depth of heart.

MBR: And since I asked about Chloe, how about Sawyer? I am still picturing that guy you posted on Facebook, the one waiting on the stairs? *swoon*sawyer

Jill: That’s the one, that’s Sawyer.  I have no idea how to find him either. Maybe put out an ad.  Hey Hot Guy in those torn jeans, call me!  

MBR: So, what’s next for the Lucky Harbor series? There is this mysterious cute guy that a lil birdie told me is a Navy SEAL? And what about Matt Bowers? Looks like he is also going to get a happily ever after if I am not mistaken?

Jill: Mysterious Hot Guy is next in Lucky In Love, and he is indeed an ex SEAL.  Then will come Matt the sexy forest ranger.  And last but definitely not least will be Dr. Josh Scott, the ER doctor …

MBR: Thank you so much for taking the time Jill. Very much appreciated. And cannot wait for the next book in the Lucky Harbor Series!

 GIVEAWAY!!! GIVEAWAY!!!

So guys, this month I have 4 books in total to give away! 1 e-copy of On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart, 1 e-copy of Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis and 2 e-copies of Hot Text by Cari Quinn, one copy of which is provided by the wonderful Cari herself! So read the giveaway rules below and enter to win a copy of any or ALL the books in the giveaway this time!

Giveaway rules:

  1. Open a page of the current book that you are reading. (If you are not reading a book at the moment, open a page of the book that’s nearest to you.) And give me 3 sentences from the page you open up. Please do not forget to mention the book title and author as well. And tell me whether you like what you have read so far!
  2. Mention the book in the giveaway you want to win. If you want to enter for ALL three, just state so!
  3. Leave a valid e-mail address for a way to contact you in case you are the winner!
  4. Help spread the word about the giveaway! Tweet and earn 5 extra entries (use the hashtag #MBRPickofTheMonthGiveaway), recommend this post on Facebook & earn 5 extra entries. And don’t forget to mention in your comment whether you have tweeted or recommended the post on Facebook to get your extra entries.
  5. Like my page on Facebook to gain 5 extra more entries. If you are already a member of my page, just state so and you would gain your 5 extra entries.
  6. Giveaway begins at 00:00 hours December 1, 2011 and will end at 00:00 hours Maldivian time on the December 3, 2011. Winners will be contacted soon after and announced here on my blog!

As always, thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment and enter the giveaway!

by mvbookreviewer

Pick of the Month Reads – October 2011 & Giveaway!

Pick #1: Lauren’s Eyes by Norah Wilsonlaurenseyes

Lauren’s Eyes though a 2010 release made its way towards my Pick of the Month reads of October 2011 because lets face it, Norah Wilson writes romances that are hard to forget.

As Norah herself would say it, Lauren’s Eyes is a book that seriously deserves some review love & I have to completely agree with her on this one as it is one book that people seriously overlook.

So as usual, I had the lovely Norah answer a couple of questions about my October’s pick Lauren’s Eyes, in the hopes that it entice you to enter the giveaway to win an e-copy of the book!

MBR: So lets start with how you came up with Lauren’s Eyes. Its pretty emotional & deep, not just your usual run of the mill romance with a bit of suspense and paranormal in the mix. So what made you click on your word processor and start typing away?

Norah: Actually, the decision to write a cowboy hero was a bit of a cynical one. I’d grown frustrated with my inability to sell to a New York publisher. At the time, I was targeting series romance, and cowboys, babies and brides were de rigueur. I knew I’d be a bust at babies and brides, so cowboys it was. But a funny thing happened. When I started to research cowboys and ranching and rodeo, I got hooked. I mean, I genuinely fell in love. LOL!

MBR: Callum Taggart by far I think is the most “forceful” hero I have read from you. And boy is he tortured enough to make your heart practically bleed for him. And yet he is fiercely sensual and I just LOVED that about him. Whose your inspiration for Callum’s character? Are you planning on writing more like him? Please say yes?

Norah: Thank you! That’s exactly what I was trying to do with Cal. I wanted him to have some serious edge, but I wanted readers to see the vulnerability beneath. The loss of his mother so early, being raised by a stern, authoritarian father, and having run away to life on the streets… All the experiences I gave him eroded his ability to trust. And I’m not just talking about the trite man-who’s-been-burned-and-can-no-longer-trust-a-woman thing. Cal’s issues go deep. He truly feels he can rely on no one but himself. And maybe his bull rope. ,-)

I actually modelled Callum on an actor by the same name – Callum Keith Rennie. (You may think you don’t know CKR, but I’m pretty sure you do. Do a Google image search. Yeah, that guy.) I often have a physical model in mind when I write, but rarely does the model coincide so completely with what I want my character to project. And it’s not just his look; it’s the way he talks, the way he walks…. He was the perfect model for my Cal. And he definitely has the edge I wanted.

