Category Archives: Reading

Hunky Holidays Blog Hop-Steampunk Style!

Welcome to the Hunky Holiday Blog Hop! The Nice Girls are sharing some of our sexiest heroes with you, giving you the opportunity to meet new hunks, discover new books and win some fabulous prizes. Each Nice Girl is giving away something on their blog. Stop by and comment on a minimum of 5 blogs to be eligible to win the grand prize of  $50 All Romance eBooks Gift Card and the choice of 3 of Tina Christopher’s books (as you can see I’m the sponsor this month;). Click here for a list of all the participants.

NGWN Promo Holiday Hunk Hop

I am very excited to introduce you to Jack Smith, hero of Dirigibles Are Forever.

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Jack is an agent for Special Branch in 1890s London. He has been living in a world of secrets and lies for a long time. Holidays are not really on his Long Range Visualization Terminal, especially if he is undercover on a mission. His cover is that of an Aether Traffic Controller at the London Royal Port Authority. No problem. He’s a chameleon and able to adapt to every scenario. Except this time he has a supervisor who dominates his thoughts and fantasies.

Holly is just gorgeous and he wants nothing more than to take the next step, but she is the right woman at the worst possible time.  He’s working on Christmas Eve because this is the one night when he can fulfill his mission. Of course best laid plans always explode to cinders. London is experiencing an unexpectedly white Christmas, meaning Holly and he are snowed in and “trapped” at the dirigible station. Then Holly asks him for one night, no rules, no boundaries, only what they can do for each other.

Jack’s now has to choose between his duty and what he’s been dreaming about for months. Guess what he decides to do?

The idea of this blog hop is to share with you what our heroes get up to over the holidays. Let me give you a snippet…

“Before she could worry over Jack and his similarities and dissimilarities to her dead husband, the subject of her obsession returned. Jack carried her Dewar flask and a mug in one hand and a wet cloth in the other. She raised her brows at him, but he only smiled.

Holly couldn’t ask about it as the second vessel had reached transfer distance. “There it is again.” The same inconsistent blip appeared on the LRVT, but this time much farther west than the previous time. And once again it was just that one flash and nothing more.

Jack poured her a cup of tea. “I added the milk downstairs.”

“Thank you.” She had a sip. “Perfect.” She returned to the LRVT and engaged with the navigator of the Nimrod. Or at least she tried, as that was when Jack sank to his knees beside her and pushed the blanket up so her lower legs were uncovered. She covered the speaking tube. “What are you doing?”

He didn’t say anything, only shot her a look that had her nipples tightening and her pussy moistening. Once again, fire burned in his amazing eyes.

He twisted her chair so she was slightly tilted away from her LRVT. He moved between her legs and forced her to open them. The blanket slipped to the floor, forgotten.

Jack pushed up the shirt she’d purloined from him until her thighs were completely uncovered.

Holly pressed the speaking tube against her chest as he used the hot moist washcloth to clean away the marks of their lovemaking. She wanted to moan when he rubbed the rough cloth across her sensitive inner thighs. He pulled a second towel out of his back pocket and stroked the dry fabric in the wake of the wet.

Then he leaned forward and kissed the skin he’d just cleaned.

Her head fell back and the speaking tube dropped out of her hand. He retrieved the tube and passed it to her. His complete silence and knowing smile elevated the tension.

She had no idea what he planned.

And it excited her beyond belief.

Jack gently pushed her legs wider and kissed his way from her knee to the curve where hip and thigh met. He licked the crease where her leg ended and her pelvis began. She’d never known how sensitive that stretch of skin was.

When he pressed the moist towel directly onto her pussy, she jerked and whimpered. Her hand clenched around the speaking tube. The wet heat after the cool room air was a shock, but an exciting one.

Jack slowly pushed one finger covered in the cloth inside her, cleaning her thoroughly. The slightly rough material scraped along her inside walls, raising the sensitivity level higher and higher.

He moved his finger back and forth and her arousal skyrocketed. He pulled his cloth-covered finger out and dropped the towel. Then he leaned forward and blew on her.

