Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Winners - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

Hi there happy readers! Here are the winners for the Demon from the Dark giveaway:

Congratulations to the winners, thanks so much for joining in! Please use the email address in my profile to send your mailing info.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Giveaway Reminder - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

Last chance to get your name in to win one of 5 copies of Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole!  Giveaway ends August 31, 2010 at 6am (EDT).  See the original post HERE for details!

Good luck, and Happy Reading!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Review - Tomb with a View by Casey Daniels - Starred Read

Tomb with a View
A Pepper Martin Mystery, Book #6
Casey Daniels
Berkley Prime Crime - Penguin Group USA
ISBN:# 9780425235515
Release Date: July 6, 2010

About the Book:
Cemeteries come alive for amateur sleuth/reluctant medium Pepper Martin.

Cleveland’s Garden View Cemetery is hosting a James A. Garfield commemoration. For tour guide and reluctant medium Pepper Martin this means that she’ll surely be hearing from the dead president himself. And when she’s assigned to help plan the event with know-it-all volunteer and Garfield fanatic Marjorie Klinker, she’ll wish Marjorie were dead...too bad someone beats Pepper to it.

My Thoughts:
Tomb with a View is the sixth release in the Pepper Martin Mysteries series, and quickly immerses readers into Pepper's latest adventure with one of Garden View Cemetery's permanent residents. Ms. Daniels has a smooth writing style that she skillfully uses to keep fans guessing throughout her stories. Tomb with a View is a mystery that involves the dead just as strongly as the living, and it's one of many intriguing elements that make reading the Pepper Martin Mysteries so wonderfully addictive. With twists, turns, and surprising revelations from history, this mystery is sure to keep readers fully engaged until the very end. I'd happily recommend any book from this series, and am eagerly awaiting Pepper's next ghostly adventure.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Funny or Die - Pizza Training with Sam Trammell

Had to share this funny video with Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte on True Blood) that you can find on Funny or Die.  The video has nothing to do with were animals, vampires, or the paranormal, but if you like him as an actor this should make you smile.
*Slight adult language, not work safe.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Book Giveaway - 5 Copies - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

Here's a fabulous opportunity to get your hands on a copy of Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole! The wonderful Associate Marketing Manager handling Demon from the Dark, at Simon and Schuster, is sharing 5 copies for giveaway here at Darque Reviews.

All you have to do to be in the drawing is leave a comment on this post letting me know if you've read previous books in The Immortals After Dark series, or if this will be your first (answers have no impact on drawing), and become a follower of the blog (if you have a blog, and aren't already following). This is sponsored by the publisher and is only open to US residents. Giveaway ends August 31, 2010 at 6:00 AM (EDT) and winners will be posted later that day. Good luck, and Happy Reading!

Demon from the Dark
The Immortals After Dark
Kresley Cole
Pocket Books - Simon and Schuster
ISBN# 9781439123126
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Excerpt: Browse Inside

About the Book:
From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this scorching tale of a demon outcast poisoned with vampire blood and the vulnerable young witch he vows to protect—even from himself.

A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN'T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Book Trailer - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole


*Be sure to scroll down for more information on Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole!*

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Promo - Demon from the Dark by Kresley Cole

Live Chat with Simon and Schuster:

On Mon, Aug 23rd at 4pm EST, the pics go live! Tune in to Kresley Cole’s live broadcast to see blackmail pics of your favorite authors (and to learn never before heard deets about the IAD series). If we can get to 300 RSVPs, she will post a scandalous author pic. For every 20 RSVPs after that, we’ll get a new author in a compromising situation. Up to 400, and she will dish on DREAMS OF A DARK WARRIOR (2/11). Have questions for her to answer? RSVP at Ustream (you can sign in with your FB account) and stay tuned. Sign up today!
http://www.ustream.tv/simonandschuster

Demon from the Dark
The Immortals After Dark
Kresley Cole
Pocket Books - Simon and Schuster
ISBN# 9781439123126
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Excerpt: Browse Inside

About the Book:
From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this scorching tale of a demon outcast poisoned with vampire blood and the vulnerable young witch he vows to protect—even from himself.

