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Gripped into Books is having a 500 follower giveaway! 

You could win one of 4 prize packs.

She is giving away some awesome books! Go check it out!
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The Billionaire's Unexpected Heir

Title: The Billionaire's Unexpected Heir
Series: The Illegitimate Heirs #6
Author: Kathie DeNosky
Genre: Romance
Format: Paperback, 192 pp
Source: Harlequin Ambassadors
Author Website


Synopsis

Becoming the new owner of Hickory Hills Thoroughbred farm was not in billionaire Jake Garnier's plans. Becoming a father was even more unimaginable. For his new business came with one Heather McGwire, ranch manager...and mother to Jake's secret child.
After barely surviving his own father's desertion, Jake knew he couldn't walk away from his responsibilities. Marriage seemed the only solution. Yet Heather wouldn't settle for simple sweet talk and seduction. If Jake wanted a real family, he'd have to saddle up for the long ride.

Review


This was a very cute story.. Kinda cheesy but cute. Jake has just learned that he has a grandmother that loves to play match maker. Jake and Heather had met at an auction over a year ago, and ever since he hasn't been able to get her out of his head. He never got her last name and didn't know where she lived. There was no way to find her.

As the new owner of Hickory Hills thoroughbred farm, he introduces himself to the farm manager only to discover it's Heather. Not only does he find Heather, he learns they have a 6 month daughter together.

Heather has gotten through the last year telling herself how much she hates Jake, and how big of a jerk he is. She knows she can't let herself get attached to him but her heart has different plans.

This is a very cute story about Jake trying his hardest to show heather that he is a changed man and he's ready to start a family.

I did some research, this is a series, and I started at the very last book. 

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Cute Story, Kinda Cheesy. Liked it!

In My Mailbox # 9

Hosted by Kristy at The Story Siren,  inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Where we post about books we have received 

during the week via mailbox, local library, or store bought, etc.

_______

 

 

 

Won

City of Bones - Cassandra Clare (Thanks Mary!)

 

A Lot Like Love - Julie James

Holiday With A Vampire II -  Merline Lovelace, Lori Devoti 

Dragonswan - Sherrilyn Kenyon

(From Night Owl Reviews!)

 

 

For Review

The Billionaires Unexpected Heir - Kathie Denosky

 

(eBooks - not pictured)

Always A Witch - Carolyn MacCullough

Ascension - Sable Grace

The Day Before - Lisa Schroeder

The Summer Before Boys - Nora Raleigh Baskin

Angelfire - Courtney Allison Moulton

Burning Darkness - Jamie Rush

Blood Red Road - Moira Young

The Hunger Games

Title: The Hunger Game
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young Adult
Format: Paperback, 384pp
Author Website



Synopsis

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.

Warning: This post contains some Spoilers!

Review 

Wow! This book was amazing! I have been hearing all this praise about this book and now that its being made into a movie everyone's going crazy. So, I decided to jump on the band wagon. I bought the book. I am so happy I did. I love this book. It had me hooked from the very beginning. I don't know how these kids can go through so much and still survive. I hope the world never comes to this. 
We didnt get to see a lot of Gale but I kinda like him. I understand Katniss' confusion. I feel the same way. She kind of saw Gale as a brother, but had never tried to think of it as anything else. Then she had Peeta saying how how loved her since they were 5 years old. I haven't quite picked a team yet. All I know is that I must get the rest of the series ASAP. 
I have to admit I cried when Katniss couldnt find Rue. I knew something bad had happened.
I nearly jumped for joy when they announced there could be to winners as long as they were from the same district. I hated that anyone had to die but I definitely didn't want Peeta to die.

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Shadowfever

Title: Shadowfever
Series: Fever Series #5
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Hardcover, 594pp
Author Website



Synopsis

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.


