Coming soon! 12 Days of Christmas Blog Event!

It happens every year.  All the gifts have been unwrapped, your Christmas tree is dying, and you are wondering if you will make it past the New Year's eve this year.  And lets be honest, it is all exhausting!  Well, have no fear, our wrap up for the end of the year is here!  Here at Place of Reads, we will be celebrating all the wonderful books we have read, giving away some of those great books that we have enjoyed reading this past year, and getting ready to start fresh with new books, new challenges, and new authors with our 12 Days of Christmas Event.  From December 26 through January 6, we will be hosting author interviews, guest blog posts and giveaways.  There might even be a little bit of "Christmas Caroling", through a blog hop (this plan is still in the works, so don't hold me to the Christmas Caroling part just yet! :P).  


Rules/Registration for Bloggers and Reviewers is in Green.
Authors, please note the Red section!




Calling All Bloggers/Reviewers:

1) You don't have to review a new book, it can be one you have already reviewed or your one of your favorite books.  The only thing we would like is that it have Christmas in the book, and it isn't as hard as you would think!


2) You don't have to have a regular blog, this is open for anyone.  This will give you a chance to try out blogging.  If you have never done a blog before, look at some previous blogs to see about your layout for a book review.  


3) Grab our event button and post it on your blog!  


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Interested?  Then Sign Up Here!


Sign up for the Christmas Caroling Blog Hop here:



**Please fill out both the form and the Linksy if you want to take ANY part of this event.**


Calling ALL Authors:


It doesn't matter if you prefer your characters undead, living in Victorian England, or live on another Planet as a alien, we would love to have you join in on the fun and promote your book during our 12 Days of Christmas Blog Event!  So if you would be interested in participating, either by having us host a giveaway of your favorite/latest book, doing a guest post, or an interview, please let us know by contacting us at placeofreads@gmail.com (Subject should read 12 Days, just to help us out!). Some ideas for a guest post might be telling your favorite Christmas story, sharing a Christmas memory, or your top ten list of things you like to do during the Christmas season.  If you would like us to host a giveaway with your post, that would be absolutely amazing.  you can send books out directly to the winners or you can post them to us at your convenience, and we will take care of it for you.  The deadline for author's response is November 17, 2011 by 11:59 pm.  Anytime between now and then will be great, that way we can set up the posts and plan the week out.  




Happy Reading!


Cana

Follow Friday (10)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com andAlisoncanread.com

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

A.  Oh, where to begin.  I would love to see Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword made into a movie.  

For my cast of characters, I'd have David Tennant get a really good tan, so he could be Corlath (hmmmmm :) ).  Dick would be played by the sweet Arthur Darvill, Harry would be played by Sophia Myles.  And of course Aerin (very short role, but sooooo wonderful/important!) would be played by Karen Gillian. 

Minor character roles would include: Michael Caine, Rebekah Staton, Nathan Fillion, Gareth David-Lloyd, Nisha Nyar, and John Barrowman.

Yes, my cast is pretty much UK, related in some way to Doctor Who, but who cares!  I know that Robin McKinley has refused any movies being made from her books, so I accept this.  I will just imagine in my head all those actors in those roles :)

So what would you answer?

Happy Reading!


Cana

Voodoo Dues Companion by Stephany Simmons

Description:


The Voodoo Dues Companion is short scene that was not included in Voodoo Dues. It is an expanded love scene between the main characters for those who like their Urban Fantasy a little steamier.


My Review:

Voodoo Dues Companion by Stephany Simmons

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yep, it so should have been published with the book.
The scene is short... Just a few pages, but I enjoyed it. I like how Figg isn't stick skinny or like that. She has a bit of meat on her bones, and is even a little self conscious about it (and what woman isn't self conscious about her body sometimes?). But even then it doesn't matter to Lian.
Definitely worth the read, but highly recommend reading with the book. I re-read the book, so I could get the whole blending of the extra chapter.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Description:


From the beginning of Figg’s employment, there is something not quite right about the bar. There are few customers, a parade of neighborhood psychics and pentacle adorned visitors, all coming to hold court with her enigmatic boss. Figg is not sure what is going on, but she is determined to find out!

