All About Romance is having a fantastic contest where you can win some fantastic reads from Sourcebooks Casablanca authors. All you have to do is check out the site and leave a comment about your favorite small press!
Get over there and win some books!
http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=1657
Audio Lovin': Review of 16 Lighthouse Road By Debbie Macomber
16 Lighthouse Road Audio Book
By Debbie Macomber
Ready by: Sandra Burr
Brilliance Audio
I will admit I'm a latecomer to Debbie Macomber and her Cedar Cove stories. I was lucky enough to pick one up to read on our community loaner library shelf, and I discovered a writer with a sweetly sentimental contemporary voice. When I'm in the mood for a straightforward romance with warm feelings of home, I now reach for one of Debbie's books.
16 Lighthouse Road is my first foray into the lives of Judge Olivia, her mother Charlotte, and her selection of friends and family. I was very happy with the audio recording and the voice work done by Sandra Burr and the story was everything you should expect from Debbie.
The character Olivia is very interesting and as the story goes on you want to see more and more into her past and her future. I really connected with Olivia and was rooting for her relationship with local newspaper editor Jack to take off. Olivia's mother Charlotte adds just the right mix of humor to lighten the mood when the darker parts of the story threaten to take over.
The story of Cecilia and Ian Randall was both satisfying and slightly annoying to me. At times I felt so sorry for them, and at other, I wanted to yell at them just to sit down and talk and they might be able to work things out. I thought their romance was naively sweet and their hardships make their miscommunication understandable. Even so, I just wanted them to listen to each other!
The side story of Grace and her husband was surprising and that's why I loved it. Today i'll check out Debbie's Website to see if Grace has her own story since her story as the most compelling to me. I really want to know what happens to her and her husband.
Fans of Debbie and sweet contemporaries, will love 16 Lighthouse Road. With great characters, a very personal and memorable setting and great writing, this book will satisfy your need for a charming romance.
Brenda Novak's Auction for Diabetes Research
May 1st saw the launch of the 5th Annual Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes Research and I'm so happy to promote this event. The goal this year is to raise $300,000 and as of yesterday, the auction proceeds were up to 92,500 after just 5 days! GREAT JOB!
There are so many awesome items at the auction for every price range and new stuff is getting added every day!
On a personal note, I lost my mother a little over a year ago. She battled diabetes for over 20 years and it played a major role in her passing away. I ask that if you are touched my diabetes in your life, that you check out this awesome auction and bid!
The money raised this year will go to the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. By bidding you will not only win some exciting and unique items and/or opportunities, you'll be supporting a very worthy research-based organization. To find out more about the Diabetes Research Institute, visit their website at www.DiabetesResearch.org.
There are so many awesome items at the auction for every price range and new stuff is getting added every day!
On a personal note, I lost my mother a little over a year ago. She battled diabetes for over 20 years and it played a major role in her passing away. I ask that if you are touched my diabetes in your life, that you check out this awesome auction and bid!
The money raised this year will go to the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. By bidding you will not only win some exciting and unique items and/or opportunities, you'll be supporting a very worthy research-based organization. To find out more about the Diabetes Research Institute, visit their website at www.DiabetesResearch.org.
RT Convention: More Fun Photos
I'm finally feeling more into the swing of things, so I wanted to post a few more photos from the RT Convention. Everyone was fantastic and I made some amazing new friends. I would definitely recommend RT to any aspiring author and for readers who love romance!
Check out some more fun shots from RT below and don't forget every comment enters you to win a $25 gift card or load of goodies!
I've already blogged about how inspirational Heather Graham was when she stopped by our aspiring authors workshop, but you have to know that she is a very friendly and talented lady! Not only did she sing and perform at multiple events - including her fantastic Vampire Ball - but she was always gracious and took time to speak with many fans and writers. It was such a pleasure to meet her. Check out Heather's Website here.