Review

It broke my heart when Mac revealed that she had killed Barrons. I was so mad that Ryodan put it into her head to do it. I almost stopped reading right there. The love hate relationship between Mac and Barrons is the main reason I love this series so much. I have been hoping  that they would have a Happily Ever After since the day they met. There was just something about him that I liked. He has a very hard shell but if you can make it to the center you will always be there. 
Mack kept saying she felt bipolar, that's exactly how I felt. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, it would change. I don't want to give away to many details for those of that haven't read the book yet, so just know if you like the previous Fever books you will not be disappointed.
I was so happy When Barrons called Mac out and told her he was tired of waiting. Shoot, I was tired of waiting.
This was such an amazing journey. Seeing Mac 1.0 grow into Mac 5.0, we wouldn't have it any other way. It made me sad that this was the end, but in its own way it was perfect. Hopefully we will see more of the characters in the books to come. Thank you so much, KMM, for taking us on this journey with you. I hope there are many more to come!


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Bonded By Blood

Title: Bonded By Blood
Series: Sweetblood Series #1
Author: Laurie London
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 378 pg.
Source: NetGalley
Author Website



Synopsis

Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, two vampire coalitions battle for supremacy--Guardian enforcers who safeguard humanity and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors.

Some cravings are too powerful to resist...

Movie location scout Mackenzie Foster-Shaw has always known that she’s cursed to die young. No one can protect her from the evil that has stalked her family for generations—vampires who crave her rare blood type. Until one afternoon in a wooded cemetery, she encounters an impossibly sexy stranger, a man she must trust with her life.

For Dominic, a man haunted by loss, Mackenzie satisfies a primal hunger that torments him—and the bond they share goes beyond heat, beyond love. She alone can supply the strength he needs to claim his revenge. But in doing so, he could destroy her…

Review 

I love this book! I absolutely fell in love with Dom and Mackenzie. I love the love they have for each other. Even though Dom knew he should have left her alone, he also knew she was his soul mate and they needed each other. I love how he goes to extraordinary lengths to protect her and keep her safe. Its not everyday you find a book or series that pulls you in and keeps you there. This book probably wont be for everyone but I can guarantee you that I will be reading everything Laurie London writes. I'm excited for  Embraced by Blood. I'm curious about Alfonzo, I wonder if Dom will ever forgive him. So many questions. If you like J.R. Ward or Lara Adrian you will love this book!

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In My Mailbox (8)

Hosted by Kristy at The Story Siren,  inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

Where we post about books we have received 

during the week via mailbox, local library, or store bought, etc.

_______

 

 

 

Bought

Her Vampire Husband - Michele Hauf

Blood Trinity - Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love

Black Dust Mambo - Adrian Phoenix

Wolfsbane - Patricia Briggs

Daughter of Darkness - V.C. Andrews

Bone Crossed - Patricia Briggs

Guardian - Claire Delacroix

In Over Her Head - Judi Fennell

Hundreds of Years to Reform a Rake - Laurie Brown

The Romance Readers' Book Club - Julie L. Cannon

Highland Vampire - Hannah Howell

Hottie - Johnathan Bernstine

Whispers in the Night - Tananarive Due & Others

Departures

Title: Departures
Author: Robin Jones Gunn
Genre: Teen Fiction
Format: Paperback, 208pp
Author Website


Synopsis

Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen cross paths on their way to summer vacations that reveal what a gift it is to have a true Forever Friend.

Now Boarding at Gate 10
After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd’s departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, an old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.

In the Event of a Water Landing
Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can’t wait to spend her summer vacation with her friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana’s only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it’s possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.


Review

This was a very cute story. I haven't read any of the Christy Miller or Sierra Jensen books before this. I thought it was going to be a novel but it's really two novellas. The stories were very cute, for the 18 and under age group.  I always like books where two stories collide. When you can find characters from a series in the authors new books. It always makes me smile. My favorite of the two stories would have to be the Christy Miller story, Now Boarding at Gate 10. It was very cute. I was hoping there would have been more between Christy and Matt. That's the thing I don't like about novellas, it kind of feels like you get cheated. You don't get a full story. Everything's all smashed together. You get the point but still, I like long novels.Very fast, Very easy read.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for my honest review.