A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN'T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he's pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

About the Author:
KRESLEY COLE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the vastly popular Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Two IAD novels—A Hunger Like No Other and Kiss of a Demon King —won the RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, and Kiss of a Demon King topped the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Kresley Cole has also written five award-winning historical romances.

A master's grad in English and former competitive athlete, Kresley lives in Florida with her husband and far too many pets.

Visit her website at http://kresleycole.com/

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Promo - Trailers for Dust by Joan Frances Turner



Be sure to scroll down to learn more about Dust and Joan Frances Turner!

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Promo - Dust by Joan Frances Turner

Dust
Joan Frances Turner
Ace
ISBN# 978-0441019281
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Read an Excerpt: Here

About the Book:
What happens between death and life can change a girl. Jessie is a zombie. And this is her story...

Nine years ago, Jessie was in a car crash and died. After she was buried, she awoke and tore through the earth to arise, reborn, as a zombie. Now Jessie's part of a gang. They fight, hunt, and dance together as one-something humans can never understand. There are darkplaces humans have learned to avoid, lest they run into zombie gangs. But when a mysterious illness threatens the existence of both zombies and humans, Jessie must choose between looking away or staring down the madness-and hanging on to everything she now knows as life...

About the Author:
Joan Frances Turner was born in Rhode Island and grew up in the Calumet Region of northwest Indiana. Dust, her first novel, will be published by Ace Books on September 7, 2010. She is currently at work on a sequel, tentatively titled Frail.


Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Previously Read - Book Giveaway?

Any interest in some of the book copies I've read?  More often than not they still look new when I'm done with them, maybe a slight crease in the spine at most.  I also have duplicates that have never been read.  I have 4 book cases overflowing with books, and it's past time to share the book love.  While there are some I won't part with, there are tons that I simply must. 

If I get at least 50 positive responses in the comments to this post in the upcoming week, I'll put up the first book.  Please feel free to spread the word!  (the sooner I see those responses, the sooner I can start sharing)

Jen D. - If you 'vote yes' and email me with your mailing address, my copy of Black Dust Mambo could be in your hands to read this weekend.  (one of your comments made me think of doing this, so the book love should start with you and a book that you're interested in!)  I'm hoping you'll enjoy it as much as I did.


Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Review - Black Dust Mambo by Adrian Phoenix

Black Dust Mambo
Kallie Rivière, Book 1
Adrian Phoenix
Pocket Books
ISBN# 978-1-4391-6787-8
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Excerpt: Browse Inside

About the Book:
FIRST IN A NEW SERIES!

"There will be times, girl, when all your magic ain't going to be enough, times when it will seem to dry up like mud under the noonday sun, or even make matters worse. . . ."

Kallie Rivière, a fiery Cajun hoodoo apprentice with a talent for trouble, finds herself smack-dab in the middle of one of those times her mentor warned her about when she visits New Orleans to attend the Hecatean Alliance's annual carnival: her hard-bodied conjurer hookup ends up dead in her blood-drenched bed. And he was killed by something that Kallie would never dream of touching—the darkest of dark juju, soul-eating juju—a black dust hex that may have been meant to kill her.

Now Kallie has to use every bit of hoodoo knowledge and bayou-bred mojo she possesses to clear her own name and find the killer—even as that dark sorcerer hunts Kallie and her friends. But Kallie's search for the truth soon leads her in a direction she never anticipated—back home to Bayou Cypres Noir, and to Gabrielle LaRue, Kallie's aunt, protector, and hoodoo mentor . . . who is looking more and more like she just might be the one who wants Kallie dead.

