REVIEW: "Kiss Me, Kill Me, a Paranormal Anthology."

 Why this book?: One of the authors (Lori Brighton) gave me this book in exchange for a review. Buy it! It's only 99 cents AND all proceeds go to charity! Go HERE for more formats.

Disclaimer: Book was given to me in exchange for a review.

Type: Anthology, Charity, Paranormal, Series (sorta, some stories are continuation of series), Weres, Vamps, Magic, and more

About the book: Voyage into the realm of the paranormal with this nine author short story anthology. Sink your teeth into stories from: H.P. Mallory, Zoe Winters,Susan Bischoff, Lori Brighton, M.T. Murphy, Kait Nolan, Toni LoTempio, Daniel Arenson and Stacey Wallace Benefiel. All proceeds will be donated to GreaterGood.Org charity.
My Review: It's kind of tough to review anthologies - especially ones with so many authors, and therefore a lot of stories. I enjoyed the book, and it was the perfect choice for light reading in between busy moments of my life (which is every moment, currently). I'm not a huge anthology and short story fan, but "Kiss Me, Kill Me" provided some great entertainment, as well as helped me find new authors and series to pursue. A couple of the stories that really stuck out were "Wild Passion" by Lori Brighton - I do so love thieves and conmen, "The Sacrifice" by Toni LoTempio - the story was only so-so for me until the ending (especially the epilogue) and it just felt so delicious and right, and "Until the Breaking of the Day" by Daniel Arenson - this story absolutely blew me away, a beautiful, dark classic fantasy story.

Some of these stories are actually continuation of series, or a short spin-off of presently running series, and I found them to be a great starting point - I looked up several of the authors in this anthology to find the rest of their books after I finished reading their short story. I definitely want to look up "The Talent Chronicles" by Susan Bischoff after reading that story, as well as more Mirus stories by Kait Nolan. That said, I also liked that some stories stood alone - makes it a little less overwhelming since you don't feel left out by not knowing all the backstory. So all-in-all, this was a great anthology - very entertaining, and perfect for curling up on the deck in the (suddenly) warm weather and reading. Be sure to check it out!

Cover Loving: Good choice for the cover. Since there are some stories that would appeal to readers of either gender, I think it could have been less pink, but it generally fits the book.

Recommendation: Fans of paranormal will love it, as well as fans of the authors featured. If you're looking for some new authors to try, get "Kiss Me, Kill Me," it's an excellent way to try out authors, and help a charity at the same time!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Fun, good read.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda ~!~

HP Mallory's books now 99 CENTS!!!!

Hey guys! For the next three days, author HP Mallory has ALL of her books marked down to .99 cents! If you've been looking into getting them, but were holding off, NOW IS THE TIME! I'm a big fan of her Jolie Wilkins series, and I recently finished "Kiss Me, Kill Me," an anthology she was featured in.














Hurry! This is only available for a few more days!












Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Bubble Bubble... REVIEW of "Toil and Trouble" by HP Mallory!

 Why this book: Loved the first one. Got book two in exchange for a review.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Type: Series, Vampires, Witches, Weres, And More!, Epic Battle, Book Two, I don't think I can wait until the next book, Sexy Accents, Paranormal Romance

About the book: Jolie Wilkins is preparing for war. Or she would be if she could move, and if her boss-slash-boyfriend Rand would let her. While she rests to regain her strength, Rand and his army train for the upcoming battle. But after being attacked in her own room, and then saved thanks to the vampire Sinjin, Jolie is perfectly healed and begins to plan her own way to join in on the fight. Filled with plenty of action and even more drama, Toil and Trouble is the tale of a woman who just wants to get her own fight on, no matter what the boys say.

My Review: Toil and Trouble is the second book in the Jolie Wilkins series, follwing Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, and certainly doesn't let up on the action. Most of the book takes place on the training ground, where Rand's forces practice their technique in the hopes that they might actually be able to defeat their enemy, Bella. I am always a fan of big training and battle scenes, because you can feel the desperation and hope of the characters. This book is certainly chock full of emotional rides, from the frustration of Jolie in being told she is not allowed to participate, as well as her anger for Rand for holding himself back from her, to the fear the characters and audience feel when the opposing side lists their demands should they win the war. Jolie is frightened of being made into someone's pet to use as they will, and I felt that right along with her.

