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MK’s Birthday
So today I am doing the Feel Good Friday about my bestie MK. We are so lucky that our birthdays are only one day apart. Although she is 29 and I will be 38 (choking) tomorrow.
I am so blessed to have people in my life like MK. She has a an awesome daughter and a very tolerable husband (haha) and we all get along great. When we met I swear it was friends at first sight (if that’s possible).
Today we are being the book nerds that we are, and going to a book singing for Charlaine Harris!! Yep that’s right Charlaine Harris. The woman that created Eric Northman *sigh*. I just hope that I don’t turn into a blubbering idiot when I meet her and forget my name or something…
So MK I love you and hope that you have an awesome birthday A) because you are with me, and B) cause you deserve it!!!
Smooches, MamaMoon
TRR Erotic Madness Hop – featuring Dirty by Megan Hart
Today, MKR is proud to take part in TheRomanceReviews.com’s Erotic Madness Hop, which runs from today, May 10 until Monday May 14. If you click on the button to the side, it will take you to a randomized blog in the Hop and give you a chance to win another book (for details on the book I’m giving away, look at the bottom of the post for the Rafflecopter widget). The contest will start on May 10, 12:00am EST and will end on May 14, 1159pm EST. As part of this blog hop, each blog talks about their favorite erotic romance and what they love so much about it (and, of course, host a giveaway at the end of the blog post — what’s a blog hop without a few giveaways, right? *wink wink*).
For me, my favorite erotic romance book would have to be Dirty by Megan Hart. I’ve been meaning to review it for ages, but the book means so much to me that it’s hard for me to talk about it without getting choked up – even when just writing about it. I know it sounds weird for me to say that an erotic romance means a lot to me, because a lot of people (mostly the ones who don’t read the way we book lovers do) don’t understand that erotic romance isn’t just about sex in a book. It’s a relationship between two characters that happens to be pretty steamy. And Megan Hart isn’t just good at writing steamy – she’s freaking amazing. So much so that she’s my ultimate all-time favorite author. In fact, she knocked La Nora from the #1 spot… the same spot that she held since I was nine years old. Yes, you read that correctly. Megan Hart is so good at what she does that she took the #1 place in my heart from an author that held the spot for 20 years. But it’s not just because she writes good smex. I mean, she does. She really does. But she writes characters that are deep and flawed and make me care about them. That, to me, is the very best kind of erotic romance.
In Dirty, Elle is damaged. Her past prevents her from having any kind of lasting relationship with a man and her relationship with her mother is… well, to say it’s messed up is putting it lightly. Her OCD rivals mine (and that’s a tough thing to do). And then one day she meets Dan, and suddenly her whole world is turned upside down. Watching Elle struggle through her issues was truly heartbreaking. I can’t say too much without giving away exactly what she’s going through (another reason why it’s been difficult for me to write my review – I don’t like giving away spoilers).
This is what happened…
I met him at the candy store.
He turned and smiled at me and I was surprised enough to smile back. This was not a children’s candy store, mind you–this was the kind
of place you went to buy expensive imported chocolate truffles for your boss’s wife because you felt guilty for having sex with him when you were both at a conference in Milwaukee.
Hypothetically speaking, of course.
I’ve been hit on plenty of times, mostly by men with little finesse who thought what was between their legs made up for what they lacked between their ears.
Sometimes I went home with them anyway, just because it felt good to want and be wanted, even if it was mostly fake.
The problem with wanting is that it’s like pouring water into a vase full of stones. It fills you up before you know it, leaving no room for anything else. I don’t apologize for who I am or what I’ve done in–or out–of bed.
I have my job, my house and my life, and for a long time I haven’t wanted anything else.
Until Dan. Until now.
- Publisher: Spice; Original edition (January 1, 2007)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
- Language: English
- ASIN: B000Q9IH8M
Acting Out by Tibby Armstrong is now available!
