My Most Anticipated May 1 Book Releases

For those of you who do not know, book release day is Tuesday.  I count down to Tuesday the way children count down to Saturday. This Tuesday there are 3 much anticipated books to be released:

Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 12)

by Charlaine Harris 

 

 It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…

Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.

There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampires, Book 12)

by Rachel Caine

 

The hotly-anticipated twelfth instalment in the Morganville Vampires series

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.

Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

 

Sparks Fly (Light Dragons, Book 3)

by Katie MacAlister 

 

The First Dragon has Ysolde de Bouchier in his sights demanding that she right past wrongs. So, with the help of some familiar friends, Ysolde sets into motion an elaborate plan that will have repercussions throughout the mortal and immortal worlds. But when a member of her family is held hostage, no one is safe from the fire of her rage...

 

Review: Somebody To Love

Somebody To Love by Kristan Higgins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Parker had it all. A wonderful son, the two best friends anyone could ever ask for, a soaring writing career, and a grand mansion with every amenity available. Her whole world as she knows it soon ends, but she still has what is most important. Her son. Now she just has to pick up the pieces and glue them back together. The least expected person is there to help her do just that. Maybe she didn't have it all after all, because he seems to be filling a void in her life she didn't even know was there, but is she ready to let the void be filled?

Kristan Higgins brings her magic to yet another book. I waited anxiously for SOMEBODY TO LOVE's release as I do all of Kristan Higgin's books. It was a pleasure to see the tie-in to CATCH OF THE DAY and THE NEXT BEST THING. I enjoyed looking to see how former main characters were doing. When Parker met her first Gideon's Cove resident, I just KNEW it was Malone. Who else in Gideon's Cove is that tall, dark and silent? I gave a little squee when it was confirmed. From the very beginning I was hooked. It was as if I was experiencing Parker and James woes, glee, heartache and happiness myself. SOMEBODY TO LOVE drew out a few laughs and many tears. I look forward to Ms. Higgins next release and I recommend any of her books to anyone looking for a witty and heartfelt contemporary romance.



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LAST DAY to get Dirty Blood for Free!

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up.

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And two, I was born to kill them.

You can find it free on Amazon here.

Valerie Dearborn Book 3 Announcement

Caroline Hanson is an American Independent Author who has self-published two full length novels and one short story.  I first discovered Caroline Hanson's 'Love is Darkness' by accident.  It was recommended by Amazon while I was trolling amazon and goodreads, looking for something different.  The description sounded interesting and the price was ONLY $0.99!!!  It is still $0.99and can be found easily on Amazon here.  I have been anxiously awaiting news of the third installment and saw today where Caroline Hanson has announced the title, cover and release date for her third Valerie Dearborn novel.  The cover is gorgeous and has a similar feel to the first two books.  Love is Mortal is planned to be released in December 2012. More information regarding Caroline Hanson and her books can be found at Goodreads, Amazon and on her blog.

My Most Anticipated April 24th Book Releases

Summoning the Night (Arcadia Bell #2)

by Jenn Bennett

 

MAGICAL TRICKS. DEMONIC TREATS.

After narrowly escaping her fate as a sacrificial scapegoat, Arcadia Bell is back to normal. Or at least as ordinary as life can be for a renegade magician and owner of a tiki bar that caters to Earthbound demons. She’s gearing up for the busiest day of the year—Halloween—when a vengeful kidnapper paralyzes the community.

The influential head of the local Hellfire Club taps Cady to track down the fiendish bogeyman, and now that she’s dating red-hot Lon Butler, the Club’s wayward son, she can hardly say no. Cady and Lon untangle a gruesome thirty-year trail of clues that points to danger for the club members’ children. But locating the person behind the terror will require some metaphysical help from Cady’s loyal bar patrons as well as her potent new Moonchild powers—and she’d better figure it out before the final victim disappears and her own darkest secret becomes her biggest enemy.

 

The Prophet (Graveyard Queen #3)

by Amanda Stevens 

 

My name is Amelia Gray.