Her hips jolted and she screamed.

Jack held her hips down and licked her pussy from one end to the other.

Noise echoed in Holly’s ears, but she couldn’t place it until he lifted her hand still holding the speaking tube.

Holly froze. Heat filled her cheeks. It was the navigator of the Nimrod shouting in her ear. She thrust a hand into Jack’s hair, trying to make him stop, but he only disentangled her hand and held it to the side. “Jack.” She gestured with the speaking tube, reminding him they weren’t completely private.

But he continued to lick her opening, making her wetter and wetter. Holly wanted nothing more than to turn off the LRVT, but she couldn’t in good conscience do that. And with the speaking tube in her other hand, she had no way to make him stop.

Jack licked across her clit, freeing it from the protective skin cover.

She pushed her hips into his face and panted, desperately trying to even out her breathing so the Nimrod wouldn’t notice anything. She swallowed and lifted the tube. “Nimrod, this…this is…is Tower One—Oh Lord! “

Jack tapped her bundle of sensitive nerves with his tongue and she lost all concentration. He pulled back the tiniest bit and looked up from between her splayed thighs. “I believe they require coordinates.”

She clenched the speaking tube against her chest again. “Stop while I talk to them. I can’t focus while you do this.”

One brow rose, and his smile turned dark. “No,” he said and went back to licking her.”

Well, I’m sure you can imagine what happens next;). Dirigibles Are Forever is available at all ebook retailers.

What would you do with your hunk at Christmas?

Now, this is a Hunky Holiday Blog Hop and that means I need to add some pictures.

Happy Holidays and a wonderful start to the New Year!

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santa 1 santa 2

 

My Favourite Reads of 2013

I had hoped to read 125 books this year, but I only made it to 122.

Here are some of my favourite reads of 2013 in chronological order:

1) Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs (urban fantasy)

I just love the Mercy Thompson stories. Each book gets better and better. I love Mercy and Adam together and the way she is finding her place in the wolf pack.

2) Loki’s Wolves by Kelley Armstrong & Melissa Marr (middle grade fiction)

In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok, that only the gods can stop. The gods are dead so it is up to Thor’s and Loki’s descendants Matthew, Fen and Laurie to save the world. This action-packed adventure is the first in the epic Blackwell Pages series filled with larger-than-life legends, gripping battles, and an engaging cast of characters who bring the myths to life. I cannot wait for Odin’s Ravens.

3) Rush by Eve Silver (teen)

Rush is the best alien-invading-earth sci-fi story this year. When Miki is left bloody and broken in the road she is pulled into a game beyond her wildest imagination. A game where she has to fight for her life and defend her planet against the invasion of the Drau.

4) Island of Fire by Lisa McMann (middle grade fiction)

This is book 3 in the Unwanteds series. The series gets better with each book and I cannot wait to see what else the characters have to survive and overcome.

5) The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson (teen)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its unique world and fabulous characters. The concept of having chalk creatures come to life to either kill you or protect you is amazing. I am very much looking forward to book 2.

6) Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh (romance)

Nalini could write a phone book and I would read it. I LOVE her writing and the Psy/Changeling series in particular. This story brings one major story arch to conclusion.

7) Bare it All by Lori Foster (contemp Romance)

Sexy cop, mysterious young woman and fabulous side characters. What more do you need?;)

8) Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman (early reader age 6-8)

I am not a big fan of Neil Gaiman, but Fortunately the Milk is absolutely fabulous. Dad didn’t listen when mum told him to make sure there’s milk. He goes out to get more and then doesn’t come back for hours. When he does come back he has the wildest story for being late involving aliens, pirates and a time-travelling dinosaur in a hot-air balloon.

9) Counting by 7s by Holly Sloan Goldberg (middle grade)

This book was quite a surprise. It reminded me of Forest Gump because every time the main character makes a decision or meets a new person something amazing is just around the corner.

10) Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (teen)

I sat down and read this book in one sitting. Fabulous characters, issues and experiences dealt with beautifully and a great story around fandom. A must-read for everyone!