I cannot tell you how much I love Judi McCoy! I won't go on and on, but not only is she a great teacher, but she's also a very special woman who gives so much of herself! Please check out Judi's latest release, Hounding the Pavement and buy a copy - all the proceeds from the book go to the Best Friends Animal Society. Get all the details about Judi's new Dogwalker Mysteries at www.judimccoy.com
Next to Judi in the photo is romance author Amanda McIntyre. I know I keep saying this, but Amanda was so nice and willing to talk to fans and authors! We had a lovely conversation about traveling and I just had to buy her book The Diary of Cozette! The cover is gorgeous! Check it out at www.amandamacintyre.net
Traci Hall was one of the super awesome ladies I befriended at the conference. Such a sweet heart, Traci writes both a young adult series and adult romances. Check out her website at www.tracihall.com
I also met Karen Kendall who currently writes a fantastic romantic suspense series called ARTemis. If you like your romance suspenseful with a bit of glamour and danger, then check out Karen's website at www.karenkendall.com
I want to say a very special thank you to author Susan Yarina for being so wonderful to me during the conference. Her input on my work in progress was beyond helpful and she is a delight. Check out Susan's website at www.susanyarina.com
I met so many more remarkable authors and ladies at the event that I can't list them all! I'm hoping to have them stop by Cheeky Reads soon and talk about their latest releases and what else they are up to.
Don't forget to leave your comments to enter to win some fantastic prizes! Every comment is an entry!
Check out some more fun shots from RT below and don't forget every comment enters you to win a $25 gift card or load of goodies!
I've already blogged about how inspirational Heather Graham was when she stopped by our aspiring authors workshop, but you have to know that she is a very friendly and talented lady! Not only did she sing and perform at multiple events - including her fantastic Vampire Ball - but she was always gracious and took time to speak with many fans and writers. It was such a pleasure to meet her. Check out Heather's Website here.
I cannot tell you how much I love Judi McCoy! I won't go on and on, but not only is she a great teacher, but she's also a very special woman who gives so much of herself! Please check out Judi's latest release, Hounding the Pavement and buy a copy - all the proceeds from the book go to the Best Friends Animal Society. Get all the details about Judi's new Dogwalker Mysteries at www.judimccoy.com
Next to Judi in the photo is romance author Amanda McIntyre. I know I keep saying this, but Amanda was so nice and willing to talk to fans and authors! We had a lovely conversation about traveling and I just had to buy her book The Diary of Cozette! The cover is gorgeous! Check it out at www.amandamacintyre.net
Traci Hall was one of the super awesome ladies I befriended at the conference. Such a sweet heart, Traci writes both a young adult series and adult romances. Check out her website at www.tracihall.com
I also met Karen Kendall who currently writes a fantastic romantic suspense series called ARTemis. If you like your romance suspenseful with a bit of glamour and danger, then check out Karen's website at www.karenkendall.com
I want to say a very special thank you to author Susan Yarina for being so wonderful to me during the conference. Her input on my work in progress was beyond helpful and she is a delight. Check out Susan's website at www.susanyarina.com
I met so many more remarkable authors and ladies at the event that I can't list them all! I'm hoping to have them stop by Cheeky Reads soon and talk about their latest releases and what else they are up to.
Don't forget to leave your comments to enter to win some fantastic prizes! Every comment is an entry!
RT Convention: Ahoy! Meet Jane & Maureen
Before the conference even started, the aspiring writers workshop group started a yahoo group to get to know each other before actually attending the event.Two lovely ladies who took the workshop with Judi McCoy last year joined the chat to help prepare us. I was lucky enough to spend some time with them throughout the conference and they are fantastic!
Check out the ladies in full smile at the Saturday Book Fair in the photo above.
Maureen blogs as 2nd Chance at the Romance Writer's Revenge. It's a cool site and they are featuring a hilarious Q&A with none other than Angie Fox - who recieved a 4 heart review here at Cheeky Reads for The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers. Check it out - you'll laugh your ass off!
I just want to say thank you to Jane and Maureen for all their great advice!
CHEEKY REVIEW:The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers
Dangerously Demonish...Magically Sexy...Fantastic Fun!
