Here comes 2012...

and enjoy the adventure a new year offers!

Final Movie Thoughts

I love movies but this year I haven't had time to see that many and shall be haunting Netflix and Amazon to watch them.

That said, with what's out right now, I'd like to see War Horse [although I'd prefer to see the Broadway show especially to see the incredibly beautiful portrayal of the horses], Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and The Artist [love love love Jean Dujardin from the French OSS 117 parody movies].

Fashion Favorite

Back in October I posted a freaky good or bad fashion thought and it's still on my mind - and it's changed!

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Christian Louboutin shoes.  The man designs spectacular heels that complete an ensemble and the bright red sole is wickedly divine and belongs to him and him alone.

The Paw Heel is rather cool and fun, and I'd wear them in a heartbeat.

A Favorite Hump Day Reflection [NSFW]

Tony Ward by Dimitris Theocharis
as posted at Homotography

I have enjoyed sharing a variety of hump day hotties for a few years now and I admit it, Tony Ward is one of my favorites and he was also the second to last one I posted in 2011 with this wicked cowboy.

Nice!

By the way, did you notice the tattoo on his left bicep?  It's a geisha and this pic was posted in celebration of the Konnichiwa Cowboy release - yeah, a cowboy and a geisha...double cool!

End of Year eBook Talk

Traveling for almost 2 months straight, I've read many many books, actually, more specifically ebooks - they're easier when on the move.  So, here are a few of the details of what I enjoyed.

First and foremost, I shopped until I dropped at All Romance.  They've kept me in ebooks with fabulous specials - loved the 50% back in ebucks offer - and the buy 10 and get 1 free.  Thank you and I look forward to the new year bringing even more fabulous ebooks to the ARe cyber shelves.

I follow a few simple things when I pick out ebooks to read.  I don't shop from bestseller lists, pick up the first 3 in a series and then I search by category.  After that I'll see if authors I've enjoyed before have anything out that sounds interesting.  This simple strategy keeps me in great reads.  Three new to me authors I picked ebooks from and truly enjoyed were Georgia Fox and The Craftsman, Mia Watts with The Policeman's Balls and Cherise Sinclair and the Masters of the Shadowlands series - yes, bought the first three and picked up the last two in another round.  Unfortunately, I didn't do as well with the authors I've enjoyed before.

The other ebook news I have is actually ebook reader news:  I found one I truly enjoy!  Finally!  Kindle Fire may not be only an ebook reader, but it is the tablet/reader that works for me in a variety of ways.  I like the size, display and price, most definitely the price!

Yes, my ebook reading world is most happy this year :-)

An Apropos Naughty Thought for Monday

Reposted from February 23 2009

Will you save more or less with a humping piggy bank?

Ho! Ho! Ho!

christmas hunk pics on Sodahead

Merry Christmas to all and to all a well lit and colorful holiday!

Last Day of the Perfect Gift is a Book Event/Contest

It's the day before Christmas and you have one last pressie to get and you're out of ideas - what do you get?

A BOOK or 3!

If I think someone would enjoy a particular book and it happens to be in a series, I'll make the first 3 or entire trilogy the gift.  Off the top of my head, a few I've done this with are:

Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich
Dexter by David Lindsay
Millennium Trilogy by Steig Larsson
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Now, why do I mention series on the day before the big day when there's no time to go out and get any of these much less the first three?

EBOOKS!

That's the answer for today, actually, any day :-)

When you make the purchase, click the "gift" option and set the time and day you'd like them delivered to the persons device.  Or, if there's a book/ebook coming soon that you know they'd love, you can purchase it before it's official release, print out a copy of the cover and wrap that up in a creative and fun way - and don't gorget to include the date to expect it so they know it's coming.

Speaking of coming...I know, so naughty :-)...I write erotic romances, remember?

Anyway, I was referring to the Branded series.  Ride 'em is the first in the series and, last month the second, Konnichiwa Cowboy, was released and Giddy-up is coming soon, so here's your chance to get your hot cowboy fix.

Konnichiwa Cowboy by Tilly Greene
Branded Book 2
Contemporary/Light Western Erotica + D/s and Multicultural

One of Matt Wilson's earliest sexual fantasies growing up on a ranch in Montana came from his history books. His stroke material involved the mysterious women from far away who wore silky robes, had stark white faces, elaborate hair, and the sexiest painted lips he'd ever seen. He wanted a lady with that red mouth to satisfy his needs, not his hand. As he grew older and his sexual identity was established, Matt never forgot that original fantasy, but it changed to reflect how he wanted that same woman on her knees, eager to submit and serve his pleasure.