I reviewed Acting Out last month when Tibby was kind enough to send me an ARC. Now, everyone is lucky enough to be able to get their very own copy of Tibby Armstrong’s amazing book since it was released today!! *cue happy dancing*
Title: Acting Out
ISBN: 978-1-61118-858-5
Genre: LGBT Contemporary
Length: Novel Plus
Series: Previous Book: No Apologies (May be read as stand-alone novel.)
Jeremy Ash, aspiring actor, is single, gorgeous…and openly, quietly gay. When he lands a starring role opposite America’s favorite former child star, 21-year old Kit Harris, he’s ecstatic and more than a little attracted to the enigmatic star.
Kit Harris’s career has been flagging and his agent promises this new film, an edgy coming out story with a famed director, is just the thing to get it back on track. The problem is that the film is relatively intimate in nature, and Kit’s definitely not gay. He’s not even slightly bent.
When the two men collide in a crushing first test kiss, Kit’s left reeling and Jeremy’s left wanting, and both are left gasping for air. And that was just the screen test. When filming starts and the two men are brought into close proximity every day, passions ignite and souls collide–both on screen and off. The two men find that the only way to assuage their mutual lust is to give in to it. Kit’s sure this strange new attraction will run its course; Jeremy’s hoping it never has to end.
But when a manipulative model obtains salacious film footage of the two men in bed, Kit’s prepared to do whatever it takes to save his career. But how far is too far to push the boundaries of love and how long can one man hide from himself?
Read the first chapter and purchase the book on Loose Id.
Blog Tour Guest Post: Book snobs and Some Self-Discovery by Dara Young
Today, MKR welcomes fellow #twitloss’er and general rockstar Dara Young. Dara has recently released her first eBook, The Cancan Dancer and the Duke at the Wild Rose Press (you go girl!) She’s here today talking about something we all know and love – social networking, and offering up the chance to win a $25 GC to Amazon. Take it away, Dara!
Being the social networking super star that I am (heh), I am on LinkedIn and I subscribe to a few writers groups. Some are romance specific and some are not. I believe I have a job to be an ambassador for my genre. I generally try to ignore those who disparage the genre with little or no information. But, I hope that when someone asks a question, that by articulating a clear and helpful answer I can continue to show that romance is so much more than a bodice ripper.
A gentleman on one group posted the following comment:
“… So my question is, in the romance genre, does the “Oh Come On” rule apply? Or does the genre form include cardboard characters and silly, predictable plots?
I don’t say this judgmentally – if the answer was YES! I wouldn’t object.”
I read his post and felt compelled to answer him. He did not come across as condescending or belittling, but genuinely curious. I am always willing to engage in a lively debate. J So I responded with:
“Like any genre there are good examples, bad examples, & WTF are people thinking examples. I mean there is no accounting for taste. *shrugs* But, are you confusing mean and condescending with aloof and demanding? The brooding Alpha male is in fact a staple in the
genre and a lot of women enjoy the character type in the romance format. On the other hand we are also annoyed by flaming asshole heroes and too stupid to live (TSTL) heroines. It’s hard to answer your question without knowing the title, and even then one readers hero is another reader’s asshole. Isn’t all reading subjective?”
He appreciated my response and chuckled a bit. Some others posted additional comments, then a woman posted the most ridiculous diatribe basically calling romance readers juvenile girls. She went on to call romances bouts of sex strung together by a thinly veiled plot. I will not post her comments here or my direct response because it was pretty offensive. I did opt to point out that many romance readers and authors are well educated, successful women, and that her comments were not only untrue but inappropriate.
The point of all this is that it got me thinking. About the fact that as much as I love this genre I was once a romance genre snob. I only read historical romance. I refused to read anything else. No paranormal, contemporary, cowboys, and no romantic suspense. Then, about 4 or 5 years ago I discovered Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series. Holy cow that was hot! I totally got sucked in to PNR. Then about two years ago I discovered the hotness of cowboys in romance and even a little contemporary. I am still not big on romantic suspense, but some of them work for me. Needless to say, because I have opened my mind as a reader I opened my mind as a writer.
