Mailbox Monday

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend!

We had lots of rain, but thankfully the clouds disappeared taking the rain with it for most of Saturday, allowing for a dry day on the football field.

My 6 yr old son started his first year of football. We kicked off the season with a Jamboree, where the Warriors played two half games against two different teams. Sadly, we lost our first game, but we chopped it up to experience and learned from our mistakes. This was not only the boys first game ever, but most of our coaches have never coached a game either. We came back and showed our Warrior pride and won the second game 18-6. I am proud of our little guys on the team, but I have to give my son props... He didn't let anyone past him, he played Offensive tackle, and when his guy fell down he ran along side the kid with the ball making sure he didn't get tackled. I am really looking forward to our first official game this weekend!!

Now it's Monday and the rain is back and we had to get up early...yuck! There are errands to run and dentist appointments to keep. The highlight of my morning was doing some blog hopping and finding out that I won Highland Rebel by Judith James on Anna's blog. Thanks so much to both Anna and Judith James. I will be anxiously awaiting finding this one in my mailbox!

Here are the books I found this week in my mailbox:

I won Possession on Lea's blog during her Devyn Quinn week.

I won Where the Wind Blows on Emily Bryan's blog when Caroline Fyffe was guest hosting.


Thanks again Lea, Devyn Quinn, Emily Bryan and Caroline Fyffe!!









Last week I purchased a few books for my Kindle as well. There is just something about that instant gratification!!!




I broke down and bought the Lords of the Underworld bundle (couldn't beat the price--4 books for 9.99) containing: The Darkest Fire, The Darkest Night, The Darkest Kiss and The Darkest Pleasure.







I have been eying this cover for months now!! For some reason every time I look at it I think about The Last of the Mohicans.












Another one where I couldn't beat the price... Plus this cover is beautiful!







I had to buy an Eve Silver book after Barbara raved about this author.

A Wanted Man by Linda Lael Miller

A WANTED MAN
HQN Books
May 2008 Paperback


The past has a way of catching up with folks in Stone Creek, Arizona. So schoolmarm Lark Morgan and Marshal Rowdy Rhodes are determined to hide their secrets-and deny their instant attraction. That shouldn't be too hard, since each suspects the other of living a lie. Her too-fancy clothes and big-city ways inspire gossip all over town; his blond good looks and impudent grin belong to a man sporting a gunfighter's coat.

But Rowdy and Lark have one truth in common: the very real dangers they face. Like the gang of robbers wreaking havoc on the railroad heading toward Stone Creek-the men Ranger Sam O'Ballivan expects Rowdy to nab. And as past and current troubles collide, Rowdy and Lark must surrender their stubborn pride to the greatest power of all-an undying love.

My Thoughts:
I read the first, The Man from Stone Creek, in the Stone Creek series a few years ago, and thought what could be a better way to help celebrate the Great Western Drive (Ramblings on Romance) than to read the second in the series, A Wanted Man. I didn't count on not remembering much more than the hero and heroine. This created a feeling of picking up the series mid stride and experiencing this world for the first time. Linda Lael Miller did not disappoint by any means.

I enjoyed going back to the Old West and reading about train robberies, people with their troubles in a simpler time, and the loyalty of an old dog. A Wanted Man reminded me why I started reading HR in the first place and made me question the why of leaving the Old West for so long. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading any part of the Stone Creek series, I suggest you take time and settle in. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

The Season

I found this website while visiting a group on Shelfari yesterday. I headed over to check it out and guess what I found.... Another great contest!!

For all of you out there that love historical romance you really need to check out The Season!

I entered yesterday for the chance to win Tracy Anne Warren's new release Seduced by His Touch


and Laurie Lee Guhrke's With Seduction in MindI got an email last night telling me that I actually won With Seduction in Mind.

The site is also doing a daily contest with four books up for grabs, only two winners. You are automatically entered into the grand prize, 25 gift card.

The Frasers- Clay by Ana Leigh

The Frasers: Clay book one in The Frasers series by Ana Leigh April 2004 ~ Pocket Star ISBN 0-743-46994-1 When Yankee beauty Rebecca Elliot discovers that single women aren't allowed on the wagon train bound for California, she takes desperate measures. Spying handsome Clay Fraser, she puts her flirty plan into action and wakes, the next morning, with a wedding band on her finger.