A business trip to Japan opens the door to his satisfying the long held fantasy, only there's a slight hiccup called Sakura Nakamura. Sakura is smart, funny and gorgeous, everything he wants in a woman, but can’t have, not if he wants to do business with her father. Unfortunately, he forgot to tell her that and everything changes after one night.

Is it a geisha or infatuated workmate who fulfills the visiting cowboy's fantasy?

Branded Series
Ride 'em
Konnichiwa Cowboy
Giddy-up - coming soon

Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com

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This is the last entry, so, REMEMBER to Comment and/or ask questions and you'll be entered into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

A name will be pulled and announced on January 1st, so make sure your email addy is working and keep your eyes peeled - the prize is a bag from Italy filled with goodies picked up by me specifically for this contest whilst traveling through Amsterdam, NYC, San Francisco, Munich and England!  Yes, it was great fun :-)

Tilly Greene and the Perfect Gift is a Book

Art and fashion are two things that give me great pleasure, especially when the artist puts them together and produces pieces that are outside a traditional form. This year two books came out that explore this unique mixture and I think are perfect to inspire that creative person you know and need to get a gift for them.

Pulp Fashion by Isabelle de Borchgrave is an artist who took well-known older paintings by masters and brought the fashion to life in paper and Savage Beauty shows the fashion by the late Alexander McQueen that was considered art. Both of these are the books from shows that were recently in museums and do a wonderful job of putting the reader close to being there in front of the pieces.

It's all about embracing and celebrating an individuals imagination.  By the way, I've dabbled in the reimagining a classic before.  They are currently 5 stories in the Mythological Messes Redux series.  I twist and turn Greek myths and characters until they have a more substantial storyline than ancient authors gave them.  The latest is:

Tied Up For Love by Tilly Greene
Paranormal Erotic Romance + Bondage

2011 AAD Book Award in BDSM short story nominee

Filla is a nymph used to the raucous ways of a Dionysian festival and allows a handsome newcomer, Marsyas, to strip her down for a passionate interlude while tied to a tree. After time spent alone, together, she knows little about him beyond the physical. However, her feelings for him are growing until he brings her back for the next festival, and suddenly she's not sure of anything.

Love is found in the most unlikely places, but will it last?

Buy from All Romance and Amazon

Mythological Messes Redux Series
Hephaestus Lays Down the Law
Together Again?
Double Punch
Cyra's Cyclopes
Tied Up For Love

Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com

Facebook│Twitter│Hot Thoughts Blog│ARe Cafe



REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Tilly Greene and the Perfect Gift is a Book

It's finally happened!  Finally!  For years I've been reading ebooks and proclaiming to all who asked about the true glories that can be found with the format, but couldn't wholeheartedly recommend a device - couldn't until now that is :-)

Back in April the cutie jumped the paperback ship for convenience and ease of purchase with a Kindle 3G + WiFi and has never looked back until this little hiccup - the Kindle Fire.  While he prefers to read his ebooks on his original device, the Fire is more diverse in what it can do.  I, on the other hand, prefer to read on the Fire so will be taking it on our next trip instead of the iPod Touch I've been using.  Don't get me wrong, I still love my Touch, but the screen on the Fire is a much much better size for reading and a bit of internet.

So, while technically not a book, I think it is the perfect gift for a big book reader.  Honestly, if this device had come out before our big trip, I would have bought one for my sister as an early Christmas pressie - instead I had to watch her buy English language paperbacks at almost $30/each as she ran out of reading material!

Speaking of wickedness...

Good, Bad and Kinky [2 in 1] by Tilly Greene
Paranormal Erotic Romance + Bondage and D/s

Whether in Heaven, Hell or on Earth, everyone wants to be loved, and some enjoy kinky twists added into the mix.

Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness, works hard handing out fitting punishments, but he’s ready for a change. Nia Adams is a sexy petite firebrand and his girlfriend. They are in love, but she lies to him about how she feels. While difficult to hear, the lie opens a door to their having a future together, but first she must go to Hell. (Call Me Lucifer)

Ann Miller was murdered as a toddler and ended up in Heaven. She’s happy with her existence, but everything changes once she earns her Guardian Angel wings. With them fluttering happily around her, she discovers what being in love feels like and wants more. Ann is given the chance to really live, but there are conditions attached and they aren’t simple. (My Angel)

Buy from Whiskey Creek Press Torrid and Amazon

Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com

Facebook│Twitter│Hot Thoughts Blog│ARe Cafe



REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Selena Illyria and the Perfect Gift is a Book

For the Mystery Lover

The Bee Keeper’s Apprentice (Mary Russell #1) by Laurie R. King

In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees when a young woman literally stumbles into him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes--and match him wit for wit. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern twentieth-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective. In their first case together, they must track down a kidnapped American senator's daughter and confront a truly cunning adversary--a bomber who has set trip wires for the sleuths and who will stop at nothing to end their partnership. Full of brilliant deductions, disguises, and dangers, this first book of the Mary Russell--Sherlock Holmes mysteries is "wonderfully original and entertaining . . . absorbing from beginning to end"

Buy Print from BN and Amazon
Buy eBook for Nook and Kindle

Dragons at Midnight by Selena Illyria
interracial shapeshifter erotica

Tiger shifter Louisa thought she’d ring in the New Year all alone little did she knew that three, sexy, younger dragon shifters plan on making sure she celebrates things right. Add a little steam, some dragon shifters with a dirty mind and some creative use of furniture and you’ve got the perfect party for four.

Buy from All Romance, Amazon and BN

http://www.selenaillyria.com/


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Allie from Allies Point of View and the Perfect Gift is a Book

Shel Silverstein is my ultimate gift to the kiddos in my life. He writes such fanciful poems and short stories you can’t help, but let your imagination soar. That’s what I want for the kids I love. The ability to break any boundaries and have limitless imaginations. This Christmas the youngest of our little tribe will be getting his very own 35th Anniversary edition of Where The Sidewalk End. I hope this book teaches him that in life sometimes laughter is the answer.

Buy from BN and Amazon

Allie Standifer lived in various countries around the world. The gift of travel has enabled her to accurately describe the scent, feel of far-off places and feed her overactive imagination.

Her life has been one of constant adventure ever since. From growing up in Saudi Arabia where her brother tried to sell her to Bedouins (for what amounts to less than $1.50), it’s been non-stop. And she loves every minute of it.

Ideas, plots, characters and conversations keep her company from inside her head and fuel her need to write. And no, they don’t tell her to start fires. =) Tired of everyday stories, Allie’s tales have a decidedly paranormal twist to them. They’re filled with past lives, chain e-mail sending oracles, mythical creatures, magic, sexy gods, and heroines who know exactly what they want and aren’t afraid to get it.

Any free time is spent spoiling two nieces and two nephews, pumping them up on sugar, caffeine and buying very loud toys then sending them back to their parents. The perfect revenge for all the slights of being the youngest child.

When not writing or contributing to the delinquency of minors, Allie enjoys being with her friends, travelling, reading, trying to outsmart her psycho cat and spending time with her wonderful and supportive family.
http://alliestandifer.com/
http://alliespointofview.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/allie.standifer

REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Vivi Andrews and the Perfect Gift is a Book

My Rec: One of my favorite holiday reads and a great gift for someone with a quirky sense of humor is The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore. His off-the-wall take on the nativity story is a great escape from the crazy rush of the holidays.

Blurb: Christmas crept into Pine Cove like a creeping Christmas thing: dragging garland, ribbon, and sleigh bells, oozing eggnog, reeking of pine, and threatening festive doom like a cold sore under the mistletoe.

'Twas the night (okay, more like the week) before Christmas, and all through the tiny community of Pine Cove, California, people are busy buying, wrapping, packing, and generally getting into the holiday spirit. It is the hap-hap-happiest time of the year, after all.

But not everybody is feeling the joy. Little Joshua Barker is in desperate need of a holiday miracle. No, he's not on his deathbed; no, his dog hasn't run away from home. But Josh is sure that he saw Santa take a shovel to the head, and now the seven-year-old has only one prayer: Please, Santa, come back from the dead.

