Winners: Impressions... 2nd Anniversary Giveaway!

Thank You!

This last week I celebrated my second anniversary here at Impressions by hosting a giveaway.

By using Random.org, two winners were chosen from a total of fifteen participants. Each will receive a $25.00 gift card from either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (their choice).

Congratulations to the winners of Impressions' 2nd Anniversary Giveaway!

#7 - NATH

#14 - TRACY

Kindly send me an email to claim your prize.

It has been a wonderful two years. Thank you all for participating, but most of all for stopping by and for your warm wishes and congratulations.

Hilcia

New Releases: June 2011

Blogger is back up! I missed my Thursday post, but here it is on Friday instead.

June has some good upcoming releases, certainly quite a few I'm looking forward to reading. I'm highlighting six books and including four genres in this post. And, as I've been remiss in highlighting LGBT books this year, I've chosen two for June. :D

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Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Release Date: June 2, 2011

Welcome to the future. Humanity has colonized the solar system – Mars, the Moon, the Asteroid Belt and beyond – but the stars are still out of our reach.

Jim Holden is XO of an ice miner making runs from the rings of Saturn to the mining stations of the Belt. When he and his crew stumble upon a derelict ship, The Scopuli, they find themselves in possession of a secret they never wanted. A secret that someone is willing to kill for – and kill on a scale unfathomable to Jim and his crew. War is brewing in the system unless he can find out who left the ship and why.

Detective Miller is looking for a girl. One girl in a system of billions, but her parents have money and money talks. When the trail leads him to The Scopuli and rebel sympathizer, Holden, he realizes that this girl may be the key to everything.

Holden and Miller must thread the needle between the Earth government, the Outer Planet revolutionaries, and secretive corporations – and the odds are against them. But out in the Belt, the rules are different, and one small ship can change the fate of the universe.

This is a science fiction space opera! It says on the cover that it's a "kickass space opera." I've been in the mood for some straight science fiction reading this year and I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I'm hoping for lots of action and suspense in outer space.

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Hexed with Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James, Jeanne C. Stein
Release Date: June 7, 2011

Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews
Old legends and frightening nightmares came to life in Magic Dreams. The shapeshifting Tigress Dali Harimau finds herself in deep water when she must challenge a dark being to a battle of wits, or risk losing the man she secretly longs for.

Ice Shards by Yasmine Galenorn
Iris Kuusi, a Finnish house sprite who lives with the D’Artigo sisters, must journey to the frozen Northlands to confront the crazed shadow of her former lover she’s accused of murdering, so she can break the curse keeping her from marrying the man she loves.

Double Hexed by Allyson James
It starts, innocently enough, with a leaky faucet. Janet calls her plumber, Fremont, to help fix a faucet in a guest room, when all hell breaks loose—literally. Blood sprays from the faucets and a message appears on the mirror in blood: “You are doomed.” Janet and her friends find themselves locked in her hotel, victims of a hex cast by a very powerful sorcerer. Cassandra, Janet’s Wiccan hotel manager, believes the sorcerer is one she’s come to Magellan to hide from, and he’s one of the most powerful entities in the world. As Janet and her friends frantically work to release the spell before the sorcerer kills them all, they realize that their worst enemies might just be themselves.

Blood Debt by Jeanne C. Stein
Bounty-hunter-turned vampire Anna Strong is visited by three witches who ask her to right an old magical wrong. Anna will have to live up to her name to make it through alive…

This anthology has magic, hexes, and Ilona Andrews contributed a story to it... 'nough said! LOL, no that's not all... just kidding. I've said before that I love reading anthologies to explore works by new-to-me authors. In this case, three of the four authors are new to me and I'm really looking forward to reading these novellas.

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Slant by Timothy Wang
Release Date: June 12, 2011

James, an Asian college student who likes video games and romantic comedies, decides he's gay. With his intensely logical and linear MIT mind, he identifies all the parts of himself he believes are offensive to others, and methodically changes them one by one. In the pursuit of total self transformation--including body, skin, hair, clothes, personality, and behavior--James becomes completely lost and bewildered, having lost any trace of the person he once was. Along the way, he betrays himself several times for love, lust, and money--engaging in dangerous drug use and sex to please his first boyfriend, Stan, and manipulating his admirer, Michael, to pay for plastic surgery on his Asian eyes. After Stan dumps him, obsessed with love, he'll do anything to get Stan back...

