YzhaBella's BookShelf: February 2010

2/28/10

J-9 Review: Unclean Spirits by M.L.N. Hanover

Book 1: of the Black Sun's Daughter

M.L.N. Hanover's Unclean Spirits is for you if you are looking for something new and different in the paranormal genre.

The novel is centered around a young woman named Jayne (pronounced zha-nay, not Jane), who has lost everything in her life. Her parents want nothing to do with her, she was just dumped by her boyfriend and the friends she made in College don't seem to care what happens to her. To make it all worse her Uncle, the only one who cared about her, has died.

When she arrives for her Uncles funeral, she discovers that she knew nothing about him. She has inherited his fortune and properties around the world. She cannot get around the fact that she knew nothing about his life, and she decides to visit some of his properties around the city in an attempt to discover who he was.

Jayne enters into a downtown apartment that has strange glass objects over the windows and stranger yet, a corpse (or an extremely bad burn victim) on the bed that opens its eyes and talks to her! Jayne has discovered someone who knew her Uncle but she cannot logically believe what she is being told. That there is a different world out there with beings called "Riders" and that her uncle's death was a murder.

Riders are a parasitic demon spirits that take over a human body and gives that body extra powers and abilities The individual who is infected does not retain their personality they become someone completely different; completely "possessed" by the demon.

Broken by Shiloh Walker
Shattered
Quinn Rafferty is working as a bounty hunter and bail bondsman in St. Louis when a new neighbor catches his eye. He’s tempted by her beauty—but he knows from experience that anyone desperate enough to live in his building is damaged goods. Besides, he has his own soul to mend before he can worry about anyone else.

Desperate
Sara Davis is on the run, but not for the usual reasons a woman goes on the lam. She’s not an abused wife, and she’s not a criminal. But she does have a plan for her future. And as much as she finds herself attracted to her gruff, tough neighbor, she can’t risk telling him the secrets she’s hiding. There’s just too much at stake.

Driven to desire…
But Quinn must get closer to Sara when she turns out to be the target of his new missing persons case, and he discovers that there is something more complex and dangerous to her than he thought. Now, both Quinn and Sara will have to expose their true feelings—as well as their fragile hearts—if they hope their love will survive…

EXCERPT
He opened the door—

And stopped dead in his tracks as somebody all but fell into his arms. Somebody…a woman. And not Theresa.

Vampire Babylon Series - Book 5

For those who’ve not yet read any of the Vampire Babylon Series by Chris Marie Green, “The Path of Razors” is the 5th in the series and the 2nd installment within the second story arc. Books 1-3 are a trilogy within the series and have a story line that is resolved in the 3rd book, “Break of Dawn”. While it is not necessary to read the first trilogy in order to understand the storyline within the second arc, readers will find much background information and a much better “preparedness” for this new adventure!

In this installment of Vampire Babylon, Dawn Madison, (a big screen stunt woman turned “tough as nails” vampire hunter), the mysterious Costin, and the rest of Limpet & Associates are in the midst of unraveling the mystery of the private Queenshill School for Girls and its link to the local underground vampire nest. In addition, Costin finds himself not only struggling with his “host” for control, but also struggling with the fact that Dawn is now his “master” as a result of an interesting turn of events at the conclusion of the first trilogy. Costin now finds himself the very “enemy” he has sworn to vanquish!

But readers do not fret, ‘tis not all seriousness and dour! Chris Marie Green has a knack for keeping the reader entertained on all levels and never fails to add a healthy dose of humor into the mix! This humor can be found in places such as our crazy little man “Kiko”, or even within the tension of a supernatural love triangle between Dawn’s father, her mother, and a ghost!

Readers beware! Once started, this series becomes a thrilling, suspenseful, page turning adventure that will keep you wanting more! Woot Woot! March 2nd is just a few days away! This reader is impatiently awaiting the next installment, Deep In The Woods!

300 Followers: All Things Urban Fantasy Celebration!

300 Followers: All 4 Mercy Thompson books A&O International Giveaway!

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2/27/10

Countdown to Babylon - A Drop of Red by Chris Marie Green

Vampire Babylon Series - Book 4

Chris Marie Green's Vampire Babylon Series is gutsy! Dilemmas faced by the characters are an interesting mix of the supernatural and reality, keeping the story line grounded despite some very odd situations and/or encounters. Readers will be able to relate to seeing a friend struggling with addiction, or a family coping with the emotions and fallout resulting from a failed marriage. Chris Marie Green does a phenomenal job at incorporating such real world issues into the context of a world where vampires and other supernatural phenomenon can and do exist.

