Book Chick City: May 2011

Post Your Reviews: 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011 - June

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Post Your Reviews - June

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011

*This is not the sign up page*

If you'd like to sign up for this challenge, click HERE.

Please Remember: Add your direct review post url, not your blog url!

Labels: 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011 |

5 comments |

Post Your Reviews: Mystery & Suspense Reading Challenge 2011 - June

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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JUNE

*This is not the sign up page*

If you'd like to sign up for this challenge, click HERE.

Book Prize for JUNE

Blood Line by Lynda La Plant

**You must be signed up for challenge to enter monthly prize draw**

BLOGGERS: Add your review links for JUNE to Mr Linky below. Remember to add your direct review post url, not your blog url!

This months prize pack is courtesy of Simon & Schuster and is WORLDWIDE - Good Luck!

6 comments |

BOOK REVIEW: 'Just Like Heaven' by Julia Quinn

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Title: Just Like Heaven (Smythe-Smith Quartet #1)

Author: Julia Quinn

Publisher: Piatkus (UK) | Avon (US)

Publication Date: June 2011 (UK) | May 2011 (US)

ARC: 374 pages

Genre: Historical Romance

Source: Review Copy

Reviewed by: Carolyn

RATING: 8/10 - brilliant, couldn't put it down

GOODREADS SUMMARY:

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:

A) a really bad violinist

B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child

C) NOT in love with her older brother's best friend

D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:

A) the Earl of Chatteris

B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles

C) NOT in love with his best friend's younger sister

D) all of the above

Together they:

A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake

B) survive a deadly fever AND the world's worst musical performance

C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is...

D) all of the above

REVIEW:

I have a bit of a soft spot for historical romance since I began reading the genre last year, but I'd never read one of the most loved authors within this genre. I have heard from many sources that Quinn is a wonderful writer and I now having read a novel I couldn't agree more.

"Just Like Heaven" is brilliantly written and just so witty. It's sparkly, lively and funny. The writing is smooth and the dialogue realistic, so much so I didn't realise how many pages I had read before I realised I had nearly finished the book. I literally couldn't put it down.

The characters are endearing and lovable, with substance and heart. Honoria is a sweet character, she's caring and trusting. Marcus is a complete gentleman who pretends to be brooding when in fact he has a charming sense of humour and is totally adorable. In fact there isn't really one character in the entire novel who is disagreeable.

Honoria and Marcus have known each other since they were children, when Marcus became best friends with her brother Daniel. The prologue sets the scene of when they were children and then chapter one moves forward to the current day.

Daniel has fled the country due to a duel gone wrong, Honoria is searching for a husband and Marcus is now Lord Chatteris with a large estate and healthy bank balance.

Before Daniel leaves he makes Marcus promise to look after Honoria, which he does, by chasing away all potential suitors. On one particular occasion there is an accident (which I won't go into as it's hilarious and don't want to spoil it for you), and Marcus hurts his ankle. Of course things go from bad to worse when Honoria has to leave him to go and fetch help. It starts pouring with rain, Marcus's ankle swells to such an extent his boot has to be cut off, where upon his butler cuts his leg while doing so, and Marcus catches the flu.

While taking care of Marcus, Honoira realises she loves him and, when not in the throws of fever, Marcus realises he's in love with her, but neither let on to the other about their feelings.

The supporting cast of characters are just as well written and I loved each of them. The quartet consists of Iris, Daisy, Sarah and of course Honoria. They play as a quartet and are utterly dreadful and know this themselves, which is why they are dreading the traditional Musicale that they put on each year. I really enjoyed the light-hearted bickering between these characters and it was a great distraction from the romance. It balanced the book well.

The only aspect I didn't like as much as the rest of the book were the last couple of chapters. It was rather rushed. Honoria and Marcus have a sensual moment, Daniel returns from abroad, Daniel and Marcus fight, Marcus threatens to punch a man who's not been nice to Honoria, and then he pops the question! All in the span of a few pages - phew!

However, the true ending is sweet and satisfying and just what you would expect from an historical romance, so if you love HEA then you'll love this.

VERDICT:

"Just Like Heaven" is a wonderfully light and witty historical romance full of delightful characters. A real treat.