This gay fiction novel just looks like it's going to be a really interesting contemporary read. Don't you think? This is Timothy Wang's debut novel and I'm looking forward to reading it. Love new writers. :)

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Come Unto These Yellow Sands by Josh Lanyon
Release Date: June 14, 2011

Sometimes the adventure chooses you.

Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police Chief Max Prescott is healthy.

When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.

Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he’s not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts—and his heart—tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poet’s society.

I'm gloaming Josh Lanyon's work this year. I've already read quite a few of Lanyon's last release and backlist books this year, but a new release? Of course I'm going to read it! Plus this one has a nutty professor and a Police Chief in it. I looove nutty professors! :D

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Waking Up With The Duke (London's Greatest Lovers, #3) by Lorraine Heath
Release Date: June 28, 2011

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers . . .

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one . . .

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing . . . and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again . . . and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

This is the Duke of Ainsley's story. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and have quite curious about Ransom. But my goodness, this story sounds... hmm... interesting. No?

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Silk Is For Seduction by Loretta Chase
Release Date: June 28, 2011

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it . . .
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . . and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk . . .

And the wonderful Loretta Chase has a new book releasing, so I have to read it of course. This from Loretta Chase's website:
   "... summer brings a new series somewhat connected to the Carsington books. Three young women from an aristocratic and thoroughly disreputable family (imagine Olivia's distant Dreadful DeLucey cousins), use talent, imagination, wile, and guile to try to succeed in business in London. The first story opens in Paris in 1835, during Longchamp, when the ultimate in high fashion is on display. There will be fabulous clothes, gorgeous men, and devious, ambitious women."

I love that this is the beginning of a new trilogy from Ms. Chase and I can look forward to reading at least two more books. Yes!

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Those are my highlights for the month of June. How about you? What books are you looking forward to reading next month?

Minis: Harper Fox, Jill Shalvis, Jodi Thomas

It has been a while since I posted mini-impressions. So today instead of one long review, I decided to post three minis on my latest reads.

Driftwood by Harper Fox (Goodreads review)

I loved Harper Fox's prose, characterization, the chosen setting and atmosphere in this story. Fox's characters are complex, flawed and quite human (and that obviously counts as a plus for me). I couldn't stop reading the story of these men who were acutely hurt by either war or violence, and their painful journey toward healing through a little tenderness, love, self-awareness, lies and angst.

I had to suspend disbelief during the climactic scene with the "villain" due the physical condition both Flynn and Tom happened to be in. However, by that time I liked the story and characters to the extent that this did not become a big detriment to my overall enjoyment of the story.

After reading Life After Joe, Nine Lights over Edingburgh and now Driftwood, Harper Fox is fast becoming a favorite author in this sub-genre. (LGBT) Grade B+

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The Heat is On by Jill Shalvis

The Heat is On is another hot and sexy Blaze by Jill Shalvis and part of her Santa Rey series. The story of Bella the sexy baker, and Jacob the Tall, Dark and Drop Dead Sexy Detective begins hot, sizzles through the middle and ends in a scorching heap. There's a dead body, shootings and a need for protection (lots of protection). Great chemistry, baking, some role play, action and romance.

Bella's the type of woman who moves on from town to town and doesn't commit to relationships. Jacob is a cop whose love life has been severely affected by his job. Lack of communication between Bella and Jacob toward the last third of the book became frustrating, but other than that, this was a quick, enjoyable, hot contemporary. (Contemporary Romance) Grade B

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Twisted Creek by Jodi Thomas

Twisted Creek is a lovely and heart warming story that features a young woman, her grandmother and an undercover ATF agent as main characters. Allie and her Nana make a place for themselves in the small lakefront town of Twisted Creek, Texas after Allie inherits property from an "uncle" she has never met. They join a community of misfits, slowly bring them together and eventually become a family. There's also a secondary story line related to a mystery/suspense that brings the community together and strengthens their bond.

As Allie tries to figure out if she really belongs at Twisted Creek and weather or not she should allow herself to dream again, through conversations, intimate moments and passionate encounters, she falls in love with Luke.

Twisted Creek is a great read. The relationship between Allie and her Nana is lovely, tender, touching and frankly it made me tear up more than once. The secondary characters have depth and contribute as much to this story as do the central characters. I love that! And last, but not least, the romance between Allie and Luke is developed slowly and it's heartfelt. There are no graphic sexual scenes, but they're not necessary to make the romance between this couple an enjoyable one. Twisted Creek is a well-rounded story with a sweet and lovely plot, excellent characterization, an interesting if somewhat predictable secondary plot, and a romance I enjoyed. (Contemporary Romance) Grade B+

Impressions is 2!!! Celebration + Giveaway

Hey, I've been hanging around here for 2 whole years already! Where has the time gone?

Two years ago I began my blog under the name Impressions... (now Impressions of a Reader) as a place to keep track of my reads. I wanted a little corner of the blogosphere with a blank page where I could write down my personal thoughts -- not necessarily reviews. Well, the place has evolved in two years, as has the name  of the blog itself. I ended up writing those reviews after all. However, it still feels like that small, intimate corner of the world where I can write those personal thoughts and impressions whenever the mood strikes.

I've made some great on-line friends and this past year met some of those wonderful ladies in person! Thanks to all of you who stop by on a regular basis -- readers, bloggers and authors -- to comment or just to visit me. :) It has been a lovely two years.

To celebrate my 2nd Blogoversary I'm giving away 2 - $25.00 gift cards to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (your choice) to 2 lucky winners. Please leave a comment before Sunday, May 15th, 1:00 p.m. to enter.

Oh, and isn't it great that my anniversary falls on Mother's Day? Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! I hope you're all having the best of days.

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ETA May 15th: The giveaway is officially closed.

Latest book haul!

I rarely write up posts about books I add to my ever growing "to be read" pile, but I'm a bit excited about my latest additions. So here's my own random version of those "book haul" posts I love to visit. :)

I do love to buy those older backlist books and hunt for used books and deals. The following are in that category. Sunshine is a 2003 vampire book I heard about a long time ago when I didn't hmm... read books about vampires. I recently heard it mentioned again (don't remember where) and decided to read it. Nath and Tabitha highly recommend the Jennifer Estep UF series, and I've had the first book in my TBB list for a long time. Phyl recommended Miranda Neville's historical romances a while back and they just looked good! I purchased the three fantasy books below for the 2011 Women of Fantasy Book Club -- I'm already reading War for the Oaks by Emma Bull! And I found Kate Rothwell's historical romances at Amazon while searching and thought they looked interesting.

Used print books:

Kindle additions:

Here's Rick Riordan's latest release, The Throne of Fire. I decided to get the Kindle edition this time, instead of the print book. I also added two LGBT books by two favorite authors, Harper Fox and Josh Lanyon -- I continue to gloam Lanyon, and am slowly catching up with his extensive back list -- I finished The Dark Farewell last night! Then, there's Cherie Priest...I read Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest last month, and although it wasn't an outstanding read for me, I liked her writing. Renee recommended Bloodshot, Priest's latest UF series, so it went on my TBR. I also decided to buy Priest's short steam punk story Clementine, to give that world a shot. And last, but not least, I just had to buy this Blaze by Jill Shalvis! It's part of her Santa Rey firefighter series and I can't believe I missed it. Hot!

My SFR books! I bought three more... Enemy Within and latest release Enemy Games by Marcella Burnard, plus I pre-ordered Blue Galaxy by Diane Dooley, a Sci-Fi Romance that's releasing on May 9th!

Okay, that's it! I really did get some great prices on those used books! Oh well, until the end of the month, that's when I'll be looking for all those great new releases. :)