A Drop of Red is the first installment of a new story arc within the Vampire Babylon series. While a new reader to the series will miss out on a portion of the character developments, evolutions, and the history behind various relationships, the overall story line is new and it is not necessary to read the first arc to understand the second. Those who have read the first arc will find a radically different direction in this new story line as the power is shifting and changing among characters. New readers beware, as the first installment in the second arc of the series, there will be questions left unanswered at the conclusion of A Drop of Red.

Countdown to Babylon - Break of Dawn by Chris Marie Green

Vampire Babylon Series - Book 3

"Break of Dawn" is a great end to Chris Marie Green's first story arc within the Vampire Babylon series. This reader would suggest first reading Night Rising and Midnight Reign in order to get a full understanding of the story line.

Dawn’s life as a stuntwoman is but a memory. Her main focus now is to save her father and help “The Voice” conquer the master of LA’s underground vampire nest. Oh, and another item high on Dawn’s list of priorities is getting revenge on her “undead” mother! (Oh dear! Mama Drama!)

Dawn’s on a rampage and the development of her newly acquired skills makes her one tough vampire hunter! But she's stubborn too. She’s determined to figure out “The Voice”. She won’t give up until she is able to find out who and/or what he is. The unfortunate side to this determination? Dawn may find out that too much information just may force too many choices that she is not necessarily ready to make.

Once vampire master is vanquished, many questions are answered and relationships further developed. But, as per the post script, the journey to Dawn and Costin’s ultimate goal is still quite the adventure to be had!

An excellent urban fantasy with a very different kin of love story. If you've ever wondered about “spirit” sex, Chris Marie Green does a great job of portraying the “out of body” sexual experience. As with the previous two installments, readers will be kept feverishly turning the pages!

Countdown to Babylon - Midnight Reign by Chris Marie Green

Vampire Babylon Series - Book 2

Book two in the Vampire Babylon series proved to be a wild ride from start to finish! If you enjoy your para’s/urban fantasies with a darker edge, you won’t be disappointed with the second installment of the series. This reader would suggest reading Night Rising (book 1) first in order to get the “full effect”, but there is enough recap that it is not necessary.

Dawn is still searching for her father. Meanwhile, she's become fully entrenched with the “The Voice” (aka Jonah) and his team of investigators, known as Limpet and Associates, searching out the inner sanctum of the underground vampire nest in LA. With this new installment, Dawn becomes even more torn and confused with her simultaneous attractions to “The Voice” and Matt, a private investigator who's also supposedly looking for Dawn's father. The reader is treated to a deeper look into the past events that helped create the present situations. We learn more about “The Master” and his “son” Sorin and their rolls within the nest. We hear more about Eva, Dawns movie star mother who was tragically murdered, when Dawn was but a child. Chris Marie Green also further develops supporting characters such as Kiko, Breisi and the "Friends”.

At the conclusion of this page-turning installment, the reader is left wanting more of the yet to be fully unexplained characters Jac, a lovely young starlet who bears a striking resemblance to Dawns deceased mother, and Jonah Limpet, the “founder” of Limpet and Associates.

Countdown to Babylon - Night Rising by Chris Marie Green

Vampire Babylon Series - Book 1

I was completely unprepared for the decent quality of this story. Definitely not like most of the vampire oriented para’s I’ve read lately! A funky, gritty paranormal LA mystery, this story kicks off a great new and refreshingly different series which this reader fully intends to complete!

In Night Rising, the reader is introduced to the first of a 3 part story arc with Dawn and “the gang” fighting their first battle in Los Angeles, CA. Dawn is a movie stuntwoman who’s come to LA after her PI father disappears, while working on a case. Her father's coworkers are unusual to say the least; a psychic “little” person, a beautiful cyberpunk type, and a boss who never appears in person and is aptly dubbed “The Voice”. As it turns out, the team at Limpet & Associates is actually a group of vampire hunters! Soon Dawn is drawn into an LA populated by vampire Elites, Groupies, wild child actors and crazy stage parents.

If you are looking for a steamy paranormal, this is not it. There is some sex in the novel but it is quite mild and really does take a backseat to the main plot. There is definitely a physical attraction between Dawn and the Voice however; this is explored more through a “psychic” connection that any real physical encounters.