MBR: Lauren Townsend just raced her way to my favorite heroines shelf. I have identified the fact that you tend to write heroines who don’t dillydally much and constantly go back and forth about their feelings towards the hero. Even with Callum making it so hard for her to get emotionally close to him, Lauren still manages to do just that and tear the walls down. Where do you think you draw the inspiration from to write heroines like Lauren?

Norah: Again, thank you! What a high compliment!

Writing heroines who are strong, grounded and sensible is sort of my way of fighting back against the romantic suspense heroine who is TSTL (too stupid to live). It’s not that my heroines never take risks that could put them in jeopardy, but if or when she does, I hope by then the reader will have come to trust her judgment and appreciate that she’s weighed the risks. That includes emotional risks. Lauren’s a smart woman. As she unravels Cal’s backstory, she clearly sees his emotional limitations. But she also sees his strength and inherent goodness.

MBR: Lauren’s Eyes is one of my favorites because you seem to have really outdone yourself in the sensual aspect of the story. I loved, loved & loved some more the escalation of passion between Callum and Lauren and those oh so tender moments in between that just grabbed me in a way it hasn’t in a long time. And I think the level of heat between Callum and Lauren was such an integral part of the story that portrayed how their feelings towards each other grew as the story progressed. How do you handle the sensual and heat aspect of a story? Do you decide beforehand that the book would contain this amount of sex scenes and go from there or do you let the story and the characters decide that for you?

Norah: Oh, wow – again, thank you!

I definitely let the story decide how much sensuality the book will have. As I’ve said, I made a rather cynical decision to write a cowboy book so I could improve my chances of selling to the series market. But as readers will have guessed from your preamble to this question, the heat level in LAUREN’S EYES is very mainstream, as are some other elements. It truly was the characters who dictated that path. Once I’d fully developed them, it was clear that sex was going to play a big role in their journey. At that point, I sort of knocked the editor off my shoulder and went for it. I reasoned that an editor would have more confidence that an author could ratchet back over-the-top sensuality than pump up tepid sex scenes. As it turned out, Dorchester bought this book and there was no editorial ratcheting back involved!

As for the tender scenes, that might be my very favorite part of writing romance. I think romance readers are extremely savvy. They intuitively understand the way love works, and our job as romance writers is to reflect that back to them. First comes sexual attraction and that intoxicating infatuation, but it’s in the sexual union and post-coital aftermath that the bonds of monogamy are forged. You know, the point when it segues from “God, that feels good!” to “God, I’d die if I lost this, if I lost her.” If I can get a few truly tender moments in per book, I’m a happy author.

MBR: Before I ask this, I know I already DM-ed you about this on Twitter. And I think I’m the only one who would dare ask this question, but I have just got to ask, do you ever envision writing a story for Callum’s ex-wife Marlena and Brady? I cannot resist asking because I just know that their’s could make a really angsty read!

Norah: I would sooo love to write Marlena and Brady’s story. For those of you who haven’t read LAUREN’S EYES, Marlena is Cal’s ex wife. By the end of the story, she’s recognized that she needs treatment for her drug and alcohol addictions, and Cal (ever responsible for everything and everyone) is footing the bill. But prior to reaching this epiphany, Marlena had been stringing along one of Cal’s hands, the considerably younger and infinitely more impressionable Brady. Of course, I’d have to let some time to elapse before bringing them together again, to allow Marlena to get her feet under her in sobriety, and to allow Brady to mature into a wiser young  man who could step it up and become believable hero material. A sober Marlena would be ashamed and embarrassed at her earlier use of him, and while she might have to make amends for her program, he’d be the dead last guy she’d want to get involved with. He would have to be gently persistent and patient and steady and persuasive to overcome her resistance. Yet he would also have to demonstrate that he’s a man now, not the boy she seduced, and can more than hold his own against her.

And here’s some exciting news – I’m actually in negotiations with a New York publisher to acquire the rights to LAUREN’S EYES right now, so hopefully Marlena and Brady will get that happily ever after sometime in the future!  

MBR: Which book(s) are you currently working on at the moment? Any tentative release dates set for them?

