Friday, December 14, 2012

Guest Post :: God with Us . . . And Us with Him by Susan May Warren | 12 Pearls of Christmas & Giveaway

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we're all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of "Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith," "Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace" or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls™.



"God with Us . . . And Us with Him" by Susan May Warren

Every year over labor day weekend, the Warren family has a MWE. Mandatory Warren Event. It’s a call to come home and enjoy the long weekend with our favorite people. Since my children have left for college, I relish every second of this weekend—the laughter in the kitchen, the long conversations in the family room, the frenzy of backyard football, the quietness of the morning as we drink coffee on the deck and watch the sunrise. I cherish these people, and when they are with me, I drink in their presence.

I’ve been reading the prophecies about Christ this season and came across Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

I am struck by the word Immanuel. God with us. The closest I get to comprehending this is reading about how Jesus’ loved his disciples. Surely they relished the time with him more profoundly after his resurrection, knowing he would soon leave.

Thankfully, he didn’t leave them for long and sent His Holy Spirit. God . . . still with them.

As I consider the magnitude of this God who would come to earth, who would abide with the disciples, and then with me, I have to wonder not only do I relish God’s presence in my life, but does God relish time with me? Am I committed to embracing His entrance into my life? Am I even making the effort to see Him?

Imagine that during our MWE weekend, I ignored my children, and they, me? I would lose the joy of their presence.

It is not surprising to me that the Jewish people did not recognize their Savior. After all, who would guess that the Almighty might package himself as a baby and appear among them, fragile and dependent? But today, we know the story, we know the miracles, we know the truth, and God invites us into an abundant relationship, one that He wishes to relish, one that will change us. A relationship that will slake our thirsts and satisfy our hungers. One that reminds us that we are never alone.

Because every day we are a mandatory event to our Immanuel.

This season, look for the ways that God is your Immanuel, with you, every day.



About the Author :

Susan May Warren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 40 novels. With over 750,000 books in print, her stories of family, romance and adventure have earned her acclaim and reader fans from around the world. Visit her website for upcoming books and sneak peeks!

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Enjoy the Ride! - December 2011



Find Susan May Warren :

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Lust After Death by Daisy Harris | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Daisy Harris, with a review of her novel "Lust After Death," which is the 1st book in Love-Bots Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run on December 12, 2012]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 200 KB | Release Date: July 2011 | Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Publishing | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Lust After Death" [Love-Bots Series, Book 1] by Daisy Harris

My Book Summary : Bane is an assassin on a mission save a new love-bot “stein,” a re-animate human who has to do whatever their “master” says, that the organization he works for, the Zombie Underground, recently heard about. However, after rescuing over 30 steins throughout the years he is still unprepared to deal with the one he's trying to save, Josie.

She's beyond attractive, bright, creative, strong in her own ways, and innocent to everything around her. Therefore, Bane knows he shouldn't be with her even though he wants to. Yet when he finds out that in Josie's programming she is required to have a husband for her to survive Bane steps up to the plate to play that role.

Together they learn more about themselves then they ever thought they knew, so much so that there might be hope for them together after all. If only they can protect each other from Josie's “master” and the evil company he works for...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! A zombie-ish love that holds no bounds! This is a sweetly erotic novel that takes the term "finding your soul-mate" to a whole new extreme. Josie and Bane are "free" steins, which to me sound kind of like the cyborgs on Star Trek only being more humanoid then what that show portrays, and they are perfect counterparts for one another! It's a novel full of intrigue and I LOVED the cute little epilogue at the end!

I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys sci-fi and futuristic romances!

Author's Novel Extras : New Cover LUST!! | Lust After Death: Sex...With Zombies!! (Not as Gross as it Sounds) | Six Sentence Sunday: LUST AFTER DEATH | Check out My Design SKILLZ | (Filthy) Six Sentence Sunday | Sunday Six: LUST AFTER DEATH | Because I Am Awesome... | New Review for Lust After Death! | Great New Review for Lust After Death

Author's Series Extras : About the Series | Freakin’ Awesome Friday: Sunshine Edition | Sunday Six: Studenstein | Six Sentence Sunday: STUDENSTEIN!! | Random Studenstein Excerpt | Excerpt: STUDENSTEIN First Scene | Final Stop: Lust After Death Blog Tour!! | Latest News: Love-Bots 4: One Night Steined is Done! | Built 4 It (Coming Soon Love-Bots) has a COVER! And it is HAWT! | *One Night Steined* haz a smokin’ hawt cover! | Latest Release: *One Night Steined*