Now, my first book is a historical, but I am working on a paranormal romance, a steampunk story, and now I have all kinds of stories percolating. So, I’m curious, have you opened up to a new sub-genre of romance? What made you open your eyes?
Thanks for stopping by to celebrate with me and remember to comment on each post during the blog tour for more chances to win! (Not sure what I’m talking about? Click here.)
The Cancan Dancer and The Duke
The Wild Rose PressCan a lady on the lam and a duke on the make find love at the Moulin Rouge?
Cathedrals and museums are not Lady Charise Colton’s idea of European adventure. Turn-of-the-century Paris beckons, and she wants to grab it while she can…or rather, cancan. Flirting with fate and half of Paris, Charise eludes her chaperones and joins the cancan revue at the Moulin Rouge.
Ethan Greer, Duke of Lofton, is in Paris to settle some estate business. Chafing under his responsibilities, he discovers an enchanting distraction at the Moulin Rouge, a flirtatious dancer who stirs his lust and something more. He must have her—even if it means offering carte blanche.
Terrified of discovery, Charise tries to hold her persistent suitor at bay, though her heart has already surrendered. Will she lose him if he learns the truth, or is love enough to bind the cancan dancer and the duke?
Excerpt:
The singular sound was a soft whisper at first. The audience strained forward to catch even a note of the eerie melody carried on the fetid air of the cafe. As the song picked up, her voice grew stronger, the words more clear. Ethan relaxed into his seat and let the warm rich alto caress him. His body grew warm with the promises carried by the witch’s husky tones.
He remained unaware of anything in the room except the siren walking toward him. Each steady, unhurried step she took further drew him in. His gaze feasted on the curve of her hip, the swell of her breast. Ethan rode the knife’s edge between lust and propriety.
The song described, in lurid detail, two lovers in the throes of passion. Upon reaching him, the dancer propped the toe of her boot onto the edge of his seat—square between his thighs. The luscious creature presented impossibly sheer bloomers which hid everything and yet nothing, causing him to let out the breath he, until now, unknowingly held. His cock grew rigid, the uncomfortable throbbing causing him to shift. The desire to haul her into his arms and demonstrate every action she described with the most sensuous mouth he’d ever seen rode him hard. Her full lower lip begged for his kiss. Ethan wanted to see it slick and glowing pink from his attentions.
The wanton dancer continued to taunt him, but his good breeding won out. Forcing himself to stay seated, his fists balled and his jaw grew rigid with frustration, but his raging lusts remained leashed. The song ended, sending her into the nether regions of the cafe in a swirl of skirts.
Add The Cancan Dancer and the Duke to your shelf at: GoodReads
You can also find Dara at:
- Dara’s Website
- GoodReads
- Klout
- Lady Jane’s Salon San Diego
- Pintrest
- Twitloss
HottiePants Wednesday: Robert Carlyle
Today’s Hottie isn’t a traditional “hottie” in the sense of the word. He isn’t ripped. He doesn’t have abs of steel (that we know of – there aren’t very many images of him nekkid floating around in cyber space). And yet, I can’t get him out of my head. When I see him every Sunday on Once Upon a Time, I can’t help but drool over him, even though he’s the “bad guy”. He’s got a sense of vulnerability about him because of what he went through with his son and Belle, and I just want to cuddle him… and do naughty things with him. He’s got a beautiful smile, when he chooses to share it, and good LORD, he’s got some gorgeous hair. Yes, I’m talking about Robert Carlyle – the man who plays Rumpelstiltskin/Mr Gold. Yum!!
