Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet Feature/Giveaway




Yay Darynda Jones Fans! We are excited to host the next stop in the Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet Blog Tour!!  Today we have THREE specials for you!  First off we are excited to have Cookie in the house spilling the beans on herself and all things Charley! And thanks to her, Darynda, and the Gimlet Street Team we have a Cookie excerpt from Fourth Grave!  And if that isn't enough...we have the Blog Tour Giveaway!!  One copy of the book and One copy of the Audiobook of First Grave!!
So without further ado...
 

Good Morning Cookie! Thanks for stopping by the blog for a chat.  We brought a carafe of coffee and some scones to bribe you over.  We hope you will be willing to answer a few questions from two of your biggest fans…YES, we are huge Cookie fans.  So sit back, relax for change, and let us pry a few tidbits from you.
Huge Cookie fans? I’m honored! Thank you so much. I had no idea I had fans. I feel like I should go to a spa or something. Get pampered.
First off, we have no idea how you do it!!  How DO you handle raising a tween and Charley at the same time?  Is that the real reason for the coffee addiction?  Do you get any sleep or are you a closet insomniac? We all know sleep is something needed, just look what happened to Charley when she tried to go without.
Oy! Charley is chaos incarnate WITH enough sleep. You can imagine how she is without. As far as raising Charley and my daughter Amber at the same time, bravo! That is exactly how I feel sometimes. With Amber it’s more of a do-your-homework and eat-all-your-vegetables kind of thing. With Charley it’s more like a stop-fighting-with-dead-people and you-paid-how-much-for-those-shoes ordeal. In trying to keep up with them, I have resorted to abusing coffee. I use several times a day and start going through withdrawal if I don’t get a fix every couple of hours. I do get enough sleep on those nights I’m not called to the hospital to pick up Charley or called to the jail to post bail. Those nights are great.
We know the pay isn’t that good, or the coffee is laced with something extra, but truly, why work for Charley? Do you still feel safe after this last time with Amber or is there something more to being her friend? Are you something like a token that keeps her grounded?
I think I work for Charley because we make a difference. We save lives. And you’re right. Charley needs me. I’ve woken to cold sweats worrying about what she will do without me if that time ever comes. Not that I’m likely to die first, but . . . I think
As far as feeling safe, I know it’s weird, but I think I feel safer being around Charley than not. She knows what’s going on in a world I can’t see. What’s going on underneath the surface of our own existence. For some reason, I like that. Then again, before Charley came along I’d never been shot at. Amber had never had a gun pointed at her head. Hmmmm…
We have to say that we might just stick around for all the yummy eye candy on display.  Which one of the hotties is your favorite?  Garrett?  Or is some, say uncle, catching your eye?
There is that! The constant barrage of eye candy is like being at a Disney Land created specifically for hormonal, middle-aged women. I tell you, that Garrett is a knee-melter. I can hardly be around that boy without needing one of those tiny, portable fans. While I love looking at that guy, there is something about a certain uncle of Charley’s that is just so endearing. I’m not sure if it’s his loyalty to Charley, or his quirky temper that makes him so attractive. It could be his moustache and his deep, expressive eyes.
Speaking of H-O-T…Reyes…just that name alone holds a lot of weight.  What is your take on the Son of Satan?
Hot just about covers it. Everything else is icing. Like the fact that his arms are incredible, corded with tendon and muscle. And they are attached to the most amazing shoulders. Which has this gorgeous head on top with this face that makes you want to cry it’s so beautiful. Or maybe it’s just me. I think I ovulate everytime I see him.
How about this new neighbor…you going to let us in on who it is?  Is it Reyes?
Let’s just say this place got way more interesting recently.
If Charley would quit tomorrow, as she fanaticized recently, what would you do?  Would you remain friends with no cases to solve and no otherworldly experiences?
I can’t imagine us NOT being friends. I believe in fate. Destiny. And I believe we were destined to be besties. If we didn’t have cases to solve together, I’m sure we’d find something else to do. Like open our own carwash. Or go on tour together. I sing a mean Adele. I don’t sound like her or anything, but throw a couple of margaritas down me, and I can belt out the tunes like nobody’s business.
Since being a reaper doesn’t seem to be a job you can quit, it looks like we get a lot more Cookie…Don’t we?  
She’ll definitely always have the grim reaper gig. As long as she’s reapering, I’ll be there for her.
And can you let us in on how it is going with Charley and figuring out what she is capable of? Is part of that figuring out if she should stick with Reyes or try on some Garrett or Donovan for a change?
She is coming into her abilities slowly but surely, and it’s one of the most amazing things I’ve ever witnessed. Honestly, we didn’t even know there was more to come until Reyes told her. And it’s like her knowing has made her abilities blossom.
As far as the hunks in her life, she’s a flirt. Always has been. But if you saw the look on her face every time she talks about Reyes . . . As much as she likes the other two hotties, I think her heart is set on the son of Satan. Which sounds bad when you say it aloud.
Biker gangs, Nuns that curse, Angels, Satan, Mr. Wong, Guardian Dogs…what more can come our way?  Anything you want to share?  Anything that you think you might not be able to handle, like a war? Are you afraid?
There have been hints of a war, and that worries me more than a little. But I’d rather be in the know instead of completely clueless when things on Earth go south. I think Charley and Reyes can handle just about anything if they can stop bickering long enough. If not, the human race could be in trouble.
Well, no matter what it is we hope it includes a man for you!  You need a little dream escaping of your own.  What do you think? You ready for love?
Aw, I couldn’t agree more! I do some love. I may have to get aggressive. Make my feelings known and just go for it. I am quite ready.
Darn, we are now out of coffee and have eaten all the scones.  Guess this means our time is up.  Thanks again for stopping by.  Drop by any time!!
Thank you so much for having me! I’ll keep cheering Charley on and hope for the best. Prayers are welcome, for those so inclined. 