My biggest upset with the book was with the battle itself. After all the build up, the talk of how much training everyone went through, including Jolie - even if it was in secret, the end of the battle was so shockingly abrupt. It wasn't a terrible ending, mind you, just a little startling. That said, it was still a very good resolution to the conflict, and after finishing the book, I eagerly anticipate the release of the third.

And I won't go into details so as to prevent spoilers, but readers finally get to see details about who Rand bonded with in the past that nearly killed him - and it's pretty dang heart breaking! Now I definitely need book three to see how Rand and Jolie deal with this new bit of information!

Cover Lovin: Good cover. Definitely goes well with the cover of Book 1: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, a Paranormal Romance (Jolie Wilkins Series, Book #1)

Recommendation: Fans of paranormal romance should definitely check out author HP Mallory, if you haven't already! I love her Jolie Wilkins series - Rand is more than yummy!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Definitely liked it. Can't wait for more.

Have you read "Toil and Trouble" by HP Mallory? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to read it? Get your copy at Amazon.com via the link to the left!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Contest over at HP Mallory's blog!

Happy Friday everyone! If you're here, you might as well go enter my contest for a prize pack - two books ("The Sky: The World" by Jessica McHugh, and "No Rest for the Wicca" by Toni LoTempio), and an Amazon.com giftcard! Head on over here to enter!

And now onto HP Mallory's contest. A couple months ago, HP held an awesome contest to become a character in her next Jolie Wilkin's book - well she's back at it, this time the lucky winner gets to be in her next Dulcie book!

The perks if you win:
~A written part in the next Dulcie book (integral to the plot, good character, kick-butt (not wimpy!))

~The ability to read the next Dulcie book before it's released to the public
~Added to the Acknowledgments page of the next Dulcie book
~Interviewed on my blog
~A signed (with dedication) paperback copy of the next Dulcie book
~A signed paperback copy of To Kill A Warlock

There are plenty of bonus entry possibilities (you can earn a grand total of 13 entries!), so make sure you run over and check it out! Rules are listed at the bottom of the contest post, be sure to read them before entering! I'll be adding up my entries and commenting as soon as I get home from work. ;)
Here's the link, good luck and Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, aka Morning Glow ~!~

CONTEST reminder!!!

Remember everyone, my contest for a $40 giftcard to CSN ends TONIGHT (Saturday 12/11) at 11:59pm. No late entries accepted, and the winner will be announced Monday morning! Go HERE to enter, and make sure to read the rules.

Also! My contest for a book by the awesome author HP Mallory ends TOMORROW (Sunday 12/12) night at 11:59pm. Go enter! Winner has their choice between "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble," book one in her Jolie Wilkins series, or "Toil and Trouble" book two in the series, just released! Winner will be announced Monday. Go HERE to enter!

Thanks so much, and good luck on the contests!
Have a great weekend!
~!~ Amanda, aka Morning Glow ~!~

Interview with author HP Mallory - And Giveaway!

Good morning everyone! Today I have a special treat - an interview with author HP Mallory! And because she's such an awesome person, she has included a giveaway of one of her books as well, so look for the rules and details after the interview. So without further ado, please help me in welcoming HP Mallory!
Tell us a little about yourself: I'm 33 and I live in California. I'm married with a 19 month old that keeps me on my toes! I wake up every morning at 5am to get my writing time in!

Favorite part about being a writer?: My readers. There is nothing like getting emails from people who just love my books. It's a wonderful feeling.

Do you have any quirks or things you MUST do while writing (example: play music, sit in a certain place, etc)?: No, not really. I write at my desk in my office from 5 - 6:30am every day. It's really the only time I have to myself. Sometimes I will listen to music if I want to be in a certain mood for a scene.

Do you get writer's block or have trouble starting? How do you deal with that?: No, not really. I'm a big planner. I outline everything and I plan everything out in my head prior to writing it so I always know what to write and what will happen.

Out of everything you've ever read - what's your favorite book? Or maybe a favorite author?: Well, I was an English major so that's a tough question. One of my favorite authors is Jane Austen. And favorite book? I don't know if I can answer that, LOL. I recently read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" and that book was amazing. So I'll say that is a current favorite.

Which book was your favorite to write? Were any of them particularly difficult?: Um, my favorite to write so far was Toil and Trouble. A big part of that is due to the fact that I had two people, Mercedes and Christine, who were actually real and I was writing them into characters in my book (they had won contest to become characters in my book). That was so much fun! And the Jolie series is definitely more difficult to write than the Dulcie books because there seems to be more I have to remember, LOL.