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Author Interview - Leonard D. Hilley II

I am very excited to have Leonard D. Hilley II at The Blogging Book today! Leonard is the author of The Darkness Series. I have read all three, they are amazing! They keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

You can catch Leonard around the web here: Blog | Facebook

Welcome Leonard!

Bio: 

Born in Middletown, OH, in 1966.

1998 graduate from Morehead State University (B.S. biology)

Currently live in the mountains of Kentucky

In one sentence only, why should we read your books? 

If you’d like to be taken away on a suspense-thrill ride that keeps you guessing until the very end, you’d probably enjoy my Darkness series.

What inspired you with the idea for this Series? 

The opening sentence: “Dropping a cat from the top of a ten story office building was not the best way to remain hidden, but it was necessary.”  That sentence came to me one night, and I just had to write it down.  The rest evolved from that.  I didn’t have any plot, characters, theme, just that one sentence.  

About how long does it take you to write a book? 

Generally, about one year from start to finish.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?   

I believe the genre chose me.  My muse tends to be the one that keeps me here.

What was/is the easiest/hardest part about writing these books? 

I actually finished my biology degree to learn more about the scientific knowledge needed to write this series.  I’ve always loved biology so that was enjoyable in itself.  The hardest part is when I cannot see what is happening.  If I cannot see it, I cannot write it.

Is there anything you wish was different about the books? 

No.

Of the books that you have written, which is your favorite? 

I cannot honestly pick one above the other.  That’s almost like asking which of my children do I love the most.  Why?  I can’t make that type of choice.

What's a typical working day like for you? 

Coffee and revisions first.  Then, I began working from there. 

 

When/where do you write?  I work in my home office. 

 

Do you set a daily writing goal? 

Not really.  I hope to get 3-5 pages written per day.  Sometimes I hit three good pages, and I’ve had the fortune of ten-plus pages some days.

What’s the best thing about being an author?  

Seeing my worlds come to life and the characters working through their situations.

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books? 

I love Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Roger Zelazny.  The Amber series by Zelazny is one of my favorites.

 If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. Which would it be? 

Probably one of the Amber books.  I love the world Zelazny set up.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?  

Keep writing.  Great writing comes from lots of revision.  Write, write, write!

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

I’m working on the fourth book in my series and the first book of a dark fantasy series.  I hope to have both finished later this year.

You said you are currently working on a screenplay for Predators of Darkness, what would be your dream cast? 

Hugh Jackman, Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Jennifer Anniston to name a few.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I can't wait for #4 of the Darkness Series!

You can check out my reviews here:
Predators of Darkness | Beyond the Darkness | The Game of Pawns

Delirium

Title: Delirum
Author: Lauren Oliver
Genre: YA Romance
Format: eBook, 303 pp
Source: netGalley
Author Website


Synopsis

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love--the deliria--blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold.

Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: she falls in love.


Review

My husband and I always joke about everything becoming a disease.. So when I started reading this book I couldn't help but to start laughing. All I thought was seriously? A story where love is a disease? So I gave it a chance.
This story goes so much deeper than I could have ever imagined. It starts out kind of slow, a normal girl, doing normal things. Lena's counting down the days until the procedure, counting down the days until she's safe. Then she meets a boy, Alex. One that stops her heart and speeds it up at the same time.
She starts spending time with him, he's cured, so she thinks nothing of it. Until one day when Alex tells her the truth, he is an Invalid. One night, she goes to a party to warn her friend of a raid, and unexpectedly gets caught. Who's there to save the day? Alex!  They share their first kiss, and the deliria sets in.

I fell completely in love with these characters. I was so happy that Lena saw what was really happening. That the people who were supposed to be protecting them were actually the bad guys. I knew something bad was going to happen at the end, but I never would have predicted that. I literally cried at the end of the book. I was so mad, but it did have a good message. I have been saying this a lot lately, but you need to read this book!


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EDIT: I just read that this will be a trilogy! I am so excited! Expected publication: February 2012.. Hurry up already!