Roxanne Rhoads's Blog, page 572
May 14, 2011
A Review of Monster High Books 1 and 2
Product DescriptionFrom Lisi Harrison, the New York Times bestselling author of The Clique and Alphas, comes a new series with a fresh twist on high school, romance, and the "horrors" of trying to fit in.
The monster community has kept a low profile at the local high school, but when two new girls enroll, the town will never be the same. Created just fifteen days ago, Frankie Stein is psyched to trade her father's formaldehyde-smelling basement lab for parties and prom.
But with a student body totally freaked out by rumors of monsters stalking the halls, Frankie learns that high school can be rough for a chic freak like her. She thinks she finds a friend in fellow new student Melody Carver-but can a "normie" be trusted with her big secret?My Review:
A super quick fun read that middle grade kids can really get into. I zipped right through this book. In fact I read both books in less than two days, so did my daughter.
These books are popculture fun geared towards tweens. If you have a young reader who loves supernatural craziness hand her the Monster High books before she gets hooked on Twilight.
Even with the bubblegum popculture styled language this book takes monster myths and translates them into 21st century teen talk combined with current music and funky styles while in essence it's a book about fitting in. It shows that different can be cool and that you shouldn't have to sacrifice your sense of self to be a part of the in crowd.
Product DescriptionCleopatra de Nile
- New pet snake
- Has Deuce--the hottest guy in school--all warapped up
- Herve Leger bandage dress, strappy gold platforms
Cleo was the queen bee of the RADs, the normies, and everyone in between at Merston High. But now it's "Frankie this" and "Melody that" . . . these new girls sure know how to get her lashes in a tangle. When Cleo lands a golden Teen Vogue photo op for her friends, everything seems to be back on track . . . until they bail to be in some film . . . Frankie and Melody's film! Can't a royal get some loyal?
Frankie Stein
Frankie lost her head over Brett once and vows never to do it again. Not that she has a choice: Bekka is clinging to her guy like plastic wrap. But when Brett comes up with a plan that could help the RADs live free, sparks fly, and Bekka will stop at nothing to put out the flames . . . even if it means destroying the entire monster community.
Melody Carver
The clock is tick-tick-ticking. Melody has a serious deadline to save her boyfriend, Jackson, from being exposed by the vengeance-seeking Bekka. But Cleo is making it royally difficult for the normie while threatening her acceptance into the RADs' exclusive group . . . a group that Melody suspects she has more in common with than she ever thought.
Fitting in is out.
My 12 year old daughter's review:Monster High: The Ghoul Next Door was a magnificent book to read. It left me thinking "what's going to happen next?" I absolutely loved it.This book had a lot of funny parts, drama, nail biting "what's going to happen next" parts and plenty of excitement.The Monster High books are quick and fun reads that leave me wanting more. I couldn't put the book down until I was done reading it. I finished both books in a little over a day.In the next book I hope to see what the RADs are going to do now that their faces were shown on TV. What are their parents going to do? Will the monsters or the RADs have to move? Did Bekka have something to do with all the chaos, what will Melody do to help?
May 13, 2011
A Review of Alice in Zombieland
.5Book Description
They were indeed a queer-looking party that assembled on the bank-the birds with draggled feathers, the animals with their fur clinging close to them, and all dripping wet, cross, and uncomfortable. All of them were covered in Alice's now cold and congealed blood, which made them even tastier looking to poor hungry Alice.
When little Alice follows the Black Rat down into the gaping darkness of an open grave, she falls and falls. And soon finds herself in an undead nightmare of rotting flesh and insanity. Venturing further into this land of zombies and monsters, she encounters characters both creepy and madcap along the way. But there's something else troubling poor Alice: her skin is rotting and her hair is falling out. She's cold. And she has the haunting feeling that if she remains in Zombieland any longer, she might never leave.
Can Alice escape Zombieland before the Dead Red Queen catches up to her?
My Review:
If you love zombies and you love the trend of mashing up classics and adding supernatural creatures to them then you'll find Alice in Zombieland a quick and fun read that'll keep your turning pages wondering what kind of gruesome craziness will happen next.
Lewis Carroll's orginal concept remains intact while author Nicholas Cook does a phenomenal job of writing this tongue in cheek version that will make you smile as much as it makes you cringe. Corpse turtle, creepy black rat, the conquerer wurm, a deranged queen, a graveyard and a demented tea party all keep the creepiness coming in Alice's journey down the "dead hole".