I am the Graveyard Queen, a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. My father passed down four rules to keep me safe and I've broken every last one. A door has opened and evil wants me back.

In order to protect myself, I've vowed to return to those rules. But the ghost of a murdered cop needs my help to find his killer. The clues lead me to the dark side of Charleston—where witchcraft, root doctors and black magic still flourish—and back to John Devlin, a haunted police detective I should only love from afar.Now I'm faced with a terrible choice: follow the rules or follow my heart.

 

Kiss of Pride (Deadly Angels #1)

by Sandra Hill 

 

SOME MEN ARE TOO BAD TO BE TRUE...

Is he really a Viking with a vampire’s bit? An angel with the body of a thunder god? A lone wolf with love on his mind? Alexandra Kelly, his prey, thinks Vikar Sigurdsson is either flat-out crazy or he’s trying to maneuver her into his bed--which is hardly where a professional reporter should conduct an interview, tempting as that prospect might be.

SOME MEN ARE TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE...

Until Vikar does something a teensy bit unexpected, and Alex begins to wonder whether her mystery man could really be everything he says he is: a Viking Vampire Angel on a thousand-year-long mission with his pack of sinful brothers—and a man who’s finally found the woman of his dreams. By then, Vikar is already wrapping his chiseled arms around Alex’s body...and sinking his wicked fangs right into her neck. If this is sin, why does it feel so good?

 

Somebody To Love

by Kristan Higgins 

 

After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon's Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father's wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she's not thrilled -- …even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist's assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn't the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn't the only thing that needs a little TLC….

 

Deadly Descendant (NIkki Glass #2)

by Jenna Black 

 

As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down. But when an Oracle shows up, warning the descendants about wild dog attacks in Washington D.C., Nikki is afraid it might be a trap. The Olympians believe the “dogs” are jackals, controlled by a blood-crazed descendant of the Egyptian death-god Anubis. Whatever. . . . If Nikki hopes to muzzle Dogboy, she’s got to catch him in the act. But when she stakes out a local cemetery, she ends up face-to-snout with a snarling pack of shadow-jackals whose bite is worse than their bark. These hellhounds are deadly—even for an immortal like Nikki. “Dog” spelled backwards may be “god,” but that won’t stop Nikki from teaching these old gods some new tricks. Like playing dead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG Overdue, The GIANT Book Fair Synopsis

It all started early Saturday morning with a phone call from my sister, Lizzy, at 4:45 a.m. (EDT).  I awoke --- I use that term loosely --- mumbling to Lizzy that I wanted my 15 minutes.  After about 20 minutes, I arose to shower and hurriedly got ready to embark on our adventure.  The planned pick-up time was 6:00 a.m. I received a call from a very anxious Lizzy at 5:52 a.m. telling me we were late and to get my bum out of the house. Right. Now.  I ran out the door fully clothed --- except for shoes and socks --- with my purse dangling from my arm.  I dashed to my van, the door was locked. I bolted back into the house to click the clicky, then darted back out to retrieve my phone charger from the van --- still no shoes on.  After running around my mother's van to find where I would be seated, I discovered I would be driving --- still no shoes on.  Sitting in the driver's seat, the door wide open, a hoodie over my hair to protect it from the rain, I put on my shoes.  The van was filled, our tummies were empty.  Off to the golden arches we went.

Thirty minutes down the road, the excited chatter had ended.  My mother, Penny, Lizzy and another sister, Jenny, were all asleep.  Drooling on various surfaces.  Many restroom breaks later and a 4 hour drive, we had arrived --- AWE.