Video review: Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
Rating: 3 meows
When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too – but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of his success – multinational businesses, vast wealth, a loving family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 19 hours and 47 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Random House Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: April 3, 2012
- Language: English
- ASIN: B007R07BK8
- FTC Disclosure: purchased with my own money
Video review: Lover Reborn by JR Ward
Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.
When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed….
Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?
- Publisher: NAL (March 27, 2012) (MamaMoon’s copy)
- Sold by: Penguin Publishing
- Publisher: Penguin Audio (MamaKitty’s copy)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0451235843
- ISBN-13: 978-0451235848
- ASIN: B007PJY4ZG (audiobook)
- FTC Disclosure: Kindle and Audiobook editions purchased with our own money
Music Monday: Valerie – Glee Version
It’s no secret that I’m a total Gleek. I DVR every episode, even if I watch it live, and have been known to force people (namely my mother, who has a serious crush on Mr Schu) to watch clips on YouTube… for hours on end. I fell in love with this song while deployed in 2007, as recorded by the original artists The Zutons. But when Glee covered it and Santana sang it, it was like… heaven. This song is guaranteed to put me in a good mood and make me wanna get off my booty and dance! Happy Monday, my loverlies.
Dewey’s 24 hour readathon – wrap up
For this year’s Readathon, I managed to read 4 books, which isn’t bad considering the fact that I had all kinds of interruptions. Mostly from my family, who demanded that I spend time with them on the weekend (how dare they!). I think that if they’d have gone out of town or had their father/daughter date like they were supposed to, I definitely would’ve gotten more reading done. But I wouldn’t trade my time with my family for anything, so it’s a moot point.
The final numbers:
The Rebuilding Year: 234 pages
With the Band: 269 pages
First Time, Forever: 78 pages
Brook Street Thief: 116 pages
End of Event Meme:
- Which hour was most daunting for you? - (my) hour 12. I kept falling asleep.
- Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? – I just went through my NetGalley list, which contained several m/m books, which are high on my interest list right now. Go through my GoodReads TBR pile if you’re interested to see what’s next or my already read list to see what I’ve already gone through.
- Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? – Nope. I think it goes pretty smoothly.
- What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? – I love that there’s a twitter account for the readathon.
- How many books did you read? – 4. Woot!!
- What were the names of the books you read? – See above.
- Which book did you enjoy most? – The Rebuilding Year by Kaje Harper.
- Which did you enjoy least? – Brook Street Thief by Ava March
- If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? – I was just a reader this year.
- How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? – Very likely!
Dewey’s 24 hour readathon – another update
I finally managed to finish my 3rd book, First Time Forever. I’m sorry to say it was rather disappointing. Review is forthcoming.
It took me so long because PK got home and decided he wanted to make steaks. So he dragged me to the meat market, then to the liquor store to buy the perfect wine to go with the steaks, then to Kroger to buy some sides… and then decided he didn’t want to fire up the grill tonight. So we ordered Domino’s instead. *headdesk*
My next book is Brook Street Thief by Ava March. I’ve seen a few reviews on it and I’m intrigued.
Next up: Brook Street Thief by Ava March
London, 1822
It was only supposed to be one night. One night to determine once and for all if he truly preferred men. But the last thing Lord Benjamin Parker expected to find in a questionable gambling hall in Cheapside is a gorgeous young man who steals his heart.
It was only supposed to be a job. Cavin Fox has done it many times—select a prime mark, distract him with lust, and leave his pockets empty. Yet when Cavin slips away under the cover of darkness, the only part of Benjamin he leaves untouched is his pockets.
With a taste of his fantasies fulfilled, Benjamin wants more than one night with Cavin. But convincing the elusive young man to give them a chance proves difficult. Cavin lives with a band of thieves in the worst area of London, and he knows there’s no place for him in a gentleman’s life. Yet Benjamin isn’t about to let Cavin—and love—continue to slip away from him.\
- Publisher: Carina Press (March 19, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
- Language: English
- ASIN: B0070Y00M2
- FTC Disclosure: received from NetGalley
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