The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers
By Angie Fox
Love Spell Paranormal Romance
4 Heart Review
Confession: I love paranormal romance – the kick ass heroine who saves the day while being smart and sassy is totally part of why I started Cheeky Reads. In my mind's eye, I picture myself as the girl who can always give the sassy comeback to any quip. In real life? Well, let's just say I try really hard, but my sassy girl tendencies run more to the quirky and comedic.
Which might be why I can't resist paranormal romances that make me laugh out loud. Give me MaryJanice Davidson, Kim Harrison, Judi McCoy, Katie MacAlister and a whole slew of others to read and I'll disappear for days. Not to say I don't crave the darker side of paranormals – I have my own love fest with those as well, but that's for another post.
Angie Fox's newest, The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers sounded like perfection. Reluctant but spunky heroine just learning her powers? Check. Awesome talking animal sidekick? Check. A supporting cast of characters that provide laughs at all the right places? Check. A brooding paranormal love interest that lets the heroine fulfill her ass-kicking destiny? Triple Check.
Angie Fox brews the prefect spell of a wickedly sexy romance, hilarious high jinks, and the sense of mystery and danger that comes from protecting a paranormal world. So good I read it in one sitting, Angie Fox's Demon Slayer Series is now on my permanent gotta have it list!
Even if you've never tried a paranormal before, don’t miss The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers!
Check out Angie's website where you can learn your Biker Witch name and find out if you're part Demon Slayer. Check mine out in the top left corner - I'm 65% Demon Slayer!
RT Convention: Recovery!
So I had a fantastic week at the Romantic Times Booklovers Conference and now I'm crashing!
Watch out for more photos and fun news in the next few days as I unpack all my goodies and get all the images off my camera.
For your viewing pleasure, here is Mr. Romance competitor Stefan as he signs photos for all the lovely ladies. Check out Stefan Pinto's website here.
Advertising on Cheeky Reads
Advertisments on Cheeky Reads help us to keep spreading the romance genre love around with contests and giveaways! Your Ads will help Cheeky Reads pay for purchasing and shipping books - we hope internationally - so we can make sure the love reaches far and wide!
Currently, we offer a standard size 200x300 vertical ad for our sidebars. See the image above for an example of the size.
Here are the details:
Each 200x300 ad is $10 a month. It's $15 a month if you want the ad space in the Top Right-hand sidebar.
Ads run for one month - that's guranteed!
You can submit html/javascript or an image with the URL you want it to link to. We can accept jpegs and gifs for the images.
Ads do not constitute an endorsement by Cheeky Reads.
Cheeky Reads reserves the right to refuse any artwork or ad subjects that are found to be offensive.
Payment is via Paypal.
To discuss your ad or for any questions, please contact Sabrina at cheekyreads@gmail.com.
RT Convention: eBook Expo
Part of this year's conference was a special feature on eBooks and ePublishers and the event was packed!
Again, tons of giveaways and door prizes. Love that!
What was even better was seeing authors with eBooks and small press books doing signings and finding new readers. There are some fabulous writers out there in eBooks and it was great to see them get their time in a special spotlight.
One fantastic author I've met this year is Lyn Armstrong. She's beyond nice and I can't wait to read the book I bought from her! She writes about Celtic witches and I can tell just from meeting her I'm gonna love them.
Check out Cheeky Author Lyn Armstrong in the book signing photo I took of her. I'll be having Lyn on the blog a little later and give you more details about her and her books. In the meantime, check out her cool website www.lynarmstrong.com.
RT Convention: Gotta Love Free Swag!
One of the coolest things about RT so far is all the swag! FREE stuff is everywhere. From your conference bag stacked with hot new titles, to giveaways at the workshop panels, and party bags full of books, I'm going to come away from the conference with loads of loot!
Promotion lane is where authors and publishers pimp out their books and upcoming titles with all kinds of freebies. There are bookmarks, candy, postcards, excerpts, pens and any other number of items to take home.
I'll be sharing some of these awesome freebies with readers after the conference. You know you want some!
REVIEW: The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers By Angie Fox
Dangerously Demonish...Magically Sexy...Fantastic Fun!