You'll enjoy this book as long as you don't take it too seriously or freak when classics get redone.
May 12, 2011
Once Bitten Forever Burned Tour Kickoff and Giveaway
ONCE BITTEN, FOREVER BURNED (May 5, 2011)
Once bitten, are they damned to forever burn without the touch of love?
A mini anthology containing:
Cruz's Salvation by Stacey Kennedy
Devon's Redemption by Eve Langlais
CRUZ'S SALVATION by Stacey Kennedy
Cruz understands torment. A mortal turned vampire in the war, he has suffered untold loneliness and despair. That is until he meets Kiara—a werewolf he's forbidden to love.
Though Kiara needs Cruz, and wants him forever, werewolves and vampires are bitter enemies. To make matters worse, her Alpha, also her father, suspects that Kiara pines for a mate. Mistaking her sadness for the longing she feels for Cruz, he sets out to give her all the happiness he can provide.
Together, Kiara and Cruz will have to fight against the rules placed upon them to hold onto their love. But an unwanted visitor creates a complication neither of them planned for. Milo, Kiara's chosen mate, has come to stake his claim. Now, not only are lives at risk, but hearts are threatened and dreams hang in the balance.
DEVON'S REDEMPTION by Eve Langlais
Bethany lost her one and only love to a war overseas. As if that weren't bad enough, a brutal attack and claiming by a Lycan makes her life a living hell. She lives only for revenge until the day love comes back into her life and promises to rescue her from her misery. However, the mate who forced her isn't about to let her go.
Devon died on the battlefield only to be reborn as a creature of the night. He fights to stay away from his one true love, but when he caves to his desire and sees her again, he discovers redemption is possible even for one who walks in darkness.
Warning: Contains scenes of violence toward the heroine and mentions of rape that might be offensive to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.
Does this sound like a book you'd like to read?
Then leave a comment on this post with your email address to be entered to win
A winner will be announced next Wednesday
For more chances to win be sure to visit all the stops along the tour
May 13 Sizzling Hot Books Guest Blog
May 14 Sizzling Excerpts At Roxanne's Realm
www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
May 16 Guest Post and Review Romancing the Darkside
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot.com
May 17 Guest Blog, Giveaway (review on another day)
http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.com
May 18 Guest Blog and Review
http://wowfromthescarfprincess.blogspot.com/
May 19 Guest Blog
Getting Naughty Between the Stacks
May 23 Guest Blog Book of Secrets
May 24 Guest Blog at Fangs,Wands and Fairy Dust
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/
May 25 review at Fangs Wands and Fairy Dust
May 26 Interview and Review
Leiliani Loves Books
May 26 Guest Blog Erotica For All
May 27 Review
http://satinsbookishcorner.blogspot.com/
Mercy Giveaway with Joshua Grover David Patterson
One of the most frequent things people ask me is some variation of, "What's up with your name?"
My name, if you didn't notice, is Joshua Grover-David Patterson. And the questions range from, "Are you two people?" to "Why do you list your real name and your pen name together?"
So let me clear this up – Joshua Grover-David Patterson is my full name. You can find it on my birth certificate. It's what my parents tagged me with, for reasons that are interesting to me, but probably not to you.
This leads to everyone's next question: Why don't you use a shorter version of your name professionally?
There are two answers there.
I grew up in a town where another kid shared my name. Same age, same grade, different schools.
Periodically, he would appear in the newspaper, sometimes with a picture, sometimes not. Inevitably, one of my parents' friends or acquaintances would clip the article out of the paper and give it to my parents.
Sometimes it got weird. Once I got a call because "I" was late to a science fair. That call came at seven in the morning on a Saturday. I was displeased.
More recently, I got drunk-dialed at 11 PM by someone who wanted to catch up with "me."
Then there was the time Entertainment Weekly went to a Star Wars convention, and talked to a guy with my name, who lived in my town, who was wearing a homemade Boba Fett costume.
Because of all this confusion, I started using my initials along with my name whenever possible. I wrote my name as Joshua G-D Patterson. Then someone asked why I didn't put an O where the dash was, and I stopped doing that.
After graduating college, I started writing screenplays. You'd be amazed how many Joshua Pattersons there are in the movie business. One of them acted in "Children of the Corn IV." Others produce. There's even one fellow named, no lie, David Joshua Patterson.