Norah: I’ve always got something in the works. I expect to release NIGHTFALL, the second in my Vampire Romance series, in late October or early November. And if you liked Cal, I think you’ll really like Aiden. He’s like Cal on steroids! While he’s a lot better adjusted on the surface, the man has some crazy dark baggage.  

And before Christmas, I expect to publish Book 3 in the Dix Dodd Mystery series, written with my sometime writing partner Heather Doherty under the pseudonym N.L. Wilson. (We figured it was easier to package the series on my Norah Wilson platform than to start completely from scratch.) I’m not sure how much cross-readership it’ll have, as Dix Dodd is a funny cozy mystery, somewhat in the vein of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. It’s almost the antithesis of the sensual romantic suspense and paranormal romance I write and the dark literary that Heather writes, but OMG, it truly is laugh-out-loud funny! I can’t even think about Dix Dodd without smiling.

Thank you for having me, and for making Lauren’s Eyes your pick for the month. I read your reviews religiously because of your knack for cutting right to the heart of every book. And I am a serious fan of many of the writers you’ve reviewed here. Thus I am doubly humbled that you chose mine from among so many worthy candidates.  

MBR: Now it’s my turn to say THANK YOU for that lovely compliment. And it’s always such a pleasure having you here Norah. And I am making a promise to myself to delve into your YA romances and the Dix Dodd Mysteries of which I have book 1 in my TBR pile!

Pick #2: Until There Was You by Kristan Higginsuntiltherewasyou

Anyone who has read my 5-star review of Kristan Higgin’s October release Until There Was You would know just how much I enjoyed reading her latest contemporary romance.

Until There Was You is a book that has got so much heart that you can’t help but be drawn into the story and its characters and fall in love with each and every single one of them when you are done!

So it’s not a surprise that of course this one ends up as one of my picks for the month of October 2011!

Since I already did an author interview with Kristan when my review went live, I am not going to include one here, but just add that I flat-out loved this romance!

GIVEAWAY!!! GIVEAWAY!!!

As it is the custom of my giveaway posts, you can find below what you need to do in order to enter for the giveaway of the Pick(s) of the Month for October 2011! An e-copy of both Lauren’s Eyes by Norah Wilson and Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins is up for grabs. And the good thing about the giveaway? You can enter for both of them!

Giveaway rules:

  1. Open a page of the current book that you are reading. (If you are not reading a book at the moment, open a page of the book that’s nearest to you.) And give me 3 sentences from the page you open up. Please do not forget to mention the book title and author as well. And tell me whether you like what you have read so far!
  2. Leave a valid e-mail address for a way to contact you in case you are the winner!
  3. Help spread the word about the giveaway! Tweet and earn 5 extra entries, recommend this post on Facebook & earn 5 extra entries. And don’t forget to mention in your comment whether you have tweeted or recommended the post on Facebook.
  4. Like my page on Facebook to gain 5 extra more entries. If you are already a member of my page, just state so and you would gain your 5 extra entries.
  5. Giveaway will end at 18:00 hours Maldivian time on the November 4, 2011. Winners will be contacted soon after and announced here on my blog!
As always, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making MBR’s Pick of the Month Giveaways a huge success! Please don’t forget to enter the giveaway and tell your friends while you are at it ;)
by mvbookreviewer

Giveaway Winners – Kristan Higgin’s Until There Was You

First of all, I would just like to thank each and every single one of you who made this giveaway such a resounding success. This is by far is one of the two giveaways that received overwhelming response from visitors. And I can’t thank you all enough.

As promised, a winner has been drawn, one for the paperback edition and another for the e-book version.

I will be contacting the winners via e-mail and you have until the end of tomorrow (October 29, 2011) to respond to my e-mail. 

Winner of the Paperback Edition of Until There Was You:

Kathryn who left behind the following comment:

“Catch of the Day” was one of the best contemporary romances I’d read in a long time, possibly ever. I laughed, I cried, I didn’t want my journey with the characters to end :)

Winner of the E-book Edition of Until There Was You:

Claudia GC, the first one to leave a comment behind I might add, who wrote the following:

I haven’t read a book by Kristan yet but i would love to. I’ve read so many good reviews about her last book. Books by Jill Shalvis make me always laugh but still have a serious side to them.

Thank you for the interview and giveaway!

claudigc at msn dot com

international

CONGRATULATIONS to both the winners, and once again thank you all for entering the giveaway.