Book Teaser(s) :
Josie scooted closer, until she nestled against the length of him. A little jolt of excitement shot through her to feel his firm backside against her hips, and she angled her body until those mounds pressed into the cradle of her groin. Of course, that necessitated her laying a hand on his upper arm for balance, and her face pressed between his shoulder blades.
“What are you doing?” The pillow muffled his voice.
Josie stopped shuffling, realizing she’d been pawing him. “Nothing, just getting comfortable.” Instinct told her to pull away and roll back to her side of the tent. Bane’s muscles felt stiff under her fingers. But she didn’t want to let go.
“I only have so much self-­control, babe.” ~ within Chapter 5
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Daisy, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Birkenstock-wearing glamour girl and mother of two by immaculate conception, Daisy Harris still isn't sure if she writes erotica. Her romances start out innocently enough. However, her characters behave like complete sluts. Much to Miss Harris's dismay the sex tends to get completely out of hand.

She writes about fantastical creatures and about young men getting their freak on, and she's never missed an episode of The Walking Dead.




Book Excerpt :

Drizzling rain filled the air as Josie clamored up the trail after Bane. Her feet swam in the rain boots he’d given her and she considered that he hadn’t really thought through this plan very well in not bringing her clothes from Adam’s house.

The path curved up a hill, through tall trees whose branches overlapped and wide-spanning trunks that dropped leaves the size of her head.

He hitched his backpack higher on his shoulders and cinched the waistband tighter on his hips. The move drew her attention to the way the smooth and stretchy material of his trousers hung from his behind. Her fingers tingled to reach out and pinch the bunched muscles of his buttocks.

That brief glimpse of his thoughts echoed in her mind. Clearly he hadn’t meant to do her harm and now that the shock faded, she observed it from a different angle. Josie wondered at the snippet, curious about where it might have led.

She ran her hands through the brush that rose around her. Each branch was filled with droplets. Spikes pricked on some plants, others felt smooth. One felt soft and downy at first, then stung her curious fingers and Josie pulled her hand to her chest. Her legs ached as they summited the hilltop.

Bane led her a small ways down the other side and he pointed to a small clearing. “It won’t be the softest night’s sleep. But I’m so dead on my feet I won’t care.”

Josie cocked her head to the side and noticed the way his body slumped forward and his feet dragged. “This’ll be fine.”



Giveaways!! :

  • A $20 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a Walking Dead T-Shirt to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US & Canada Only)

To Enter : Please leave a comment on this post, with a valid email address included at the end of it.

Soo .... COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting on the other stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning!



Find Daisy Harris :

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays: Just a Cowboy and His Baby

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Just a Cowboy and His Baby" [Spikes & Spurs Series, Book 6] by Carolyn Brown

Book Teaser:
Evil shot from his dark eyes. The air around him crackled when he raised his head and glared at her. He'd been bred, born, and raised for that night and she didn't have a chance against his wiles. He was bigger than she was and he knew it. He was meaner and he'd prove it.
Gemma O'Donnell didn't give a damn how big or how mean he was. She intended to be in control from the minute she mounted him. The message from the set of his head and unwavering stare said that she was an idiot not to shake in her cowgirl boots. She glared right back, her dark green eyes meeting his near black ones and locking through the metal bars separating them.
He dared.
She challenged. ~ within Chapter 1

What was I thinking?: Barboza Brothers Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 403 KB | Release Date: November 8, 2012 | Publisher: Sugar Shack Press | Obtained: Smashwords

"Fresh Temptation" [Barboza Brothers Series, Book 1] by Reeni Austin

What was I thinking? : Well, I liked the cover--thought it was cute. And the author's description made it sound like it would be a keeper ... I just wished it was since it wasn't for me.

Author's Book Description : Victor Barboza is a man who has everything but a good woman.

Cara Green has a young son, three part-time jobs, and a few extra pounds.

Their worlds collide as Cara serves Victor at an upscale party in Manhattan, upsetting Victor's ex-fiancee, Alexis, in the process.

Victor pursues Cara, but Cara is not sure of his intentions: Is he using her to make Alexis jealous? Does he just want her for sex? Or is love Victor's true aim?

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars, this is a novel about finding love in unusual places. I liked the meaning that underlines the plot of this story. I also really liked Victor, or as little, Isaac called him "Big Toe" or "Bictow!"