********************************************************************
Now A Special Excerpt From Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet...


With renewed energy, I pulled back onto Academy— after hitting a
drive- through for a mocha latte— and had just started for home when
my phone rang.
“Yes?” I said, illegally talking on the phone while driving within the
city limits. Scoping for cops, I waited for Uncle Bob to stop talking to
whomever he was talking to and get back to me.
My uncle Bob, or Ubie as I most often referred to him, was a detective
for APD, and I helped him on cases from time to time. He knew I
could see the departed and used that to his advantage. Not that I could
blame him.
“Get that to her, then call the ME ay- sap.”
“Okay,” I said, “but I’m not sure what calling the medical examiner
ay- sap is going to accomplish. I’m pretty sure his name is George.”
“Oh, hey, Charley.”
“Hey, Uncle Bob. What’s up?”
“Are you driving?”
“No.”
“Have you heard anything?”
Our conversations often went like this. Uncle Bob with his random
questions. Me with my trying to come up with answers just as random.
Not that I had to try very hard. “I heard that Tiff any Gorham, a girl I
knew in grade school, still stuff s her bra. But that’s just a rumor.”
“About the case,” he said through clenched teeth. I could tell his teeth
were clenched because his words were suddenly forced. That meant he
was frustrated. Too bad I had no idea what he was talking about.
“I wasn’t aware that we had a case.”
“Oh, didn’t Cookie call you?”
“She called me a doody- head once.”
“About the case.” His teeth were totally clenched again.
“We have a case?”
But I’d lost him. He was talking to another officer. Or a detective. Or
a hooker, depending on his location and accessibility to cash. Though I
doubted he would tell a hooker to check the status of the DOA’s autopsy
report. Unless he was way kinkier than I’d ever given him credit for.
I found his calling me only to talk to other people very challenging.
“I’ll call you right back,” he said. No idea to whom.
The call disconnected as I sat at a light, wondering what guacamole
would look like if avocados were orange.
I finally shifted my attention to the dead kid in my backseat. He had
shoulder- length blond hair and bright blue eyes and looked somewhere
between fifteen and seventeen.
“You come here often?” I asked him, but my phone rang before he
could say anything. That was okay. He had a vacant stare, so I doubted
he would have answered me anyway.
“Sorry about that,” Uncle Bob said. “Do you want to discuss the
case?”
“We have a case?” I said again, perking up.
“How are you?”
He asked me that every time he called now. “Peachy. Am I the case? If
so, I can solve this puppy in about three seconds. I’m heading down San
Mateo toward Central in a cherry red Jeep Wrangler with a questionable
exhaust system.”
“Charley.”
“Hurry, before I get away!”
***************************************************************
Now the Blog Tour Giveaway!!
Rafflecopter :) 
Try and Win One Copy of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rafflecopter :)
 Try and Win One Copy of the Audiobook for First Grave On The Right
a Rafflecopter giveaway ******************************************************************
Make sure you head out and pick up your copy of Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet on October 30! Or pre-order like we did!!
Darynda JonesNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a RITA®, and a Daphne du Maurier. As a born storyteller, she grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike. Darynda lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys.