When the local voodoo queen shows up, and the next morning her grandson ends up dead outside the bar things get interesting.

Figg pesters Lian into telling her the truth about his former life, and is thrust into a world where the things that go bump in the night are real. There’s a murder to solve, zombies to lay to rest and a villain that neither of them saw coming. 


My Review:

Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Figg works at a pub for Lian, a professor turned pub owner. Figg keeps thinking how boring working there is, especially since they never have any customers, but they always have the weird paranormal people showing up. Then someone dies, and Lian and Figg get involved more than they ever thought. And the un-dead aren't going to just stay in the grave.


So first of all, this is my first voodoo and my first zombie book. I've never been a fan of zombies. The idea of the brain-eating un-dead just never really interested me. Honestly, I was prejudices... I like my undead to be hot and sexy and a vampire. Now, I take it all back. Stephany Simmons has given me a new respect for zombies and voodoo even.


I love the character of Eleanor Figg, better known as Figg. She is a fiesty, determined, independant woman with a pention for expensive high heel shoes. when faced with an issue, she dives in head first (many times, it seems, without any forethought). She is always prepared for anything (lock cutters, guns, clothes, etc.), and I love how her purse was compared to Mary Poppin's bag! Too funny! She definitely the character I related to the most.


Then there is Esther, the land lady... I want to be just like her when I grow up!


The mysteries in this book are great! some are solved, while some others are still waiting for answers. The witty banter and the action will keep your attention. Personally, Carl's character had me rolling on the floor as he argued with Boyd the Friendly Gay Ghost or when he is calling Figg a hussy or slut.


The only thing that disappointed me was that I would have loved some more romancing... A few more scenes with Figg and Lian. Yep, could have really used some more.  But that is what the companion book is for...

So looking forward to more to this series. So, PLEASE, Ms. Simmons, I'm ready and waiting!



Happy Reading!


Cana

Waiting on Wednesday: Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Description:

For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric-who may or may not betray them.

Why?

1. Who doesn't like the Fae?  Okay, if you are kidnapped and held against your will, I can understand why you don't, but otherwise, you have NO excuse :).
2. I have enjoyed Ms. Harvey's other works.  They are easy reads that are fun and has adventure and romance, but nothing that you can't handle reading on a lonely, dreary day.  
3. This sounds like a good plot.  The damsel becomes the "knight" so to speak.  Who wouldn't want the helpless to rise up and win?  (Okay, so the villain wouldn't... But how many of us are really villains?).
4. Look at this cover! Beautiful!

So what are you waiting for?


Happy Reading!


Cana

Soul Swap - Promises by Carrie Olguin

Description


On planet Del'noshe, Tenor vowed to be Telima's Protector. The Tribal Chief refuses the match. Instead, he send Tenor to acquire new blood for the tribe. At the Warrior games, Tenor wins Annie. He decides to trade his Prize for Telima. On the trip home, Annie proves to be everything he would ever want or need in a woman. Can he chose between honoring his vow and his burning need for Annie?

On 21st century Earth, Annie's life is in the toilet, no job, no boyfriend and no family. She makes a drunken wish, which the Universe grants, sending her to different planet – as the prize of an all-too-sexy warrior. Is the soul swap permanent? If she solves Tenor's problem, will be sent home? Or if she wins Tenor's heart, can she stay? The magical Anom Tribal Counsel has the answers, if she dares to seek their help.


My Review:

Soul Swap - Promises by Carrie Olguin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie has had a hard life. Her family are all dead. She lost her jobs. Her boyfriend broke up with her. Her roommate/best friend is leaving her alone and abandoning her with a horrible apartment. She is to the point where she doesn't feel like she has anything to live for. Then she gets drunk one day, and she is transported (soul only) to one of the Five Worlds. Tenor, a native of one of the Five Worlds, is a man who made a promise, and he plans on fulfilling it. But then Annie comes along, and the plans change. Will they be able to make it together when things are going against them?


