AS OF FEBRUARY 2012 WILL NO LONGER BE POSTING SUNDAY, MONDAY OR FRIDAYS UNLESS FOR A BLOG TOUR, GIVEAWAY HOP OR AUTHOR GUEST POST THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO MONITOR COMMENTS FOR.

As of January 2012 will not be taking any more new book review requests until later in May of 2012. My on again off again Kindle access is becoming a problem with reading my ebooks by the date I have them contracted for finishing and setting up the review posts.

Thank you for considering me but will be happy to do author/book promo posts with openings starting in February of 2012. I will be happy to help anyone who writes in the genres that I enjoy reading and those include Historical or Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Mystery Suspense Thrillers or Young Adult and any combination of these genres in one book.

Also looking ahead to my blogoversary celebration in April which will be a month of weekly giveaway posts that will all be international entry allowed. So stick around!

6/30/11

Bite Me-Demon Underground Book #1 {My Thoughts

info and pic from goodreads.com
Bite Me
Demon Underground #1
By Parker Blue
Kindle Edition 232 pages
Paperback Edition also available
Published September 30th 2008
By Bell Bridge Books
Source: Personal copy from Amazon free March 22nd 2011
BUY LINK AMAZON KINDLE  BUY LINK BARNES AND NOBLE NOOK
Bite Me

Young Adult Vampire Hunter

A Fictionwise Fantasy Bestseller

An edgy book for teens that spans the gap between YA and adult fiction. Life after high school is tough enough without having to go 15 rounds with your inner demon. Val Shapiro is just your ordinary, part-demon, teenaged vampire hunter with a Texas drawl. And a pet hellhound named Fang. Soon enough she finds herself deep in the underbelly of the city, discovering the secrets of the Demon Underground and fighting to save those she loves. Whether they love her back or not.


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Bite Me (Demon Underground, #1)Bite Me by Parker Blue


Bite Me was a free read on Kindle so not expecting too much I downloaded it about lunchtime onto my Kindle and before 9 pm that night had read this quirky tale!

I thought that I would like the book from the synopsis and since it was set in Texas it was doubly intriguing to me as I live 2 hours from the location of San Antonio!

I could not put it down, loved the fact that the main character Val Shapiro was a half human/half lust demon or since a female half succubus! Val is not beautiful, not the most popular girl of her age group and is probably one of the more realistic female heroines in this kind of story that I have found in a long while... She is a refreshing change of pace in fact as a character!

Eighteen years old and all attitude Val is a kick ass vampire slayer who puts poor Buffy to shame! Thanks to the stepfather who helped raise her from age five on Val has taken all kinds of martial arts training in order to channel the energy needed to keep her demon half under control... That same training has come in handy time and again as she started killing Vampires at a young age and being able to use her fight training has kept her from serious injury, along with her demon strength and speed!

On her 18th birthday Val's younger sister Jen tags along without her knowledge and witnesses her taking down and dispatching of a vampire. Also a witness to the slaying of the vamp is Special Crimes Unit Officer Dan Sullivan, he briefly talks to Val and Jen explaining who he is and gives Val his card in case she needs to reach him...

Unfortunately upon arriving home her Mother and Stepfather see that Jen is with Val and they then and there make the decision that for her younger sisters welfare the two need to be separated and banish Val from seeing Jen and at the same time throw her out of the house!

Val takes off on her motorcycle and ends up at the San Antonio River Walk where she finds a little shaggy mutt who comes up to her and allows her to pet him. Not surprising to me a Vampire shows up and Val is astonished to see the dog leap up and attach himself to the Vamps genital area and hang on for dear life!

Val dispatches the vamp and hears a voice in her mind that turns out to be the dog who is in reality part Hellhound and goes by the name of "Fang"...
 Not since reading Lizzie Brown's talking sidekick the Jack Russell Terrier "Pirate" in author Angie Fox Demon Slayer series have I laughed as much as I did with the comments and observations of "Fang" , he is truly the best part of the story at times!

 My second love is for the character of Dan Sullivan... He is a "Mr Clean" and All American nice guy cop who becomes Val's partner when she is recruited into the Special Crimes Unit that Dan works for... They are the division of the San Antonio police that is unknown to most of the cities population, the ones responsible for policing the paranormal bad guys who hurt or even kill humans!