Clay Fraser, a former Confederate soldier, is horrified to discover that he somehow got married last night—and worse, to a Yankee. Worst of all, his new wife refuses to share his bed! Sparks fly and attraction burns as the wagon train heads west, but it will take a love as expansive as the Western sky to show Rebecca and Clay how to claim the passionate new life that is their destiny. ***from the author's website*** My predicament: I was in a mood where all I wanted to read was a book set in during the Civil War. I was also in one of those moods where I didn't want to wait for a book to be shipped to me or drive into Kennesaw or Rome for the closest book store. Yes, the bug had hit me...I want it and I want it now!!! So I went to Shelfari.com and asked for help. I wasn't having any luck doing my own searches, all the books I was finding were out of print or not available on Kindle (the fix for gotta have it now). Any how, the lovely ladies there came to my rescue and gave me suggestion after suggestion. By this time I had gone to the garage and found the last remaining box of books that my mother dumped on me, ok so she didn't dump them on me I willingly took them off her hands. I mean half of them were mine and the other half my cousins and we had used her as a storage facility. Ok running of course again!! What I found in the last box... And One Wore Gray by Heather Graham. This is the second book in her trilogy set during the Civil War. I can't remember if I read it or not. I went back to Shelfari and inquired after the two ladies suggesting this series if I really needed to read the series in order. It was unanimous, I had to read in order. But I was bound and determined to read a Civil War romance, so I grabbed the book and put it in my purse. I had to take my son to the doctor after an extremely long night of some really disgusting stuff that I won't really mention and battling a fever of 102. I get to the doctor sign my son in and sit down. I try to start reading while holding this 73lb crying boy in my lap while rubbing his head and rocking. I give up and put the book back in my purse. They call us back... I attempt to read some more while waiting. Well my son was not feeling well at all. He had all the nurses worried about him, and I'm thinking geez, its just the stomach flu. NO I am not unsympathetic to my child, I was really worried, but I had never seen these nurses flock to a sick kid like this before. Which in turn made me worry even more. Doctor comes in.... blah blah blah... Im sending you to Scottish Rite. Anybody familiar with Atlanta--- She is sending my baby by ambulance to the children's hospital. Heart plummets. My husband was worried "Swine Flu", no the doctor thinks Appendicitis. So I got my first ambulance ride along with my son's first ambulance ride last week. My husband, bless his heart, works about 30 mins south of us and we passed him on the road. He slides in behind the ambulance and is standing at the door when they let us out. Long and short of it.. I tried all day (my son was sleeping peacefully finally) to read that darn book without any success. My son is fine... it was indeed the stomach flu. He is back to playing football and knocking little boys around on the field like they are flies. But right now I think that the book is going to be buried in my TBR pile...is there such a thing as a bad luck book? I head back over to Shelfari and look for the other suggestions and found Ana Leigh and she had one available on Kindle. So I am going to get my fix!!! Now on to my thoughts on the book! The book takes place shortly after the end of the Civil War. Rebecca is in desperate need of a husband so she can make the journey West with the last wagon train out of Independence. She is a Yankee through and through, lost her husband at the very beginning of the war when he was shot on the battlefield. In searching the crowd of men, she is disgusted with them. She can either choose a filthy Yankee or a dirty Rebel (who at least takes a bath). She eyes Clay and his brother Garth and finagles dinner with them. Clay and Garth are headed West to find their sister who ran off with a Yankee that had been quartered at the family plantation. They have very little money left to their name, so they decide to sign on with the wagon train. This is playing right into Rebecca's devious little mind. She chose to trick Clay into marrying her. From here we witness the trials of being part of a wagon train, the turbulent air around Rebecca and Clay, and we watch them eventually fall in love. This marriage is suppose to be a business agreement but will they make it to California and be able to sever all ties. Over all it was an enjoyable read that kind of fit the bill. I was really looking for more of abook set during the War and not at the end. I was a little thrown off by some of the scenes, for example When did Clay run across the cabin? I really felt like I should have known there was a cabin there. It was almost like it was an afterthought, Oh its storming I have to have somewhere for the H/H to sit it out and finally come to terms with what is going on between them. There were only a few instances like this, but it didnt take from the story. Rating:3

Eve Silver Giveaway on Happily Forever After

The totally awesome Barbara is holding a superb contest involving not one but four books! Eve Silver has been generous and offered up a copy of His Wicked Sins.