11) Fever and Burn by Maya Banks (contemp romance)

I love Maya’s books. Great story, well-developed characters and scorching hot sex. Makes for fabulous reads;).

12) Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse by Chris Riddell (middle grade)

Chris Riddell is one of my favourite illustrators. Goth Girl is the first in a new series and filled with the most amazing illustrations. It also has a lot of little jokes hidden in the pictures. If you’re looking for a chapter book to share with a 7-9 year old Goth Girl is the perfect match.

13) Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks (urban fantasy)

OMG, this is such a fabulous series filled with werewolves (and other paranormal people) and a heroine who cannot be touched by magic. Amazing worldbuilding and characters you want as friends. If you haven’t tried the series run to the store and get book 1;).

14) The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas (teen)

This is a fabulous start to a new series which mixes historic fiction and fantasy. Great worldbuilding, intriguing characters and cool story with the mandatory prophecy puts this on my favourite books of the year list.

15) Colter’s Gift by Maya Banks (romance)

The final book in the Colter series and a great conclusion. One damaged heroin and two super-sexy bodyguards…you can imagine the rest;).

16) Archangel’s Legion by Nalini Singh (romance)

Angels and vampires like you have never seen them before. Elena and Raphael face a battle they had not expected and learn more about their relationship. Run to the store and get book 1 if you haven’t tried the series yet;).

17) The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johanson (fantasy)

O.M.G. This is one of the best books I have read in a while. It comes out July 2014. It starts on a somewhat predictable note with a young woman who grew up in hiding having to take up the throne of her kingdom. She expects assassination attempts every day. What grabbed me by the throat was the unpredictability of the characters. I had no idea how they would respond to the obstacles thrown in their way, which kept me on the edge of my seat and made the read the book in 2 days.

18) Laid Bare and Inside Out by Lauren Dane (contemp romance)

I love Lauren’s books. She has a way of merging amazing characters with interesting story, and a well-developed and believable romance.

So here are some of my favourite reads of 2013. What have you really enjoyed this year?

Happy New Year and may 2014 be the best year yet!

June and July Reading

Once again it’s been a busy couple of months;).

June

61) The Song of the Quarkbeast, Japser Fforde

I love Jasper Fforde’s sense of humour and in the second book in the hilarious 9-12 series it comes out en masse, another wonderful story with great characters, lots of laughter and a fabulously built world

62) Miss February, Madison Hayes

sexy quickie with a great story

63) Etiquette & Espionage, Gail Carriger

the author’s first step into teen fiction, a fun story with likeable characters

64) Shadow and Bone, Leigh Bardugo

this is an amazing story with a unique world and fantastic characters, I cannot wait for book 2 in the Tsarpunk story

65) The False Prince, Jennifer A. Nielsen

a swashbuckling adventure for 9-12 with some great twists that kept me glued to the chair until the book ended

66) Colter’s Promise, Maya Banks

I love the Colter series, but I was a little disappointed as the story felt a little too pat, still an enjoyable read

67) The Real Werewives of Vampire County

this four book anthology introduced me to new authors, I enjoyed some stories more than others but overall a good mix of characters and stories

68) Unmasking Kelley, N.J. Walters

wonderful quick story that I thoroughly enjoyed

69) Caught, Cassandra Carr

fab BDSM story with a twist

70) Touch and Go, Michelle Rowen

I really enjoyed this sexy little story, great characters and a very satisfying ending

71) Kiss the Dead, Laurell K. Hamilton

another great Anita Blake story, I don’t know how Laurell does it, but she always grabs me by the throat and drags me along on Anita’s adventure, no matter where I am or what I’m doing;)

72) All Spells Break Loose, Lisa Shearin

I LOVED this final instalment in the Raine Benares adventures, Lisa ties up the lose ends and brings everything together very satisfyingly, I’m only sad that there won’t be any more stories

73) Ral’s Woman, Laurann Dohner

I was a little disappointed, I heard so much good about the series, but this first instalment didn’t deliver for me, I will read more in the series in case it was just the one that didn’t resonate

