Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: Saddled and Spurred by Lorelei James

I am HUGE fan of Lorelei James. Hands down, James writes the best cowboy/western romances out there. Although her Rough Riders series is number 1 in my books, I also cannot get enough of her new series, Blacktop Cowboys. On March 1st, James releases the second book in the series, Saddled and Spurred. I hope Bran Turner can measure up to those yummy McKay men...

Also, James has 3 lengthy teasers of Saddled and Spurred on her website. Click HERE to check them out. 


Cattleman Bran Turner is left shorthanded during busy calving season when a bull tramples his hired hand. Rural Wyoming isn’t exactly a hotbed of qualified candidates, and the only applicant for the position is the pampered town beauty, Harper Masterson. The curvy cowgirl gets under Bran’s skin at every turn, but with no other options, he reluctantly hires her.
When sexual sparks ignite, down-on-her-luck Harper enjoys convincing Bran that not only is she capable of pulling calves, feeding live-stock, and handling backbreaking ranch chores, but she doesn’t mind getting down and dirty, either. Harper also discovers the hotbodied cowboy isn’t all work and no horseplay…and he’s got more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Bran will learn quickly that Harper is no country mouse—and that she might just have what it takes to stick around for the long haul.


Monday, February 21, 2011

Review: Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole
Immortals After Dark #11
Paranormal Romance
February 15, 2011
Mass Market Paperback
515 pages
Pocket
                                                             

For over the past millennia, Regin the Radiant and Aidan the Fierce have been involved in a torrid but tragic love affair. After leaving the paradise of Valhalla to search for her sister Lucia, a 12 year Regin enlists the aid of berserker leader and warlord, Aidan the Fierce. However, on first seeing Regin's face, Aidan instantly recognizes her as his destined mate. Although Aidan promises to help Regin find Lucia, he is adamant that she must stay with his parents until she is of age and he himself has achieved immortally or Ohalla. While she is intrigued by Aidan, Regin is not about to submit to a mortal and lose her independence, so she decides to leave the berserkers' camp during the night. But first, Regin makes Aidan promise not to bed another female in her absence.
                                                                                                                                             Nine years later, Regin is fully grown and close to becoming a true immortal. However, the transition to immortality has ramped up her libido and there is only one man she wants to satisfy her sexual cravings. During this time, Aidan has searched for Regin relentlessly. While he has remained true to his promise and stayed abstinent, he is no closer to reaching his goal of gaining immortality. When Regin returns to him, however, he renews his quest to become immortal and refuses to sleep with her, although they do engage in other activities to satisfy their lust. After several months together, Aidan can no longer deny his berserker nature and they make love. While basking in the bliss of finally being together, a vampire traces into their longhouse and stabs Aidan in the back. With his dying breath, Aidan vows to Regin that he will return to her no matter what it takes.
                                                                                                                                 Flashforward some 2000 years and Aidan has come back to Regin as four different reincarnations. While Regin instantly recognizes that the reincarnations are Aidan, the men have no memories of Regin until they kiss. But when Regin and Aidan have sex, the past repeats itself and Aidan is killed once again. This time, Aidan has been reincarnated as Declan Chase, a physically and emotionally scarred   Irishmen hellbent on exterminating all immortals. During one of his missions for the Order, Declan captures Regin and halls her off to an island shielded from the outside world. Soon Declan becomes obsessed with Regin, feeling a magnetic pull towards her, although the very idea of lusting after her makes him sick. However, Regin is not about to go down without a fight and makes it her mission to make Declan remember her and help her friends escape.
                                                                                                                                     After 11 books, we FINALLY get Regin's story and it was definitely worth the wait! I don't know how Cole does it, but each IAD book just keeps getting better and better. The world she has created is so unique and her characters are so well written that I always become entranced when reading her books, usually abstaining from food, drink, and sleep until I have them finished. Dreams of a Dark Warrior was no different. There were just so many things to love about this book. The prologue, in which we get a heartbreaking look at the original Aidan and Regin together, was the perfect introduction to the story. Other than Nix, Regin is my favorite IAD character and she had some great one liners throughout the book. I also enjoyed seeing her going through the motions in dealing with her capture and trying to get Declan to remember her. Honestly, if I could step into any book and become a character, Regin the Radiant is at the top of my list. 
                                                                                                                                       How Cole dealt with Declan's problems was also well done. When I found out that Regin HEA was Declan, my first thought was how the heck is Cole going to pull this off? But really, I should have never doubted her. At the beginning, the guy comes off as a total and complete jerk. It was very easy to hate him. However, as the story progresses and you get to learn more about Declan's life, he grows on you.   Ultimately, he makes the perfect mate for Regin and I think I'll add him to my book boyfriend list. Also, I appreciated that Cole didn't resolve Declan's issues to quickly. Seeing him come to terms with who and what he is was was very emotional.  
                                                                                                                                   Unlike the previous books in the series, the sex scenes weren't as prevalent, which was understandable considering that having sex would mean Aidan/Declan's death. However, I did wish there was a little bit more lovin' between Regin and Declan. The few flashbacks and the sexual tension between Regin and Declan weren't quite enough for me. However, when Regin and Declan do finally get together, it's quite swoon worthy. 
                                                                                                                                          In the book, Cole also introduces a number of new and interesting characters. I'm thinking in the future we will get to see a book with Brandr and the new half-ling Thad. Also, Lothaire the Enemy of Old has a few scenes in the book where it is just his POV. I believe that his story is next and I have no idea how Cole will make him hero worthy. I find him much too creepy. Also, look for a future book featuring another MacRevie. Squeeeee! I love the MacRieves!
                                                                                                                                       Even at 500 + pages, I did not want this book to end. Cole's characters are just so well-written and have such a great sense of humor that it was hard for me to put Dreams of a Dark Warrior down. After 11 books, I still love re-visiting the IAD world and I hope there will be 11 more books in the series. 