Definitely different than most of today’s vampire stories, this first installment will keep the reader turning the pages and pining for the next installment!

Dark Time: Mortal Path Book 1 by Dakota Banks

This is a great book that is really non stop action and quite a bit different from other paranormal books out there. So if you are looking for a change, something new and different, this book is for you.

Susannah Layhem was just a wife in in the late 1600's with a some what loving husband and their first child on the way. One night she and her husband are awoken by men at the door who proclaim Susannah is a witch, therefore, she is sentenced to death. Susannah can not understand what is happening and she is more upset that they will not wait for the baby to be born before they execute her. The night before she is to burned at the stake, Susannah gives birth to still born from the severe treatment she receives as she is incarcerated. The next day, Susannah is tied to the stake and the fire is lapping at her feet, legs, hair. She dies...or does she? In her last moments, Susannah sends up a prayer for someone to help her. That being turns out to be a Demon named Rabishu. Rabishu questions Susannah on what she would do to live? Would she kill her own kind? Susannah states that she wants to live and so begins her long slavery as Rabishu's assassin. Susannah served Rabishu for 100's of years and is haunted by all people she has killed. Susannah wants to be free of Rabishu and the only way is for her save as many people as she has killed. Only then will she be set free. However, if Susannah thinks that Rabishu would make it easy for her, she is sadly mistaken.

The Bibliophilic Book Blog Would Like to Send You An Invite!

Monica, our beautiful and talented hostess over at Bibliophilic Book Blog, is hosting a great new event! Bookmark Day!

"Bookmark day will be an ode to the bookmark"

Monica will be introducing bookmark creators, different kinds of bookmarks and offering sales on bookmarks! ALL THIS AND YOU CAN WIN ONE OF AN AMAZING ASSORTMENT OF BOOKMARKS!!! Woot Woot!

And that's not all! There will also be some book giveaways as well!

Head on over for the rest of the info! (Click the button to travel!)

2/21/10

Counterfeit Magic - Subterranean Press Presents!

Subterranean Press announced, on Friday, the release of a new novella by Kelley Armstrong entitled Counterfeit Magic! So, of course I just absolutely HAD to share this EXCITING NEWS!! Be forewarned, however, you will have to wait for the official release this October!

As reported by Subterranean Press:

Return to the world of Kelley Armstrong’s best-selling novels Dime Store Magic and Industrial Magic for Counterfeit Magic, a long original novella.

The first rule of a supernatural fight club? Don’t kill your opponent.

When the fighters come with lethal spells, werewolf strength and half-demon powers, that can be a lot tougher than it sounds. It’s hard to attract talent if they know they might not leave the ring alive. So when fighters at a California club start dying … it’s bad for business.

Woot Woot! We Have A Button!

So, I've been laboring tirelessly for several hours trying to get this just right....Not. But, I have been having a blast (geek alert) playing around with this and that to come up with a button that we can all share!

So please feel free to take a copy, post it here and then post it there, and then again. Why not post it EVERYWHERE! C'mon peeps! You know you want to! Let's all work together to get YzaBella's BookShelf out in the land of booking and blogging!

If you're posting on a related site or blog, please come back and post a comment to let us know! Links will be reciprocated assuming our content relates to yours!

Here is button. Pretty, isn't it?

And here is the code:

Please, copy, paste and post away! Every little bit helps and I/we would be ever so appreciative!!!!

2/20/10

Review - Bound to be Mine by Tess Lamont

Synopsis

Ben and Lisa share a healthy sex life and an incredible relationship. They experiment and explore their minds and bodies in a way both of them respond to. Then suddenly Ben is gone, leaving Lisa with a broken heart, a broken spirit. Just as suddenly, a year later, Ben reappears and Lisa is lost all over again. But, something has changed. Ben is not the same.

Neither is Lisa, according to her friends and they are thinking that maybe his leaving was because of her. With determination, she sets out to bring him back to her; to let him know just how wrong he really was. Ben doesn’t want to hurt Lisa. He feels that the evil inside him is the cause of her unhappiness; it’s why he left her, because he loved her.

Will Lisa get back the man she loves? Will her proposition bring him back or send him off running again? Will Ben trust in their love enough to believe in himself, to believe in Lisa? Could the intense feelings and connection they once shared save them both?