But hold on! There's an angel waiting in the wings. (Wings, get it?) It's none other than the Archangel Raziel come to Earth seeking a small child with a wish that needs granting. Unfortunately, our angel's not sporting the brightest halo in the bunch, and before you can say "Kris Kringle," he's botched his sacred mission and sent the residents of Pine Cove headlong into Christmas chaos, culminating in the most hilarious and horrifying holiday party the town has ever seen.

Buy from Amazon and BN

Reawakening Eden by Vivi Andrews, a post-apocalyptic romance novella

When life is a struggle, love is the ultimate luxury.

Librarian Eden Fairfax knows exactly where to find books about survival. None of them mentioned how to manage in the aftermath of a worldwide epidemic—with two young orphans in tow.

On a journey south to warmer climes, she finds sanctuary for all three of them among a community of survivors in Seattle. Until she realizes the children are the centerpiece of their bizarre new religion. There’s no choice but to run as far and as fast as her stolen car will go.

Former Army Ranger Connor Reed had planned to live out the end of the world in peace. Yet he can’t stand by and do nothing while a lone woman defends two children from an armed thug. Even if doing something means taking the trio in.

Eden’s not sure if the armed hermit is her salvation or an even more dangerous threat. A blizzard forces her to trust him with their lives, and in Connor’s arms she remembers what it’s like to live.

Just beyond the edge of the storm, though, the cult leader awaits his chance to get his hands on the children—and make Eden his next sexual sacrifice.

Warning: This book contains a strong, silent action-hero, a tough, tenacious heroine, a pair of steal-your-heart kids, and a pony-sized dog named Precious.

Buy from Amazon, BN and Samhain Publishing

For more about Vivi and her books, please visit: http://www.viviandrews.com/. Thanks!


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Anny Cook and the Perfect Gift is a Book

I love the meticulous research behind this book. Mr. Philbrick backs his story up with documents, diaries, ship's logs and maps. It tells the real story of the Mayflower, bringing an authentic reality to the men and women who established Plymouth colony. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the true story behind one of our most enduring historical legends.

Buy Mayflower by Nathan Philbrick from Amazon


Now...as for my own book. Heh-heh...

Phantom's Rest by Anny Cook
Contemporary Paranormal Spicy

When Beauregard Barker must leave his military career behind due to injuries, he takes refuge at the Phantom's Rest RV Park, expecting no more than a place to recover. He little suspects he will actually use the skills from his former life as he helps renovate the park while he heals. Then Emmeline Fairchild arrives for her annual stay and everything changes. Beau falls hard for the shy calligrapher who's under siege from a wicked stalker and secret assassin. Whatever it takes, he's determined to keep her safe and persuade her he's the man for her.

Available in e-book and print from Passion in Print

Anny Cook -- Simmering Romance with a Smile

Blue Paradise now from Ellora's Cave
Alpheli Solution now from Resplendence
Phantom's Rest now from Passion in Print

http://www.annycook.com/
http://www.annycook.blogspot.com/

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Susan Gottfried and the Perfect Gift is a Book

One of my all-time favorite reads was a Printz Award Honor book in 2004. It was even just turned into a movie, which I can't wait to see. It's Fat Kid Rules the World, written by KL Going and it's just perfect for a teen who thinks s/he doesn't fit in anywhere. It's also perfect for those of us adults who felt like we never fit in. And for us whose lives are shaped by music, particularly the New York punk scene. This is a book of compassion, love, and acceptance.

Buy from Amazon

ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes: Year 3 by Susan Gottfried
Genre: Rock Fiction/Short stories

The popular Demo Tapes series continues with The Demo Tapes: Year 3. It’s the same format you’ve come to know and love: short fiction previously posted on The Meet and Greet at West of Mars, and intros to each that let you, the reader, look into the mind of the author and creator of the indomitable Trevor Wolff.

Trevor and his best friend Mitchell Voss are in fine form in these stories, first published online between March 2008 and April 2009. From Thanksgiving to Halloween and a few new characters who help round out The Musical Hanukkah Celebration, we once again get to watch the guys go from kids into the men who ride the wave of being rock’s biggest band: ShapeShifter.