So I decided to go all out, use my full name, and even if I confused a few people… at least I'd stand out.
Which brings me to my novel, "Mercy."
Let's face facts - there are quite a few zombie stories in the world. And with the advent of e-publishing, new zombie novels aren't just coming out every week, they're coming out every day.
So how do I make my novel stand out?
When I was sitting down to write "Mercy," I knew that it was going to have to be a little different. Scratch that. I knew it was going to have to be very different if people were going to seek it out.
My favorite work of zombie fiction (as opposed to zombie fact, I suppose) is probably George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead." There are a lot of reasons for this – great action, a fascinating premise – but most of all, there's a profound moment where a character dies, and dies badly, and it's surprisingly poignant. We are, after all, talking about a movie where LOTS of people die.
I decided to create an entire cast like that. Instead of putting twenty people on an island and letting them get picked off, one by one, I wanted to put five, or six, or seven on an island, and make the audience understand what they were going through emotionally.
I wanted the reader to root for everyone to live – and to mourn a little if they didn't.
This isn't to say my book isn't fun. It also has zombie action, a plane crash, island survival, and other fun and exciting elements that I can't tell you about, because it would ruin the surprises.
In a sense, my name and my novel are similar in that way. Both of us contain elements that are pretty common, and both contain something you don't see very often.
That works for me.
I'll be giving away one e-copy of "Mercy" (Kindle, nook, or PDF) – and to win it, all you have to do is offer up something that makes you unique in the comments.
You'll also get a copy of my new vampire novellette along with Mercy.
Be sure to mention which ebook format you would prefer to receive.
I'll put everyone's name into a hat and let my four-year-old pick a name.
She promises to be very unbiased, and I'm almost certain she knows what unbiased means.
Blurb:
When Georgina Fulci's plane crashes into the Atlantic, her troubles have just begun.
Desperate to get home to her family, Georgina and a handful of survivors must find a way to escape an uncharted island… while fighting off hordes of the living dead.
"Joshua Grover-David Patterson writes in a style that will surely connect with many contemporary zombie fans. His use of tone and narrative structure are miles ahead of most who work in the genre."
-Scott Kenemore, author of "Zombie, Ohio" and "The Zen of Zombie."
"You expect a zombie novel to have brains, but you don't expect it to be this smart. You expect a number of internal organs to be on display, but you don't expect this much heart. MERCY is a kicka** zombie novel, but it's also a thoughtful, moving story about the joy and importance of being human and alive."
-Seamus Cooper, author of "The Mall of Cthulhu"
Buy the book:
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-ebook/dp/B004TSJBKE nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Mercy/Joshua-Grover-David-Patterson/e/2940012397874
Check out the author:Twitter www.twitter.com/GroverDavid, Facebook at www.facebook.com/JoshuaGroverDavidwww.groverdavid.blogspot.com
May 11, 2011
Last Minion Standing Giveaway
Title: Last Minion Standing
genre: Paranormal Romance
Link: http://www.evelanglais.com/excerpt/Minion.htm
Blurb:
Who will be the Last Minion Standing?
All I said was I needed a minion, the next thing I know, I'm embroiled in a reality show with cameras following me everywhere. I should have told them not to bother, for I was ready to declare a winner-and get naked-the moment I met Drake. Shirtless and shoeless, in low slung jeans, I could think of so many ways he could serve me—especially in bed.
But, Drake, the super sexy dragon shifter, is after more than a chance to work alongside me in my battle to capture evil souls, he also wants to win my heart. But love is for weaklings, and no matter how much he tortures me sexually, I will not give in, even when he resorts to restraints and flogging. Mmm, bring it on-harder please.
A fun and erotic paranormal tale for those who like a shifter who's found his mate.
Sound like something you'd like to read?
Author Eve Langlais has offered to give away one ecopy to one lucky reader
Want it?
Leave a comment on this post with your email
Winner TBA Next Wednesday
May 10, 2011
Winner Wednesday
Fearless Desires Giveaway
By: Stacey Espino | Other books by Stacey Espino Categories: Erotic Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal
Word Count: 87,775
Heat Level: SCORCHING
Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.
[Siren Classic: Erotic Paranormal Romance]Book 1 In the Immortal Love SeriesBook 2 is Fearless Love
Delius never asked for his fate, but in a world that placed all its faith in prophecy, he would be a fool to challenge it. He felt like a parasite, forced to live off the fear of humans.