You chose to independantly publish your books, has it been a good experience?: It has been an amazing adventure so far. I've absolutely exceeded my own hopes and goals and then some. It was the best decision I've made and I thank my lucky stars every day!

How do you feel about self promotion? Just part of the job, or something you enjoy?: I do enjoy it and really now I don't do much marketing at all. When I started, I spent a lot of time on the forums for Kindle. Then I started emailing book bloggers and reviewers and asked if they'd like to read my books and little by little, my books started taking off. I enjoyed every second of it.

Do you plan to continue your Jolie Wilkins series? How about spin-off books for certain characters?: Yes, there will be 1-2 more books in the Jolie series. And I think everyone wants me to write a Sinjin spin-off, LOL.

If you had to pick between Rand and Sinjin, which one?: Ooooh, this is a tough one. I love Rand. I love his sense of honor, and his stubborness and how good he is. But I do have to admit that I love Sinjin - for exactly the opposite reasons. I adore his sense of humor and his sexiness. Can I say both? Lol.

Do you like to hear from readers? If so, how can they contact you?: I love love love hearing from readers. It's one of the highlights of my day. People can reach me at hpmalloryauthor@yahoo.com

And finally, tell us about your newest release!: My newest release is the next book in the Jolie Wilkins series, Toil and Trouble. It picks up where Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble left off and really gets into the characters of Rand and Sinjin. I have to admit, it's my favorite so far!
~~~~~~~~
Again- thank you for dropping by HP! It was fun learning more about you, and I know I can't wait to read "Toil and Trouble" and see what Jolie gets up to next.
Visit HP's website at http://www.hpmallory.com/
Read her blog: http://www.urbanfantasyauthor.blogspot.com/
And contact her: hpmalloryauthor@yahoo.com

And now for the GIVEAWAY! HP has offered up one copy of either "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" OR "Toil and Trouble." That way, if you haven't read the first book, you can catch up on the series!
RULES:
~ Leave a comment to enter stating which book you'd choose, "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" OR "Toil and Trouble."
~ Please leave your email in the comments so I can notify you if you win. No email, no entry!
~ Contest closes at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday 12/12/10. Winner will be announced Monday 12/13
~ No late entries will be accepted.
~ Good luck!

~!~ Amanda, aka Morning Glow ~!~

Whatcha Got Wednesday?

Aha! Another installment of Whatcha Got Wednesday. This week wasn't a big one, but I'm very excited about everything I got, and can't wait to read them... as soon as I work through my pile of other review books/library books. =)

First up is "Hungry For You" by Lynsay Sands. I'm a big fan of this author, in fact, I think I've loved everything I'd read by her. Her historicals are witty and romantic, and her Immortal series is equally so, with a little action and suspense thrown in. I already added it to my Lynsay Sands bookshelf (which is full, eek!) and I'm eyeing it with NEED. You could say I'm quite "hungry" to read this one. Hahaha, what a terrible pun...

Next up!! "Toil and Trouble" by HP Mallory. I was lucky enough to read and review the first book in her Jolie Wilkins series "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" and I can't wait to read this one too! I'm willing to risk keeping some library books overdue if it means I get to read "Toil and Trouble" sooner. Want to get a copy of your own? Here's a link to HP's Smashwords page, where you can purchase all of her books.

Stay tuned, another contest coming your way in the next day or so. ;)
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, aka Morning Glow ~!~

Awesome contest held at HP Mallory's blog (Become a character!)

So, the wonderful author HP Mallory emailed me yesterday asking if I would like to promote her new contest - a chance to be a featured character in her upcoming release "Toil and Trouble." Well HECK YEAH! I think this is an awesome idea, and you better bet I will be entering this as well! Want to know the details? Here we go..

Already, we know the character is:
~ Integral to the storyline
~ Mentioned in book one, "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble"
~ AND will play a part in ALL the future books in the Jolie Wilkins series!

Want to know what all the winner will receive?
- A written part in "Toil and Trouble" and all the rest of the future Jolie Wilkins series
- The ability to read "Toil and Trouble" before it's released to the public
- Added to the acknowledgements page of "Toil and Trouble"
- Intreviewed on the author's blog
- A signed (with dedication) paperback copy of "Toil and Trouble"
- A signed paperback copy of "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" and "To Kill a Warlock" - the other two books by HP Mallory!

GO ENTER NOW! There are some ways to get bonus entries, so make sure you check them out. So go HERE to enter. Contest open until October 30!

Want to read the first book in the series so you know what your possible future character is getting up to? Buy the first book, "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" at the author's Smashwords page here.

Have a great weekend!
~!~ MG

Contest winner!!

YAY! It's time to announce the winner of the contest for an ebook by HP Mallory (winner's choice, even!)

