Secret Santa Giveaway! 12/6-26: Win #Kindle #Books #GiftCards #romance

SECRET SANTA ROMANCE GIVEAWAY

Get a Visit From Your Author Secret Santas!

December 6-26

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Secret Santa is good with both, and we have the gifts to prove it. Enter the Secret Santa Romance Giveaway December 6 through 26 and you’ll be able to download free gift books from our Santas.

https://secretsantagiveaway.blogspot.com/

You could also be one of 7 lucky winners to take home Kindles and ebooks up for grabs! Our ebook prize packs even allow you to choose the books YOU want to win.

Plus, shop our Secret Santa Book Fair for your next favorite read and enter our Bonus Giveaway. (No purchase necessary)

https://secretsantagiveaway.blogspot.com/p/book-fair.html

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Books to Read in 2013

Books I Want to Read in 2013!

Of course, Time Changes Everything will be released this year, so that is at the top of my list, along with all the other new Entranced Publishing novels:

Contemporary Romance

Only You by Lorna Peel, April

Legally Undercover by Rachel Kall, April

The Best Man by Ana Blaze, Summer

Goal, A Love Story by Bellamy Black Summer

Young Adult/New Adult

Elsker by ST Bende, May

Shadow Born and the Shadow Bled Series by Nicole Camp, April

Spirit World by Krystalyn Drown, April

Pride Goeth Before by Eden Plantz, April

Others on my list:

My absolute favorite authors have several books out next year. Here are a few:

Jill Shalvis: It Had to Be You, another Lucky Harbor series,  May,2013

Shannon Stacey: All He Ever Dreamed, another Kowalski Brothers series, January 2013

Susan Mallery: Just One Kiss and Two of a Kind,  Fool’s Gold series, May and June 2013

Ruthie Knox: How to Misbehave, January; Along Came Trouble, March

  

Be Mine Carina Press  Anthology featuring Shannon Stacey, Jennifer Crusie,Victoria Dahl, January 22, 2013

I currently have an ARC of Kristin Higgins, The Best Man, which will be released in February, on my Kindle. Can't wait to read that one too!  

It looks like it will be a great reading year in 2013. Seems like I should have a resolution about finding the time!

 Cheers,
Melinda

End of Year Book Survey

Best In Books 2012

1.    Best Book You Read In 2012? (You

Since I read and write contemporary romance, I will focus on that, of course!

I cannot pick just one…. But I have two favorites that after reading them I said I had to reread them again in that moment.

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry

About Last Night by Ruthie Knox

And since it makes me sad not to have a Jill Shalvis book on my faves, I will list one of hers.

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

2.    Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Simply Irresistable by Rachel Gibson

3.    Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012? 

Making Waves by Tawna Fenske – I’m a woman of habit, meaning I usually buy authors I know and love or series/lines I’ve been faithful to. However, I decided to risk it on Tawna and boy was I surprised. Great fun read!

Fifty Shades of Grey series – I know, I know…. Some you hate it, but I loved it! J I didn’t even want to read it, but heard so much about it, I had to read it.

4.    Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

All and everything by Jill Shalvis! If you haven’t read any of her books,  you better get one NOW!

5.    Best series you discovered in 2012?

There are two series: Lucky Harbor Series by Jill Shalvis and Fool’s Gold Series by Susan Mallory

6.    Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Shannon Stacy, Susan Mallory and Bella Andre

7.    Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz – What a deep, enthralling story! Tiffany wowed me in so many ways. I was deeply disturbed by many things in this book, yet I couldn’t put it down. Also made me more interested in Erotica. Plus there are others in the series… on my TBR list.

8.    Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

See above! J

9.     9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

My faves that were listed in Number 1. I’d like to reread Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie, too, because I remember laughing my ass off and I need a good laugh.