My Thoughts:
Black Dust Mambo is a fabulous start in the Kallie Rivière series about a young women with strong hoodoo talents and a penchant for trouble. One night spent between the sheets with a sexy conjurer unleashes murder and mystery for Kallie, and she finds it waiting around every turn. Ms. Phoenix does a lovely job of introducing readers to this new heroine and those she calls family and friends. Black Dust Mambo will hook you quickly, and it will reel you right in for a fast paced taste of temptation and deadly mystery. I'll be looking forward to the second book.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Review - Fatal Circle by Linda Robertson

Fatal Circle
Persephone Alcmedi, Book 3
Linda Robertson
Juno Books/Pocket Books
ISBN# 9781439156803
Release Date: June 29, 2010
Excerpt: Chapter One

About the Book:
Destiny sucks...

There was a time when Persephone Alcmedi thought her life was hard to manage, what with wondering how to make sure she took adequate care of both her grandmother and her foster daughter, Beverley, whether she'd end up in the unwanted position of high priestess of a coven, and whether her waerewolf lover, Johnny, would resist the groupies who hang around his band Lycanthropia. But that was before the fairies started demanding that Seph's frightening, unpredictable ally--the ancient vampire Menessos--be destroyed... or the world will suffer. Seph and Menessos are magically bonded, but that's a secret she dares not reveal to her fellow witches lest they be forced to reject her and forbid her use of magic. And, despite the strain this casts on her relationship with Johnny, as a showdown with the fairies nears, she and Menessos badly need the waerewolves as allies.

Life, death, and love are all on the line, but when destiny is calling, it doesn't help to turn away. With the individual threads of their fates twisted inextricably together, can Seph, Johnny, and Menessos keep the world safe from fairy vengeance?

My Thoughts:
Fatal Circle is the third book in the Persephone Alcmedi universe, and moves forward in solidifying the roles of the main characters. Ms. Robertson balances a delicious love triangle with all of the conflict and action that fans expect in this heroine's life. Fatal Circle is well written, fast moving, and fueled by a mix of romance and paranormal influence. A must read in the Persephone Alcmedi series!

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Monday, August 16, 2010

Promo - When Blood Calls by J K Beck

When Blood Calls
Shadow Keepers, Book 1
J K Beck
Bantam Books
ISBN# 978-0-440-24577-3
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Excerpt: Chapter One

About the Book:
Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion—until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.

About the Author:
J. K. Beck spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge her passion for writing. Now she uses her legal background as inspiration for her paranormal romantic suspense series the Shadow Keepers, set in and around a secret judicial system hidden within and mirroring our own. California-born, J. K. Beck lives and writes in Texas, where she hangs out with her husband and daughters and drinks far too much coffee.

J.K. Beck is the new pen name for bestselling author Julie Kenner.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Would YOUR Relationship outlast the Zombie Apocalypse?

*Be sure to scroll down and read the previous post to learn more about Jesse Petersen's upcoming release:  Married with Zombies!

The link to this fabulous quiz was sent to me by Orbit Books. Of course it totally made me smile, so get on over there and try it out!  While you're there, be sure to check out Jesse Petersen's site!


My relationship would outlast the zombie apocalypse!

Take the How Long Would Your Relationship Survive in the Zombie Apocalypse? Quiz at JessePetersen.net
Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

Promo - Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen

Married with Zombies
Jesse Petersen
Orbit Books
ISBN: 978-0316102865
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Excerpt: Read the First Chapter

About the Book:

Meet Sarah and David.

Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they’re on the verge of divorce and going to couples’ counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things – the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client’s throat.

Meet the Zombies.

Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn’t mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don’t eat their brains, they might just kill each other.

Married With Zombies is a heartwarming tale of terror set during the time of the zombie uprising.

About the Author:
Jesse Petersen was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Idaho and got married in Washington. She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Washington and has been writing for twelve years. Currently, she lives in the Midwest with her husband and two cats. When not writing, she enjoys reading, bike riding and volunteering at her local zoo.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews