Saturday, November 5, 2011

It's A Rundown Life: House Island, Maine


Image of :: An old outhouse located on House Island, Portland, Maine
Date Taken :: July 18th 2011


This is a part of a series of photos I'll be posting (not during any time frame just when the mood strikes me) on my blog. I don't know why but some rundown places or things interest me ... so here is the first in this series! =0)

- Jess



Related Posts :

It's A Rundown Life: Elizabeth City, North Carolina

It's A Rundown Life: Jenkins Beach - Dedham, Maine

Happy Veteran's Day

News Article: 13 photos of Maine’s original hipsters — beards, beer, attitude and all

Friday, November 4, 2011

Interview with Jodi Redford

At the ripe age of seven, Jodi Redford penned her first epic, complete with stick figure illustrations. Sadly, her drawing skills haven't improved much, but her love of fantasy worlds never went away. These days she writes about fairies, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures, only with considerably more heat.

She has won numerous contests, including The Golden Pen and Launching a Star.

When not writing or working the day job, she enjoys gardening and way too many reality television shows.

Currently residing in Michigan with her husband and overgrown lapdog, she is a member of RWA national and Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America.

She loves to hear from readers. You can email her at jodiredford@jodiredford.com and visit her online at www.jodiredford.com.




My Q&A with Jodi Redford :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Jodi : Sure, I'd love to. I write fun and sexy paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi and contemporary romances for Samhain Publishing. My books are full of humor and quirk--kind of like me. *wink* When I'm not writing or working the day job, I enjoy reading and watching cheesy movies with bad special effects on the SyFy Channel. Really, is there any movie more deserving of an Academy Award than Sharktopus? I think not.

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Jodi : As a pre-teen, I loved Nancy Drew. Once I hit high school, I fell in love with historical romances. Rosemary Rogers, Jude Deveraux and Bertrice Small were my all time favorites.

Jess : Do you have a specific writing style?

Jodi : My "voice" always tends to stay on the humorous and offbeat side, so I'd say yes. Definitely.

Jess : What would your ideal career be, if you couldn't be an author?

Jodi : Probably an archeologist, so I could travel and play in a lot of dirt. Or even better, a paranormal researcher who seeks out creatures like the Yeti and chupacabras. Basically, I want Josh Gates job from Destination Truth. But only if I don't have to walk around in a jungle with anacondas on the loose. I'm not a snake person!

Jess : Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Jodi : Hm, the character I'd most like to invite to dinner would be Max, the shape-shifter shark from Maximum Witch. Not only is he hunky and sexy, he's also a gourmet cook, so win win for me! The one I'd least like to invite would be either Seven from The Seven Year Witch (Those multiple personalities are so hard to please when it comes to putting together a menu) or Antoinette Delacroix, the evil voodoo queen from That Voodoo You Do. I can almost guarantee she'd bring her zombie pets, and I'd end up being the main course. Talk about the worse dinner guests ever.

Jess : If you had to describe Lacey, Ryan, & Bram (from The Naughty List) in one word, what would it be?

Jodi : Lacey--Cautious

Ryan--Loyal

Bram--Funny

Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Jodi : You know, I was thinking about this very thing earlier today. It's funny, but I used to think of myself as a "concept" writer, meaning that the plot or story idea always came to me first. But the more I think about it, it's really the characters who grab my attention in the beginning. Even in the cases where it seemed like it was the concept first, it really sprang out of a character. For instance, with Maximum Witch I knew I wanted to write a shark shifter, which in some ways is based around a concept, but it was really the core character of Max that ultimately shaped his "skin" as a shark shifter, if that makes any sense.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Jodi : I've written quite a few books, but I've published and contracted eleven. It's really hard to say which is my favorite, because I fall in love with all of my books while I'm writing them, and I love them for different reasons. Besides, if I picked a favorite, the other books would get jealous. Trust me, you don't want to see a jealous book.

Jess : What is your latest published book? And if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Jodi : My latest published (available now) book is Maximum Witch. And at the end of November, The Naughty List will be releasing, so I'll count that one as "almost" published. I'm one of those writers who can always find something to change in my books, even if it doesn't need it. That's why I try to resist the urge to re-read them.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Jodi : Well, lets see. In February, Getting Familiar With Your Demon, book 4 in the That Old Black Magic series, releases. Then in April I have a very sexy werewolf and cat-shifter book called Cat Scratch Fever coming out. Last but not least, in May I'll be part of Samhain's superhero anthology with my novella, Breaking Bad. Anyone wanting blurbs can check them out on my website. Except Breaking Bad--still waiting to get that one back from the blurb editor.

Jess : Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Jodi : Hard question! I have several favorite authors, and I enjoy their books for varying reasons. My favorite paranormal/fantasy author is Shana Abe. She has a way with description and detail that plops me into the middle of her worlds and makes them feel so real. My two favorite "sexy" authors are R. G. Alexander and Kate Pearce. They're both so good at bringing emotion and sizzling heat into their books.

Jess : What book are you reading now? How do you like it so far?

Jodi : I'm in the middle of book deadlines right now, so I haven't had much time for reading, but not too long ago, I finished Provoke Me, by Cari Quinn. It was the first book of Cari's I've read, and I highly recommend it. Hot and funny, and the hero and heroine really sizzle together. Yowza!

Jess : Which question are you most sick of answering in interviews?? =0)

Jodi : Ha! Since I love to gab and ramble on, there is no such thing as an interview question I'm sick of. ;)


-- Thank You Jodi!!! Be sure to check out The Naughty List & Getting Familiar With Your Demon which are both coming out soon!! --



My Previous Review(s) for this Author : That Voodoo You Do | The Naughty List

Find Jodi Redford :



Check out the Giveaway for this book -- HERE -- All you have to do to enter is answer a question!! [Contest ends on November 29th 2011]



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



Related Posts :

Feasted On: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

Feasted On: That Old Black Magic Series, Book 4

Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season

Character Interview & Giveaway - Getting Familiar With Your Demon by Jodi Redford

Feasted On: The Naughty List by Jodi Redford

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 310 KB | Expected Release Date: November 29, 2011 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Jodi Redford

"The Naughty List" by Jodi Redford

My Book Summary : For the past fifteen years, Bram & Ryan (Ry) have been in love with their best friend Lacey. However, not wanting to mess up the relationship between each other they decided a long time ago that they would hold back their feelings for her and just remain friends. Now years later they are still the "three amigos" and own a bar/restaurant together. Recently Lacey is thinking that she is over her heartache (that occurred about a year ago by her ex-fiancé cheating on her) and thinking it's time for her to start dating again.

Later that week after having a little too much wine, Lacey creates a "Naughty List" to try to make herself be bolder by listing all of the raunchy/sexual things she'd like to do .... with Bram and Ry. However, when she's finished writing it up she decides to send it to her work email, and accidentally emails it to the guy too!!

The next day when Bram and Ry see that list, there is no way they are willing to hold back there feelings now! The only thing that's missing is trying to prove that a relationship with both of them would work, but is Lacey ready to give up on her fear of getting her heart broken again?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, this story is HOT, Sexy, and Sweet just in time for this holiday season to keep us warm!! The sex scenes in this story are wonderfully written in a way I've never read before and it will definitely rev up your blood pressure!! To top that off I really enjoyed the relationship between Bram, Lacey, & Ry ... it was very sweet and because they've known each other for so long, I enjoyed reading the comrade feel that they all shared for each other.

Overall, if you enjoy erotic novels that has a good plot too then this is a good book for you to read!!

However, I will say that the reason this story didn't get 5 stars (the highest rating I have) is because I wasn't impressed with how Lacey handled the situation, it disappointed me a bit but thankfully I liked how the author ended the book! Now if only the story was a little longer and told me what is going on now with them ... but oh wells.

In truth, though I really did enjoy this book. I wish I had my own Ry & Bram!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : That Voodoo You Do

Book Teaser(s) :
“Number four?”
“Sex in a public place.”
One of his eyebrows arched. “Bold.”
“Too much?”
“Fuck no. Just right.” His tongue gave a barely there flick across her clit. She squirmed, desperate for more. He moved away, his hazel eyes teasing. “Number five?”
“I’d visit that sex club downtown. The one you think I don’t know you and Ry have gone to.”
His jaw dropped. “How the hell did you find out?”
“I heard you and Ry talking about it once.” She blushed. “I wondered what you would do if I showed up there.”
Those sinful irises darkened. ~ within Chapter 3

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jodi, then please check out her Amazon Page.



Check out the Giveaway for this book -- HERE -- All you have to do to enter is answer a question!! [Contest ends on November 29th 2011]



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



Related Posts :

Feasted On: That Old Black Magic Series, Book 1

Made the Grade: That Old Black Magic Series, Book 3

Interview with Jodi Redford

Winter Themed Books To Warm You Up During the 2011 Holiday Season

My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ R ~ Authors

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Made the Grade: Bound Series, Book 2

Format: Paperback | Pages: 340 | Release Date: October 2011 | Publisher: Zebra Books | Obtained: Walmart

"Bound By Blood" [Bound Series, Book 2] by Amanda Ashley (aka Madeline Baker)

My Book Summary : Kaitlyn, a half-human half-vampire who recently moved to Nevada, is intrigued by the local casino owner, Zack, with his handsome looks, his charming ways, and mysterious persona she can't seem to get enough of him during their dates. Zack feels the same way about Kaitlyn. However, when Kaitlyn realize what Zack actually is will they be able to keep seeing each other or will they have to end their relationship?

Finding out each other’s secrets isn't as important though when there is a pissed off witch plotting revenge on Kaitlyn's father by hurting Kaitlyn any way possible. Will the witch succeed or will Zack and Kaitlyn's family be able to defend her before anything bad happens?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars!! This series has a great new take on the vampire romance theme!! I loved how the author wrote about Kaitlyn's lifestyle and the different types of vampires. The relationship between Kaitlyn and Zack was a little disappointing only because of how slow it progresses but that is only because of the racism Kaitlyn's relatives have of the "Others" and because of the vampires that are seeking revenge against Kaitlyn's family.

All in all it was a cute book that I'd recommend to whoever really enjoys new takes on vampire romance books.

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1
"What are you doing here?"
The other vampire stared at him, his eyes wide with surprise, not fear. "I'm here to see Kaitlyn," he replied smoothly.
"Before the sun's even up?" Zack asked, still gripping the other man's arm.
"We're lovers," the man said with a leer.
"You're lying. Who the hell are you?" ~ within Chapter 12
"I can't wait that long. Will you help me?"
"I assume you tried to free Zack and failed?"
Kaitlyn nodded.
"That's what I thought. What do you think I can do that you couldn't? I don't have any superpowers."
"Maybe between the two of us, we can free him," Kaitlyn said. She didn't wait for an answer. ~ within Chapter 21

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Amanda, then please check out her website.



** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
**



Related Posts :

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Teaser Tuesdays: Bound By Blood

Spreading the Word: Reckless Series, Book 1

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My Book Reviews & Book Index:
~ A ~ Authors

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays: Bound By Blood

  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here



  • "Bound By Blood" [Bound Series, Book 2] by Amanda Ashley (aka Madeline Baker)

    Book Teaser:
    "Kaitlyn?"
    He was watching her intently, making her glad he couldn't read her mind, although she would have loved to read his. Of course, being able to eavesdrop on people's private thoughts was a mixed blessing. ~ within Chapter 2



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
    All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
    **



    Related Posts :

    Made the Grade: Bound Series, Book 2

    Second Sentence Saturday: Blood Bound | @Traci_Douglass #BookTeaser #RomanceNovels

    Idolizing In: Bound In Darkness by Cynthia Eden

    Teaser Tuesdays: Tegan's Blood
    This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts. Basically Jess earns from qualifying purchases.
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