Wednesday, February 10, 2010
New Feature: Cover Cravings #1
6 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Wednesday, February 10, 2010Hey there everyone!
I hope you are doing fabulous today! A lot has been said about covers throughout the book blog world and say what you might, I believe that in the end, cover matters. I mean, I do get turned off if I see a cover I don't find appealing, if it's a book I have not heard of it might even prevent me from buying it. Shallow? Perhaps! Unavoidable? Absolutely!
As human beings we usually tend to forget about out animalistic urges. I'm not talking about turning furry in the full moon or mating for life LOL Though I do love reading about that. I'm talking about physical attraction. I believe that us readers have a relationship with each book we read and as in any relationship, first impressions matter.
This is just my opinion and you have every right to disagree. =)
Well, Cover Cravings is a new feature I will be having here at the blog from time to time, whenever I run into a cover or covers that just speak to me... I will be posting it on Wednesdays and it will take turns with On My Wishlist and Lala's Design Corner. I hope you guys enjoy it!
This first installment I have chosen 4 covers from books yet to be released. They are all covers from upcoming releases in some of my favorites series ever!
I'm starting with the new Allie Beckstrom cover. How cool is that?? I love this series and love how well Allie is portrayed in the cover, tattoos and all. Awesome!
Comes out May 4th!
Next up is my beloved Kitty! I have yet to read the most recent installment, but I loved the cover for the upcoming one. I love all the covers from this series and this one is no exception.
Coming out June 29th!
I am dying for the new book in the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine. It is such an amazing series that if you haven't read it, you need to NOW! After last book's cliffhanger this one needs to come out sooner then it will LOL Loving the cover!
Coming out August 3rd!
Last but in no way least is the cover for the 4th Books int her Sirantha Jax series by Ann Aguirre. OMG I love Jax and March and September feels like a century away =)
This cover is gorgeous. The whole series covers are and this one just takes the cake in my opinion!
Coming out September 2010!
I hope you all have a great rest of the week!
You can still win a signed copy of Blood Magic HERE!!
The Giveaway is International and will run until Feb. 11th!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Lala's Book Corner: Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
4 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Tuesday, February 09, 2010
"As they plan their wedding, Lily Yu and lupus prince Rule Turner are facing a great deal of tension from both their families. Not everyone can accept their mixed marriage: she’s Chinese; he’s a werewolf. Even Lily’s grandmother is acting strangely distant, though Lily and Rule are about to discover that her behavior has nothing to do with their upcoming nuptials.
A powerful, undying nemesis has come to San Diego to exact vengeance on Lily’s family--and turn the city into a feeding ground. It’s up to Lily and Rule to stop her, in spite of ancient treaties and an inheritance passed down through the blood. Otherwise San Diego could go up in flames and they won’t live to make it to the altar…"
From GoodReads.
As you all know by reading my review of the first 5 books in the series (here), I love Lily and Rule and the whole world that Eileen has created. I admit I have a thing for shifters and this series does not disappoint.
In this installment we get to see the consequences of Rule breaking the Lupi rule of never marrying and dealing with people that think him and Lily are doing a terrible mistake.
We also got to learn more about Grandmother and that was pretty awesome! She is my favorite character in the series, she is strong, loyal, hilarious and a complete mystery. We get to solve much of that mystery in this book and I loved it.
It was great to see everyone again, Cullen, Cynna, Sam and everyone else. Eileen does such a great job with the secondary characters that you can't help but love them all.
The great mystery and villain in this novel are both connected with Grandmother's past and its a doozy. It was great to get some flashback scenes and see some of her past too =)
I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum here LOL, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the book and it was great to see Rule and Lily again. This wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was far from the worst. It was a great read with a lot of action that kept me at the edge and made me read it in one sitting =)
The only thing I missed was some lovin' between Lily and Rule, but I can deal LOL
I totally recommend this book for fans of the series and for any Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan out there. I can't wait for the next book!
As you all know by reading my review of the first 5 books in the series (here), I love Lily and Rule and the whole world that Eileen has created. I admit I have a thing for shifters and this series does not disappoint.
In this installment we get to see the consequences of Rule breaking the Lupi rule of never marrying and dealing with people that think him and Lily are doing a terrible mistake.
We also got to learn more about Grandmother and that was pretty awesome! She is my favorite character in the series, she is strong, loyal, hilarious and a complete mystery. We get to solve much of that mystery in this book and I loved it.
It was great to see everyone again, Cullen, Cynna, Sam and everyone else. Eileen does such a great job with the secondary characters that you can't help but love them all.
The great mystery and villain in this novel are both connected with Grandmother's past and its a doozy. It was great to get some flashback scenes and see some of her past too =)
I'm trying to keep spoilers to a minimum here LOL, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the book and it was great to see Rule and Lily again. This wasn't my favorite in the series, but it was far from the worst. It was a great read with a lot of action that kept me at the edge and made me read it in one sitting =)
The only thing I missed was some lovin' between Lily and Rule, but I can deal LOL
I totally recommend this book for fans of the series and for any Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance fan out there. I can't wait for the next book!
Smut Level: 1/5!
You can still win a signed copy of this book HERE!!
Contest ends on Feb. 11th and its International!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hey Everyone!
How you guys doing? I got some pretty cool book this week in the mail. Check out the Vlog bellow!
Im so tired, so this is a short post lol.
Don't Forget!
You can win a SIGNED copy of Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
The Giveaway is International and will run until Feb. 11th!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Lala's Book Corner: Lucas by Eliza Gale
6 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Sunday, February 07, 2010
"Kira MacDonald is in trouble. Plagued by false visions and erotic dreams of a man she-s never met, she fears losing both her psychic powers and her sanity. The cure? Finding and bonding with her mate. The stubborn red-haired warrior might not want one, but fate has other plans, plans that include her rescuing Lucas Gunn.
As the Guardian of his shape-shifting clan, Lucas Gunn lived a quiet, solitary life. Until he was kidnapped, examined, and tortured. Now imprisoned, his only tie to the outside world is the memory of his dreams and the passionate woman who appears in them. He thought she was nothing more than a vision. Then she came for him.
An uneasy alliance, a mating call that won-t be denied, rituals that must be honored, and unrelenting enemies who will stop at nothing to get what they want. It all comes together in the first of Eliza Gayle-s sensational Black Cougar Series. Passion and pride. Duty and danger. In the end, there-s really only one choice-for Lucas."
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**Book Given to me for review, but the thoughts are all my own.
I have such a thing for alpha males that when the review request for this book cameup, I jumped at the chance.
Lucas and Kira's story is very interesting, intriguing and fun to nerve recking. They have similar origins but have so many secrets to hide from each other that it takes a long time for them to realize they are on the same side.
Lucas is a shifter and has been captured by people who want him to shift right in front of them. Kira is psychic and has been having visions of her mate, Lucas, while he is in danger.
She rushes off and saves him, but he doesn't trust her at first and thinks she is just one of the bad guys trying to get him to put down his guard.
I really enjoyed the ups and downs of both of them and seeing them falling for each other. The sex scenes are really hot and Lucas has such a kinky side that its easy to get all hot and bothered reading it.
The only thing that bothered me in the book was a certain lack of back story. I mean, we get to sort of understand about the clans Kira and Lucas come from and a bit about their rules, but in my opinion a lot was left out and it was enough to leave me confused for a while. I get the need to keep a certain mystery, but it felt as if I was supposed to know some of it and I didn't.
Other than that, Lucas was definitely a fun read. I recommend it for any fans of paranormal smut out there and I am happy to know that there will be more books in this series, Im definitely looking forward to them =)
Smut Level: 4/5 =)
Don't Forget!