Barbara is so excited about this author and her great books and she feels that the winner is going to catch the Eve Silver bug too... so Barbara has decided to throw in three more books by Eve Silver: Dark Prince, His Dark Kiss, and Seduced by a Stranger. So head on over to Happily Forever After and throw your name in the hat! This is one Give Away you don't want to pass up.

Contest Alert

Here's your chance to win Tempt The Devil by Anna Campbell. Royal Reviews is holding a give away and all you need to do is leave a comment on their post. This one runs until Sept.6, when the winner will be announced! So hurry over and put your name in the hat!

I received the Kreativ Blogger award from Barbara.

The Kreativ rules state that: Once you receive this award you are to list seven of your favorite things and then nominate seven other blogs.

1. Coffee

2. My family

3. Reading

4. Beaches/Oceans

5. A beautiful sunset

6. A full moon

7. Blogging...well blog hopping anyway. lol

My Nominees are:

1. Cheeky Reads

2. Emeraldfire's Bookmark

3. Heather's Books

4. Just Your Average Carpool Queen

5. The Book Queen

6. Caffey's Reads

7. Cindy Reads Romance

***I have been really awful about posting the awards to those of you who have deemed me worthy of getting them. For that I apologize and promise to make a better effort to post them. I appreciate all of the ones that I get!!***

Lea-- This is just for you!!

Alrighty!!! Last week Lea had a post on her blog about her feet. She had apparently promised another blogger that she would post some pictures of her own so called "ugly feet". Now Lea does not have ugly feet, but she thinks she does!!! I commented that I would post pictures of my favorite (and most hated) attribute to my body.



I love my feet! I think they are pretty. Why are they the most hated if I love them, you might ask. Well, in general I hate feet. I think they are the most disgusting visible part of the body. I don't like other feet touching me... Ron if you are reading this, take a hint and quit picking on me with your hammer toes!! No I don't want to touch your feet, sorry Michaela I really don't want to paint your toes. I do give in and paint my daughter's toes but only because she is my daughter. There is an exception to this feeling. I love baby feet. Baby feet last until probably about the age of 4. I think I said six while commenting on Lea's post, but my six year old son just cured me of that!! I had originally planned on including pictures of my kids feet with this, and I will strap my daughter down and get the picture of her feet, but she wants to repaint her toes. I will add those later!

sporting my favorite color... purple

Thumbs UP!!

Now, Who else is brave enough to post some pics of their dogs?!?!

Colters' Woman by Maya Banks

Maya Banks

Publisher: Samhain Pub Ltd
Pub. Date: January 2007
ISBN-13: 9781599983509
272pp
Rating: 4 stars

Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren't looking for women. They're looking for a woman. One woman to share their lives and their beds. They don't want a casual romp in the hay, they want the woman who will complete them and they're losing hope of finding her. That is until Adam finds Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin. He knows shes different the minute he holds her in his arms. But before Adam gets his hopes up, he knows he has to gauge his brothers reactions. Soon its evident that shes the one. There are a few problems, however convincing her she belongs with them and keeping her safe from the man who wants her dead.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, menage a quatre, violence.

My Thoughts:

This was my first Maya Banks read, and I have to say it most likely won't be my last. I really enjoyed reading Colters' Woman. Maya Banks did a superb job in making sure that the reader was able to see the emotion shared by all four participants. Each brother showed different characteristics that are needed in any good relationship... basically you wrap all three men into one and you have the perfect man. I would settle for either of the three amazingly hot men!!

I wasn't as impressed with Holly as I was the brothers. She started off as the defenseless damsel in distress who eventually strengthens as the story progresses. I can only surmise that this is because she is being so thoroughly loved by three hunky men. She is suppose to be a virgin upon meeting the brothers, but she seemed way to knowledgeable and willing to enter a relationship with three men. Holly did redeem herself by the end of the book in my eyes.