Buy from Smashwords, BN and Amazon


Where to Find Susan Helene Gottfried

Website: http://westofmars.com/

Twitter: @WestofMars

Facebook: http://facebook.com/WestofMarsFans


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Dawn from Dawns Reading Nook and the Perfect Gift is a Book

Ok for me to choose one book is like trying to pick just one piece of chocolate to enjoy. So hard to choose but I *think* I got it. *laughs* For myself, I have a go to book/author when I need to lose myself in character driven stories and that author is Andrew Grey. He writes MM Contemporary among other genres but I think I fell in love with his writing with t he very first book I reviewed by him, The Best Revenge (Bottled Up Series Book 1) and quickly fell in love with his everyday heroes. His stories make you laugh, cry and feel the emotions of his characters in ways that literally steal your heart.

This year I plan to give his print books to readers who enjoy the same kind of books at Christmas in one of the many contests I plan to have at the Nook and on my yahoo loop. I hope others get just as hooked as I have on his work.

The Best Revenge (Bottled Up Series Book 1) by Andrew Grey is available through http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/

My blog is for all authors and readers who enjoy getting to know authors, seeing what new releases are out there, drool over some mancandy pictures (not work safe) and check out my thoughts on a variety of books ranging from young adult to explicit romance books. Plus every now and again I host a contest or two for readers to get into all the fun.

You can find me at the following links:

Dawn's Reading Nook Blog: http://lovesbooksandmore.blogspot.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DawnRoberto (or just punch in Dawn Roberto in FB's search engine)

LR Cafe Yahoo Loop for authors, readers and lovers of books in all formats: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveromancescafe


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Kimberley Troutte and the Perfect Gift is a Book

I have a good book for those who love historical romances. Knight Dreams by C.C. Wiley drops you right smack dab in the medieval time period with a yummy knight, a lady who knows her way around a bow, espionage, a mystery or two and an emotionally satisfying ending.

Buy from Amazon or Samhain Publishing

Catch Me in Castile by Kimberley Troutte
Paranormal Romance/Suspense

Seeing dead people is bad enough. Loving him could make her one of them.

When the mother of all panic attacks prompts Erin Carter’s boss to pass her over for promotion, her mind doesn’t just crack. It explodes like an egg in a microwave, shattering her career along with the company car she crashes into the office building.

The death grip she’s kept on her sanity slipping, she takes a friend’s advice and flees to Spain. There she finds comfort in the healing arms of surgeon Santiago Botello—until a fifteenth-century ghost warns her that being with Santiago is dangerous, possibly even lethal.

Santiago has his hands full protecting his sister from a dark curse and his family from a very modern-day psychotic killer. The last thing he needs added to his plate is a neurotic American. Yet something about Erin tugs at his heart so hard he wants to wrap her in his arms and never let go. No matter the risk.

Erin’s attraction to Santiago makes her the killer’s next target. Survival means she must face her greatest fear, solve an ancient murder mystery—and hang on tight to the one man she’s fallen crazy in love with.

Warning: This book contains a woman willing to lose her mind for love, a hot Spaniard with hands a girl could die for, deadly family curses, a ghost with memory disorder, and a really mad killer.

Buy from Amazon or Samhain Publishing

http://www.kimberleytroutte.com/

REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Monica Burns and the Perfect Gift is a Book

A Knight In Shining Armor is one of my all-time favorite romances, and I think it's the Perfect Gift for anyone who loves romance. There's something timeless about the story, and I love the fantastical premise of a modern day woman being able to go back in time and meet the love of her destiny. Short of giving a good friend the love of her life, I think the best gift I could give one of my BFF would be a copy of this book. Seriously, what woman couldn't love a hero who hears a woman sobbing and says..."Lady," he whispered, "give me peace. I would give my life to help you but my life is pledged."

Inferno's Kiss by Monica Burns

Book 3 in the Award-winning Order of the Sicari series

The laws of desire…

Dante Condellaire, heir apparent to the Sicari Lords, knows that being a true leader means sacrifice. For Dante it was relinquishing all erotic pleasures. But he never expected his willpower to be tested so fiercely by Cleopatra Vorenus, expert assassin of the Order, and daughter of the man he is positioned to succeed.

The rules of battle…

Cleo prefers working alone—until she meets Dante who shares her goal: to destroy a Praetorian stronghold where Sicari women are imprisoned for devious purposes. Bringing the mission off without a hitch pumps up more than their resolve. It sets off a sexual spark too combustible to ignore.

Are all made to be broken.