You can find out more about the author here:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Labels: 8/10 Rating, Authors Q-T, Book Reviews, Historical Romance, Julia Quinn, Piatkus, Reviews by Carolyn |

8 comments |

PRIZE WINNER ANNOUNCED: 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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UPDATE: PRIZE WINNER!

An Abundance of Books

Sorry I'm so late with this!
Congratulations! You have won two books of your choice from this selection of romances!

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Post Your Reviews!

2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge

*This is not the sign up page*

If you'd like to sign up for this challenge, click HERE.

Link your reviews here to be entered into the prize draw at the end of the challenge. Prize/s will be chosen at the end of the challenge. You must be a participant of the challenge and have at least a challenge post or the button on sidebar to be eligible for entry.

Please Remember: Add your direct review post url, not your blog url!

Labels: 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge |

15 comments |

2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge - My Progress!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge

If you are a regular reader of BCC, you will know that I'm more of a Horror/Urban Fantasy fan than one for romance. However, I have found that I am now reading more from the romance genre than usual after having dipped my toes into the genre for the first time last year, which is why I'm hosting my summer romance reading challenge again this year.

Last time I set myself the target of 16 books... and totally failed. But I'm determined to do better this time around!

Timeline: 1st June 2011 ~ 30th Sept 2011.

Rules: Read 8 or 16 romance novels

For more details or to sign up go HERE

So I'm going to try for 16 romance novels again this year. I have listed a few that I'm planning to read but this may change. I will link to each review and if you want to know more about each book then you can check out my designated Goodreads Shelf :)

1. Whisper of Scandal by Nicola Cornick (HR)

2. Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson (PNR)

3. One Wicked Sin by Nicola Cornick (HR)

4. Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione (PNR)

5. Avenger's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden (PNR)

6. Mistress by Midnight by Nicola Cornick (HR)

7. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (PNR)

8. Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh (PNR)

POSSIBLE BOOKS:

Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (CR)

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole (PNR)

The Taker by Alma Katsu (PNR)

The Untied Kingdom by Kate Johnson (CR)

Demon Kiss by Maggie Shayne (PNR)

Demon Angel by Maljean Brook (PNR)

Dark Lover by J. R. Ward (PNR)

The Duke & I by Julia Quinn (HR)

It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas (HR)

Just One Taste by Louise Edwards (CR)

My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley (HR)

A Kiss At Midnight by Eloisa James (HR)

Key

HR = Historical Romance

PNR = Paranormal Romance

CR = Contemporary Romance

Labels: 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge, 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge - My Progress |

4 comments |

Sign Up: 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge

If you are a regular reader of BCC, you will know that I'm more of a Horror/Urban Fantasy fan than one for romance. However, I have found that I am now reading more than usual after having dipped my toes into the romance genres for the first time last year. So, to celebrate this continued love of romance, I have decided to host my short summer romance reading challenge again this year.

Last time I set myself the target of 16 books... and totally failed. But I'm determined to do better this time around, and I hope you'll join me! There will also be a little surprise giveaway at the end of the challenge!

There are many sub-genres under the 'romance' umbrella and I have listed them below. I hope you will join me in what I hope will be a summer of love and discovery! Hehe! Button and guidelines below.

Timeline: 1st June 2011 ~ 30th Sept 2011. Only books started on June 1st count towards this challenge.

Details:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. 4 months, 8 books - that's doable, right? Or if you want to push yourself further, double it to 16!!

3. Any book format counts except audiobooks.

5. The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

6. If you decide to participate in this challenge with me, please use the link I have set up below with the button to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun. Also, be sure to create a post telling others with a link back to this post so others can join in.

8. You can link your reviews HERE to be entered into the prize draw at the end of the challenge. Prize/s will be chosen at the end of the challenge. You must have at least a challenge post or the button on sidebar to be eligible for entry.
9. You can view my progress HERE.
BUTTON

Romance Sub-Genres:

• Historical Romance

• Paranormal Romance

• Science Fiction Romance

• Contemporary Romance

• Romantic Suspense

• Western Romance

• Fantasy Romance

• GLBT Romance

If you need further help to decide on which sub-genre to choose check out Wikipeadia

When you sign up under Mr. Linky, please add the DIRECT URL to your Summer Romance Challenge post, NOT your blog URL. This way other participants can read about your progress and give support.