So I consulted the powers that be... (a.k.a. Random.org)... and the winner is...

******* SWEET VERNAL ZEPHYR *********

Congratulations! *^_^*

I'll be sending your email addy to HP Mallory. I hope you enjoy your book, whichever you would choice.

And for everyone else, be sure to check out "To Kill a Warlock" and "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" by HP Mallory! You can find the links at the author's Smashwords page HERE!!  Have a great weekend!

Giveaway! Win a book by HP Mallory!

************************ CONTEST CLOSED ******************************

Hello all! How about we start the week with a nice giveaway!! The wonderful author H.P. Mallory has offered up an ecopy of one of her books to one lucky reader.

First off, we have "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble." You can find my review of this book here.

A little about the book:
A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes an appetite for witches. The Underworld in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.

And here we have "To Kill  A Warlock."

A bit about the book: 
The murder of a dark arts warlock. A shape-shifting, ravenous creature on the loose. A devilishly handsome stranger sent to investigate. Sometimes working law enforcement for the Netherworld is a real bitch.





Links:
To purchase "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" go here.   
To purchase "To Kill a Warlock" follow this link.
To go to the author's website: Urban Fantasy Novels
And finally, the author's blog: HP Mallory

Now for the rules:
- Leave a comment to enter, please include your email address so I can notify you if you won.
- Contest is open until 11:59 PM Friday, September 17th.
- Winner will be announced here on Saturday Morning.
- Winner will be selected by random number.
- You do not have to be a follower to enter, but it's always a nice gesture.

Extra entries!
- Want to get an extra chance at the prize? Become a follower of H.P. Mallory's blog. Make sure to add a +1 to your comment.

Review of "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" by H.P. Mallory

The author contacted me to review one of her books, and after reading this - I was grateful for the opportunity! You can purchase your own copy here!!

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have received no monetary incentive for a good review.

Type: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts!, Faeries, Sexy men with weird names, Mmm.. Accents, Can I have the guys she doesn't want?, Series

Book Description (From the site): "  A self-deprecating witch with a unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes and appetite for witches. The Underworld is in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.   "

When browsing both of this author's pieces, I was instantly drawn to "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble." This book follows the tale of Jolie, who isn't supermodel gorgeous, just a normal girl who occasionally gets visions. And then on a job for a client, she discovers she's able to bring back the dead - not as zombies, but as their former selves. It's quite the talent to have, and in today's war-fearing Underworld, it's much in demand. I love stories where our hero or heroine is tossed into a situation that is totally new and frightening for them, and they have to fight their way through it. This new world is something Jolie just can't hide away from, but she learns to deal with it. Of course, she has a little help from her friends...

Speaking of friends, we'll start with one of the secondary characters, Christa. She was definitely good for some laughs, but she had some genuine good-friend moments, which was good to see. When in a situation as tough as the one Jolie was in, a good friend like Christa will come in handy. And then there's Rand. So stubborn, so delicious, argh! Rand was so frustrating and reliable at the same time. There were scenes I wanted to strangle him, others I wanted snuggle him... and then there were a few times I wanted to do both at once.

One thing that really struck me about H.P. Mallory was how human her characters seemed. Well.. maybe that's not the correct term. She described the flaws and traits of each main and secondary character so well, you felt like you knew them. The author added little motions a character might make when aggravated, or sounds they might make when annoyed and amused. Just little things that could just as well be easily over-looked, and in the grand scheme of things might not even be important, but I loved getting that little glimpse of each character's life.

There are plenty of twists and turns in "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble." Jolie has a lot to deal with, and a lot to learn. I was so engrossed in the main characters journey that I read the entire book in one day - I just couldn't put it down. Good thing this book is a series, Jolie's trials are far from over, and there's an even rougher road ahead.

I'm going to give "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" by H.P. Mallory a FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). It was a great read, and it left me wanting.. or rather NEEDING more. I can't wait to see how this great war that has been building throughout this first novel turns out, as well as how Jolie deals with all the different players in her life. Make sure you all check out this book, as well as her other release (as of right now) "To Kill A Warlock."  Find "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" here.

Have a wonderful day!
~!~ Morning Glow