You can win a SIGNED copy of Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
The Giveaway is International and will run until Feb. 11th!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Saturday, February 6, 2010
New Blogs on The Block: Lily's Bookshelf
9 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Saturday, February 06, 2010
Hey Guys! Happy Saturday! =)
As I announced a couple weeks ago (HERE), The New Blogs on The Block Feature created by the wonderful Carolyn of Book Chick City has been transfered to me and will be happening here every Saturday! =)
It's My pleasure to have on the first New Blogs on The Block @ Larissa's Life, Holly from Lily's Bookshelf!
- When and why did you start blogging?
I was on my way home from my holiday travels in December of 2007, thinking of all the books I had read that year and thought to myself, “Why don’t I make a journal that is solely dedicated to book reviews?” So I started a reading blog at Live Journal. It didn’t get much traffic, so I joined a few reading communities over there. There, I stumbled across some bloggers (such as TJ from Book Love Affair) who use Blogger as their main source for writing reviews. Curious, I started poking around and found a strong reading community over at Blogger. The people, as well as their reviews, are awesome, so I decided to make Blogger my reading/review blog home.
- Tell us a little about your blog?
Well, the title is a bit confusing for some. My name in real life is Holly. Lily was a nickname given to me by a dear friend who changed my life in high school. When I created my first blog over at Live Journal, I used the name Lily Child in honor of my friend and it just kind of stuck for my internet purposes.
As far as my blog, Lily’s Bookshelf, is just your basic reading blog. I mainly do reviews of books that I have recently finished. I include a summery, review, cover art commentary and an overall rating given in a number of apples (one to five, five being the best). I try to include a trailer of the book, links to other reviews of the book, or recommendations for other books, whenever possible.
- Are there any features on your blog you would like to highlight?
I have 2 features that I regularly use. One is an end-of-month review, known as Reading Reflections. In this feature, I post a list of books that I have read throughout the month, with a link to each review. I also determine which book I most anticipated, which was the biggest disappointment and which book was ultimately my favorite read for the month. Here is the link to the Reading Reflections of October 2009: http://lillybook.blogspot.com/
*I got this idea from Nancy of Temporary Worlds, over at Live Journal.
My other feature is known as the Book Bundle. In this feature, I display books I recently purchased or will soon read. I post the cover of the book, as well as the summery (usually from the back cover or goodreads.com. I also try to select which book I will most anticipate.
- What's been the high point of blogging so far?
My favorite thing about blogging is the interaction with other like-minded reading fiends. I love discussing a book we have both read, or discovering books I may have not otherwise picked up, had I not read the review! For instance, I read a review for Shadowfae by Erica Hayes over at SciFiGuy.ca’s blog. It was a surprising read. I absolutely loved it! I would have sorely missed had I not read SciFiGuy’s review!
- Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am 25 and work as a Registered Nurse at a local hospital. I work nights, so if I follow your blog, you’ll most likely get a comment from me at night. :P I love to read and you will most likely catch me at the bookstore on my nights off. I also love music. Some of my favorite bands at the moment are the Silversun Pickups, The Helio Sequence, Radiohead, Cage the Elephant, Muse, Placebo, and…well, I could on and on!
- What's your favourite book of all time?
I honestly don’t know if I could choose one book. The book that had the greatest impact on my life was The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. I was heavily persuaded to read it by a good friend a few years back, and I will always be grateful. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t read it. I would also recommend Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand as well. They really should be read as a set.
I also have several “comfort reads,” which are books that I turn to when I need a to get lost in a good story, or if I haven’t read anything good in a while. I highly enjoyed The Harry Potter series, The Morganville Vampire series, The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris and anything by Neil Gaiman.
- Who are your favourite authors?
Yikes! I have many! If I had to pick a few, I would choose:
Neil Gaiman, Rachel Caine, Alice Hoffman, Charlaine Harris, Chuck Palahniuk, Kim Harrison, Ayn Rand, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Suzanne Collins, and J.K. Rowling.
- How many books are on your tbr list right now?
This list is seriously endless. I posted a list of the top 10 books and series I am most looking forward to reading in 2009. You can view the post here!
