Tag Archives: linkity

Contests, Linkity linkity link, Reading, Reviewettes

In which I shock all of you by doing linkity on a different day of the week than I usually do

February 24, 2010 Chris 40 Comments

Remember when I gave you an assignment last week? (You did splendidly and I thank you!) You were all helping Chaos and Mayhem prepare to interview Crazy Aunt Purl’s kitties during their visit here tomorrow. They’re supposed to be helping their mom promote her new book (reviewed below!), but you know how kitties are… You’ll also have the chance to enter to win one of five copies of the book (Crazy Aunt Purl’s Home Is Where the Wine Is: Making the Most of What You’ve Got One Stitch (and Cocktail!) at a Time by Laurie Perry), so make sure to drop by!

Contests

Lea’s giving away copies of Stephanie Tyler’s Navy SEAL romances Too Hot To Hold and Hold On Tight. You need to leave a comment before she has her coffee on February 26 to have a chance to win.

Lea’s also giving away a copy of Jaci Burton’s forthcoming erotic romance, Bound, Branded and Brazen. Leave a comment by the afternoon of February 26 for your chance to win.

For a chance to win ebook copies of Leigh Ellwood’s m/m romances GPS (featuring Candy Cane Guy on the cover!) and Enter Sandman, leave a comment on her blog by February 26.

Cecile’s celebrating her blogiversary by giving away a copy of Tracy Wolfe’s erotic suspense, Full Exposure. Leave a comment to enter – you have until March 31!

Largehearted Boy’s giving away a copy of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter and an assortment of cds and books. Contest closes midnight CST, February 26.

Blodeudd’s celebrating her birthday by giving away a copy of 22 Nights by Linda Winstead Jones. Leave a happy birthday comment before the weekend for your chance to win!

CJ and LB are at DIK, giving away a copy of each other’s forthcoming books (Mind Games (urban fantasy) by Carolyn Crane and Catch Me If You Can (m/m romantic suspense) by L. B. Gregg). Leave a comment answering their question for your chance to win. Contest closes 11:59 pm EST, February 28.

Donna Fantasy Dreamer’s giving away an autographed copy of Foz Meadows’ new YA urban fantasy, Solace and Grief. Leave a comment by 8 am CST, February 28, for your chance to win.

Donna Fantasy Dreamer is also giving away a copy of Thomas E. Sniegoski’s urban fantasy, Where Angels Fear To Tread. For your chance to win, leave a comment by midnight CST, March 2.

Leah Braemel’s giving away a print and an ebook copy of Deirdre Knight’s amazing romance, The Butterfly Tattoo, which was one of my favorite books from last year. Read the directions to enter carefully. Contest closes 10 am EST, March 2. Oh, and keep your tissues handy if you win!

And don’t forget that Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy posts her weekly list of contests each Wednesday!

Of Things Bookish

Zounds! Fantasy Dreamer’s Ramblings, SciFiGuy, and Literary Escapism have scads of info on new releases, contests, and other happenings in Bookbloglandia.

Lily has a nice list of the new m/m books released this week.

A very interesting discussion of ebooks and piracy going on in the comments over at Jessewave’s. TeddyPig has expanded on one of his comments in a post on his blog.

Thought-provoking post about the place etextbooks could have in American education.

Maybe publishers should work on improving the quality of their digital content before they start talking about pricing?

Casee of the Book Binge wants to know what characters you’re invested in. Are you waiting for their books to come out?

It’s time to vote for the ugliest book covers in Jessewave’s Fourth Ugly Covers Competition! Please note that these covers are totally and completely NSFW and should not be perused by the easily offended. Bring your brain bleach and leave your comment about which cover you think is the ugliest before February 28. Why, yes, I did nominate the cover that has Candy Cane Guy on it. However did you guess? 😉

O noes! CJ has detected a pernicious trend in Bookbloglandia! 😮

Every week, Awful Library Books amazes me yet again. Or was that horrifies?

Aw, thanks, Katiebabs, for including SoC in your list of Must Visit Blogs! 🙂

Learn Stuff

Kristi’s writing a series of posts about knitting needles, particularly about how a knitting needle and yarn combo can affect your project.

Turn yarn into a clever lampshade, no knitting required.

Lifehacker shows us a simple way to keep those darn earbuds untangled.

Who knew you could use snow for cleaning?

Education is bliss!

Stuff That Didn’t Fit Elsewhere (Because I Didn’t Put Enough Effort into It)

Mark Twain knew that humans aren’t very good at risk analysis.

Ever wondered how much money that meeting you’re in is wasting? Now you can figure it out!

Check out the new, amazingly high-resolution photos of the Earth from space from NASA.

Curious about Google’s secret search algorithm?

Do you remember when people used to sit and talk in coffeeshops?

This looks cool, but I have no idea how well it works for suggesting new music that you might like.

Huh. Some colleges are now accepting YouTube videos as part of application.

There’s a new magnetic version of the GorillaPod tripod.

Probably not Minneapolis’ finest hour, huh?

Ten reasons to avoid talking on the phone.

I can’t imagine why these male models all look so disgruntled… (No nudity involved!)

Meow Meow Meow Meow

I love this picture.

Have you watched the Sky Mall Kitties video yet?

Poor Myron, that most adorable black kitten. He tested positive for FeLV. But all is not lost! He’s going into special FeLV foster care! Whew.

Best spotted kitty bellah evah.

Tabby girl cute burn!

Well, that explains all those lost socks, huh?

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the bathroom…

Probably not a good idea to play Monopoly for your soul.

Probably a good idea to avoid the wireless cat.

That could so be Chaos.

Reading Update
Crazy Aunt Purl’s Home Is Where the Wine Is: Making the Most of What You’ve Got One Stitch (and Cocktail!) at a Time by Laurie Perry. Like its predecessor, Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair: The True-Life Misadventures of a 30-Something Who Learned to Knit After He Split, this is a book that, for all its humor and irreverence, is about personal growth. Follow along with Laurie Perry as she makes her New Year’s resolutions (#7: “Try Something New [and Not Just a New Food]”), then tries to achieve them throughout the year. This was a great read – and you definitely do not need to be a knitter to enjoy it, although there are some fun (and funny) knitting and crochet patterns at the end of the book. (I am so going to make the braided icord rug.) My favorite lines from the book are about meeting and speaking with sock knitters: “Eventually they found me and talked soothingly to me, and told me stories about how easy it was and how quick, portable, and fulfilling sock knitting could be. I’m sluttish and easy when it comes to craft cults, so it didn’t take much convincing.” *ahem* I may have said those same things to knitters who’d never tried knitting socks before. 🙂 (Please note that I received this book from the publisher for review.)
When Irish Eyes Are Sparkling by Tom Collins. ebook. Very good m/m romance about a bi-curious artist with a heart of gold (whose family own the Irish Eyes pub) and a paramedic who avoids emotional entanglements. I was briefly afeared that there was going to be squicky twin action in this book and am very glad there wasn’t! My only complaint is a plot thread involving a voicemail and an attack that never went anywhere. (If it sways anyone’s opinion on the book, there are kilts. Yum.)
Brindisi Bedfellows by Jamie Craig. ebook. Enjoyable m/m romance about a guy who gets dumped by his boyfriend the night before they were supposed to leave for three weeks in Italy. While drunk, he invites his ex’s best friend along in place of the ex, and things get a bit complicated (but interesting!).
Dress To Impress by Jodi Payne. ebook. Good m/m romance about a financial adviser who meets a mysterious guy at a bar and takes him home for the night, then can’t forget him.
Sweet Treats by Stormy Glenn. ebook. So-so m/m romance about a doctor and a baker (but no candlestick maker) that was so sugary sweet I barely stayed conscious. Also, the main characters were called Nicky and Brandon, which was a problem for me. (See Cheating Chance by James Buchanan…)
Fundamental Things (OC Pride, Book 2.5) by Stephanie Vaughan. ebook short. I loved the previous two books (Jumping the Fence and Crossing the Line) in this m/m romance series, but this short didn’t do much for me.
Handle With Care by Mallory Path. ebook short. M/m romance short that left me completely “huh?” and “ooooooooooookay…”
Crimes of Passion by Mel Keegan. ebook short. Ok m/m romance about a couple dealing with difficult in-laws coming to visit.
The Guardian by Mary Calmes. ebook. This fantasy m/m romance qualifies for Kris’ m/m rut challenge! I’m trying and trying, but I fear the fantasy enjoyment channel in my brain might be permanently damaged. 🙁 Again, as with Hero, I don’t really feel as if I can evaluate this. I loved Mary’s paranormal m/m romance (Change of Heart) and her four-part m/m romantic suspense, A Matter of Time, but this just didn’t immerse me to the same extent.
Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon. ebook. I read this m/m historical romance for Kris’ m/m rut challenge because I tend to avoid historicals like… the Plague. *pauses for groaning to die down* But then I won it in a contest last week, which seemed like a portent of some sort. So I hunkered down and read it. (Tam, you’ll notice that although this is a whole bunch of sentences, I haven’t actually reviewed anything yet.) And… I loved it! Possibly because there weren’t all sorts of dreary historical details, true, but the authors also managed to portray the secrecy and discretion that being gay in the mid- to late-18th century demanded. Highly recommended.

“I am ignoring you and your nonsense about unobscured pictures, Mom.” -Mayhem

Contests, Gluten Free, Linkity linkity link, Reading, Reviewettes, Tunes

Today’s forecast is for sunshine and linkity

February 18, 2010 Chris 34 Comments

Contest Update

JessaLu’s celebrating her blogiversary with a big contest – she’ll have five knitting related prizes, one for each year that she’s been blogging. The prizes are wonderful – some of her gorgeous box bags, socks knit for you on her sock knitting machine, or gorgeous sock yarn dyed by Scout. Contest closes midnight EST, February 19… and tell her I sent ya. 🙂

Closetwriter Lea’s giving away an ARC of Julie James’ forthcoming romance, Something About You. You only have until the morning of February 19 to leave a comment and enter!

Bronwyn Green’s celebrating, and to do so, she’s giving away a copy of Just Right, her scorching paranormal update of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Leave a comment by 8 pm, February 19, for your chance to win.

Julie James is giving away a signed copy of Shiloh Walker’s forthcoming romantic suspense, Broken. Comment by 10 pm CST, February 19, for your chance to win.

Largehearted Boy is giving away a copy of Peter Straub’s new novel, Dark Matter, and Emma Straub’s novella, Fly-Over State, along with an assortment of books and cds. Contest closes midnight CST, February 19.

Jenre of Well Read is reviewing and giving away two of the Petit Morts (see Reading Update below for more details on the Petit Morts). Contest closes midnight GMT, February 20.

Tracy’s running a contest for a copy of L. B. Gregg’s forthcoming m/m romantic suspense, Catch Me If You Can (Romano & Albright, Book 1). Leave a comment by 11:59 pm PST, February 21, for your chance to win. (I highly recommend this one!)

Donna Fantasy Dreamer’s giving away a copy of the fifth Cal & Niko book, Roadkill, by Rob Thurman. Enter by midnight CST, February 25, for your chance to win.

SciFiGuy’s giving away two copies of Robin Hobb’s new fantasy, Dragon Keeper. To enter, leave your comment entry by midnight EST, March 1. He’s also giving away two copies of Kim Harrison’s new urban fantasy, Black Magic Sanction. That contest also closes midnight EST, March 1.

Answer a trivia question about Julia Rachel Barrett’s Captured for a chance to win $5.00 that you can use to purchase ebooks from Siren Publishing. Contest runs through March 31.

Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy has an amazing 88 contests posted in this week’s roundup!

Reading & Beyond

You can get your book news and contest roundups from Donna Fantasy Dreamer, SciFiGuy, and Literary Escapism.

Jessica of Racy Romance Reviews has all sorts of linky goodness that’ll get you thinking.

Local bookstores Uncle Hugo and Uncle Edgar’s have posted their most recent newsletter, which is packed full of new and forthcoming release info for mysteries, science fiction, paranormals, urban fantasy, and more.

Be prepared for a very fun read as Wren Boudreau rises to the challenge of Kris’ “Choose Your Own M/M Story” challenge! (And then go vote for the choices that the next sucker author will have to write around. You must vote for the potato shaped like Bono’s head.)

What lessons might the publishing industry learn from the music and movie industries? And how come the publishing industry doesn’t seem interested in connecting with buyers, aka readers?

Are LCDs or ereaders worse for your eyes?

Dear Author has an interesting post about using Calibre and Dropbox to put your ebooks “in the cloud” so you can access them wherever you are.

Gizmodo found some interesting glasses that tilt your vision so you can read while lying flat in bed. (Hmm, I’m getting motion sick just thinking about tilted vision.)

Ugh, the situation with DRM and ebooks gets more and more discouraging.

What are your reading neuroses? A major one of mine is getting extremely anxious about what’s going to happen to characters in books, to the point that I need to put the book down and have a bit of a lie down.

MrsGiggles has an excellent list of issues she believes should be banned from romance novels.

Oh, Awful Library Books, how I do love you and the surreal things you find in circulation…

Members of Team Edward, you can buy your very own Edward Cullen body pillow… O_o alas for Team Jacob, as that pillow is sold out.

Yay, Minnesota!

Thanks to trek for alerting me to this important news about Minnesota: it’s the fourth happiest state in which to live! (Hawaii’s first.)

Must remember to pick up the The Minnesota Beatle Project cd…

Get Your Geek On

Thanks again to trek for the link to this lovely laptop cover, made from a thrift shop sweater.

You can make your own MagSafe connector to protect your laptop, so that when you trip over its cord, the cord snaps free instead of sending your laptop into oblivion.

After you’ve scanned all of your old slides, why not use them to make a gorgeous and colorful privacy screen for a window?

Conceptually, Computer Engineer Barbie is cool, but as TeddyPig asks – what’s up with the sparkly stretch pants?

Careful, this mouse (and the hysterical comments) is totally and completely NSFW.

Did you know there’s a Motorola Droid app that will emulate a tricorder and actually do some cool and useful things?!

McGuyver a light tent out of paper and binder clips!

Clever – there’s a website that will help you find that filler item on Amazon to get your purchase to $25 for free shipping. Or if it’s just a single book you want, maybe you should go to the Book Depository instead so you don’t end up buying a random item. 🙂

Hopefully you’ve been following the Google Buzz fiasco and have done what you need to do to make your Google account a bit safer? Update: You can now completely disable Google Buzz.

Eh, Canada

Music blog Star Maker Machine is focusing on Canadian songs this week in honor of the Olympics.

Yum

Don’t these gluten-free cinnamon rolls look delicious?!

Fun & Kitties & Goats, Oh My

Part 2 of the Simon’s Cat “Snow Business” episode is finally out!

Lovely calligraphy kitties.

Aww! How come my kitties have never slept in such a configuration?!

What your kitties are thinking when they’re sleeping with their heads in your shoes?!

Goats.

Reading Update
Thanks to jmc of Shuffling through a book-less desert, where I won a copy of the historical m/m romance, Seducing Stephen!

Love Ahead by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux. ebook collection. These two m/m romances were decent, but you can definitely tell that they were older stories from Urban and Roux. And, as Tam pointed out when she read them a week or two ago, how names are used in each story was definitely odd. In the first, both guys mostly used each others’ last names. That was ok, since they knew each other through their work at a construction site. Then, later in the story, when they started to use each others’ first names, it was obviously supposed to indicate their growing closeness and intimacy. I get that. But why the hell did they both have first and last names that could be first or last names?! It was so confusing. So very confusing. And in the next story? The name thing? Really? You never exchanged actual names after talking to each other on the phone for months? *headdesk*
Snow Plowed (Bay City Paranormal Investigations) by Ally Blue. free holiday short. This was a cute’n’steamy m/m Valentine’s short with the characters from Love, Like Ghosts. And if you haven’t read the Bay City Paranormal Investigations series, what are you waiting for?! It’s one of the series that sucked me into reading m/m romance. Hmm… Ok, maybe that’s why you haven’t. 😉
Petit Morts 1-5: Hue, Tint and Shade; Slings and Arrows; Moolah and Moonshine; Other People’s Weddings; Spanish Fly Guy (1, 3, 5 by Jordan Castillo Price; 2, 4 by Josh Lanyon). ebook shorts. These delightful little m/m romances are all loosely based around a mysterious chocolate shop and Chance, its equally mysterious proprietor. Although I enjoyed each and every one, I think that #4 (Other People’s Weddings by Josh Lanyon) was my favorite, with #1 (Hue, Tint and Shade by Jordan Castillo Price) following closely behind. Recommended. (Val at Obsidian Bookshelf has much more detailed reviews of the Petit Morts, as does Jenre of Well Read.)
Holiday Outing by Astrid Amara. ebook. Another delightful Hannukah m/m romance from Astrid Amara! A successful author of gay fiction, still closeted to his family, gets snowed in with his family (and a high school nemesis) for Hannukah.
Fantasies: Thanksgiving by Cassandra Gold. ebook. Enjoyable m/m romance about two guys, one gay, one straight, who have been friends for many years… and then something changes in their friendship. (We’ll be revisiting this cover image at some point in the future, too.)
True North (Lost Boys & Love Letters, Book 1) by Bethany Brown & Ashlyn Kane. ebook. Darn good m/m romance about a deeply closeted petroleum engineer and the new doctor in town, and about how limiting it can be to let your fears control you.
Picture Perfect (Lost Boys & Love Letters, Book 2) by Bethany Brown & Ashlyn Kane. ebook. Ok m/m romance that started out feeling like a freestanding story, but seemed as if, partway through, it suddenly needed to become part of a series (the few paragraphs that were apparently supposed to tie it to True North didn’t seem, to me, to fit)… probably right about the time it detoured into m/m/m for a bit. Very ambivalent about reading the third book.
Hero by Heidi Cullinan. ebook. This was another read for Kris’ m/m rut challenge. This was a fantasy (I guess sort of an urban fantasy, actually) based on the Japanese myth of the kitsune. Intellectually, I could tell it was a pretty good story, but I was fighting against the fantastical elements of the story the entire time. So, basically, I don’t think I can fairly rate this one.
Heart and Soul (The Assignment, Book 2) by Evangeline Anderson. ebook. Ah, this poor m/m romantic suspense got a bit caught in my expectations for it (sequel to The Assignment!) and my discomfort with parts of the story itself. Don’t get me wrong – it was a decent read and definitely worth reading if you enjoyed the previous book (and subsequent shorts) – but I had trouble reading around all the plot holes. *sigh*
Coach, In Bear’s Bed, Office Advances, and A Biker’s Vow (Campus Cravings, Books 1, 7, 8, & 9) by Carol Lynne. ebooks. Reading Carol Lynne is like eating potato chips – not very filling and you know they’re probably not good for you, but you just can’t stop. O_o As you might guess from the name of this series, it’s set on a college campus. (And yes, that is Candy Cane Guy In Bear’s Bed! That naughty boy…) Oddly, at the end of A Biker’s Vow, this series appears to be intersecting with Lynne’s Cattle Valley series.
Sonny’s Salvation (Good-Time Boys, Book 1) by Carol Lynne. ebook. See my comment on reading Carol Lynne books above. 🙂 Sonny quit the FBI to run the family ranch in Nebraska after his dad died. Too bad there aren’t many gay men in rural Nebraska… (And I already know I won’t be reading past the third book in this series, based on the subject matter of the fourth book.)
Rules Were Made To Be Broken by Lenore Black. ebook. Pretty good m/m romance about a guy who recently took over running the family sporting goods store and his (straight) best friend who’s feeling a bit jealous of the store and all the time it takes up. Very nice review of this and Lenore Black’s other works over at Dear Author.
Dead Men Get No Tail by Misty Malone. ebook short. Ok m/m romance about two college roommates, one of whom decides to have a fake funeral for himself. This one left me sort of “Huh?”
Fool for Love by Cassandra Gold. ebook. I’m not a big fan of May-December romances, but Cassandra Gold does a nice job with this m/m romance between a professor and his college student neighbor.

“Sheesh, May, you totally missed this spot by your elbow when you were bathing. What a slob.” -Chaos

*strikes kitty yoga pose #742* -Mayhem

Contests, Knitting, Linkity linkity link, Reading, Reviewettes

Supercalifragilinkalicious

February 11, 2010 Chris 29 Comments

Contests

Lillie of I Do Not Want To Wait, I Want the Book Right Now has an interview about black cats and superstitions with paranormal author Shelly Munro, along with a chance to win a copy of one of Shelly Munro’s Middlemarch Mates books. (Hmm. There’s a black panther on the cover of her latest book. I wonder if giving away a copy would soothe Mayhem?)

Dear Author’s giving away a copy of J. D. Robb’s Memory in Death and a publicity bag full of related “evidence”. Not sure when this ends.

Jessica of Racy Romance Reads is having contests to get rid of her paper books. For your chance to win two of the pictured books, let her know what was the most recent addition to your keepers shelf. Contest closes 2/13.

Donna Fantasy Dreamer’s giving away a copy of Leslie Livingston’s young adult urban fantasy, Darklight. Leave a comment about your favorite fairy tale by 8 am CST, February 14, for your chance to win. She has another contest, for a copy of Walter Greatshell’s new science fiction novel, Xombies: Apocalypticon, which runs through midnight CST, February 18.

Nicole of Bookwyrm Knits is giving away a copy of Kelley Armstrong’s non-paranormal thriller, Exit Strategy. To enter, comment on a post between now and 2/15.

KatieBabs is giving away autographed hardcover copies of Kresley Cole’s Deep Kiss of Winter (with Gena Showalter) and Dark Needs at Night’s Edge. Leave a comment with a Nixism by 2/15 for your chance to win.

If you friend Charlene Butterbean on Facebook or follow her on Twitter, you have a chance to win some goodies from itty bitty kitty committee. Winners will be selected on 2/15.

SciFiGuy’s giving away three signed copies of Jeaniene Frost’s new paranormal romance, First Drop of Crimson. Enter before midnight EST, February 17, for your chance to win.

Not only does Donna Fantasy Dreamer have a list of this week’s paranormal and urban fantasy releases, she also has links to a number of contests.

Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy has 86 urban fantasy contests listed this week!

If you buy a copy of Romi’s Brandywine Shawl pattern, she will donate $5 (of the $6.50 purchase price) to Doctors Without Borders as Help for Haiti. Then if you leave at comment about your purchase (or about any other donation to Doctors Without Borders you made to help Haiti) at Woolgathering by March 1, you will be entered in a drawing to win a gorgeous Bitterroot Shawl.

Books & Reading & Stuff To Think About

If you own a netbook, check out Lifehacker’s guide to using your netbook as a feature-rich ebook reader.

Dear Author has a good post on how legacy publishers are discouraging the shift to ebooks.

Some “post-game analysis” from TeleRead on the Amazon-Macmillan kerfuffle.

An American Editor has a quick poll up on what prevents people from buying ebooks.

An American Editor is also starting an Ebook Quality Hall of Shame – check out the post for details on how to submit examples from poor quality ebooks.

Jeaniene Frost has an interesting post about ebook piracy over at Deadline Dames.

What will happen to libraries with ebooks, which don’t fall under the First Sale Doctrine?

Did you know that some of the top urban fantasy authors got their start writing fanfic?

KatieBabs has a thought-provoking post about blogging (particularly book blogging) and in-crowds.

Check out the weekend reports from SciFiGuy and Literary Escapism.

Nicole of Bookwyrm Knits has a nice roundup of some book and knitting related links.

Make, Learn, and Do Stuff

Last week, I linked to a DIY PVC laptop stand your exercise equipment; this week, it’s a very sturdy DIY laptop stand for a stationary bike.

Or you could make a walking work station for your treadmill and exercise while you work at home.

Learn how to snag stuff with a whip, Indiana Jones style.

If you’re looking for a freeware alternative to a popular Windows software program, check out Gizmo’s Freeware Best Of List.

TVGorge may allow you to view location-blocked tv shows.

*gasp* The FDA may update serving sizes to reflect how much people really eat. What a radical idea! 😉

Are you addicted to technology?

Be Amused

Always comes down to thumbs…

O noes – an Amazon ordering oops!

Do you think Basement Cat will get the job?

Via L. Prieto, a very twisted zombie apocalypse comic…

Bwa-ha-ha!

Commas save lives.

Ten cartoons about airport security that would be funnier if they weren’t so true.

Get Your Cute On

Aww. I love Myron.

ReadingÂ Update
Posted To Death (Simon Kirby-Jones Mystery, Book 1) by Dean James. This was a delightful and slightly twisted version of the British village cozy mystery, because Simon is a gay vampire (he can be out in sunlight and doesn’t need to drink blood, as long as he takes his medication) and well-known historian (who secretly writes romances and mysteries under several pseudonyms). Definitely recommended if you enjoy mysteries with a bit of snark and a complicated cast of suspects. (Also, for the wary, I would give this book a no-pepper heat rating – a very safe read.)
The Dickens With Love by Josh Lanyon. ebook. Very well-done holiday-themed m/m romance about a disgraced book hunter reduced to working for shady and unpleasant clients, one of whom has charged him to secretively and preemptively purchase a newly discovered Dickens’ Christmas story before it goes to auction.
Carol of the Bellskis by Astrid Amara. ebook. Another very well-done holiday-themed m/m romance (Hanukkah this time) about a paralegal who breaks up with his boyfriend (also his boss) because his closeted boss is backing out of their vacation plans. The paralegal heads off on vacation to his aunt and uncle’s kosher B&B alone… and finds himself taking care of all the guests, with his aunt and uncle nowhere to be found.
Falling by Cassandra Gold. ebook short. I really enjoyed this m/m short about a guy who gets accidentally knocked down the stairs at his apartment building and is taken to the hospital by his sexy firefighter neighbor.
Force of Law by Jez Morrow. ebook. Good m/m romance about a mechanic who believes he’s being used by his ex’s billionaire cousin for revenge. For the first third of this, I wasn’t sure I was going to keep reading, because the power dynamics were making me really uncomfortable. Things turned around after that, fortunately.
Melting the Slopes by Ethan Day, William Maltese, and Jason Edding. ebook collection. No surprise that there was at least some skiing in each of these tales of m/m romance, based on the title, huh? Ethan Day’s humorous romance “Snow Ho” was my favorite of the three stories, followed by the romantic suspense of William Maltese’s “Bottom’s Up”.
Let It Snow! by Michael Barnette. ebook. Kinda meh m/m romance – it actually was mostly ok for a while (bit of awkward language, etc, but not too bad), but then the story basically stopped, jumped to the epilogue, and everything was tied up in a nice tidy bow. *blink blink*
The Sound of Cicadas by Tory Temple. ebook short. Decent m/m romance short about two guys who see each other for the first time in ten years at their high school reunion – will they be able to get past their hurt pride and misunderstandings?
The Chocolatier by Elizabeth Jewell. ebook. Sweet (sorry, couldn’t resist…) m/m romance about a guy who makes chocolates that are rumored to make people fall in love. So how comes he’s still single?
To Find and To Keep (Book 1) by Serena Yates. ebook. Well, I won’t be reading the second book… The writing in this m/m romance was awkward and stilted, and the two guys? Read more like chick lit heroines.
The Mask He Wears by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe. ebook. Ok m/m romance about a lawyer, who has a marriage of convenience, confessing his feelings for his male secretary and really making a mess of it.
Hearts Afire November by Pepper Espinoza & India Harper. ebook collection. Two ok m/m romances about firefighters. The first was about a firefighter who starts to hang out with a street musician whose firefighter father died in a fire. The second is about a firefighter/investigator who becomes involved with the insurance investigator assigned to a series of fires… the insurance investigator who’s a former arsonist. The ending of this one didn’t work so well for me – I thought someone was way too quick to forgive something pretty major.
Silver and Gold by Devon Rhodes. ebook short. Enjoyable holiday m/m romance about a guy in his 40s whose first love wants to get together with him, at the same time he meets a younger man he really clicks with.
Sutcliffe Cover by Ariel Tachna & Madeleine Urban. ebook. Ignore the cover, as there are no mustaches or cowboy hats in this enjoyable m/m romance about a guy who owns a stable and riding school and becomes friends with an accountant who starts taking lessons at the school. If you’re looking for an angst break, this might be it for you. (Is it just me, or does that face look photoshopped in?!)
The Elf and Shoemaker by M. L. Rhodes. ebook. Nicely done m/m fantasy romance about the owner of a new age shop who’s about to lose his business when help comes from a most unexpected source. (If you have a mysterious old mirror wrapped up and tucked away somewhere, I’d really recommend you get it out and hang it up!)
FU by Mia Watts. ebook. This one was for Kris’ m/m rut challenge. I generally don’t read multiple partner books because it just doesn’t make sense to me how it could ever work. In this steamy tale, Parker is mistakenly assigned to a male dorm at Fullerton University (FU f’s up) and things get… complicated while Housing tries to sort it out. Ultimately, things do get simple in the end (whew!), but along the way, part of the story does qualify this for Kris’ challenge. So, I confirmed for myself that, while it was a fun read (Mia always puts together a fun’n’steamy read), I’m still a prude when it comes to multiple partner books, especially in regards to the power dynamics. O_o (I received this book from the author because she’s nice like that.)
Matchmen, Ltd. by T. C. Blue. ebook. Good m/m romance about the employees of gay matchmaking agency, Matchmen, Ltd. The book is split into three parts, each of which follows a specific employee. Hmm. I guess, since one section in this book turned out to be multiple partner, it fulfills the m/m rut challenge, too, because I kept reading and didn’t skip it, as I am wont to do in such situations. (Damn, Kris says no. Hmph.)
Ryland’s Sacrifice by Kim Dare. ebook. Good paranormal m/m romance about a PhD student who desperately needs money for tuition and food, so allows himself to be “thrown” to a pride of werelions, with unexpected results. Although this might sound like a multiple partner book, it isn’t. (I received this book from the author because she’s nice like that, too.)
A mysterious book that I can’t talk about yet, but which was a darn good read. 🙂

“What? Why are you laughing at me?” -Chaos

Contests, Linkity linkity link, Reading, Reviewettes

Chaos re-butts… :)

February 4, 2010 Chris 41 Comments

Congrats to Tracey D, who won the ebook copy of Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane! And thanks again to Amy for donating the book. 🙂

Contests

If you take this short survey on ebooks and ebook readers, you’ll be entered for a chance to win $250 toward ebooks or an ebook reader.

Both Renee and Lea are giving away copies of Carolyn Jewel’s new historical romance, Indiscreet. Renee’s contest closes at midnight PST, February 5, andÂ Lea’s contest closes early morning, February 6.

Seductive Musing’s giving away a copy of Beth Kery’s new erotic romance, Release. Contest closes 11:59 pm EST, February 6.

Donna (Fantasy Dreamer) is giving away a copy of Jennifer Estep’s Spider Bite. Contest closes midnight CST, February 6.

Anna’s giving away five copies of Larissa Ione’s newest Demonica novel, Ecstasy Unveiled. Leave a comment by February 9 for your chance to win one.

CursingMama’s giving away a copy of Liza Palmer’s novel, A Field Guide To Burying Your Parents. Answer CM’s question in the comments by 10 am CST, February 10, for your chance to win.

Book Junkie’s giving away a signed copy of Vampire Vacation by CJ Ellison – leave a comment by February 15 to enter the contest.

SciFiGuy’s giving away a copy of Rachel Vincent’s new young adult paranormal, My Soul To Save. Contest closes midnight EST, February 15.

If you mention Julie James’ forthcoming romance, Something About You, on your blog before 1o pm CST, February 28, you could win a $100 gift card or signed books. I really enjoyed her first two books and am looking forward to this one!

Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy has her list of 75+ urban fantasy/paranormal romance contests posted for the week.

Book & Reading News & Views

The February edition of Jackie’s Escapist Newsletter is out and as full of information and contests as ever. Donna (Fantasy Dreamer) lists this week’s new urban fantasy and paranormal releases, along with assorted contests. And of course,SciFiGuy’s Urban Fantasy Weekend Report has all sorts of good tidbits in it, plus his overview of February releases will help you plan your book budget for the month.

Janet at Dear Author wondered whether authors have ethical responsibilities beyond their books.

The Amazon/MacMillan debacle distracted much of online booklandia over the weekend and beyond. As a result of that, Smart Bitches wonders whether you have brand loyalty to a publisher, or to the author?

TeleRead has a discussion of the pluses and minuses of giving away free ebooks.

Interesting comparison of six much-hyped ereaders.

And a comparison of the various tablets coming out.

Does the iPad cost too much, compared to other options?