To say that this is a good read is an understatement, it was fun and it was fast and it was also a realistic look through the eyes of a young woman who is still figuring out how to make the best life for herself she can given the circumstances she is faced with... That is all the information you will get out of me on this one, the story has to be read to be appreciated and it is well worth the time you spend as very enjoyable!

I can say that the story can be read as a stand alone as pretty much has the loose ends tied up by the end but since books #2Try Me (released in March of 2010) and #3 Fang Me released this month of March 2011 are available I hope to be reading them soon!

PARKER BLUE GOODREADS PAGE
PARKER BLUE'S WEB SITE
PARKER BLUE'S FACEBOOK PAGE


  

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6/29/11

Long overdue Recap....


all images from google.com

I have been thinking lately about all the stuff that has been going on with my blog and thought it was about time to share some of the highlights for the last few months since my last small recap in February..
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My second Blogoversary was in April
My 49th Birthday was in June

Guest Posts/Interviews (at the time post was written)
I had multiple giveaways and even participated in a couple of Blog Hops this year so far and looking forward to the next 18&Over Blog Hop Giveaway in September Co-Hosted By Bitten By Paranormal Romance and Reading Between The Wines Book Club 9-15/9-18.
Books Read and Reviewed on the blog March through June
(at the time post was written)
I have had close to 72,000 hits on the blog since installing the button earlier this year, have signed up to Blogaholic Social Network , Book Blogger Directory  and even became a Sinner's Groupie thanks to author Olivia Cunning's rocker breakout hit Backstage Pass which scorched eyeballs and made women swoon all over the place when they met the 5 bad band members from the fictional Sinner's group!
I had the pleasure of meeting a few of my favorite authors at the Boas and Tiaras 2011 High Tea in Allen Texas on 6/11/11 and I hope to have as much fun in November when a few online blogger friends and I finally get to meet at Reader's and Ritas 2011 which takes place in the same Hotel on November 11th-13th...
Ongoing giveaway information links are at the top of this blog post.
My little buddy below thinks that there might be some fun things you want to share with us too so leave me a link or a comment with your best memory from your blog lately!

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6/28/11

All Things Urban Fantasy: Event Announcement for Deadly Destinations: Your Guide to Killer Hot Spots

Abigail is having a month long giveaway co-hosted with Dark Faerie Tales July 1st to July 31st
Full details can be found by clicking link below, this all starts in a couple days so go check it out now!


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6/27/11

Predators of Darkness Q&A INTERVIEW-AUTHOR LEONARD D HILLEY II

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My Thoughts On Predators Of Darkness-Aftermath
My Thoughts On Beyond The Darkness
My Thoughts On Game Of Pawns
Thanks to the kind offer from the author I have had the pleasure of reading all three books that have released in The Darkness series so far and eagerly looking forward to book #4!

I am going to tell you that if you love books that cross different genres, have totally believable characters and some very unique twists and turns you will enjoy these as much as I did!
Now if you will please be so kind as to welcome Author Leonard D. Hilley II as today he is answering some questions concerning his Darkness series....
Leonard will also be available on and off for comments or questions about the books.

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Q&A Interview with Leonard D Hilley II author of The Darkness series

Jackie
How would you pitch “The  Darkness” series  to someone who has never heard of it before?

Leonard
After a missile attack strikes the heart of Pittsburgh, the surviving scientists and students in Helmsby’s Research Center emerge to find blood-thirsty shifters roaming the streets.  The fight for survival  turns some into heroes who never imagined they had what it takes to survive.  During their most enduring tribulation even enemies are forced to become friends or die.  These bonds of friendship, love, and sacrifice keep these characters close throughout the series, but they also learn that perseverance keeps hope alive.

Jackie
Do you remember the exact moment you first got the idea for “Predators of Darkness”, or the one aspect of the story that came to your mind first?

Leonard
In 1996 my wife and I moved to Kentucky to finish our degrees at Morehead State University.  A few weeks before classes started I was getting ready to go to sleep when the opening sentence just came to me: “Dropping a cat from the top of a ten story office building was not the best way to remain hidden, but it was necessary.”  I had to write it down.  I knew this would turn into something great, but I never expected a series from it.