As a whole, this short novella is very good. There is a lot of confusion for Annie, especially when she realizes that she has been given a new body (more cat like than human), and try as she might to figure out what is going on, she is distracted by the handsome Tenor. Tenor is a strong man who follows the rules of his tribe. Annie occasionally uses the comparison to a caveman idea, which for a modern woman, it is probably the closest comparison that she can come up with.


I wish there had been a bit more of a back story to the "puppet master" of the book. I really didn't understand who she was exactly to the end... But it did lead to some interesting thoughts then.


I will say that I enjoyed Fire and Ice more than I enjoyed this book, but it has its own merits. So I can honestly say that I enjoyed this novella, and recommend it, especially if you are looking for a good quick read.




Happy Reading!


Cana

What Are You Reading Monday?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

What I read last week:

Plus a few books you'll never know about :)

Currently Reading:

This is what I'm reading, and there will be more added to this list I'm sure!

Did Not Finish (Yet...):

I am planning on finishing it, but it just wasn't as much my taste as I thought.  I'm on page 60, and it is slow going.  Would love some more information rather than trying to go back and forth on my e-reader for the information I need.

Next Week's Reading:

I haven't decided yet, and I think I'll just have to surprise you all about it next week :)

Happy Reading!

Cana

Happy Reading!


Cana

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Description:


You can run from the grave, but you can't hide . . .

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She's still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she'll find that desire lasts forever . . . and that Bones won't let her get away again.

My Review:

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After 4 years, Cat and bones are reunited by chance at a wedding of mutual friends. At first Cat fights being with Bones because she wants to protect him. Then there is bones, who wants her back, and as the ever patient vampire, he is doing his very best to get her back.


Hmmm... What to say about this book. It is a delicious continuation of the Night Huntress Series. I already loved both Cat and Bones before the second book, but now my love for this series has been further cemented.


I loved this story because 1) Cat is still a bit of the insecure-uncomfortable-in-her-own-skin Cat, even though she is 4 years older, but she has grown so much that you know that she is a better character than she was before. 2)The action, the flow of this novel itself, were amazing. I don't like when a book slows to a crawl, and this one definitely never did! 3) The infamous chapter 32... And I don't need to say more on that one! 4) Finally, the witty banter is great. I love how it flows so seamlessly, and keeps me laughing through the book.


Personally, I wanted to cheer Cat and Bones (especially towards the end when there are decisions to make and you hope, pray and will fight to make sure it is the right decision made, and the occasional happy dance that occurs when thing goes right!), and I was excited as I read all the thoughts going through Cat's head as she made the decisions that she did make.


Highly Recommend this book, and DEFINITELY count on me reading the rest of this series and its spin off!


**Adult scenes in this book.  Not appropriate for all readers.**


Happy Reading!


Cana

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

Description:  

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

My Review:

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy is a girl in love with a book character, Alexander Banks. When chance takes control and Alexander appears in her world, she is shocked and entirely unprepared for the adventures ahead of her.


First let me say that I love Ms. Van Diepen's dedication in her book. As book reviewers, we rarely mention the dedications (I want to know does anyone else read them like I do?), but her's just kept echoing to me through out the day, even when I wasn't reading the book. "For those of you who have ever fallen in love with a character of a book." This book is for those of us who have wished that the Edward's, Jacob's, Bones's, Marcello's, and other beloved and/or sexy characters were real.... Of course some of us would never leave the house if we were able to catch the book characters in real life ;)


Next thing I loved about the book was the cover. It is so much better in real life than this pale comparison of a picture, but it is beautiful. The mystery of the book continues with the cover. We can't exactly make out the man's face, but you see hints of features. The physical appearance of shock from the woman (the book open, almost slipping from her hand. Her other hand physically holding her up....). I love covers like this! It allows me to imagine the characters exactly as I want according to the author's directions. That and the colors of the book cover are beautifully striking: grays, reads, blacks, and emerald greens.