Please come by and visit again, and I have a feeling I would end up giving away one more copy of Until There Was You in my Pick of the Month reads for October 2011 at the beginning of next month. So if you are still interested do come by and see whether the post is up!

by mvbookreviewer

Requested ARC Review + Interview & Giveaway: Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Format: E-bookuntiltherewasyou
Read with: iBooks for iPad
Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Harlequin
Hero: Liam Declan Murphy
Heroine: Cordelia Wilhelmina Osterhagen
Sensuality: 3
Date of Publication: October 25, 2011
Started On: October 17, 2011
Finished On: October 19, 2011

Though I am no writer and don’t think I ever will rise up to that standard, I too have had my share of English assignments during which painstaking hour after the other, I have tried to give life to my words so that those who read it would feel the same set of emotions that I was going through as I was writing it. And with Kristan Higgins I think that’s exactly what she achieves with her novels, the laughter that comes with such ease as do the tears of the happy and sad variety together with those sheer moments of perfection that just makes her stories so entertaining.

Until There Was You is my second novel by Kristan Higgins and I am mighty happy that this was in fact not written in the first person. According to the author’s note, this is a first for the author because she has written the story from the male lead’s point of view as well, for the very first time in a novel of hers.

Liam Declan Murphy, the first man Cordelia Wilhelmina Osterhagen (Posey) had fallen in love with, the first man to ever break her heart is back in town, now a widower with his teenage daughter Nicole in tow. The significant role which Liam had unknowingly played in Posey’s life the night of her prom which had changed something deep inside of her, Posey never thought that her girl parts would sing & rejoice at the sight of the sexy as sin Liam who still manages to take her breathe away by just strolling into a room.

Circumstances find both Liam and Posey in each other’s company, more than once until the one sided awareness and attraction that Posey has had since forever for Liam suddenly ceases to be on her side alone. With kisses of the knee weakening variety, Liam and Posey find themselves in a friends with benefits sort of relationship that reaches its conclusion when Liam is forced to face the consequences of his relationship with a woman who really sees him for who he is, and makes him believe in his self worth for the very first time in his life.

Until There Was You is just more than a simple love story. Yes, there is a hero who can fulfill any woman’s fantasies and there is a heroine who just clutches at your heartstrings with the turn of the very first page. But, with a Kristan Higgins you don’t get the instant attraction turning into lust and love story. Rather you get to experience the journey that the hero and heroine embark upon in their joint quest towards a happily ever after, one that seems a very unlikely possibility when the story first kicks off.

As I have said earlier, Liam is the sort of man that we all base our naughtiest fantasies on. With the bad boy persona down to a fine art, looks good enough to have women practically hurling themselves at him and the way he can focus his smoky green eyes in that special way that makes a woman go weak at the knees, needless to say my hormornes were doing their happy dance throughout the story. But Liam is not just a pretty face, neither is he just the bad boy who fell in love with the kindest and most popular girl in high school. There is a depth to his character that bit by bit when revealed you can’t help but fall that much harder for him because his character demands nothing less.

The fears that Liam battles after the death of his wife, the way he is completely and utterly devoted towards ensuring that his daughter would never want for anything is one of the many reasons why I fell so hard for his character.

Posey, the adopted daughter of German parents is no traffic stopping beauty. But there is an inner beauty that shines through her right from the very start, the way she lusts after and loves Liam with everything she has got which turned out to be such a refreshing aspect to the story. The way Posey seems to understand Liam, see him for who he is and know his worth even when everyone else expected the worst from him was one of the reasons why Posey’s character endeared to me so much. The relationships that she has with her adopted parents, her gay brother and her brother in law together and that with her co-workers, all lend the story that extra fodder that made this novel an instant page-turner for me.

I swear that this is the very first time that I have practically questioned my sanity by laughing out so loud and laughing so hard at the way that Kristan seems to hit all the right spots with the humorous aspect of the story. I was thanking my lucky stars for the fact that I was alone when I was reading what follows the scene in the elevator because I’m afraid that otherwise someone might have reported me to the looney authorities.

There were moments in the story that were seriously deep, moments that I cried sad and joyous tears, moments that pretty much made it the 5-star read that this turned out to be. The moments towards the end of the novel, where Liam finally gets the courage to stand up for himself in front of his in-laws, the ‘speech’ that he gave at that moment practically had me bawling my eyes out.

Though I felt that Liam fell a bit short on the love-o-metre when compared to Posey, since I didn’t get the “to-hell-with-everything-else-I-love-this-woman-with-everything-I-am” vibe that I was expecting, I still managed to brush aside my misgivings because Liam does make up for most of it with the sweetest gestures ever!

A story that tickles your funny bones, tugs at your heartstrings and delivers one of the most wickedly sinful heroes ever, Until There Was You is a novel that comes highly recommended from the sunny side of life!