Liz Daly presents the “seven deadly sins of ebooks and how to fix them.”

These clever bookcases make me wish I had some rafters!

I’m a big fan of the journals that Oberon Designs makes, but I only recently realized that they make gorgeous ebook reader covers. They’re specifically sized for Kindles, Sonys, and the Nook. I’ve sent them an email to see which cover they think might work for my Hanlin V3/Astak EZReader…

Top ten lies of the romance bookblogger.

Kris has tossed out a challenge to m/m readers who might be in a reading rut to try an m/m style or sub-genre outside of your comfort zone, then write a review. The challenge ends March 17 and everyone who participates will be eligible to win a $20 All Romance eBooks voucher.

Learn

Learn how to make your very own three-pendulum rotary harmonograph! (Remember spirographs? We had the Kenner version.)

Or you could make your very own Snuggie…

Is lack of computer access keeping you off your exercise equipment? Check out the DIY PVC laptop stand.

Things That Amused Me

Want to cash in on the current craze for mashing up classic novels and paranormal elements? Paperback Writer introduces the Mash-O-Matic. (Am I the only one who thinks that maybe things have gone too far with Little Women and Werewolves?)

The book on modern camping (1971) that Awful Library Books found gave me way too many flashbacks to childhood camping trips, although we were a lot lower tech.

A wifi detecting bumper sticker?

Technically humour, but I sure felt sad after reading this depiction of Spirit’s last days.

Cats

Chaos would definitely do this to Mayhem.

And I wish Chaos would heed this advice.

Aw, the Knitting Princess’ kitty reminds me of Mayhem.

Check out these very cool Swedish stamps featuring black kitties!

Cute. Cute. Cute.

Reading Update
Keeping Promise Rock by Amy Lane. ebook. The only reason I didn’t spend half of this m/m romance sobbing my eyes out is because I took frequent breaks when I started to get wound up. 🙂 Parts of it were gut-wrenching. And parts weren’t. As a whole, this was a powerful, excellent read that I highly recommend.
Quinn’s Hart by Cassandra Gold. ebook. Why, yes, this is the ebook I just won at Jessewave’s. 🙂 This was a really nicely done m/m romance about two wildly dissimilar guys who get to know each other on a singles’ trip to Disney World.
Why, Why, Zed? by Leigh Ellwood. ebook short. Ok, having never flown into Toronto, I totally didn’t get the pun of this title until I read the quote from Neal Pert at the beginning. (Toronto’s airport being YYZ.) This was a so-so m/m romance, although I will confess that the ending surprised the heck out of me.
Footprints and Just Like in the Movies by Clare London. ebook shorts. For some reason, these short m/m romances (the first about two guys who are part of a counter-terrorism team and the second about two hostage negotiators) never fully engaged me – maybe it was the somewhat reserved first person narrative?
A Stranger’s Touch by Anne Brook. ebook short. I have to confess that this m/m tale about a prostitute and a mysterious stranger who delves into his psyche mostly just confused me.
Healing Doctor Ryan by Carol Lynne. ebook. Ok m/m romance about a cancer patient who asks his doctor out after completing treatment.
Lift Me Up by Rayne Auster. ebook. Cute m/m romance about an IT geek who ends up with a broken ankle when his cute neighbor trips over him in the hallway. I got a little frustrated with the dense language now and then, mostly because my brain was in the mood for fluff. 🙂
Thaw in Winter and Darling Brat by Kate Steele. ebook and ebook short. Thaw in Winter was agood m/m romance about Mark, an architect who saves Joe’s life when he’s injured while camping. Joe and Mark are attracted to each other… but Joe can’t remember why exactly he’s wearing that mysterious wedding band on his ring finger. I liked this one a lot, until the point at which the first book stopped abruptly, leaving unresolved a plot point that had been played up quite a bit. I then discovered that there was a short second book, which resolves that plot point. Grrr. I would’ve been happier for it to all be in one book… and maybe it was at one point.
Out of My Mind by M. L. Rhodes. ebook (reread). Well-done m/m romance in which a recently divorced police officer struggles with his growing attraction to his (work) partner/best friend.
Promises by Marie Sexton. ebook. Very good m/m romance about two guys, one gay and one not, in a small Colorado town who become close friends – this was all about letting your fears constrain your life and how good it can feel whenÂ you finally stop doing so. Recommended.
JackMagic by Jillian Snyder. ebook short. Nicely done short m/m romance about a guy who gets dragged to a sexy magic show (part of his sister’s bachelorette party) and bumps into the magician outside between acts.
Private Property by Chloe West & Audra Beagle. ebook. So-so m/m romance about an author with writer’s block who takes a hate to a guy who shows up on his doorstep, claiming the house is his. I found the three main characters annoying and wanted to slap them all. That never makes for a happy reading experience… for me, at least!