Overall this was an enjoyable first read by this author and I look forward to reading more from her. Next time I will have the following items at hand before reading:

• fan
• lots of ice
• a bottle of wine... hell you better break out the Crown!!
• send the kids to my sisters
• husband
  

Mailbox Monday

Over the weekend I received a few books that I have been anxiously awaiting. I have to give myself a pat on the back as well... Saturday my husband and I drove to Rome to drop my son off with my sister for the evening. We decided to eat out and were driving into town, when I saw the B&N. I always forget that Rome has a book store! Anyway, my husband had wanted to stop at a bookstore the other day to find a book on Coaching a football line, so I of course was very helpful and pointed it out. I am trying to be really good right now and not buy any new books (unless its an amazing deal like the three I found at the Dollar Tree last week). I am sticking to my husband like glue, not looking at the bargain table, not looking at displays at the end of each isle. I even asked for help, because I couldn't find the sports section, without redirecting myself down the romance isles. All the while I am telling my husband "Hurry Up!!! I can't trust myself in here." He took too long... I wound up circling around to a display that out of the corner of my eye I saw the Pamela Palmer book, you know the one... It looks like it could be the cover to the movie Last of the Mohicans (at least that is always what comes to mind when I see it). I called my mom, had to ask her which books I bought her for her birthday. I know I will be getting them back the next time I go see her, which will be forever now b/c she moved to W. VA. Then I found my way over to the romance section where I automatically grabbed Stolen Heat. Then I was thinking I need a book with Dream in the title for the upcoming Fall challenge. I found one, Sapphire Dream. So here it is I have two books, yes only two, in my hands. I go back to the sports section to find my husband and he is still looking. I laid my books down on the table directly behind him, he gave me this funny look and I had to ask "What?" then proceeded to tell him he needed to hurry or I was going to find more books. Well we started walking around again, and my conscience started getting to me... I have all those books at home crying to be read, this one will sit on a shelf collecting dust for months before I actually get to it, So I put Stolen Heat back. Then my husband said I don't really need this book, I can find all this stuff online and put his book up. That leaves me standing there with one book and a line at the checkout. Knowing how impatient my husband is I opt to put Sapphire Dreams up too. I would rather walk out empty handed than to have to listen to his ruffled feathers for the next half hour or so.

Then he started in on me about buying books for my Kindle. You see he only sees the books that come home in the mail or in a bag. He never gets to see the books I am buying for the Kindle. If he saw how many I have on there already he would probably freak! I have to say that I got really good deals on most of them ... really cheap to free! I told him I would wait until I got home to get the books that I just put down. They are probably cheaper at Amazon anyway right!!

OK enough of my ramblings... here'are the books I got in the past week:


I received my autographed copy of Highland Obsession over the weekend. I won this back in June on TBQ's blog. We are thinking that the first book got lost in the mail, so Ms. Halliday surprised me with a little something extra!!

An autographed copy of A Hint of Wicked.

I received Edge of Hunger from PBS as well.

I received another book in the mail, but I am not keeping it. I already have a copy of it so I am giving it out to a friend. Then I have the three books that I found at the Dollar Tree while in search of the infamous dividers (for my daughter's school notebooks).

I got Pamela Clare Ride the Fire, Sandra Hill's Truly Madly Viking, and Amanda Ashley's The Captive.

Lord of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra; 1 edition (August 4, 2009)

Delilah Mavelle


Once upon a time, Alexander William Baxendale, the Earl of Hawksford, was known to all of London and its besotted women as the Lord of Pleasure. Those days of frolicking, however, come to an abrupt end when he inherits not only the estate, but all of his father's responsibilities, including five, overzealous sisters and a not-so-proper mother. When Alexander meets the beautiful Lady Chartwell, he once again finds himself yearning for days of old.

Left penniless by her philandering husband, Lady Chartwell survives financial ruin by turning to scandal and becoming the Conductor of Admissions to a school that educates men in the art of seduction. Alexander knows that desperate times call for desperate pleasures, but if he's lucky, it may very well lead him to a hell of a lot more.