Thanks to Darynda Jones and the Grimlet Street Team for letting us join in the fun!!
Happy Reading!!
~Kiki & Jules


 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Aisling Grey Guardian Series by Katie MacAlister


You Slay Me

Kiki's Rating: 5 Stars

Thank goodness for Half Priced Books or else I would have never found this wonderful author and series! I have entered into the world of of Magic, Mayhem, and Dragons! I didn't picture myself as a follower of dragons or dragon folklore, that is until I read MacAlister's books.  If I would have know how delicious and sexy dragons could be I would have signed up long ago.

MacAlister has a sarcastic and witty style to her writing that reminds me of J.R. Ward.  Her books follow along very similar to that of the style of Ward.  Like Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series, MacAlister's series follows along a main plot throughout even though the narrator may change.  So as we move from book to book we get the inside story behind the different dragon septs and their mates, but still get flashes of our original favorite characters.  So do not be deceived thinking that the series has ended by book 4, but the story does continue to go on with the next group of books.

We begin our adventure with the first 4 books centering around Aisling Grey (pronounced Ashling).  Aisling is a Guardian to the portal to Hell, or as she is reminded all the time Abaddon.  At the beginning she has know idea of this position, that is until she runs into Drake Vireo.  Drake stumbles upon Aisling in the middle of a crime scene and throws her into the occult world.  This poor girl gets thrown from being an antiques courier for her uncle into the world of magic, portals, and sexy dragons.  She goes from a simple life trying to support herself and her leaching ex-husband to being a Guardian, a Wyvern matte (dragon mate), a Demon Lord, and is up for the new role as Venediger (leader of a group of otherworlders in Paris). All the while she picks up new and powerful talents she never new resided inside of her and a snarky demon, Jim, to help her along the way.  One of the most important new talents Aisling finds is the withstanding of dragon's fire, which in turn makes her Drake's mate.  But Drake is no ordinary dragon, he is a wyvern, or leader, of the Green Dragons.  Now Aisling is his wavering second. Even though Drake is sex on a stick and can make your dreams come true, literally, he is a dragon.  By his nature he is controlling, sexist, and the best, a thief.
Throughout the 4 books Aisling and Jim take on adventures while Aisling tries to discover what she should do about her feelings for Drake.  She picks up many new friends that help her battle the depths of hell, potential dragon wars, and at most times herself.

I breezed through all four books in two days.  I couldn't get enough of Aisling, Jim, and Drake.  With each turn of the page I was traveling off to a new world and laughing my hind end off with every turn.  The witty banter between characters and the exploits of Aisling will have begging for more.  I was sad thinking book 4 was the end of the story, only to find out I get more Aisling and Drake in the Silver Dragon series.  New narrator, but same wit and fantastic writing.

I urge you to check out this series.  It is worth the price of admission!!
Happy Reading
~Kiki
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VFPRUK/ref=s9_simh_bw_p351_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=07H1X3Z8XBQBFPGN67E0&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1345685042&pf_rd_i=1286228011

Notability & CourseNotes Apps


Don't you love it when your child knows more than you do?  My 7th grader recently introduced me to two new apps for the iPad and iPhone:  Notability and CourseNotes.  I must say that after he played with them for a couple of days he feels he can not live without them.