As their attraction flares like an inferno, the stakes are raised. So are the risks. Before the mission is over, Dante and Cleo will be plunged into a dangerous conspiracy where a traitor threatens the very foundation of the Order, as well as the fiery bond between Dante and Cleo—warriors and lovers now torn between duty and desire.

Buy Links from The Book Depository (International readers/free shipping), Amazon, BN and Books-A-Million

Connect with Monica Burns
Website - http://www.monicaburns.com/index.htm

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMonicaBurns
Twitter - http://twitter.com/MonicaBurns
Blog - http://monicaburns.blogspot.com//
Newsletter/Info Group: http://groups.google.com/group/monica-burns-announcements

REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Jackie from Literary Escapism Blog and the Perfect Gift is a Book

First off, I would love to thank Tilly for inviting me to participate in her Perfect Gift is a Book feature. Books are a great gift and I always include one with any I give. Especially with childrens gifts. As far as I’m concerned, a child can never have too many books (which my sons library can attest to).

But I’m getting ahead of myself. You probably have no idea who I am, so let me introduce myself. My name is Jackie and I run the fantasy and paranormal review site Literary Escapism (LE), which means any suggestion I give will include some form of the supernatural. Yes, I am one of those vampire/shifter junkies and as far as I’m concerned, there is enough reality going on (have you seen the news? It’s depressing.), that if I can leave it for a bit then I’m going to. That’s the whole point of LE - to escape into other worlds - and what better way to escape, than through a book?

Which brings me back around to the whole point of why I’m visiting Tilly and her wonderful site. It’s the holiday season and gift giving is definitely being planned. I’m already planning on hitting the bookstores for a few of my gifts and if you’re looking to do the same, I have a fabulous book suggestion for you - the anthology.

The anthology is the perfect gift in my opinion. It doesn’t just include one story, but multiple and by several different authors. Which means, if you’re not sure who a favorite author is or are looking to introduce someone to a new genre, then you can’t go wrong with an anthology. With the single novel, a person will only have that one story, but anthologies are filled will multiple worlds and characters and anyone should be able to find at least one story they can dive into.

But what kind of anthology should one get? It seems like a new anthology is being released every week and it can be quite daunting for someone looking to get the perfect gift. So here’s a few suggestions I think someone might enjoy. Now remember, I’m a fantasy/paranormal reader, so all of these would be a perfect literary escape.

For a straight fantasy friend, I would highly recommend either Warriors or Songs of Love and Death, both of which are edited by George RR Martin and Gardner Dozois. Both of these anthologies contain stories by some of the most amazing fantasy writers out there

For someone who is interested in young adult fantasy, then I definitely recommend either The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire by Trisha Telep or Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong. I’m not a huge YA fan, but I have found quite a few new worlds to explore thanks to these anthologies.

For someone who enjoys the fabulous urban fantasy genre, you really can’t go wrong with any anthology. There have been a ton that were recently released and while I haven’t read all of them, just knowing the authors involved I know I’ll get some great stories. Some of the more recent ones I would suggest are: Down These Strange Streets also edited by George RR Martin and Gardner Dozois, Home Improvement: Undead Edition edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni Kelner, Naked City: Tales of Urban Fantasy edited by Ellen Datlow or Chicks Kick Butt by Rachel Caine and Kerrie L. Hughes

Any one of those anthologies would be the perfect gift for this holiday season. At least I think so and I’m fairly sure any fantasy fan would love to include these collections in their library. Hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas, but if not, stop by Literary Escapism and I can definitely give you a lot more. *grin*

Literary Escapism is a book review site that features paranormal and fantasy literature including, but not limited to, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, YA Paranormal/Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, High Fantasy, Science Fiction and Romance. With four reviewers on staff, we aim to post reviews daily along with industry news (cover art, author appearances, giveaways, new release dates, etc.), with no more than 3 posts appearing daily. LE also host the yearly reading challenge, New Authors, where the goal is to try authors that each participant has never read before (the challenge currently has 80+ participants who have reviewed over 600 novels so far this year).


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author or blogger’s blog for the day will enter you into The Perfect Gift is a Book contest for a one of a kind prize. Unfortunately, this contest is open to US residents only.

Selena Illyria and the Perfect Gift is a Book

The Perfect Gift is a Book For the Entertainer.