I heard about Lord of Pleasures through Sabrina at Cheeky Reads, when she posted a letter from Delilah Marvelle to all of her readers requesting the help to save The School of Galantry. Here is a little snippet from said letter:

Then the reviews started coming in about my series set in 1830 London England about a school that educates men on the topic of love and seduction. People loved it! Wow. It got nominated for awards. Wow. Readers are e-mailing me raving. Wow. Readers from France, Austria, Poland, South Africa and from all over the U.S and the world. Wow. It just kept getting better and better. I was beginning to feel as if every penny I spent was all worth it (even though my family and I weren't going on any vacations and were eating out of cans). Because all that mattered was that my publisher loved me and my readers loved my series.

Come contract time, I'm ready for whatever they wanna throw at me. Or so I thought. Mistress of Pleasure, though completely sold out and unavailable anywhere (unless it's a used copy, some going for a ridiculous amount of $40.00), hadn't done as well as my publisher had hoped. So without waiting for the second book to come out to see if the series was even worth saving, I get a rejection from my own editor citing lack of sales.

I thought it was pretty amazing that with the first book receiving such good reviews and selling out, and I did in fact look for Mistress of Pleasure and you can't find a used copy for less than $20.00 on Amazon, that a publisher would not want to continue publishing this series. I did what most of us would do when our interest is piqued and can't find the book in stores or on the internet, I added it to my wish list on Paperbackswap.com. My wish was granted, I have yet to receive the book, but have been informed that it is on it's way. The lovely lady emailed me to tell me it was sent back to her for lack of postage, but I should receive it next week. Side Note: I really appreciate when someone takes the time to inform you of why you haven't received an expected item. I went back to PBS before I started writing this review and found that Mistress of Pleasure is still on some peoples wish list. This has to amount for something, or so one would think!

When Lord of Pleasure was released on August 4, I went to Amazon and ordered it. Like I said I have yet to read Mistress of Pleasure, but that was not going to hinder me. I wanted to read this book after reading the blurb and Ms. Marvelle's letter to her readers. The School of Galantry intrigued me to say the least.

My Thoughts:

Alexander has recently inherited the obligations of marrying off the eldest of five sisters and continuing to help raise the other four. His family is a little unconventional to say the least, and he himself included in the unconventionality. The family has always played by the rules of the Ton in public, but when it comes to their own home, there are no rules. Alexander is struggling trying to lead by example and establish some sort of order to his household. He wants nothing to impede the chances of great marriages for his five sisters.

Charlotte has lost almost everything. Her husband was murdered by one of his many mistresses leaving Charlotte with out a penny to her name. The only left for her is her family home, which she is in grave danger of losing. She has decided drastic measures are needed. Her salvation comes in the form of Madame de Maitenon and her grand idea of opening a school to teach men how to pleasure their women in every sense of the word.

I enjoyed the verbal battling going on between Charlotte and Alexander and the determination that Alexander has to have Charlotte. Charlotte was stoic in her determination not to allow Alexander into her life, that is until Madame sat her down and gave her a nice little talk. Watching the relationship unfold between these two was delightful.

At the beginning of each chapter, you are graced with a new lesson from The School of Galantry. Each one is craftily created to intertwine with the plot and the goings on between Alexander and Charlotte. Let's face it ladies, not all men are born with the God given gift of knowing how to love a woman, showing his love, or following through with that love. Can we get an actual school to send our men to?

Alexander's sisters, and lets not forget about his mother, are priceless and I truly want to see more come of their escapades in driving Alexander to the brink of insanity.

I hope all of you will join the ranks and help save The School of Galantry!!

Sookie Giveaway!

Book Junkie is giving away books 1-7 from the Sookie Stackhouse series. How many of you haven't read this series? I haven't! It has been on my wish list for months now, but for some reason I always put something ahead of it. Maybe because I know it is suppose to be a really great series containing lots of books I have been just a little intimated by it.

Any way let me get to the goods... Book Junkie will be running this contest until Aug. 21. It is very simple, all you have to do is leave a comment with your email on her post here. Hurry up, NO wait don't hurry, I want this for myself! lol

Go on drop by Bookie Junkie's blog and throw your hat in!