Favorite quote:

"Oh my gods, when do you not sport wood? There are bathrooms in the back, so go burp the worm or whatever."

Other books in the series:

Click HERE for a full list of the series


Friday, February 18, 2011

Reading Week & Radiohead

If you haven't noticed yet, I have been pretty much MIA for the past week. Unfortuantly, I had two papers to write and a midterm to study for. Thus, I haven't had time to read anything but textbooks. Ugh. Why did I go to university again? Oh right, cause I don't want to live with my parents for the rest of my life :P

Anyway, today is the offical start of Reading Week! So that is what I will be doing all week, reading! However, there will be no textbooks included in my reading binge. It's nothing but romance from here on out. WOOT.

                                                                                               So today I'm starting Kresley Cole's Dreams of a Dark Warrior (squeeeee!) and This Side of the Grave is currently on it's way to my house. So expect some new reviews from me in the next couple of days.

Speaking of TSOTG, it's already shipping from Amazon.ca.

Also, if your a Radiohead (my favorite band!), then you should know that they released a new album today! It's available for download on their website, although it isn't free this time. But who cares? It's Radiohead people!

Monday, February 14, 2011

A Valentine's Day Video!


I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, but I am a huge fan of Post Secret. So here is a lovely little video that combines the two. 
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Eat lots of chocolate.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Steamin' Hot New Cover(s): Dark Angels series

When I first started reading more "adult" books a few summers ago, Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson novels were some of the first romance/urban fantasy books I read. Although I haven't finished the Riley Jenson series as of yet (my bad), I'm looking forward to Arthur's new spin-off series featuring Risa Jones. 

While there isn't a lot of information available about the books, here's a little blurb from Arthur about the Dark Angels series:

Next up is Risa’s series. Risa is Dia’s little girl in Riley’s series, and now she’s getting her own. This one will explore the Aedh (the race Quinn and Risa come from) as well as reapers and demons. There will still be vamps, werewolves and shifters, as it’s set in the same world, but they just won’t be as front and center as they were in Riley’s series.
Darkness Unbound - September 27, 2011
Risa Jones is as extraordinary as her heritage. Born from a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father, she can not only talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, but she can see the reapers and walk the gray fields that divide this world from the next.
They are skill she rarely uses, however, preferring to concentrate on the business she shares with her two best friends. But when her mother asks her to help the parents of a little girl locked in a coma, she reluctantly agrees. What she discovers scares the hell out of her. Because the little girl’s soul no longer resides in her body, and it wasn’t death and the reapers that took her. Someone had ripped her soul from her flesh. 
As it turns out, a creature consuming the souls of the innocent–and not so innocent–is the least of her problems. 