10.  Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

There’s so many. The latest I read is a GREAT cover – eye-stopping! The Risk-Taker by Kira Sinclair

And so you won’t think I’m just into Man Candy, I also love this one… Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

11.  Most memorable character in 2012? 

James Fraser in The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey

12.   Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

Tiffany Reisz knocked my pants off with her writing in The Siren, but since I already mentioned her, I will mention that Bella Andre writes some beautiful sex scenes.

13.  Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012? 

I would say Jill Shalvis’s books have an impact on me, because I want to write like her!

Pride and Prejudice would also be on my list. I read it at least once a year, because I love it so much!

14.   Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read? 

The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Now I have no time to read the others in the series, but I can’t wait.

15.   Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012? 

“Because you aren't just someone I loved back then. You were my best friend, my best self, and I can't imagine giving that up again." He hesitated searching for the right words. "You might not understand, but I gave you the best of me, and after you left, nothing was ever the same.” Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

“Accept that some days you’re the bug, and some days you’re going to be the windshield.” The Sweetest Thing, Jill Shalvis

“Just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel.” Simply Irresistable, Jill Shalvis

 16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Shortest: No Mistletoe Required by Jeannette Murray

Longest: The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

 17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Fifty Shades of Grey has always been a conversation with other women, hence the reason why I had to read it. I was lucky enough to like it.

The Siren – So many dark, deep issues that I tried to talk to my hubby about and he was like…”What the hell are you reading? You like that stuff?” HAHA.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

The Other Side of Us by Sarah Mayberry – I’m currently reading this as an ARC. The two characters are both going through tough times, but they help each other get through it and help discover a new side to themselves. They are lovely, have me smiling, and rooting for them.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry. I’ve read her many times with Harlequin Blaze and Harlequin Superromance. This one was self-published and wonderful!

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2012? 

Sara at Harlequin Junkie – www.harlequinjunkie.com

We love all the same books, so it’s great to find book recommendations from her. Also, she has wonderful giveaways!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2012? 

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/03/tuesday-tea-32612.html

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis - http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/04/tuesdaytea-head-over-heels-by-jill.html I’m especially proud of this one since Jill shared it with her readers on Facebook!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? About Fifty Shades of Grey. I had to vent and others had major opinions about the book.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?
Discussion about traditional vs. self-publishing

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I enjoy participating in the Wednesday’s Writer’s Words of Wisdom. Authors give advice about promotion, marketing,etc. Great for a newbie author like me.

Also, Carrie Ann Ryan’s Blog Hops have been a  success. I do one of these a month.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

Starting my blog in March of 2012!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Here are my top posts:

Christian Grey is My Hump Day Hunk – I still get hundreds of views a week on this one. I had to stop Hump Day Hunks as hubby didn’t like them. ;( http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/05/christian-grey-is-my-hump-day-hunk.html

Favorite Romantic Movie #1: Young Victoria

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/07/favorite-romantic-movie-1-young.html

Busted for Reading Romance

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/10/busted-for-reading-romance.html

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My announcement that my novel was  contracted!

Time Changes Everything – Here I Come 2013

http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/08/time-changes-everything-2013-here-i-come.html

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Listening to books while cooking, doing chores, etc. Audible.com, baby!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

My goal was to read 60 books this year. I only read 52! So close!!!!

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

I have a post dedicated to this coming in the next week. You have to wait and see! J

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

This year my first book will be published. Most of my goals are writing related. This year I want to read 60 books (again) and have a more consistent blogging schedule.

Thanks for stopping by!

Melinda

Book Review: The Risk-Taker by Kira Sinclair

The Risk-Taker by Kira Sinclair

• Harlequin Blaze, Jan 2013

• Miniseries: Uniformly Hot!

Back of the Book

Subject: Totally buff ranger Gage Harper
Current Status: Walking wounded—both physically and mentally
Mission: Finally get the girl he could never have
Obstacle: She may just be the biggest risk he's ever taken

All returned POW Gage Harper wants to do is forget, even if he has to let some gym rat beat him to a pulp to do it. He certainly doesn't want to tell the tale of his heroism to the tabloids. Especially since he's no hero…. But one journalist is determined to get the inside scoop—and she's the only girl Gage has never been able to resist.