Your Favorite Bad Boy

I don't know how many of you follow the AAR blog. They are running a "Favorite Bad Boy" contest. It contains purely fictional characters from some well loved romance novels. I had to place a vote. I am really surprised by the results thus far, and I am really anticipating finding out what the end result will be. You might want to head on over to the post and place your vote too.

I, of course, voted for Zsadist, I still believe he is my favorite Brother. However, I was sorely tempted to vote for Sebastian from Lisa Kleypas Devil in Winter. My shock and amazement came when I saw the results for these two men. I was the first vote for Zsadist and Sebastian only has one vote as well. I admit I have not read most of the books containing the running Bad Boys, but WOW!!! I know I read Lord of Scoundrels (right Cindy... this is the book you sent me and we both thought it was just an OK read?!?!?), but I cannot remember Dain. And as of 5 minutes ago he was in the lead!!

AAR has also promised to bring on another contest for your favorite Bad Boy, this time for our favorite actors. So here's the question I put you... Did your favorite Bad Boy make the list? If not, who is your favorite fictional Bad Boy? And lastly, Who would you nominate as your favorite Bad Boy from Television and Movies?

Contest

Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion--ARC Review

A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan's laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira's secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart...

When Ms. Killion emailed me and asked me if I would be interested in reading her ARC Highland Dragon. I jumped at the opportunity. This is my first experience reading a book before it has been released. I think I probably would have read any book for the chance to read my first ARC, however Highland Dragon was a perfect book for me. I can only hope that I can do this book and Kimberly Killion justice.

My Thoughts:

Ms. Killion is a "New To Me" author, so I went over and checked out her site and read the blurb on Highland Dragon. Yes I was in Heaven. Highland Dragon is set in Scotland, has a very Hot Laird, and a feisty heroine, three of my favorite items in a book. I could not wait to get home from vacation so that I could transfer the files to my Kindle (no using Hubby's computer for my addictions). Between after vacation stuff, school starting, son's football practices, and just everyday stuff I was ready to pull my hair out. I couldn't wait to really delve into this book.

Akira is one feisty little woman. She has an angelic look about her coupled with the temper any Scots woman would be proud of. She has known since childhood that she is promised to her benefactor, she just doesn't know who her benefactor is. This causes her some embarrassment, which I found quite endearing, after she finally meets Calin.

Calin has sworn an oath to himself and his deceased father to seek revenge on the very man who murdered his father and to unite the clans. He has lived a determined life with that one goal in mind. Why he has taken so long to retrieve Akira is cause for some hard feelings and questions of loyalty to the allegiance.

Calin and Akira let the sparks fly. There is a tension between the two from the very beginning. I love how sweet and gentle Calin is with Akira; and how demanding (undemanding) Akira is of Calin. I found myself laughing out loud with one particular demand and the reaction received by all of the men. Akira definitely is a heroine I won't soon forget. The passion she displays towards everything is something to be admired.

Young Andrew really stole the show for me on several occasions. His sweet little body and his highhandedness toward Calin during the games was hilarious. Andrew's love for Akira shined through and brought something special to the book. On several occasions I wanted to get up and smother my son in hugs and kisses.

I hate comparing books and authors, but for some reason I feel I just have to with Highland Dragon and Ms. Killion. I would have to say that any fan of Lynsay Sands historical romances will love this book. Highland Dragon brought to mind one of my favorites, The Brat.

Highland Dragon is a definite must read for 2009.

Rating: 5 stars

Fight Like a Girl

Today I have run across two posts that really got me thinking. I have Rebecca Savage here guest blogging, and what a great topic Nature vs. Nurture. Then I ran across Emily Bryan's post Naked under my clothes (about living in your own skin and the problems we have with our image).

While out running my Honey Do's I heard this awesome song, Fight Like A Girl by Bomshel. Now I know I have heard this song before, but I have never really "listened". I am one those people that like the music and have the time don't have a clue as to what the words are. I guess that is why it took me a year to figure out what Pink was singing in U and Ur Hand and had to run out and buy the newest Nickelback CD and allow my daughter to listen to it (yes she brought it to my attention how inappropriate this group really is, but I do love them so). Any how I thought that Fight Like A Girl was the perfect song to go along with both posts by Rebecca Savage and Emily Bryan.