I must admit, I love Amy's character. She is a girl who loves books, loves a certain book character, and as the book progresses, she learns about her own strengths and gains a confidence that she never had before. She is the kind of character you want to be, one that someone can relate to.


Alexander banks is a great character, and if he decides to leave Amy and enter my world, I'd be happy to take him in. :) He is such a gentleman, and that is rare to find in today's world.


I love how this Paranormal YA book adds a bit of science fiction with the idea of "literary physics". I'm not a science person, but if they had a class like this, I'd take it.


With the fast pace action, great dialog, unique plot, and the dream of every book addict, you can be sure that this book will be entertaining!
Highly recommend this book, and would love to read some more by this author!




View all my reviews


Happy Reading!


Cana

Follow Friday (9)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted By Parajunkee.com andAlisoncanread.com

Q. Do you have a favorite series that you read over and over again? Tell us a bit about it and why you keep revisiting it?

A.  Oh, there are so many!  

The Argeneau Series:  Just because sometimes you need hot vampires that are just the result of Atlantis' advance technology... That and they are easy quick reads!

The Dragon Keeper Chronicles:  Because dragons are cool!  And I want to grow up and be like Kale sometimes. 

The Immortals:  Because being able to talk to animals would be AMAZING!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Because it is a reminder of the wonderful times in my childhood.

Fires of Gleannmara series:  I am part Irish, and I love this Writer. The prologues and the Epilogues are written in Ireland's perspective!

The Brides of Alba:  I love King Arthur, and I love this writer.  When you combine both = RE-READ SUPER HERO!

The Damar Books: Because sometimes it reminds me that I don't have to fit in to be happy.  And I want to marry Corlath.... :)

There are a few more series, but these are the first ones I go to when I can.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman

Description:


King Arthur and his queen are dead and Merlin has vanished. Bound by Divine Providence but divided by distrust, Shadoe and Rayn must find a way to save the Isle of Might and themselves from the threatening evil. A tantilizing brew of fantasy, action, and romance.


My Review:

Legend of the Emerald Rose: A Novel by Linda Wichman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love any stories of King Arthur. There is something that seems so magical about that time. Well, Ms. Wichman takes the much beloved story and creates a wonderful tale of love lost, forgiveness and loved gained. Shadoe was just a teenager when Camelot fell, and he saw both Arthur and his queen fall under Mordred and Morgana. Just before Guinevere dies, he promised to take care of the Emerald Rose, the most important talisman in all of the British Isle. He is now a man with a past that he regrets, a present that he wants to end, and an unknown future. Emerald Rose Rayn is the adopted daughter of Lancelot, but does not know that she is truly the daughter of Arthur and his queen. Both Shadoe and Rayn have to get over their distrust of each other if they hope to save their people and themselves from the evil that is coming.


I love this story. Ms. Wichman takes this story and makes it so much more. We all know what happened to Arthur and Guinevere, but don't know the story of what happens after. And that is what happens. Shadoe is the son of Merlin, and he hates that everyone expects him to fill his father's shoes. He does his best to rebell, only to end up where he wants to the least-- Britain. Rayn has been trained as a warrior, to eventually rule a people, though she doesn't know her heritage. She is strong willed and she is quick to fight to protect her people. I love all the scenes with Rayn and Shadoe together. The chemistry jumps off the page and has you so engulfed in the writing, that you can't wait to see what happens next, but dread the book ending because you don't want it to end.


I also enjoy how Ms. Wichman made it so easy to relate to her characters, though they seem so far away, and so unlike us in the modern world.


With battles, romance, and even magic and ghosts, you can't go wrong with this story.


Highly recommend this book, and would love to see more from this author!



Happy Reading!


Cana

Waiting on Wednesday: A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton

Description:  

Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her – but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain. 