However, even though I understand why Cara was so paranoid when it came to Victor coming into her life and getting close to Isaac, I didn't like how stubborn, rude, and willing give up on what was important in her life without putting up a fight so easily. It made me thoroughly annoyed with her throughout 90% of this novel.

Plus, I hated Alexis then even more so when everything just turned out fine at the very end with her. Gah! I wish she got mad about what was done to her instead of being so accepting. Which I know makes me seem like I'm being mean, but come ON that girl deserved something bad happening to her.

Then to top it off towards the end of the novel it seemed to go from one scene to start right up within the middle of the next scene, which left me a bit confused about how the hell that happened.

Overall, I just wished it was better. So, I don't recommend it. Yet on Amazon.com there are 27--or more by now--reviews with 4/5 stars and on Smashwords a majority of the reviews have 4/5 too, so who knows you might be like the majority and like it better than I did. *shrug*

Author's Novel Extras :


Book Teaser(s) :
Gary chuckled. “Believe me, rumors were flying when he hired me, too.”
“You mean, people thought...you and him?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Yes, they did. And it didn’t help that I made the mistake of telling someone how hot I thought he was.”
Cara laughed out loud. “Oh no.”
“Yes.” Gary let out an exasperated sigh. “I won’t make that mistake again. The rumors were already going but I sure didn’t help. That’s when I found out how much Mr. Barboza likes to stay out of the office gossip. He doesn’t care what people say until it affects him somehow, and one of the other partners mentioned it to him. That’s when he sat me down and told me he didn’t have time for drama and he expected me to keep everything private in this office.”
“He actually approached you about it?”
“Yes. But the odd thing is, he thought it was kind of funny that anyone thought he and I were an item.” He chuckled for a few moments then cleared his
throat. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Reeni, then please check out her website.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Captivated By You by Diane Alberts | Character Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Diane Alberts, who I had a character interview with one of the main characters from her latest novella "Captivated By You," which is the 1st book in her Superstars in Love Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run from November 12 - December 28, 2012 | Giveaway ends on December 31, 2012 | "Hot Holidays" Twitter Chat is scheduled for December 20, 9:00 pm EST, hosted by @swoonromance, and that will include authors such as Diane Alberts, Michelle Zink, Cora Carmack, Nicola Marsh, Carolina Jordan and Samantha Spencer]



My Q&A with a character from "Captivated By You" :

Character's Name : Mark
Character's Age : twenty-six
Character's Appearance : Movie star attractive, brown hair, very muscular yet lean.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

First, I’d like to say thank you so much for having me here today! ~clears throat~ Okay. Well, I’m a movie star. Been living in the spotlight for the last eight years. I mostly do romance movies, but I’m hoping to branch out into something different soon.

What is your favorite article of clothing?

Oh, that’s an easy one. The Prada jacket I wore when I knocked on Lacey’s door. I’ll always love that coat.

What is your favorite book?

Harry Potter. Lacey and I read the whole series together.

What is your favorite food?

Filet mignon with seasoned onions. Mashed potatoes on the side, with lots of brown gravy. I could eat that meal every single day, and die a happy man.

Do you have a favorite place to go and/or vacation spot?

Colorado. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where I fell in love. It’ll always be my favorite place on Earth—followed closely by Hawaii.

Is there anything that you ever regret for having done? If so, can you tell us about it?

~frowns~ Not writing Lacey back. I regret that every second of every day.

What is one thing you wouldn't be caught dead doing?

Going to church. I never really went, and I fear the church would set on fire if I stepped foot inside of it.

What is one of the most romantic things you’ve done or have had done to you?

I don’t like to brag about romantic things I’ve done...so I’ll say one Lacey did. I came home from a grueling business trip last week, and she met me at the door wearing a soft red dress, killer heels, and a glass of my favorite wine. We sat down on the couch, sipping wine, while a cook prepared a meal. She brought the man in from my favorite restaurant in town.

It was the best night ever.

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

~laughs~ No. The paparazzi would have a filed day with that one, if I did. And my publicist would crucify me.

Did you do have a good Thanksgiving? Anything monumental happen to you or in your family?

I did. We shared the holiday with my sister and her husband, Lacey’s parents, and mine. It was private and quiet—just how I like it.

Have you started your Christmas shopping or have it almost completed?

Oh, I’m done. With my schedule, I’m always buying throughout the whole year. ~leans in and lowers voice~ I bought the prettiest necklace in Paris for Lacey. I can’t wait to give it to her. And I might have found a ring...