Nigella Christmas: Food Family Friends Festivities by Nigella Lawson

Christmas is a time for family and friends, for tradition and treats. But, let's face it, when the pressure to feed and entertain builds up, the festive season can start to lose its sparkle . . .

That's where Nigella comes in. With her no-nonsense approach, her inspirational ideas, and her empathy for the practical realities of the season-combined here with reliable, easy-to-follow recipes and reassuring advice about planning and cooking ahead-Nigella Christmas is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy and make sure the season of good will stays that way.

Here is everything you could wish for to make your life and your Christmas easy and enjoyable: from party canapés, cocktails, and manageable mass catering, to scrumptious Christmas cakes and puddings; from no-fuss brunches to quick-and-easy homemade presents (chutneys, preserves, and other delectable standbys) and edible tree decorations. There are mouth-watering recipes with a seasonal twist, and simple menus for feeding friends and family over the extended holiday season with minimum stress and maximum enjoyment.

And, of course, exciting and inspiring variations for the Main Event itself-from her traditional super-juicy turkey with all the trimmings, to festive ginger-glazed ham and the Ultimate Christmas Pudding; from goose, rib of beef, and stuffed rolled pork, all the way to a special vegetarian Christmas feast, a chocolate pudding, a French Yule Log, an Australian Christmas Pudding, and The Boozy British Trifle.

Nigella's cakes, as always, gladden the heart-and, like many of the recipes here, are at home all year round-but her At-a-Glance Christmas Lunch Countdown, together with make-aheadand freeze-ahead tips throughout, can help take the stress and strain out of the season. With its glorious illustrations, Nigella Christmas will surely be a perennial favorite-the book we will all reach for, for inspiration and reassurance, when Christmas comes around each year.

Buy Links for BN and Amazon

A Second Suggestion: For the Dessert Lover

Dessert FourPlay: Sweet Quartets from a Four-Star Pastry Chef by Johnny Iuzzini

Consider the strawberry: its familiar flavor and texture; its fresh, sweet smell. Now imagine the same fruit distilled and carbonated for a refreshing soda, slow-roasted for a reinvented strawberry shortcake, made into a creamy strawberry ice cream and a chewy strawberry leather, and combined with coconut cream and crisp chocolate pastry. Alone, each dessert is a taste of paradise, but together this “fourplay,” or tasting, created by Johnny Iuzzini, superstar pastry chef of the celebrated four-star restaurant Jean Georges in New York, is a sophisticated explosion of a familiar flavor that begins with the taste of strawberry rich on your tongue and ends with an effervescent tingle in your nose.

Far from the conventional slice of cake at the end of a meal, Johnny’s seasonal creations—four mini desserts in a quartet of complementary flavors and textures—are a culinary adventure. In Dessert FourPlay, he shares his secrets and inspirations, delivering standout recipes for incredible desserts that can be served alone or combined into his signature fourplay groupings, creating the perfect sweet finale for any meal.

With the home cook in mind, Johnny offers tips on simplifying professional recipes and provides basic recipes for transcendent cakes, cookies, tuiles, ice creams, sorbets, granités, and more. These building blocks can be used to create magnificent multifaceted desserts, or they can be perfect desserts by themselves. Some recipes have surprising versatility: the shiny smooth chocolate glaze Johnny uses to ice cakes doubles as the ultimate hot fudge sauce; a lemony madeleine batter becomes a layer in a cake.

Iuzzini pairs cool with hot, crispy with creamy, sweet with spicy, and the expected—chocolate, strawberries, and cinnamon—with the unexpected—chiles, beets, and chocolatey puffs. The result: desserts that refresh, inspire, and satisfy beyond expectations. Dessert FourPlay invigorates all the senses and inspires home cooks to create innovative desserts of their own.

Buy Link for BN and Amazon
Ebook Version for Nook and Kindle

Hellhound Detective Agency: Demon’s Captive By Selena Illyria


Hellhound/werewolf Casey Mae can track anything put in front of her. The bounty is everything. She doesn't have time for distractions, especially if they come in the form of a dark-haired, green-eyed sex demon. Just because he says he wants her doesn't mean she has to want him. Does it?

Blaise has wanted Casey Mae since he first laid eyes on her. He's not taking no for an answer even if he has to tie her up. Come morning, she won't be able to deny what she feels for him. He'll make sure of it.

Buy Link from Changeling Press

http://www.selenaillyria.com/

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