Labels: 2011 Summer Romance Reading Challenge |

36 comments |

Giveaway Winners: "Long Lankin" by Lindsey Barraclough

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Five copies of 'Long Lankin' by Lindsey Barraclough were up for grabs...and the winners are...

Anna Morris

Bracken Webster

Lucy Reynolds

Vivienne Dacosta

Alpa Dedhia

Congratulations to you all!
To CLAIM YOUR PRIZE please fill out THIS FORM.

Note: You have SEVEN (7) days to claim your prize from the date of this post. If you do not claim your prize within this time I will then choose another winner.

Sorry to those of you who entered but didn't win, but never fear for another giveaway will be coming soon! :D

Labels: Giveaway Winners |

4 comments |

Event: Piatkus at Little Brown HQ - A little get-together with publicists & bloggers!

Monday, May 30, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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On May 12th I was invited to Little Brown HQ in London to meet the publicists and editors at Piatkus, a commercial imprint within LB, who I've been in contact with and emailing for some time regarding books to review on BCC. It was really great to finally meet Donna, Paola, Maddy and Lucy, and all the other lovely ladies at Piatkus. I met lots of bloggers too including Sarah from Feeling Fictional and Vivienne from Serendipity.

Photo Courtesy of Sarah at Feeling Fictional

The LB offices are just gorgeous and everyone was so friendly. There were drinks and nibbles, and lots of delicious cupcakes! After we had chatted for a little while and introduced ourselves we were shown a presentation of all the upcoming books Piatkus has in store for us over the coming year - and I can tell you there are some yummylicious bookie goodies on the horizon - some are even in your bookshop as we speak!

Piatkus is the publisher that gives UK readers authors such as Christine Feehan, J. R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Keri Arthur, Larissa Ione, Kat Richardson, Nora Roberts and Julia Quinn, among many others. They are also releasing a new urban fantasy series by debut author, Darynda Jones, which sounds awesome!

So here are a selection of the books that we talked about and gushed over:

PARANORMAL ROMANCE | URBAN FANTASY

• Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Brand new cover style launching this year for the 'Dark Hunter' series - a sample is below for 'Retribution' (Dark Hunter #20), which will be released Aug 2011. Really want to begin this series. 'Alterant' (Balador Code #2) published Sept 2011.

• Savage Nature by Christine Feehan

Piatkus has released three series by Christine Feehan: 'Leopard' series, 'Carpathian' series and 'Sisters of the Heart' series. All look absolutely fab!

• Darkness Unbound by Keri Arthur

'Dark Angel's' is a brand new series from Keri Arther - I cannot wait to read this book as it sounds so good - I was very lucky to receive an ARC so I will be reading it very soon indeed! It's a pin-off from the Riley Jensen Guardian series. I love the cover too!

• First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

This sounds SO good - I love finding new urban fantasy series to read. I love the look of the covers too, they are sexy but gritty - I hope the 'Charley Davidson' series can match up! 'First Grave on the Right' is the first book to be released Nov 2011 with 'Second Grave on the Left' & 'Third Grave Dead Ahead' being published Jan & Feb 2012 respectively.

• Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

This is a new series (although already published in the US) to hit the UK. 'Lords of Deliverance' series begins with 'Eternal Rider' (already released) followed by 'Immortal Rider' published Dec 2011. Ione's 'Demonica' series will be published in the UK from July 2011. These covers alone would make me read this series - much better than the US versions!

• Fated by S. G. Browne

I read and enjoyed Browne's 'Breather's' which is a black comedy featuring zombies. 'Fated' is not a sequal to 'Breather's' but a completely new story, and it sounds really interesting. I am fortunate to have an ARC of this too, can't wait to read it.

HISTORICAL FICTION | HISTORICAL ROMANCE

• Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

A new series for historical romance fans - Julia Quinn's 'Smythe-Smith Quartet' - I found my love of historical romance last year and I gobbled this up in one day! (review coming tomorrow) Don't you think this cover is just so cute!?