About the Author :

Diane Alberts current contracted works with Entangled Publishing are: "ON ONE CONDITION" (February 2012, Ever After line), "DIVINELY RUINED" (Divine Temptations Trilogy #1, April 2012, Ever After line), and "TRY ME" (Take a Chance #1, May 2012, Ever After line). Her current works with Decadent Publishing are: "KILL ME TOMORROW" (October 2011, 1NightStand series), "RECLAIMED" (December 2011), "ABSOLUTION" (March 2012, Honor Guard series), "BROKEN" (March 2012, 1NightStand series), and "ESCAPE TO ME" (TBA, 1NightStand series).

Diane Alberts has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another.

She is a multi-published, bestselling author with Entangled Publishing and Decadent Publishing. She has, as of this date, two books with Entangled Publishing, and five books with Decadent Publishing. Her February release with Entangled Publishing, "ON ONE CONDITION," hit #18 on the Barnes and Noble Bestseller List. She has a lot of projects currently being shopped around by her fabulous agent, and her goal is to write so many fantastic books that even a non-romance book fan will know her name. "CAPTIVATED BY YOU" is her first title from Swoon Romance, the first in a series.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 283 KB | Expected Release Date: November 6, 2012 | Publisher: Swoon Romance | Obtained: Swoon Romance

"Captivated By You" [Superstars in Love Series, Book 1] by Diane Alberts (aka Jen McLaughlin)

My Book Summary : Even though Mark is one of Hollywood latest heartthrobs nothing will keep him away from spending Christmas with his sister, even if that means dealing with a snowstorm during the time he planned to drive back to CA, much to his manager's disappointment. However, things seem to go from bad (he can't find a flight to take him back to CA) to worse (his car gets stuck in a ditch) up until he decides to seek shelter at the nearest home until a tow truck can pick him up and finds himself face-to-face with his longtime secret crush and old friend, Lacey. Quickly they both find that personal passions still spark for them, if only they can both believe they have a chance for something more once the morning arrives...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this sweet, world-win fantasy romance that keeps you on your toes while you are charmed by the characters! I enjoyed this short story. It gave enough background info to reel you in and make you root for Mark & Lacey.

I just wish it was longer or had an epilogue. If it did then I might have given it a better rating, since it just wasn't enough for me to fully fall in love with them yet I DID like the characters a lot.

I recommend this novella to anyone who likes reading about Hollywood romances!

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author : July 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Try Me

Author's Novel Extras : COVER REVEAL! Check out CAPTIVATED BY YOU, coming soon from @swoonromance! | Captivated by You is out early! Get your Christmas on.

Author's Series Extras : New contract with Month9Books!

Book Teaser(s) :
“So, it’s not what you expected?” she asked, her voice quiet.
Mark looked up at her through his lashes, his eyes locked on her. “I enjoy my career. I enjoy acting. But ... sometimes I wish I had picked a different one.”
She shook her head. “Why would you want to give up your Hollywood lifestyle? You wear it well.”
“Well, maybe I wouldn’t give up everything.” He pushed the glass away and picked up the People Magazine. He stopped at a page where his picture was plastered across it. “See this? That day I was sick. Felt like shit and dragged my feverish ass out of bed to get my prescription filled.”
She leaned closer and looked at the picture. “You look happy to me. Of course, you’re wearing sunglasses so I can’t see your eyes, but you look content enough.”
“Yeah, because I have to look that way. If the paparazzi take a picture of me with a red nose and puffy eyes—next day they’ll be calling me a drug addict. Saying I was out all night partying and snorting lines of cocaine. Next thing you know, my publicist is making me enter rehab for exhaustion.”
“That sucks.” ~ within Chapter 2
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Diane, then please check out her website.



"Captivated By You" Holiday Shopping Contest! :

Open to owners of "Captivated By You" ONLY.

Contest starts on Monday 12th November. Any tweets/etc before this date won't be counted towards entries. But spread the word!

The holidays are coming, and Swoon Romance thinks you should get what you want! Each week between November 12 - December 24, Owners of "Captivated By You" could WIN either ...
  • A $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card (winners choice) from Swoon Romance and Diane Alberts, author of the steamy holiday romance novella "Captivated By You!"

CLICK HERE - to find out how to win and SIGN UP!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out the "Hot Holidays" Twitter Chat that is scheduled for December 20, 9:00 pm EST, hosted by @swoonromance, and that will include authors such as Diane Alberts, Michelle Zink, Cora Carmack, Nicola Marsh, Carolina Jordan and Samantha Spencer!!



Find Diane Alberts :
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