Although a perfect fit for the paranormal romance genre, A WITCH IN WINTER avoids fangs, excessive body hair and submissive female leads, and tells the heart-wrenching story of a couple meant to be together, but being forced apart. Seth is utterly irresistible and Anna is an empowered, proactive young woman with unimaginable magic inside her. This is fast-paced, sensuous writing with believable incantations inspired by Warburton's research into witchcraft legend and old English.

Why:

1. Doesn't this sound amazing from the description?  I mean, the description of the book that "avoids fangs, excessive body hair and submissive female leads" sounds like a book that is attempting to be different from others in its genre.  I want to read it to see if it succeeds!
2. The cover!  I think it is soooooooo beautiful.  Mysterious and so colorful in a wintery way!
3. The title sounds lovely... though I do hate the cold!
4. Story line sounds pretty good too!
5. RESEARCH IS MENTIONED!  Will she succeed with her research making her story believable, or ABSOLUTELY unbelievable (in a good way)?  Or just one giant let down?  We shall see!

So what are you waiting for?

Happy Reading!

Cana

Caressed by Moonlight by Amanda J. Greene

Description:

Dorian Vlakhos is no ordinary aristocrat. He is a vampire king, who will do anything to save his clan from complete annihilation, before an ancient curse can claim his immortal life.

Penniless and orphaned, Victoria Kingston has nothing to bring to a marriage, yet she must shackle an unsuspecting gentleman into marriage by the end of the month or forfeit her rights as guardian of her younger sister. With the help of her dearest friend, Victoria begins her hunt, and vows to stay far away from the dark, mysterious, Prince Vlakhos.

After meeting the beautifully innocent Miss Kingston, Dorian had to have her. He would do absolutely anything to make Victoria his. One sweet stolen kiss would bring them together while a force, more powerful than any vampire would bind them for all eternity. But treachery, war, and death rule Dorian’s dark world and Victoria would be fortunate to survive. 

My Review:

Caressed by Moonlight by Amanda J. Greene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Victoria, guardian to her younger sister, moves to London to seek assistance from her only other living relative, her aunt who despises her. When her aunt makes the decree that she either marries in a moth or she will lose her sister and be cast into the streets, Victoria decides to do whatever it takes to keep her sister. 


Dorian, King of the Vampires for his clan, has come to London to draw the attention of Huntes away from his clan. he is also dealing with the witches curse that all King/Queens have: to die unless their mate is found and a bond is created.


When Victoria and Dorian meet, little do they know the path they will take to be together -- Forever.


The beautifully written story tells of an extremely old vampire and a beautiful young mortal who fall in love, though they don't know it at first and then they are too scared to admit to the other. I personally found this story amazing.


First, it is a paranormal historical romance... And it is written well for this genre (minus the grammatical/spelling errors... That is the OCD speaking).


Second, the characters are amazing. you can't help but love them. You want to ease Dorian's pain as he craves blood. you want to cheer Victoria on as she defends herself against a hunter. You just want there to be a happily-ever-after for them!


Finally, the absolutely beautiful twist at the end of the book makes you WANT to read the next book, but alas, it looks like I'll have to wait :(


I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more from Ms. Greene!


**There are some adult scenes, not appropriate for some readers.**


Happy Reading!


Cana

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading is hosted by Book Journey . Each week we spotlight the books we are reading, planning on reading or just finished reading.

What I read last week:

Plus a few books you'll never know about :)

Currently Reading:

This is what I'm reading, and there will be more added to this list I'm sure!

Did Not Finish/Won't Be Finishing:

Why?  Didn't know this was part of a series, and this, unlike some others I've read, was NOT a stand alone in the series.  The writing seemed disjointed and the characters were ABSOLUTELY irritating.  Made it to the 1/2 way point (the requirement for all books), and decided that I wasn't wasting my time anymore.  

Next Week's Reading:

I haven't decided yet, and I think I'll just have to surprise you all about it next week :)

Happy Reading!

Cana