July

74) The Perfect Play, Jaci Burton

fabulous story, I am not much for sport, but Jaci wove the story and the sporting details together brilliantly, I went out immediately after to get book 2 in the series;)

75-80) I went and re-read a number of the Christine Warren Others books, they are wonderful stories and like comfort food for me, if I have a bad day I pull one of them off the shelf and disappear for a couple of hours;)

81) Darkness Devours, Keri Arthur

I have yet to read a book by Keri I didn’t like, she doesn’t disappoint in this latest instalment of the Dark Angels series, I just wish she could write faster…

82) Changing the Game, Jaci Burton

another fabulous instalment, I enjoyed this as much if not more than Perfect Play

83) Taking A Shot, Jaci Burton

and went right out and got book 3 in the series;) book 4 is out soon and I can’t wait

84) Bared to You, Silvia Day

I tried connecting with 50 Shades, but struggled, not expecting much from this book I sat down to read the first chapter or so, 5 hours later I came up for air and the book was finished, wonderful, gritty and realistic, I can’t wait for October and book 2 in the series

85) Never Seduce a Scot, Maya Banks

this is my first historical by Maya Banks, I still prefer her KGI series, but this was a great story with a unique heroine and a mouthwatering hero

86) Game Plan, Karla Doyle

this is a scorching story by a fellow Fallen Angel (we share an editor), Karla combines fun with great characters as well as flaming hot sex, this is a definite must read and I can’t wait to read her next book coming out in a couple of days

87) Cast in Peril, Michelle Sagara

OMG, this is another fantastic and mindblowing instalment in the series, I loved every moment of the journey, Michelle is another of the authors I just wish would write faster;)

88) Drama, Raina Tegelmeier

this is the fist graphic novel I have read, I found the ending just a tad unbelievable, but it was a fun read

89) Scarlet, Marissa Meyer

I loved book 1 Cinder and was a little apprehensive to read book 2 because I worried it wouldn’t live up to expectations. It more than did. Marissa introduced a new character who showed Cinder’s story from a different pov while still driving the plot forward. Unfortunately Scarlet isn’t officially out until the beginning of next year, which means I have a long wait ahead of me for book 3 in the series.

90) The Selection, Kiera Cass

a sweet is somewhat predictable story for teens

What have you read recently that made you wish you had another book just as good to hand?

May Reading

In May I re-read a couple of books I hadn’t read in some time. I also finished the first draft of a sexy steampunk novella and have been working on making the story better. I am so very excited that Tangled Hunger comes out Friday, the same day BRAVE comes into cinemas. I’ve decided to interpret that as a positive omen;).

43-49) The Chronicles of Elantra, Michelle Sagara

I love Michelle’s writing and world building, this is an awesome fantasy series which sucks me into the story no matter how many times I read it

50) Bounty, Elizabeth Raines

sexy space adventure

51) Tangled of Need, Nalini Singh

Nalini’s books are an automatic buy for me, but for the first time I’ve found myself skipping across the pages, wanting to read more about the already established couples, not the one developing in the main story; nonetheless, a fabulous read in a great series

52) Simon Says, Lori Foster

I picked this up on a whim and laughed the whole way through, Lori has such a wonderful sense of humour and combines characters who should not work together, but somehow always do, SS is one of my favourites in the SCB series

53) Say No to Joe, Lori Foster

another fabulous contemporary read with great characters

54) Just a Hint, Clint, Lori Foster

quiet teacher and big strong protector, so much fun

55) Causing Havoc, Lori Foster

been a long time since I read this and it re-enchanted me from the start

56) On the Prowl, Christine Warren

I missed this one, I love Christine’s books and tend to pick them up when they come out, but this was a pleasant surprise to find on the shelf, I adore the Others series and this fit right in

57) Reclaimed Surrender, Riley Murphey

fabulous BDSM story by a fellow Fallen Angel, I really liked how emotions dominated the book and I could feel with the heroine, I just wish a certain man would have gotten more of a punishment, but otherwise a wonderful story

58-59) Too Much Temptation/Never Too Much, Lori Foster

two brothers and the women who make the whole, great laughter and wonderful story line

60) Hard to Handle, Lori Foster

book 3 in the SCB series and the story of a life coach and a fighter who missed the title fight three times already, wonderful story

What have you been reading? I need to stock up for another plane ride and welcome any suggestions.