Notability is an app that lets you download PDF documents, ie. class notes, and work on them.  You can highlight, write, or draw on them.  It also gives you the ability to record information that you can later visit an add onto.  The drop down box allows you to organize your notes by subject.  My son said this has been vital to his science class this year.  He has taken the teacher's notes and been able to add his own notes, drawings, and etc and then printed it.  He said it is so much easier in class to just be able to listen to her teach the lesson and then go back and write later. This is an inexpensive app for just $.99.

CourseNotes is a similar app that lets you take notes or write papers directly on your iPad or iPhone.  Then you can share your notes with others just as you would share any other content on your phone.  It enables you to print and my favorite part is that you can bookmark your notes and sync it with your calendar.  So if you take notes in science and there is a test over those notes you can mark that and get reminders to study.  You can also remind yourself of assignments that are due. This app is a little more expensive at $3.99.


 Of course there are many more apps to help our children to day to study, like the flash card apps, that I will be looking into.

My only advise is to check out each of the education apps fully before purchasing.  Make sure it is an app that your child can easily navigate and will utilize.  Every child learns differently and studies differently.  So make sure the app will benefit your child's learning style.

~Kiki


Monday, October 1, 2012

October Reading List

    October brings us all kinds of good trick or treats, and book releases.  Hope everyone is having a great fall !! My favorite time of year, light weight jackets, leaves turning beautiful colors,Cincinnati Reds won the Central NL Title,  football (Who Dey), in 3.5 months my husband will be home. What more could a girl want?  Great books to read you say ? I agree !!

October 2nd:
    Death and the Girl Next Door  by Darynda Jones 
Much anticipated young adult book. It is getting fabulous reviews. I can't wait to read it.

October 23rd:
   The Lost Prince ( The Iron Fey, Call of the Forgotten, #1) by Julie Kagawa
Another great young adult series that will take you into the world of Fey. Hold on tight, it will be a great ride.

October 30th:
   Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet( book 4)  by Darynda Jones
One of my top 5 series ever. Looking forward to seeing what Charley get into in this book. Never fails to make me laugh, catch my breath, and sit on the edge of my seat. You can't put down Jones books when you start reading.

  ICED( A Dani O'Malley Novel)  by Karen Marie Moning
Another of my top 5 favorite authors. I'm so glad this is a spin off from the Fever Series. I loved Dani in the Fever books, and can't wait to read her story. Plus I'm super excited that there will be a book 6 & 7 to the Fever series, after Dani's books.

A Trace of Moonlight ( Abby Sinclair, book 3)  by Allison Pang
  I'm always a sucker for books about the Fey. I really liked the first 2 books to this series. Pang has a very different twist to the Fey and their world, and how they function in our world. Its action packed.

Of course I'm re-reading Jeaniene Frost's Cat and Bones series for the 3rd or 4th time. Just as fabulous this time around.

I'll also be reading again S.J. Clarke's Mind Over Matter, book 1 in ASI Series. Loved this book, and can't wait for book 2.

Lastly I've been re-reading Gena Showalter's Lords Of The Underworld Series. Love, love, love :)

So many books, so little time....

Happy Reading

~Jules


.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Full Moons and Other Scary Things

Wow, this past full moon really took a toll on Jules and myself. We have been battling with our schools this year trying to figure out the all elusive 504 plan that each of our children holds.  To this day and years of dealing with the plan myself as a teacher, I must say we do not have a hold on it.  This being said our blogging has paid the price.  Lucky for me my spouse is at home, unlike Jules whose spouse is serving our country in Afghanistan.  Nothing like handling the stress on your own.  My hat goes off to single moms everywhere!!!