Favorite Quotes

The simmering lust, the raging interest exploded into love. Who wouldn’t fall in love with a man who took the time to feed a homeless kitty? She held that image against her heart like a secret jewel. Only she knew about it, she was sure. Those girls Liam might’ve slept with, girls who left their panties in his locker or wrote things about him on the bathroom walls…they didn’t know what Posey knew—
Liam Declan Murphy was not just the hottest thing ever to grace Bellsford High…he was a softy, too.

That moment when she’d crouched behind the tree…it did something to her, something that made her grow up and toughen up. But one question throbbed in her brain for a long, long time. Why? Why would Liam say something so hateful? How could he—who had tamed a stray and starving cat—be so cruel to a girl who had only ever wanted to be his friend?

“OH!” KATE GRUNTED as she sat down behind her desk.
“My side is killing me. I’m ovulating, I think. That sucker must be huge.”
“Must we discuss?” Jon asked.
“Man up, weenie boy,” Kate said.
“You man up, Venus Williams,” Jon replied. “I’m a gay home-ec teacher. I never have to man up. I never will man up. As God is my witness, I’ll never man up again.”

“You want to go to the movies tomorrow night?” he asked, and Posey was so shocked she actually choked.
“What?” she managed.
“The movies? Tomorrow?”
“Um…I, uh…um…what movie?”
He narrowed his eyes just a little, and Posey’s nether parts gave a long, happy squeeze. Get his clothes off, those parts advised. We’re lonely.

There was a little smile on his mouth—the mouth that had been kissing hers. Otherwise, he was incommunicado.
“Liam?” she said again, more loudly this time.
Nada. He was out cold. Down for the count.
She straightened abruptly. Face was burning, joints buzzing with adrenaline, chest filled with helium.
Liam Murphy had kissed her.
And he’d fallen asleep in the middle of it. She didn’t know whether to burst into song or kick something.

Then she smiled, just a flash, and something moved in Liam’s chest. Something warm, and something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Kristan’s Interview on Until There Was You

So I managed to find just a bit more about this fabulous book from Kristan who was kind enough to answer a couple of questions about the characters and the writing process which makes this book such a perfect addition to your must-read pile.

MBR: Underneath all the humor and laugh out loud moments, you have created a story of healing, love and second chances. How did you come up with Until There Was You? Did the story end as you envisioned it at the beginning or did Liam and Posey stumble through their own paths towards happily ever after?

Kristan: Oh, thank you so much! I wanted to write what’s a classic theme in romance—the return of the bad boy. You’re right, the book is absolutely about second chances…for Liam, Posey and everyone else. I did have a plan for how the book would go, and generally, it did follow the path I’d envisioned, but you know how it is. The characters would occasionally veer off and do something I didn’t expect, and those are usually the best moments.

MBR: What would you say was the most difficult aspect of this story to write?

Kristan: You know, writing Posey was tricky. I am neither small nor skinny nor adopted, and it took me a while to get into her vibe. Once I did, I absolutely loved her.

MBR: There isn’t even one side character that I would do away with in the story. And though I am not one to enjoy gay romances I found myself totally charmed with Jon and Henry’s characters. How do you manage to so effortlessly weave all these characters and their traits together? As a writer do you find it challenging to juggle all the characters and their nuances together in a story?

Kristan: Thank you so much! Jon and Henry were among my faves, too, but there’s no effortlessly about it. I take a long hard look at all the secondary characters and make sure that in addition to providing color and richness, they actually serve a purpose in the story. I do find it a challenge, but it’s my favorite kind. I love writing secondary characters!

MBR: Would you ever consider writing a sequel to Until There Was You? Maybe a story featuring Kate, Posey’s best friend or maybe even Brianna and James?

Kristan: For now, no. I love where the story ended. Kate was so supremely happy with life, I don’t think she needs her own story. As for Brianna and James…I picture them happy already.

GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!

There are two copies of Until There Was You up for grabs. A paperback copy open for US residents only & an e-copy open for everyone else!

All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment behind sharing with us your favorite Kristan Higgin’s romance. If you haven’t read any romances by her just share with us your favorite romance that made you laugh out loud and cry happy tears at the same time. Easy right?

And don’t forget to leave behind a valid e-mail address for a way to contact you.

The giveaway will end at 12:00 hours Maldivian time on the 27th of October 2011.

Winners will be randomly chosen and announced soon after.

Good luck & don’t forget to spread the good news either via Twitter or via Facebook by recommending this post.