Because someone wants to rip open the gates that divided hell from earth, and Risa is a key component in their plans. And the only person standing between her and disaster is a reaper who isn’t exactly on her side.

Darkness Rising - TBA

Friday, February 11, 2011

Brand Spankin' New Look & Book Depository Giveaway!


So about a week ago, I tried my hand at DIY blog design and as some of you may know, it was one big epic fail. The funny thing is, the next day Rachel at Paraiunkee Design emailed me saying I was next in line for a blog makeover. Oh the irony! Anyway, the new design is all installed and I couldn't be happier. It's just fantastic!

A big thanks goes out to Rachel for doing such an amazing job and for being patient with me since I'm not quite up to speed on all the blogging lingo and can be an uber perfectionist. I highly recommend Parajunkee Design to anyone looking to upgrade their blog! Take it from me, let a professional handle it.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the launch of the new Good Books, Good Coffee, Good Life, One lucky commenter will win two books of his/her choosing from Book Depository!

If more than 25 people enter, I will choose a second winner who will win one book of his/her choosing from Book Depository.

To enter, simply state your email address in a comment so I have someway to contact you if you win. You don't have to be a follower to enter, but one extra entry will be given to those who are or become a follower of this blog.

If you are follower, please add a +1 to your comment/entry.

RULES

-You must have a valid email address. NOTE: those that enter and do not have a valid email address will be disqualified.
-Contest runs from Feb. 11/2011 to midnight (Mountain Standard Time) Feb. 28/2011. The winner(s) will be chosen at random on Mar.1/2011 and contacted later that day. If the winner(s) does not get back to me within 3 business days, I will choose a different winner(s).
-This contest is open internationally, but the winner(s) must live in a country that is eligible for free shipping through the Book Depository. If this qualification is not met, I reserve the right to choose a new winner(s).

-The first winner's choice of books must not exceed $25 in total. If a second winner is chosen, his/her limit is a total of $15.

-You must 18 years or older to enter

-Good Books, Good Coffee, Good Life is not responsible for lost books or unreceived books.

Good Luck!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Steamin' Hot New Cover(s): Highlander Series by Maya Banks

Maya Banks is well known for her steamin' hot contemporary romance and erotica books, but this fall she is delving into the world of the Highlander! Scottish historical romances are my guilty pleasure (Karen Marie Moning anyone?). There is just something about a guy in a kilt that makes me swoon.  I can't wait to see what Banks will bring to the Highlands!

In Bed with a Highlander - September, 2011

Maya's beguiling new trilogy features three unforgettable brothers risking everything to save their clan and their legacy—and surrender their hearts to love.
Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

Though the illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril, only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband finds her craving his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Seduction of a Highland Lass - October, 2011

A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of Maya's sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now, he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires, to the test.

An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice. Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

Never Love a Highlander - November, 2011

In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.

Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but protect her heart and her pride from another man’s humiliation. Despite everything, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

Steamin' Hot New Cover: The Heart of A Killer by Jaci Burton


I like it, BUT...
I feel like Jaci Burton did a disservice to herself by having such a smokin' hot cover for The Perfect Play. Really, nothing can compare to that gem of a cover.

However, The Heart of A Killer still gets two thumbs up from me. I think it captures the romantic suspense theme perfectly. Unfortunately, the book doesn't come out until November, 2011. BOO!

No one said coming home would be easy. But for Dante Renaldi, it’s murder.
Before the Special Forces hero has even unpacked his bags from twelve years of active duty, he’s embroiled in murder—corpses bearing the brutal trademark he’s seen only once before—on the worst night of his life.

The last time Detective Anna Pallino saw Dante Renaldi, they were in love. Now, he’s part of the connection to a string of fresh homicides and a horrible assault Anna only survived thanks to him.