Also, if that wasn't enough, my son Parker broke his ankle this past week at football.  First break for him and he is not at all please.  Neither is his team:(

And just to top it all off, that full moon pulled one more trick on me.  As unbelievable as it may seem, Parker and I were involved in a hit-and-run while on our way to the hospital for his ankle.  The front end of my car is gone and it will be a month before they can piece it all back together again.  The "awesome" man who caused me to hit a wall was nowhere to be found.  On the bright side, I give major points to Toyota!!  I hit a concrete wall straight on and only lost the front.  No frame damage and no injury to myself or my son.  Just some beautiful bruises as you can see from the picture below.  So if you are one that does not wear your seat belt, you might just want to think twice about that.  I'm ever so thankful for wearing mine...and whatever divine power that was watching over us that day!!!
photo.JPG
(Don't normally like posting pics of myself, but just couldn't believe how my seat belt saved my life)

With all that, Jules and I hope to be back at the keyboard typing away because goodness knows that we haven't stopped reading and we sure have a lot more to say!!

Happy Reading and Safe Driving
~Kiki

Darynda Jones Blog Tour



Coming this Oct. 10th Cookie is stopping by.  Yes! One of our favorite characters from Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series is stopping by for chat.  Make sure you wander over to see what goodies we can pry from Cookie!!

If you haven't picked up the books make sure you head over and pick them up because book 4 comes out this month!!!!  Also, check out Darynda's new YA book "Death and the Girl Next Door"

Can't wait!

Happy Reading
~Kiki

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

September Reading List

   Wow September is here, kids are back in school(Woohoo).  My husband is that much closer to coming home from his 4th deployment overseas.( Big Woohoo)  Of course, now I have extra time to read, read , read, and re-read some of my favorites!!!

The Mageri Series by Dannika Dark
Sterling, book 1
Twist, book 2
Impluse, book 3 out this fall

    Dannika Dark has a fantastic, fresh twist on Urban Fantasy. I have read the first 2 books twice, I'm so ready to read book 3. Dark is in my top 10 favorite authors list.

The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa
The Iron King, book 1
The Iron Daughter, book 2
The Iron Queen, book 3
The Iron Knight, book 4

   Wonderful young adult series about The Fey. Will be one of the series I'm re-reading before the release of  The Lost Prince in October.

Charley Davidson Series by Darynda Jones
 First Grave on the Right, book 1
Second Grave on the Left, book 2
Third Grave Dead Ahead, book 3
 Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet, book 4 due out October 30th

     What to say about our favorite Grim Reaper...... she's awesome!! Charley is a true smart ass, a girl after my own heart. She gets in crazy situations and gets out of them by the skin of her teeth, with help from one very hot son of Satan... Reyes. Yes, please fan yourselves one of the hottest guys out there. Can't wait for book 4!!!

The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning
Darkfever, book 1
Bloodfever, book 2
Faefever, book 3
Dreamfever, book 4
Shadowfever, book 5

     Love, love KMM, she is awesome. I must refresh my memory before ICED comes out October 30th. I love that ICED is about Dani, she was one of my favorite people in the Fever Series, now she is all grown up, what fun ....

What are some of your favorite series ??



Happy Reading

~Jules




  







Sunday, September 2, 2012

Just because ......



This just cracked me and Kiki up !!!

The Iron's Prophecy( The Iron Fey) by Julie Kagawa


Iron's Prophecy (The Iron Fey)


Jules Rating: 5 stars

What a  magical world Kagawa has in The Iron Fey series.  I had forgotten the impact she has with her writitng. This is a short, action packed story that has left me wanting more. You catch up with Meghan, Ash, Puck ,and of course our very favorite cat Grimilken.  With a prophecy that can either unite the courts or destroy them, we will have to wait an see. This is a perfect lead up to The Lost Prince( The Iron Fey,Call of the Forgotten #1) due out October 23rd. 

Kiki and I will be re-reading the first 4 in the series. We can't wait for this follow up book !!

Happy Reading

~Jules


Saturday, August 4, 2012

Abby Sinclair Series by Allison Pang

Jules Rating:  5 Stars


Wow !!! This is going to be short and sweet, because I'm not giving anything away if you haven't read this series.  I have just finished  A Brush of Darkness( book 1), and A Sliver of Shadow( book 2)by Allison Pang.  I need book 3, A Trace of Moonlight, which is due out this October.