Jackie
“The Game of Pawns” is the 3rd book in the series. Have you found it any easier or harder to write the series as it gets farther along?

Leonard
I’m working on book 4 right now.  There are times when I wonder where the characters will take me and what is about to happen.  I believe this book will be dark and new revelations are in store for us.

Jackie
Who was the easiest & hardest character for you to create?
Leonard
The characters all emerged on their own.  Perhaps that sounds strange, but it’s true.  They seemed to materialize on the page and slowly each introduced themselves to me.  The hardest to write is Morton.  Why?  Because he’s stubborn like a cat, and only presents himself when he wants.

Jackie
Did you have a strong support system when you started writing?
Leonard
I started writing at an early age.  I also made my own comics, too.  By the time I was eleven, I had written my first novel.  Both my parents were in college then, and my mother took my manuscript to her English professor.  She read it and told her that I had potential.  However, my father read this aloud to my siblings and constantly pointed out an error ten times when one would suffice.  He also kept joking over the mistake each time, too, which embarrassed me.  Due to that and some strict religious rules at a local church, I stopped writing for years.

Who do you feel influenced or encouraged you the most?  
Leonard
In 1993 I met my wife, Christal, and she expressed how much she loved Dean R. Koontz.  I had never heard of him, and seeing a 3-in-1 book set at the college book store, I bought it for her as a surprise gift.  After returning to my dorm and reading the first chapter, I found that I was surprised.  I was hooked on how he connected the characters and pace of his novel that my zeal to write returned to me.  Christal has always supported my dream to be an author and is the reason I began writing again.

Jackie
Do you hear from readers much?

Leonard
I’ve heard from a lot of people on myspace before it dwindled away.  A lot followed me to Facebook, and now, via Goodreads and Blogger, I’m meeting a lot of great new people who LOVE books.  For an author, those are the best in the world.

Jackie
What kinds of things do they say?  
Leonard
The consensus is that they love Morton the cat and want to know whether or not he’s going to be in the next book.  He’s hijacked one page on my blog now, so he can keep in touch with his fans.

Jackie
Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

Leonard
I’ve been bodybuilding for about 19 years.  Although I’m a pretty good size fellow, I’m also quiet and shy.  I am a biologist and my main interest is in entomology, especially butterflies and moths (rearing from egg to adult stages).

Jackie
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Leonard
I have a hard time starting a new project if I’ve not finished a previous novel.  I will also read through my novels about 100 times checking for errors.  It’s hard to believe that even after all that, you still miss them.
Just For Fun Stuff:
Jackie


Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write? 
 Leonard
I start the morning at the gym, come home to a large pot of coffee, and reread what I've written the day before, revise, and start from there.

Jackie
How long have you been writing?  
 Leonard
I've started writing novels and short stories at 10-11 years of age.  I've been seriously writing for a career since 1993.

Jackie
Pets? 
 Leonard
We have two dogs and three cats.  Our oldest cat weighs about 15 pounds.  We have a female cat that has 25 toes, and she has a solid black son with 22 toes.  He was the only one born in the litter and acts like a spoiled child begging for constant attention.

Jackie
What or who inspires you in real life?
Leonard
My wife and kids are my inspiration.  I'm very proud of them all.         
          
 All the buy links and author's links are included below, take a look and start reading today as they are not only available in e-book but paperback format is available to order also...
 



Leonard D Hilley II author of Predators of Darkness: Aftermath, Beyond the Darkness, and The Game of Pawns.
Buy link for Predators of Darkness on Amazon
BUY LINK KINDLE EDITION PREDATORS OF DARKNESS $2.99
Buy link for Beyond the Darkness on  E-BOOKS FOR PLEASURE
BEYOND THE DARKNESS IN EPUB OR MOBI FOR $4.99
Buy link for Game of Pawns on Amazon
BUY LINK KINDLE EDITION GAME OF PAWNS $4.99
Buy link for Predators of Darkness on Smashwords
PREDATORS OF DARKNESS BUY LINK SMASHWORDS $2.99
Predators Of Darkness-Aftermath on Barnes and Noble
Beyond The Darkness on Barnes and Noble
The Game Of Pawns on Barnes and Noble
Authors page on Smashwords with book buy links
LEONARD D HILLEY II ON SMASHWORDS
Authors page on Goodreads
LEONARD D HILLEY II ON GOODREADS

Authors page on Amazon

Authors Blog
LEONARD D HILLEY II BLOG SITE
Thank you not only for awesome answers to the questions but for the wonderful series of books that you have given us to enjoy Leonard, good luck with the future and have to laugh that Morton hijacked a page on your site... I need to stop by and have  a small chat with him myself soon!
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6/26/11

McCarty Griffin E-Book Winner!