• A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James

'A Kiss at Midnight' and 'When Beauty Tamed the Beast' are the first and second in a new quartet of Regency fiction with a fairytale twist. Published August & September 2011 respectively. I must say I just love the cover! Looking forward to reading this one.

• Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

From New York Times bestselling author comes a new historical romance series. 'Scandalous Desires' is the third book in the series, which will be published in Nov 2011. Book one, 'Wicked Intentions' and two, 'Notorious Pleasures' are already released and in your bookshops now.

• The Women of Fire Series by Claire Lorrimer

This is an epic historical romance series brought back into print for a new generation of readers. 'Scarlett' (Book #1) published Oct 2011, 'Antoinette' (Book #2) published Nov 2011, and 'Chantal' published Dec 2011. This sound like a really exciting series.

• Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

This is the first book in a brand new series linked to the authors popular 'Cynster' series. It's set in Scotland and is said to be 'an adventure guaranteed to keep you enthralled' - well, another book to add to my 'must read' list. Published September 2011, with book #2 'In Pursuit of Miss Eliza Cynster' hitting shelves in Oct 2011.

GENERAL FICTION

• The Guardian Angel's Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke

This sounds like a fantastic read with a supernatural element - sounds like my kind of book.

• Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton

In 2010 'Sister' was the fastest selling debut by a British author and this is the second novel by Rosamund Lupton. Both books sounds really good and I've heard both have a supernatural twist.

• The Apothecary's Daughter by Charlotte Betts

This is a debut novel in historical romance and it's set in London at the time of the plague, just before the Great Fire of 1666 and will be published August 2011. There was a lot of buzz and excitement about this book, so I for one cannot wait to read it.

As you can see there is lots to look forward to - Piatkus was so generous, I came away with a bag full of ARCs and finished copies - I have lots of reading to do!

Yummy ARCs

Delicious Finished Copies

Thanks so much to all at Piatkus for such a fantastic afternoon - much fun was had! :D

Other Piatkus Event Reports:

Serendipity

Feeling Fictional

BookThing!

Labels: Book Chick City Events |

15 comments |

This Week on BCC...including "Women of Science Fiction" week giveaway winners!

Sunday, May 29, 2011 | Posted by Book Chick City |

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Hello peeps! I hope you're all having a great weekend!

Today ends my "Women of Science Fiction" week! I hope you enjoyed it and read the fab posts from my guest authors: Linnea Sinclair, Marianne de Pierres, Justina Robson, Sara Creasy and Kristine Kathryn Rusch, as well as the reviews and giveaways. It was a lot of fun - I hope you found a few new-to- you authors and books to add to your ever growing lists! :D

So, onto the winners of this weeks giveaways:

• TWO SETS of "Chasing the Dragon" & "Down to the Bone" by Justina Robson
Victoria HaynesJames Gossage

• Signed copy of "City of Ruins" by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Christine TemlettJulie Witt

• Any ONE item from Linnea Sinclair's Intergalactic Shop

Irene Jackson

Congratulations to you all!

To CLAIM YOUR PRIZE please fill out THIS FORM.

Note: You have SEVEN (7) days to claim your prize from the date of this post. If you do not claim your prize within this time I will then choose another winner.

Sorry to those of you who entered but didn't win, but never fear for another giveaway will be coming soon! :D

This Week on Book Chick City

On Monday I will be posting about my visit to Little Brown head quarters to meet all the lovely publicists and editors from Piatkus Books, a LB imprint.

On Tuesday I will be reviewing historical romance, 'Just Like Heaven' by Julia Quinn.

On Wednesday, BCC's new reviewer will be announced (woo hoo!) and her first review will be 'Blood Red Road' by Moira Young.

On Thursday Laura will be reviewing 'No Mercy' by Sherrilyn Kenyon, book #19 in the 'Dark Hunter' paranormal romance series.

On Friday I will be reviewing urban fantasy, 'Twice Bitten' by Chloe Neill, book #3 in the 'Chicagoland Vampires' series.

On Saturday 'On My Wishlist' will be posted as usual - you are welcome to join in, just stop by and add your direct URL to Mr Linky. Click here for more info.