After purchasing our tickets to enter, we waited.... Two. Hours. In line with hundreds of others.  My mom was unaware of the time we would have to spend standing in line. (What did she think we were going to do for two hours?) My sister, Monica, met up with us while we were waiting in line.  At some point on the trip, my mom asked, "Will James Patterson be there?" *** O_o ***  In which I replied, "RT, Romantic Times. No James Patterson, but Anne Rice will be there."  She replied with, "Who is that?" ***Shaking my head***

Again more chatter, this time with fellow enthusiast.  While waiting in line, a map was handed out.  Lizzy, Monica and I plotted our journey through what would surely be a PACKED room.  When the doors opened, all thoughts of a map were over.  We met many authors that day, my most memorable being Ilona and Gordon Andrews---SQUEE! I behaved exactly as expected. I babbled like an idiot.  Meeting Sierra Dean was another favorite.  She was very personable and down to earth.  She gave me her business card and offered to guest post on The Reader's Edge.  Besides the enjoyment I get out of reading her books --- they make me think long after they are read and reviewed --- her actions placed her on my auto-buy list.  For life.  Oh, and Chloe Neill.  SHE LIKED MY SHIRT!  There were many others.  Quite a few were awkward due to my full-on fan girl mode.  If I ever have the opportunity to meet a favorite author again, I vow never to prattle on like I'm the only person conversing.  I had a list of 41 authors, and I was able to meet over half of them.  I most regret not meeting Richelle Mead and Jeaniene Frost.  Oh, another special meet was an author named Franny Billingsley.  I have no clue what she writes or if I'll like it, but I am determined to read something of hers just because she is Franny with a Y. 

Three hours later with sore, dry throats and tired feet, we left to return to Indiana, Monica following for a time.  After feeding our bellies again at the reliable Cracker Barrel in Hammond, Indiana, we doggedly made our departure from Monica to stay over at the Econolodge in good ol' Merrillville, Indiana.  There were many laughs had, mostly at each others expense.  Many that are not appropriate for mention on this blog --- and my mom might issue a hit out for my demise.  The ride home the next morning was fairly uneventful and quiet.  More drooling ensued.  The best part of it all was to be able to spend this great adventure with my mom and ALL my sisters.  I wouldn't have had it any other way.

The First Chapter of Biting Cold: Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill

It's what we all have been waiting for, the first chapter of Biting Cold is here! BITING COLD is the 6th book in the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill.  The series is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series. Biting Cold is due to be released August 7th, 2012.  You can read the first chapter on Chloe Neill's website here.  Enjoy and spread the news!

Franny's Pre-Birthday Giveaway!

The Reader's Edge 3 month-a-versary coincides with Franny's real life Birthday, May 4th.   In celebration of both events, I am hosting a Giveaway. The lucky winner will receive a $25 USD Amazon Gift Card!  The enter to win the $25 USD Amazon Gift Card, simply complete the following:

 1.)  Follow this blog by entering your email address in the box above, in the right hand corner.  After enter your email, you must verify the email address, then enter the address in the space provided by Rafflecopter.

2.)  Comment on this post. What do you like to read? Do you have a favorite book, author or series?

3.)  Follow me on twitter

4.) Post about this giveaway on twitter

Please submit all entries utilizing Rafflecopter after you have completed the requirement.

The opportunity to enter the giveaway ends 5/3/12 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

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Review: Deep Dark Secret

Deep Dark Secret by Sierra Dean

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars



DEEP DARK SECRET is the 3rd full novel in the Secret McQueen series written by Sierra Dean.

Secret McQueen, Werewolf/Vampire hybrid extraordinaire, is a Tribunal Leader and mate to the werewolf king. Formerly a bounty hunter, Secret finds herself missing the quick pace of rogue hunting. The past eight months, she has found herself in more of an administrative role. While learning to balance her love for Desmond and her sense of duty to the soul bond forged with Lucas, Secret has been asked to assist the Ocelot Queen in finding her missing niece, Lucy. It can never be that easy. Not really getting anywhere with the disappearance of Lucy, Secret has discovered a pattern of dead Columbia Coeds. Secret's ex-boyfriend appears to be at the center of the disappearances and has asked Secret to help prove his innocence.

I read DEEP DARK SECRET quickly and enjoyed the book as a whole. The action kept me engaged. I gravitate to Urban Fantasy and love the action, adventure and mystery involved in most Urban Fantasies. I will continue to read the series and I look forward to seeing how the relationships develop. This is my favorite thus far of the series.