 E-Book winner for a copy of
is Denise Z, the only person to enter the giveaway... Winner confirmed and E-Book coupon codes have been sent out to purchase from Smashwords...
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HAPPY READING!

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6/25/11

Monster Story {My Thoughts}

photo provided by author
info and blurb from goodreads.com
Monster Story
By McCarty Griffin
E-Book 315 pages
Published November 4th 2010 by McCarty Griffin via Smashwords
ISBN  0011144777   (ISBN 13:  2940011144776)
Source:E-ARC Smashwords copy from author in exchange for an honest review 
BUY LINK AMAZON KINDLE $4.99
BUY LINK BARNES AND NOBLE NOOK $4.99
BUY LINK SMASHWORDS $4.99

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Monster StoryMonster Story by McCarty Griffin


Monster Story is the third book that I have had the pleasure of reading for an honest review by author  McCarty Griffin . The book is also the one I left for last because it is a horror suspense and not a book I would normally read... However I stepped out of my little box and accepted the challenge of being shocked, horrified, grossed out and pleasantly entertained as well!
The book has a lot of graphic descriptions that are not for anyone with a squeamish stomach, it also tells a very gripping tale that is full of drama and suspense and at times a sense of fun that even when it is not appropriate lightens up this very dark and raw tale of savage murders by a Monster who has run amok from one end of the county to the next!
I found the writing style of the author easy to follow with this tale, there are just enough characters in the book to make it interesting without being overwhelming and the countryfied hillbilly atmosphere added a sense of familiarity as I am from a small town and it was quite a bit like where the story takes place... Lots of hunters and running coons with hound dogs where I grew up so it was something that resonated with my memories and made this a more believable story...
I have to say that mixing horror and humor may seem a little off, it worked with this book... The wonderful give and take between Christy and her best friend Graeme were my favorite scenes in the book... The scenes with Christy's cat Jaba and the bluetick hound Belle were also a nice way to break up the dark atmosphere that permeates the entire story.
All in all I enjoyed learning what and who the monster was and how the plot played out to the ending, even though at times I was both repelled and fascinated it was a good read for a change of pace...

For people who enjoy the Sci-Fi Channel and old movies with a lot of pulse pounding build up to the action this one will be a perfect sit down at night and prepare to be scared reading experience... It is not something for everyone but believe me if you do get the chance to get a copy you will find yourself engrossed until the book ends!

I have to disclose that this book was an e-arc copy submitted to me by the author for an honest review and that there is no other compensation from her or the publisher except my reading pleasure and enjoyment of the characters depicted in the story.
More reads to enjoy by the author:
Half-Inch

The Tribe

Author's Web Page
Author's Goodreads Page
Author's Smashwords Page
Author's Facebook Page
Author's Twitter

  
 

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6/24/11

The Qwillery: Interview with J.A. Saare & Giveaway - June 24, 20...


book photo provided on Qwillery post

International Ends July 1st 1 winner for ebook copy of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere In Between provided by author JA Saare
For full details and entry to giveaway click link below
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Share the giveaway, spread the word!
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18&over Blog Hop Giveaway Winners!

RANDOMIZER HAS SPOKEN
US GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF SHADOW KEEPER SERIES IS

CGPowell
US 2ND AND THIRD PLACE WINNERS ARE
KATIE
who chose "Blood Born" by Linda Howard
LOLARIFIC
who got the last book left "Enemy Lover" by Karin Harlow
INTERNATIONAL WINNER IS

Alexandra Roxana Garcia
who chose a copy of "When Blood Calls"
by J.K. Beck
to be bought and shipped from The Book Depository
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Winners have been notified and confirmed and books mailed out and for International winner ordered her book of choice from the Book Depository to be shipped to her directly by TBD...

HAPPY READING!






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