- Where do you see your blog in a year from now?
Hopefully the same, just with more readers. I love finding new blogs and reading and comparing reviews. I enjoy features, but I mainly enjoy reviews, so I definitely look forward to reviewing more books and discussing them with other bloggers! :)
Thanks for Stopping by Holly!!
If you want to be featured on New Blogs on The Block, all you have to do is email me @ larissa@larissaslife.com
The only pre-requisite is that you have a Book Blog and that you've been blogging for less than 6 Months.
Please email me with "New Blogs on The Block" in the email subject!
If you want to be featured on New Blogs on The Block, all you have to do is email me @ larissa@larissaslife.com
The only pre-requisite is that you have a Book Blog and that you've been blogging for less than 6 Months.
Please email me with "New Blogs on The Block" in the email subject!
Don't Forget!
You can win a SIGNED copy of Blood Magic by Eileen Wilks
The Giveaway is International and will run until Feb. 11th!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Friday, February 5, 2010
Accidental Giveaway w/ Dakota Cassidy Results!
2 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Friday, February 05, 2010
Hello Everyone!
Thanks for stopping by, this will be a quick post =)
For my Giveaway with Dakota Cassidy there were 91 people entered with a total of 752 entries.
The winners were picked using Random.org =)
1st Place - Any Book of your choice (mass market/trade paperback) that is already out or can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com.
Winner: Heather (DarklyReading)
2nd Place - A Copy of Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy
Winner: jeanette8042
I will be emailing both winners and they have 48 hours to respond!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered, you guys Rock!
This week's giveaway is with Author Eileen Wilks and you can win a signed copy of "Blood Magic", the new book in The World of Lupi series.
You can enter it HERE!
The giveaway ends on Feb. 11th and It's International!
Thank you for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
Lala's Book Corner Presents: Author Interview & Giveaway with Eileen Wilks
62 people chimmed in... Lived by Larissa at Friday, February 05, 2010
Hey Everyone!
First and foremost I'd like to thank everyone that entered my Giveaway with Dakota Cassidy. You guys rock! I will be announcing the winners later today, so stay tuned =)
I am very pleased to have here today one of my favorite Authors of Paranormal Romance. Eileen Wilks is the Author of the World of Lupi series and The 6th book in the series (Blood Magic) came out a couple days ago.
I have just finished it and The review will be up in the next couple of days =) In the mean time you can check out my review of The first 5 books in the series HERE!
Eileen has also been super sweet to provide a signed copy of the book for a lucky winner. The giveaway details will be at the end of the Post.
Now, let's get on with the interview...
- When did you first start writing?
Well, I wrote fan-fic for the Girl From U.N.C.L.E when I was really, really young. Probably still in the womb. I don't recall exactly. (I suppose half of those reading this have never heard of that show . . . ) But I didn't start seriously writing until somewhere around . . . . I'm not good with dates. Maybe 1990 or '91.
- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
The ending. Love, love, love writing the climax and resolution.
- Have you always been interested in the Paranormal?
My first two, forever-under-the-bed books were science fiction--or so I thought. The only comment I received after submitting the first one to many, many publishers was, "This is really a romance." So I guess I've blended fantasy and romance right from the start.
- Why writing Urban Fantasy?
I was coming up with urban fantasy ideas before the term--or the market--existed. For quite awhile, no one wanted to look at them. Now they do.
- Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
So many I can't give a decent list, but a couple authors that float to the top right now are Charlaine Harris, Sharon Shinn, and JD Robb. Okay, that's three, not a couple, but like I said, there are so many. I could add Rex Stout and Dorothy Dunnett. My books are nothing like theirs, but I learned to love series from reading Stout's Nero Wolf books as a kid. And who isn't inspired by Dunnett?
- What is your favorite subject in the Urban Fantasy Realm?