More than anything, Anna wants to trust Dante. But as the bodies and the coincidences stack up, Anna will have to decide, and fast: Is the man she owes her life to the very same one who wants her dead?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Steamin' Hot New Cover: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead


I'm not a huge YA fan, but I do love Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series. Well, I guess I should say I did love it since it is over now. BOO. However, I am exited for the new spin-off coming out August 23, 2011!

Here is some info:

"Bloodlines will be a spin-off of VA, moving the previously tertiary character Sydney, a human alchemist, from the sidelines to the forefront. It will also be set in a sunny Californian high school instead of that rigid, preppy-bloodsucker academy."

My thoughts...

The cover is kinda boring, but so were the covers of the VA books. Also, the girl looks nothing like how I pictured Sydney. I'm so hoping that we will get to see lots of Adrian in this spin-off series. Fingers-crossed!


Silly Stuff: The E-reader Pillow

Etsy.com is a neat little website where you can buy and sell things that are artsy, unique, and dare I say, borderline hipster.

Yesterday, I was surfing the site looking for new little baubles for myself and I found The E-reader Pillow. You just slip your e-reader into the pillowcase and voila, you have an instant, yet comfy little platform to read from.

However, doesn't this just look like a disaster waiting to happen? When I see pillows, I think of sleeping. In no time, I'm sure my e-reader would have a nice cheek imprint on it or maybe some drool stains from me forgetting to take it out before I pass out. Also, who knows what would happen if an impromptu pillow fight arises? They do occur people.

 Still, this is an interesting idea. Oh, did I mention you can get it customized!?!?

If you really want an E-reader pillow, CLICK HERE

Friday, February 4, 2011

Epic Blog Fail

I tried to load a new template and it didn't work out so well. So now my blog is a hot mess and I'm really upset. Forgive me while I try to get it back to the way it was. Sorry blog.

If you are one of the 11 followers I had before the epic melt down, please click to re-follow me again. I will love you long time!

**Update: I think I have everything fixed. Uh, here is a warning to everyone, stay away from DIY blog design. Just stay away.**

Review: The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton

The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton
Play-by-Play #1
Contemporary Romance
February 1, 2011
Trade Paperback, 299 pages
Berkley Heat

As the star quarterback for the San Fransisco Sabers, Mick Riley is well accustom to having beautiful women fall at his feet. Although Mick is by no means starved for female attention, he is tired of being with women who are only interested in his money and fame. When Mick first meets Tara outside the team's locker room, he instantly attracted to her. Mick sees in Tara a women who is "normal" and completely opposite to the actresses and models his agent Liz usually sets him up with. While the pair only have a brief conversation, Mick decides he wants to get to know Tara better.

Tara Lincoln is a an event planner and owner of The Right Touch. Although her business is relatively new, she manages to land the job of planning the Sabers summer party. Tara knows that this party will make or break her business, so she is committed to making sure everything goes off without a hitch. During the party, Tara is approached by Mick and is stunned that he is so interested in talking to her since she usually sees him on the front page of gossip rags with the newest Hollywood it-girl.

While Tara and Mick soon find out that they have great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. Tara is hesitant to enter into a relationship with Mick because she is a single mom, raising a teenage boy. With her first priority being her son, Nathan, she isn't used to making time for herself. Mick, however, knows that he wants more than just a one night stand, so he makes it his mission to convince Tara that they are good together...no matter how difficult that may be.

First of all, let me just say that this cover is smoking hot! Jaci Burton even wrote that this is the best cover she has ever had and I couldn't agree more. Kudos to the Berkley Art Department! Also, if you are wondering, the cover model is Jed Hill. Google him, you will not be disappointed...

I found the beginning of the book a tad unbelievable. Although Mick and Tara first meet on page four, Tara admits that she likes being with him only a few pages later. During this time, Mick constantly refers to Tara as being "normal" and "real" and assumes she is not after his fame or money. I'm sorry, but there is no way that Mick or Tara would know all of this after just meeting. Mick also comes off as being very pushy in his pursuit of Tara. He just assumes that Tara would naturally want to be with him. And when Mick invites her up to his hotel room to talk, they quickly fall into bed. Really? That wasn't Mick's intention from the start?