Patricia Briggs: Silver Borne – Coming 3/30/10 – I Can’t Hardly Wait!

From the moment I picked up Moon Called, I was hooked! Werewolves, shape-shifters, vamps, and more! Oh My! With each installment in the Mercedes Thompson Series, I am completely and thoroughly entertained! While experiencing such an extensive variety of supernatural “good and evil”, the reader is never quite sure who “Mercy” should trust! Vicious foes and dangerously beautiful friendships will keep you wanting for more!

On March 30, 2010 the long await 5th installment “Silver Borne” will finally be released!

Being a shape-shifting mechanic is hard work! Mercy just spent the last couple of months trying to evade the murderous queen of the local vampire seethe, and now the leader of the werewolf pack (who just might be” more than a friend), has asked for her help. In addition, Mercy “finds” herself in possession of a book of fae secrets she and her friends are about to find out jus how dangerous the fae can be. OK, so maybe her troubles have nothing to do with the job. But damn! This girl needs a serious sabbatical! Well, a really long and luxurious vacation, at least!

Release Party, Chat and Contest With Author Jennifer Estep

Yet again, there's another wonderful event over at Bitten By Books! Come on! You know you want to check it out! Tell them YzhaBella's BookShelf sent you!

Release Party, Chat and Contest With Author Jennifer Estep
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19938

Visit Jennifer at her website here: http://www.jenniferestep.com/

Take a gander at Jennifer's Blog too! http://www.jenniferestep.com/blog/

Jeaniene Frost's "First Drop of Crimson" A Huge Success!

FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON hit # 38 on the USA Today bestseller list and # 4 on the New York Times bestseller list!! Woohooo! Way to go Ms. Frost!

Please visit Jeaniene Frost's MySpace Blog for more information!! There is also a LIVE PODCAST Interview about FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON, with bestselling author Cathy Maxwell, over on Blog Talk Radio. You can call in or email your questions and Ms. Frost will be happy to chat with you. Show starts at 1pm Eastern time and lasts half an hour.

Here is the link for details: Blog Talk Radio

Frost's MySpace Blog: Click Here

2/17/10

Interview, Chat &Contest With Author Kerrelyn Sparks @ Bitten By Books!

Come on over, there's plenty of seats! Hey? Can you bring the bon bons?

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19884

2/16/10

Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Author Kim Harrison

Come on over to Bitten By Books and join us for today's Guest Blog, Chat and Contest with Kim Harrison. We're having a blast!
http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19815

It's Finally Here! Pleasure of a Dark Prince

It's finally here! Today is the official release of Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole!

Head on over to her site, or your nearest book store and grap your self a copy!

http://kresleycole.com

Also, head on over to Gena Showalters Blog to help celebrate! Gena is hosting a great event to help celebrate!

http://genashowalter.blogspot.com

Happy Reading!

Kate aka YzhaBella

Purchase your copy of Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark) at Amazon.com

2/15/10

Guest Blog, Contest and Chat With Author Katie MacAlister

Come on over to Bitten By Books for another great event!

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19783

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Feature Author – Kelley Armstrong – Part 2

When I first decided to make a serious commitment to delve back into the wondrous world of the written word, I started with some of Kelley Armstrong's “Otherworld” Series followed closely with the 1st two books in the “Darkest Powers” Trilogy. So, I thought it only fitting that my first “Feature* Author” article be about Ms. Armstrong and these two series. Part 1 (previous post) refers to the Otherworld series and Part 2 will focus on the the Darkest Powers Trilogy.

To learn more about Kelley Armstrong, please visit her website.

Kelley Armstrong Photography Care of Curtis Lantinga

When I first decided to make a serious commitment to delve back into the wondrous world of the written word, I started with some of Kelley Armstrong's “Otherworld” Series followed closely with the 1st two books in the “Darkest Powers” Trilogy. So, I thought it only fitting that my first “Feature* Author” article be about Ms. Armstrong and these two series. Part 1 (included here) will refer to the Otherworld series and Part 2 (separate post) will follow soon.

To learn more about Kelley Armstrong, please visit her website.

FREE BOOK Giveaway! Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole

Head on over to Bitten By Books for another great contest!

Learn more about this great author and her wonderful stories!

http://kresleycole.com

http://books.simonandschuster.com/Pleasure-of-a-Dark-Prince/Kresley-Cole/9781416580959

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2/14/10

The Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong - $10 Sale @ Chapters.ca!