I don't think I have one. FWIW, as soon as I finish these questions I'll dive back into Karen Chance's DEATH'S MISTRESS, which features a dhampir. I've got Resnick's DOPPLEGANGSTER in my TBR pile. I just finished Butcher's FIRST LORD'S FURY. And I can't wait for the next Lois McMaster Bujold book, whatever it is. --I should have listed her as among my inspirations. Oh, well, consider her added.
- The sex scenes in your books are so hot. Where do you get your inspiration?
I'm glad you think so! I'm always surprised when people tell me I write hot. I never think of it that way. I suppose Lily is inspired by Rule, and she determines the heat level.
- Do you find it hard to write them?
No harder than any other type of scene--which means sometimes they flow beautifully right from the start, and sometimes each word comes out about as easily as pulling a tooth.
Favorites:
- Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
I'm a Harry Potter fan.
- Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
True Blood.
- Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
Impossible to answer.
- Favorite Urban Fantasy Author?
Just one? You're kidding, right?
- Favorite one of your Books?
The one I'm working on now. When I finish it, it will remain my favorite until I start the next one. When it comes to writing, I always love the one I'm with.
- Who is your favorite of your own characters?
Grandmother. I want to be her when I grow up.
- Which was the hardest to write?
Sam. He's a dragon. He can speak our language and understands it beautifully, but he is not human. I am.
- What would you be if not a writer?
Miserable.
Quickies:
- Coffee or Tea?
Coffee!
- Up or Down?
Up.
- Virtual or Real?
Yes.
- Right or Left?
Is this a political question, or handedness? I'm right-handed.
- Vampires or The Lupi ?
Lol--the lupi, of course.
- Reading or Writing?
In a daily way, I write much more than I read. But my writing would wither away if I couldn't read. There's no either/or possible for me.
- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I love it when something--a person, object, or situation--that showed up unexpectedly in chapter 2 turns out to be pivotal to events in chapter 5 or 10 or 20. Something I left in even though I had no idea why.
- What is your least favorite part?
Copy edits.
- The World of Lupi series in your own words?
Every novel ever written asks some version of the same question: what does it mean to be human? In the world of the Lupi, I ask that question, too--but with werewolves, a reformed demon, the occasional dragon, or--in my current release, BLOOD MAGIC--a Chinese demon.
- Any plans for more World of Lupi Books?
I'm contracted for 3 more, so yes. The one I'm working on now is titled BLOOD CHALLENGE.
- What are you working on right now?
It's hard for me to say much about a book before it's finished, because I'm not clear on what it's about while I'm still tromping around in the primordial ooze (a.k.a. "work in progress.") But in BLOOD CHALLENGE, Lily & Rule go up against Humans First and the man who started that hate group--and another, much more dangerous enemy. And Benedict's worst fear comes to pass.
- Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Stubborn counts for a lot. I quit writing plenty of times. It never stuck. Also, reach out to other writers who are roughly at your level of experience. I learned how to edit my own work by participating in a wonderful critique group, and you know what they say: the real writing happens in the rewriting.
- Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Make time for yourselves--time to read, to exercise, to sleep in. Be honest. Be kind. Sing in the shower, along with the radio, or whenever and wherever else you damn well please. Hug someone. And visit me at my website: http//www.eileenwilks.com. We just redid it, and I'm tickled with the results.
Thanks so much for stopping by and answering my questions Eileen =)
Now to the giveaway!
Eileen has been kind enough to offer a signed copy of Blood Magic, Books 6 in the World of Lupi series!
The Giveaway is International and will run until Feb. 11th!
To enter:
All you gave to do is leave a comment on this post!
- Please leave a way to contact you, if you don't I will not enter you in the contest.
- If you do not feel comfortable leaving an email address, you can email your info to larissa@larissaslife.com after leaving your comment here =)
For extra entries:
+5 if you are a Blog Follower (Google friend connect)
+5 if you are a Blog Follower (Networked Blogs)
+3 if you are a Twitter Follower (@larissa_sarah)
+3 if you are a Facebook Fan of Welcome to Larissa's Life
Good Luck!
Thanks for tuning in and I'll see you soon!
xoxo,
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