From the first time Delius became trapped in Selina's mind and seduced by her provocative thoughts, he was drawn to her. She was a mystery that turned into an obsession. Yet, for them to have a life together, Delius would have to go against his own race that demanded he fulfill his destiny. One that did not include Selina.
A Siren Erotic Romance
Would you like to win an ecopy of Fearless Desires?
Author Stacey Espino has offered to giveaway a copy to one lucky reader
To enter just leave a comment on this post with your email address
May 9, 2011
Review of Vampire Free Style
Vampire Free StyleIssue n. 1
Story and Art: Jenika
A witch boy in training meets Micia, a mysterious black cat...
Vampire Free StyleIssue n. 2
Story and Art: Jenika
Once upon a time there was a cat who was able to speak with the stars...
Vampire Free StyleIssue n. 3
Story and Art: Jenika
The story begins 300 years before...
Vampire Free StyleIssue n. 4
Story and Art: Jenika
Someone is looking for Micia, someone who might know what happened 300 years before...
Vampire Free StyleIssue n. 5
Story and Art: Jenika
Slowly mysteries from the past begin to be revealed...
Vampire Free Style Series Description:
A witch boy in training is looking for his girlfriend, who vanished mysteriously. He gives a home to a stray black cat, Micia. But the cat is much more than she appears to be: she can speak with the stars and has many flashback memories about the witch boy. She also may know something about the missing girl; something connected to an ancient necklace, a powerful spell, a vampire looking for his lost memories, and a 300-year-old forbidden love.
My Review:
When I was offered the chance to review the graphic novel/ comic book series Vampire Free Style I almost said no.
I'm not much into comics but one glimpse at the books with their vibrant and whimsical covers changed my mind. The drawing style immediately made me want to see more.
Plus my daughter- who just turned 12- adores comic books and graphic novels.
So I said yes, I'd review the series.I am extremely glad that I did.
I received them and read through them right away. The vibrant art pulled me in while the story kept me turning pages.
I love the very colorful pages, the amazing artistic detail and style, the creative characters and of course- the magical story. A cat, a vampire, a witch in training...a great cast of characters that had me enchanted right from the beginning.
I loved that the story develops quickly but is still filled with mystery. The characters are not overly complex but not shallow either.
It's sweet and appropriate for all ages- which is something that really appeals since my daughter and her friends quickly ran off with the books.
Over the weekend a houseful of girls ages 11- 18 all read the first 5 issues of Vampire Free Style- each and everyone of them- and they loved them and wanted to know when the next books would be out.
I think that means the books received the tween and teen stamp of approval.
Try the series- you'll love it and want more. I know I do. So does my daughter and her friends.
Even non comic book readers will love these books- if only for the artwork.
To learn more about the books visit NeptuneFactory.com
You can learn about the Characters and get Free Downloads at the site.
Buy your own copies athttp://www.megacitycomics.co.uk/acatalog/Vampire_Freestyle_Comics.html
May 8, 2011
The Geek Job by Eve Langlais Giveaway
Title: The Geek Job
Genre: Paranormal/Werewolf romance
Link: http://www.evelanglais.com/excerpt/Geek.htm
Blurb:
Protect the geek, that's the job she's been hired for, but little did this shewolf expect to fall for a man of science.
As a werewolf who hires out as a bodyguard, Lexie is paid well to perform dangerous jobs. When she takes on the protection of a science geek for a vampire clan, she doesn't expect her temporary girlfriend status to come with lots of pleasure. But a geeky human who pushes all her right buttons—and plays her body oh so right—isn't reason enough for her to break the rules and fall in love.
Everything changes after an incident in the lab, but before she can decide if it's safe to give him her heart, she has to help him survive.
Warning: Experimenting with a geek at home may cause uncontrollable lust.
Would you like to win an ecopy of The Geek Job?
To enter leave a comment on this post answering this Giveaway question:
What's the title of one Eve's newest releases? (hint you can find this on the home page of Eve's site)
Be sure to leave your email with your comment
Winner TBA Next Wednesday
May 7, 2011
Paranormal Pleasures Print Giveaway
Last week I gave away an ebook copy- this week one lucky winner gets a print copy. Open to US Shipping only please.