 

April Reading

I didn’t get to read as much as I would have liked, but still discovered some keepers.

35) A Perfect Storm, Lori Foster

I love, love, love Lori Foster’s books (am re-reading her MMA books at the moment with a big grin on my face), great dialogue and fabulous characters

36) The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae, Stephanie Laurens

fantastic conclusion to the mini-series

37) Seraphina, Rachel Hartman (proof)

interesting fantasy with great worldbuilding

38) The Witness, Nora Roberts

this is Nora’s 200th book! and it is fantastic, I sat down to read a couple of chapters and hours later I looked up and was nearly done

39) Timeless, Gail Carriger

love Alexia and her adventures, this time around she’s causing havoc outside of London

40) The Girl in the Clockwork Collar, Kady Cross (proof)

so excited when I got my proof copy, great second book in an amazing series, even if the bad guy was a little predictable

41) Crystal Gardens, Amanda Quick

fun read by a great author, I’m looking forward to the next book in the series

42) The Last Boyfriend, Nora Roberts

not quite as strong as The Witness, but a thoroughly enjoying read, looking forward to book 3

I hope you discovered some keepers!

March Reading

March was another great month:

22) Celebrity in Death, J. D. Robb
J.D. Robb aka Nora Roberts could write a phone book and I would read it, Eve Dallas’ latest adventure is intriguing and twisted and kept me glued to the seat until the end
23) Angel’s Flight, Nalini Singh
Nalini is a master writer, I had already read two of the stories in this anthology, but Angel’s Dance made me cry, each and every story has well developed characters and enough emotion to make you want to continue reading forever, I want to be Nalini Singh when I grow up;)
24) Private Property, Leah Braemel
sexy novella by a very talented member of my Chapter
25) Fair Game, Patricia Briggs
OMG, I LOVED this book! I love the Mercy books, but always had a weakness for Anna and Charles, the twists and turns are amazing and the ending blew me away as I was utterly surprised, I cannot wait for the next book in the series
26) The Last Twilight, Majorie M. Liu
this was my first trip into the world of Dirk & Steele, a book I picked up at RWA last year, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was so good it helped me to forget I was in a sardine can 30,000 feet in the air bumping around in turbulence on my way to Tokyo, the entertainment was a joke, so this book was a life saver
27) Photographs & Phantoms, Cindy Spencer Pape
a fun steampunk novella by a talented writer
28) Embrace, Jessica Shirvington (proof)
intriguing YA with great characters and an unusual storyline
29) Unraveling, Elizabeth Norris (proof)
amazing YA with a story so complex and involved I nearly had to draw graphs, unfortunately the author killed off a lot of characters toward the end which made me stop enjoying the book as much as I had at the beginning
30) Trinity, Lauren Dane
sexy first book in a series, I preferred the second book, but still enjoyed this
31) The Alchemyst, Michael Scott
fun, action-packed first book in a fabulous series
32) Erebos, Ursula Poznanski
an utterly amazing book, part thriller, part fantasy, part horror, the translation from German is fantastic and this is a story you won’t forget very quickly, I recommend this book to everybody, it is fabulous
33) Neil Flambe and the Crusaders Curse, Kevin Sylvester (proof)
another fabulous and hilarious adventure of the teen chef, Kevin is a fantastic author and the mix of mystery and humour will appeal to everybody, no matter the age
34) Discount Armageddon, Seanan McGuire
this is my first book by this author and I LOVED it, Seanan created an amazing character and a world that bursts with imagination and humour, I loved every single page and cannot wait for the next book in the series, if you’re looking for an urban fantasy with a twist this is the book for you

What have you read recently that you loved?