Although I hard time getting into the book, I did like the rest of the novel. After the frenzy of the first few chapters, Burton does a good job in flushing out the characters different personalities and vulnerabilities. I enjoyed Tara's personal conflict in dealing with her growing feelings for Mick. Her first priority is Nathan and although she likes being with Mick, she doesn't let their relationship impede on her sons well being. She remains steadfast in her role as a single mother throughout the book, constantly worrying about how different events will affect Nathan. While Tara does eventually learn to accept new people into her life, she stays true to her character from beginning to end.

I also really enjoyed getting to know more bout Mick and his past. We learn that depite his fame, fortune, and good looks, life hasn't always been easy for Mick. Like Tara, he deals with the consequences of his past decisions everyday. I also enjoyed the scene where Mick, Tara, and Nathan travel to St. Louis to meets Mick's family. Tara gets to see a different side of Mick that is not privy to the spotlight. It really tugs at the heart strings.

The one thing I don't have any problems with is the sex scenes between Tara and Mick. Jaci Burton is certainly a master at her craft when it comes to the lovin'. The scene on the private island...wooh, I had to fan myself a bit after that one.

Despite a shaky start, I ended up really enjoying this book. Tara and Mick are both well-rounded and dynamic characters who stay true to themselves. I'm next book in the series is called Changing the Game and features Mick's yummy baseball player brother Gavin and their sports agent Liz. Changing the Game is out August 2, 2011.


Other Opinions:

Other books in the series:
Changing the Game (August 2, 2011)



Thursday, February 3, 2011

Steamin' Hot New Cover: Never Enough by Lauren Dane


I like it, BUT...
all the elements don't mesh well. Know what I mean? I think it is the over digitized background and the weird shading. However, the guy is almost exactly how I pictured Adrian. YUMMY!

Never Enough is out September 2011.

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES…

Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running from who and what she came from. Until Miles came along. From the moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn’t want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian’s sister lay dying, she reveals the father’s identity and makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He’s seen and done it all, with few regrets. It takes a lot to shock him—but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up, elegant woman who’s raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention.

The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person like Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she’s afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian’s problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn’t enough can they find the trust they need?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Want to Know the Title of Cat & Bones 6? Well, let me tell you...


"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can't wait to read.
This week, I'm waiting on...


This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Night Huntress #5
Release Date: February 22, 2011

After a full year without any Cat & Bones, I have been suffering from serious withdrawals! While I did like the two Night Huntress World books that were released in 2010, they can’t compete with the original series. Cat &Bones are one of the best couples in para-rom! I’ve also have been hearing some rumours that Chapter 21 of TSOTG is possibly steamier than the infamous Chapter 32 of Halfway to the Grave. GASP!
Also, if you are like me and want to read some TSOTG right now, click HERE to read the first 20% of the book. Thanks Harper Collins.

Frost Fans is also posting quotes from the book daily on their website.

Now for the good stuff. Drum roll please.
The tile for the 6th Cat and Bones novel is...

One Grave at a Time

Release date has yet to be determined, but Jeaniene has said to expect to see it on shelves sometime this fall. There is a teaser chapter at the end of TSOTG. Score!

Happy Reading Everyone!

~Nicole~

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

If You Like Cheap Books & Live in Edmonton, AB...

If you live in or near the Edmonton area, go check out the Edmonton Public Library's Winter Blues Book2Buy Sale. Cheap books are my crack. I am so brining the biggest box I can find.

EPL’s Winter Blues Books2Buy Sale
Got the blues? What better way to beat those winter blues away by cozying up to a new read or listening to a new CD. Our Winter Blues Books2Buy sale starts bright and early at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 4 and runs until 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 6.

On Sunday, we feature our Box sale, where we clear out the books remaining from the first two days. Fill up a box and buy it for $10.00 (Suggested size 12”x16”x10”. EPL will also have boxes available).
Stanley A. Milner Library, Lower Level (100 St & 102 Ave)