Enjoy the song and make sure to check out both of these great posts!



Bomshel - Fight Like A Girl [ New Video + Lyrics + Download ]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwtl_vKWdVs

Rebecca Savage Guest Blogging!

Today I have Rebecca Savage guest blogging. Please help me give Ms. Savage a warm welcome!

Rebecca Savage writes Contemporary Romantic Suspense for Champagne, Wild Rose, and Double Dragon/Carnal Desires Publishing. She has started her first fantasy containing dragons. Her newest book, Consequences, is scheduled for release in September.


Consequences:
Jeni wakes up in a hole in the ground, literally. She's been hit over the head and stuck in a manhole with six other women, kidnap by a serial killer out for blood.

Nick comes to her rescue and tries to protect her as he looks for the perpetrator of the crime, since he's a homicide detective, and one of the kidnap victims didn't survive.

Can they beat the odds and discover the identity of the villain before the perp finishes the job?

Rebecca, congratulations on your upcoming release! I am very excited to have you here today to share your thoughts on Nature vs Nurture.

Welcome Rebecca!

Characterization: Crossing the Line: Nature vs Nurture

Men and women think differently, yes, and they act differently, but there's often a very thin line between the way a woman thinks and acts versus the way a man thinks and acts. Their thoughts and actions are influenced by the things they've seen, done, and endured (environment=nurture), as well as genetics (nature).

I was in the USAF, and as a female in the military, surrounded by men (9 males to 1 female in Italy in the 80's), I thought and acted differently than most other women. I had to, in order to function in a man's world.

I write stories of intrigue, suspense, and action. Often my heroines are very strong minded, independent and physically tough. I have female FBI agents, CIA assassins, DEA snipers, and women being stalked by serial killers and ex-husbands or fiancés. They have to be tough and either act in character or out of character, if they want to survive and/or thrive in their worlds, face their situations, and come out on top.

So, actions may seem out of character for a woman/heroine, but if she doesn't act and think like the strong 'person' she is, she'll die, or worse, her heart will be broken, because even assassins and snipers have feelings. If they didn't, they wouldn't do the jobs they do, especially if they work for the government and serve the people of their respective countries.

Please, feel free to email me through my website using the form on the contact page. Anyone who does so and acknowledges this blog will be entered in a contest, and the winner will be chosen within a week of the posting.

http://rebeccasavage.com

Thank you so much for stopping by Rebecca and sharing your thoughts on Nature vs Nurture.

Don't forget to stop by Rebecca's website and email her for a chance at winning her contest!

Monday Mailbox and more

I have been out of town all week enjoying my time on the beach. I did get plenty read for You Gotta Read Review group. I will have three reviews to give them sometime this week. I came home to a few books and have several books that will be downloaded to my Kindle. I am not sure what the problem is with it, but for some reason my books have not been delivered yet. If they aren't here today, I will be calling customer service. With out further ado here's my list:

~~In my mailbox~~

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley
Into the Darkness by Delilah Devlin
Seduced by Darkness by Delilah Devlin
$25 Gift Card to Amazon, compliments of Delilah Devlin and her summer contest.

~~On My Kindle~~
Colters' Woman by Maya Banks
Desire for Three by Leah Brooke
Written on Your Skin by Meredith Duran
Knight of Desire by Margaret Mallory
Haley's Cabin by Anne Rainey
Lord of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle (due Aug. 4)
Sweet Restraint by Beth Kery
My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent
Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by BJ Daniels
Wicked Little Game by Christina Wells
The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson
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I am very excited! Last week while vacationing on the beach I opened my email and wanted to cry. I had over 300 emails to weed through. Thankfully I took my time and read the subject line for each one before deleting them. I have been asked to read my very first ARC. I am so stoked!!




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Other news-- I have another guest blog coming up! Rebecca Savage will be stopping by Aug. 7 to spend a little time promoting her up coming release!