Love a great Supernatural Read?

Head on over to Chapters.ca for a great deal!

Kelly Armstrong's Otherworld series is on Sale Now

Same GREAT Stories

Beautifully Striking New Trade Paperback Editions!

Check it out!

For a Limited time - Otherworld books are $10 each

Looky Looky! I got Lucky!

Okay, I know some are not big fans of the "meme". But, I have been having a great VDay weekend I just had to share!

Judi @ Sidhe Vicious Reviews hosted a great interview with Urban Fantasy author, Adrian Phoenix. As an accomplished UF author, Adrian Phoenix has created an amazing world in "The Makers Song" series! As a part of this interview, Adrian offered one luck commenter a signed copy of any one of her works. As the lucky winner, I chose "A Rush of Wings" Book 1 of "The Makers Song" Series.

Purchase your copy of "A Rush of Wings" @ Amazon.ca

Purchase your copy of "A Rush of Wings" @ Amazon.com
Purchase your copy of "A Rush of Wings" @ Chapters.ca

To read the interview, visit Sidhe Vicious Review - Interview & Contest w/ Adrian Pheonix
Please let her know that I sent you!

Enjoy!
Kate aka YzhaBella

2/10/10

Head on over to the SciFiGuy for another great Blog & Giveaway!

The night is not safe for mortals.

Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows – her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield – and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family’s dark past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness – and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who craves a taste of her.
He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human – even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the demon nightmare together…
Because once the first drop of crimson falls, they will both be lost.

Click here to read the first 20% of the book!

Get First Drop Of Crimson @ Amazon.ca

Release Party, Sony eReader Contest and Chat with Author Moira Rogers

Content borrowed from http://www.moirarogers.com/crossroads/

Please visit Bitten By Books for a great release party!

http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=19609

Interview, Chat and Contest With Author Michelle Lauren

Nocturnal Cravings 1: Temptation Eve by Michelle Lauren

C'mon peeps! Slide on over to Bitten By Books for another great event!

Excerpt LINK: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/excerpt/temptationeve.htm

(Link borrowed/transferred from BBB)

Hope to see you there!

2/6/10

Black Dagger Brotherhood Makes My Temperature Rise! Whew! (Spolier Allert!!!)

(*blushes and quickly fans herself with hand!)

While some of the worlds more sensitive readers might say JR Wards BDB Series is border line pornographic at times, I contend that each and every erotic tone is handled in a tasteful and eloquent manner. So, with that being said, I do admit that while there are many scenes that could make one head for the proverbial "cold shower", I find JR's most brilliant love scenes are in the "quietly" told moments of passion. The scene that stands out in my mind at the moment is:

Valentine’s Day Book Massacre Giveaway

C'mon peeps! Head on over to Dark Faerie Tales for a great Valentines Giveaway!

Content below borrowed from original post.

Is love in the air or is it dead all together? Either way, it’s time for another celebration for top commentators and followers.

Answer the following question:

Tell us your Top 3 romantic couples or What’s your favorite love story? Why?

Welcome to Dark Faerie Tales first Valentine’s Day Book Massacre!

Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Of course, another great read from Ms. Keyon. Tortured souls, hot, hot “bods” and an innocent Justice Nymph make for another great page turner!

Astrid touched parts of him he’d never known existed. His Heart. His Soul. She took him to heights unimaginable. Here in her arms, for the first time, he felt peace. Pg. 158

As the illegitimate son of a Roman General, Zarek faced countless brutalities as the family “whipping boy”. Used and abused since birth, Zarek never knew love or kindness of any kind. His was a lifetime of brutality and unimaginable torture at the hands of his father and brothers. Sold into slavery once his father tired of him, a scarred and broken Zarek was killed by his master after being falsely accused of raping his mistress. In the after life, Artemis claimed Zarek for her legion of Dark Hunters and Acheron removed his scars and disabilities…. Well, the ones you could see, at least.

Night Embrace by Sherrilyn Kenyon

As we all know, life does tend to get in the way if the things we love most sometimes! Suffice it to say, the last week has been rather hectic for me and as such, I have decided to forgo a full review this time around. I will, however, share the basics.

Dark Hunter Talon is yet another yummy character with a rather tortured soul. (I think I am starting to see a trend here.)

Sunshine is a rather eccentric artist who turns out to be the reincarnation of Talons wife, who died in childbirth over 1500 years ago.