Secret's interactions with the Jaguar King appear to be ill placed and do not seem to add anything to the story as a whole. There are some mutterings about Secret's katana having been tainted that just don't really seem to be going anywhere. I like the relationship between Secret and Desmond, but find her relationship with Lucas to continue to be shallow and contrived. I would feel better if the real love triangle involved Holden. At least she has a history with him to warrant the ambivalence. I'm still a little in fear of the "Anita Blake" syndrome, but I'm holding out hope for a good overall resolution.

I had the pleasure of meeting Sierra Dean this past weekend while at the Giant Book Fair in Chicago. She gave me the choice of buttons. At the time I wasn't sure which "Team" I was on; so, I chose an "I love Secret McQueen" button. I will say that after DEEP DARK SECRET, I am definitely Team Desmond.



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GIANT Book Fair

Lizzy and I have our journals ready, our Sharpies... sharp, our trip mapped and our favorite authors highlighted and rated according to how badly we want to meet them.  We've narrowed our list down to 41 authors. We know 41 is A LOT to see in 3 hours; hence, the rating system based on preference.  There are a few that are high on the preference rating scale that we know we probably won't be able to see due to popularity i.e. Charlaine Harris.  We are prepared to pass her by if it will be too chaotic to meet her. As you can see from the photo above, it can be... tight.  SQUEE!!!! I cannot wait!

Review: By a Thread

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



QUICKIE REVIEW: BY A THREAD is the 6th book in the Elemental Assassin series written by Jennifer Estep. The Elemental Assassin series is in the Urban Fantasy genre (my favorite genre right now.) I look forward to each installment of this series and look forward to reading about the secondary characters. I've cringed, cried and triumphed with Gin Blanco and this book did not let me down.

***SPOILER ALERT*** I was worried about how this series would go on after the defeat of Mab Monroe. I worried for nothing. This is my favorite book so far of the series.





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UPDATE: RT Convention Book Fair April 14th a.k.a "Get Franny to the RT Convention"

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! GIANT BOOK FAIR HERE WE COME!!!

My sister and I have always said if any writer's convention occurs close enough to home that we would go. The Romantic Times Convention is from 4/11/12 to 4/15/12 this week in Rosemont, Illinois. I've mapped it out and it is a 4 hour drive from my house. This is a dream come true!
We are now weighing the cost of gas against our bucket list. Four dollars a gallon gives serious pause as to whether it is financially feasible. The upside? Access to hundreds of authors at The Giant Book Fair from 11a to 2p on April 14th for a mere $5 a ticket. Oh, the agony of temptation. What to do? I've posted my plea on Facebook for others to join in the road trip to defray the cost.
Wish me luck, cross your fingers, toes, eyes, whatever you need to do to "get Franny to the RT Convention!" Oh, and Lizzy too ;-)


See the list of authors that will be present for the signing here.

April's 100 Kindle Books for $3.99 or Less

Each month Amazon unveils a new collection of 100 Kindle books for $3.99 or less. Deals expire on the last day of each month. They also offer the Kindle Daily Deal, a new Kindle book deal every day. Individual books may have additional territory restrictions, and not all deals are available in all territories. Amazon may modify the selection of books offered at any time.

Click April's 100 Kindle Books for $3.99 or Less to see those deals now. Happy Reading!

Review: Broken: A Paranormal Romance

Broken: A Paranormal Romance by David H. Burton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Katherine has been seeing little green men most of her life. Her only reprieve has come with medication to prevent the hallucinations. Shortly before her 24th birthday, Katherine finds out they may not have been hallucinations after all.

Overall, I found Broken to be quite enjoyable and a quick, light read. There were a few times, certain aspects of a scene seemed a little disjointed, but it wasn't enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the read. The premise was unique and not one I had read before; thus, I found the story refreshing.

Thanks to David H. Burton and Read-to-Review (a subgroup of Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Fanatics hosted by goodreads) for the opportunity to read Broken for free in exchange for an honest review.



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