Title: Paranormal Pleasures Ten Tales of Supernatural Seduction
Author: Roxanne Rhoads
Publisher: Bewitching Books
Genre: Paranormal erotica
ISBN: 0615470386 / 9780615470382
Page Count: 138
Book description:
Ten tantalizing, erotic tales of vampires, witches and demons grace the pages of this short story collection by Roxanne Rhoads.
Step into the darkness and let these tales tempt and tease to satisfy your paranormal cravings.
Eight of Roxanne Rhoads' previous eBook publications appear in print for the first time, along with two brand new, never before published tales of supernatural love and lust.
New witch Marissa is learning the ropes of being one of The Others. One of her mentors is vampire Deirdre, a tall beauty who really irritates Marissa. Marissa is extremely pissed when she shows up to Dante's Ball and finds Deirdre there with Marissa's recent ex-boyfriend, Jeff. The one she was encouraged to break up with because of his humanity. Deirdre explains her reasons for bringing Jeff and offers to help Marissa say goodbye to him in a way none of them will ever forget
Overkill... (Read more) A Last Goodbye
New witch Marissa is learning the ropes of being one of The Others. One of her mentors is vampire Deirdre, a tall beauty who really irritates Marissa. Marissa is extremely pissed when she shows up to Dante's Ball and finds Deirdre there with Marissa's recent ex-boyfriend, Jeff. The one she was encouraged to break up with because of his humanity. Deirdre explains her reasons for bringing Jeff and offers to help Marissa say goodbye to him in a way none of them will ever forget
Overkill
Vanessa is tired of her boyfriend Simon's promiscuous vampire ways and stakes him, repeatedly- not close enough to the heart to kill him but close enough to make it hurt. But now she's had a change of heart and considers embracing the sexual world of the vampire instead of being jealous of it.
Witch in the Middle
Ariadne is a witch torn between two men, a vampire and a human. Her heart doesn't want to choose but the men force her to make a decision that could break her heart, unless with the help of the Goddess all three of them can come to a mutually acceptable…and enjoyable agreement.
When It Storms
Devon's witchy girlfriend becomes insatiable every time a storm rolls around and he's more than happy to give her exactly what she needs.
Monster Inside
Shannon's never seen her vampire boyfriend, Logan, vamp out before. Then one night he has to kill to save her life. Can she ever look at him the same way again?
The Questioning Concubine
Elita, a pure blood witch, has come home to find who or what killed her parents and to take her rightful place as the head of the coven. After five years of investigating and exhausting all conventional methods at her disposal, she decides to do the one thing a good witch should never do—summon a demon. The demon is not what she expected. Elita is soon swept up in his power… and her own.
Renata
The residents of the sleepy little town of Flushing, Michigan had no idea a vampire lived among them, seducing and drinking from all the men in town. Renata walked among them, blending in, taking only what she needed. One night, while she was on the prowl for fresh blood at a carnival, a handsome carnie caught her eye. She had no way of knowing he was a vampire hunter and was there for her.
Sea of Blood
Liana made Nerissa a vampire centuries ago in the islands of Greece but she's never tired of her companion or the way she hunts her prey.
A Halloween to Remember
What says Halloween better than a wild party at an old Victorian mansion complete with its own cemetery? Perhaps meeting the man of your dreams thanks to the magic of Halloween.
Adena can't believe her eyes when she spots Dimitri in the library- he looks like something straight off the cover of a historical romance novel-the type of guy she's always dreamed of. Too bad he disappears before she has the chance to introduce herself. When she finally spots him again later that night she decides she's not letting him get away again. Adena thinks she's finally found the one. Until she wakes up alone the next morning- in the cemetery.
Halloween magic brought them together but will it be strong enough to keep them together?
Witching You A Merry Christmas
Witch Vicki has been leery of vampires ever since she was attacked five years ago. Daniel's a vampire and he's been secretly in love in with Vicki for two years ever since becoming Vicki's partner in The Guardians a supernatural group of paranormal crime fighters. Daniel loves Christmas and hopes the spirit of the holidays will soften Vicki's hatred of vampires and help her see him in a new light. Will he get his Christmas wish?
Print: https://www.createspace.com/3585032
Print at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615470386/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=roxannerhoads-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0615470386
Nook: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Paranormal-Pleasures/Roxanne-Rhoads/e/2940012653772
Multiple ebook formats at Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54836
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-paranormalpleasurestentalesofsupernaturalseduction-543577-139.html
Leave a comment on this post with your email
Open to US Shipping Only Please
Winner TBA Wednesday