This is a great and different Urban Fantasy series.  I have been taken into the world of Abby Sinclair. who is a Touchstone. We join her in her dealings with the OtherWorld. From helping find her Faery boss, to the dealing with an Incubus, who she falls for, and one crazy unicorn with an underwear fetish. She has dealings with Angels, Daemons, and Fae Royalty, that will take you on a great journey.

  The cast of characters is rich and compelling, whether they are good, bad or in between.  The worlds that have been created are fantastical. If you couldn't tell I love this series so far, and can't wait to read more in October.

Happy Reading

~Jules







Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Kiki & Jules Review:  5+ stars

For the first time, in a long time, We feel the need to put this:
***This review contains slight spoilers. If you have not read the book please proceed with caution.***
As hard as we have tried we are unable to write about this review without divulging some information, but promise that the innermost secrets of the plot will not be discussed.


Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy, #2)

"It begins with absence and desire.
It begins with blood and fear.
It begins with a discovery of witches."

Those words rang more true as we stepped with Diana and Matthew into The Old Lodge in this second installment of the All Souls trilogy, Shadow of Night. This go around our story takes us on a journey back to the Elizabethan era for Diana to discover what her magic truly holds.  For Matthew this is a quick trip amongst old friends in a time he recognizes and knows how to live.  He gives the impression that they can be in and out in a couple of weeks, no problem.  Diana, who kept her wits during the trip, recognizes the flaws in Matthew's plan straight away. Matthew's friends aren't just a group of pals, but some of the most influential men of the time, the famed members of The School of Night.  What does that lead us to find out about Matthew?  He is none other than a historian's dream, the mysterious member of the school, Matthew Roydon.  Now propelled into this new situation, Diana must strive to fit in because she knows that all the major players, including the Queen, will have eyes on her.  And even though Matthew assures her that witch hunts were not prominent during this time, Diana quickly reminds him that even a small inquiry is witch hunt enough.

Matthew and Diana soon find that their path leads more to what Diana was imagining and puts Matthew in a grave situation.  How does a man relive his past knowing what he knows now?  How does this man, who has changed so greatly over time, live with himself if he is forced to maintain the decisions he made in that time? A famed witch hater appears before the masses married to a witch. As Queen Elizabeth said "The past cannot be cured."  Matthew's struggles throughout the book show the reader the true insides of what makes him tick. We grow with Matthew and Diana as they learn that falling in love is only half the battle in a marriage, but staying in love is the true prize.  Can you love someone even with their past demons?

We picked up this book and couldn't put all 592 pages of it back down. Try as we might to slow our pace and draw it out, it couldn't be done. The book is divided into 6 parts, taking us on 6 wonderful journeys. The new characters were woven in so seamlessly with the old that you quickly fall in love with them. We would be amiss if we didn't say that our favorite part was the trip to Sept-Tours. Meeting Phillipe changed everything for us in the book. It was no wonder Ysabeau loved him so. Then, taking a tour of old London was like living a dream. Our senses were on overload with every turn of the page. The words were so brilliantly written we felt as if we sat at the table with Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas Harriot, Christopher Marlowe, and George Chapman. The knowledge that Ms. Harkness has for this time period is evident so much that you will question whether she has time traveled herself.   By the end of the book we were so overwhelmed we couldn't separate up from down.  Some would say it carried too much information, but we say "never."  We can't imagine any part of this book being left out.  Each step taken by Matthew and Diana is important and we know will play a part in the next book.

We encourage you to take this journey back in time. You must read A Discovery of Witches first in order to understand Shadow of Night, but it is more than worth your time.  One of the best reads of the year!!

Happy Reading!!
Kiki & Jules

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

She Flies With Her Own Wings

My first book is coming together slowly, but is getting there.  As a special treat I am giving a very small preview. This preview only gives you a glimpse into the story line and the brief description of Celeste Montgomery.  I am also showing the cover...YEA!!

Please follow the link and check it out https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1106440


It is still very rough around the edges, but let me know what you think!
Happy Reading
~Kiki