Hope Rawlings never took Gage's romantic advances seriously growing up. After all, she was just his buddy, and a guy like Gage could have any girl he wanted. But now she needs his story to get her dream job in the city. And she's willing to do anything to get it.

Gage Harper returns to his hometown, Valentine, after being rescued from a horrific experience in Afghanistan. Now a hero and instant celebrity, he has to learn how to deal with his emotions. Running into Hope Rawlings, his childhood best friend and crush, he discovers that his love for her has never died. He has to convince her to want him as much as he wants her. Lucky for him, they are paired up in the city's Cupid Couples week, where they are forced to spend time together. Little did he know that Hope paid to be paired up with him, because as a journalist, she wants his story - and only his story - if only her heart wouldn't get in the way. 

What a wonderful story with real characters and real emotions. Of course, since this is a Blaze, there are some hot scenes that I could read over and over. Gage is a likeable hero with pure Alpha tendencies. However, his hurt and pain is so true that I want to reach into the book and hug him myself. A real wounded soldier in need of some tenderness which is given by Hope.

I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories. This one won't disappoint!

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda

Book Nerds Unite!

I confess! I'm a book nerd. I am ALWAYS reading. I actually read more than I write, which I probably shouldn't admit since I am an author. But, if I had to categorize myself, Reader would be #1 and writer would be #2. I have been reading some really great books lately. There's just been so many darn good releases. And I don't only read a book. I get caught up in one. Obsessively so. 

Does your life ever revolve around your reading? 

Dinner? Oh, yeah.... let me just finish this page.

Shower? Sure, I just have one more chapter.

Talk to you? Um, okay. But, will you speak with a British accent like Mr. Darcy?

Sadly, I can be a bit overboard. 

 I only hope that one day my readers will feel the same as they read my books. They will be so enthralled that they give up on real life and live in la-la land. Actually, I don't wish that on my readers, but I at least wish that they enjoy my books so much, that they can't wait to read mroe.  

Today's funnies are dedicated to book nerds, alike. Have you ever felt like this?

Me on countless ocassions.

Of course, this doesn't happen so much with ebooks.

I'm in a book hangover right now.

The Books that Shape Our Lives

I love being a reader and a writer! It is who I am. But, I also love being a teacher and helping students learn that they can be readers and writers, too. This past week, I had my students create several sections in their readers notebooks. As their teacher, I like to DO what I ask, so I have put examples of MY work. After doing this assignment, I thought it would be fun to share with you all and to hear back from you.

First, I created a READING TIMELINE. Starting from grade 1 until my senior year in college, I created a timeline represetenting the books that have shaped me, are important to me, or just made me love reading. some of my favorites on my timeline include:

The Outsiders - I think I've mentioned this before, but this is what got me reading in the first place. Stay Gold, Ponyboy!

Any and ALL Lois Duncan books - She was the ultimate suspense and mystery author. Remember the movie, "I Know What You Did Last Summer?" Well, the book is SO much better and I read it years before the movie was made. The first book I read was Locked in Time and it took place in Louisiana (where I was born). Then I found out that Lois Duncan lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico (where I grew up). So, that made an even tighter connection. 

Harry Potter Series - Although I read these books (and re-read so many times) in my adult years, they are favorites and I love them. 

Second, I created a page about the LAST 5 BOOKS I'VE READ. If I were completely honest with my students, I would have had 5 contemporary romance books, and I wasn't about to put the Fifty Shades of Grey series. Since I'm a pre-teen teacher, I kindof felt compelled to have a variety of books, so I added 5 I read over the summer. The list should show a lot about a person. What does your list show about you?

So, my dear readers, what are the books that shaped you? What book woke you up to reading? What book  can you read and reread (It's ok if it's Harry Potter!)? Please comment below. I'd love to hear!

Thanks for stopping by,
Melinda