The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers
By Angie Fox
Love Spell Paranormal Romance
4 Heart Review
Confession: I love paranormal romance – the kick ass heroine who saves the day while being smart and sassy is totally part of why I started Cheeky Reads. In my mind's eye, I picture myself as the girl who can always give the sassy comeback to any quip. In real life? Well, let's just say I try really hard, but my sassy girl tendencies run more to the quirky and comedic.
Which might be why I can't resist paranormal romances that make me laugh out loud. Give me MaryJanice Davidson, Kim Harrison, Judi McCoy, Katie MacAlister and a whole slew of others to read and I'll disappear for days. Not to say I don't crave the darker side of paranormals – I have my own love fest with those as well, but that's for another post.
Angie Fox's newest, The Dangerous Book For Demon Slayers sounded like perfection. Reluctant but spunky heroine just learning her powers? Check. Awesome talking animal sidekick? Check. A supporting cast of characters that provide laughs at all the right places? Check. A brooding paranormal love interest that lets the heroine fulfill her ass-kicking destiny? Triple Check.
Angie Fox brews the prefect spell of a wickedly sexy romance, hilarious high jinks, and the sense of mystery and danger that comes from protecting a paranormal world. So good I read it in one sitting, Angie Fox's Demon Slayer Series is now on my permanent gotta have it list!
Even if you've never tried a paranormal before, don’t miss The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers!
Check out Angie's website where you can learn your Biker Witch name and find out if you're part Demon Slayer. Check it out in the top left corner - I'm 65% Demon Slayer!
RT Convention: Surprise Special Guest!
1:30 and surprise guest HEATHER GRAHAM drops into our writers workshop to give us her words of wisdom! What a fantastic surprise - she was humble, real and so willing to offer her advice.
Flashbulbs were going off all over the room!
Flashbulbs were going off all over the room!
RT Booklovers Convention: Writer's Workshop
Morning Session Surprise: The group had a surprise visit from a Mr. Romance competitor. The ladies managed to control themselves, but couldn't help making him blush with a few catcalls!
Allison Chase and Nancy Cohen are speaking about plotting out your book. I can't believe I'm getting advice from Nancy Cohen! Her tips on organization and her plotting tools are fabulous and I can see how it will help me immensely.
Allison and Nancy gave away copies of their books. Three lovely future New York Times Bestsellers were the happy winners!
RT Booklovers Convention: Day 1 Aspiring Writer's Program
Day one of the Aspiring Writer's Program portion of the RT Booklover's convention rocked! I'm taking the beginner's class, and Not only is Judi McCoy an awesome writer, she is one hilarious lady! She cracked me up all day long.
The hotel has some serious issues with wifi access I won't even go into, so I'm hoping to start posting some photos tomorrow.
All I can say is I'm hooked on RT and having the time of my life. I'll try to give a run down tomorrow of some of the fabulous authors that have come in to do some teaching workshops...Linnea Sinclair is a hoot!
More coming soon!
The hotel has some serious issues with wifi access I won't even go into, so I'm hoping to start posting some photos tomorrow.
All I can say is I'm hooked on RT and having the time of my life. I'll try to give a run down tomorrow of some of the fabulous authors that have come in to do some teaching workshops...Linnea Sinclair is a hoot!
More coming soon!
FREE - That's Right, I used the F-Word - FREE eBooks from Samhain!
Samhain is doing one awesome series of Spring Fling events! Check out all the details below...and don't forget I used the F-Word! FREE eBooks!
Contests - There are seven contests, each beginning at 12:01 EST from the 19th through the 26th. Each contest will be released on the Samhellion Blog and the post will contain a link to the current contest.
Chats - Samhain authors will be chatting on the Samhain Cafe chat loop on Wednesday 4/22 through 4/26.
FREE eBooks - A Free eBook each day this week! They will be announced on the Samhellion Blog every day. Check out these two freebies: Wild Thing by Shelley Munroe and April's Crush by Meg Allison. Happy E-Reading!
Contests - There are seven contests, each beginning at 12:01 EST from the 19th through the 26th. Each contest will be released on the Samhellion Blog and the post will contain a link to the current contest.
Chats - Samhain authors will be chatting on the Samhain Cafe chat loop on Wednesday 4/22 through 4/26.
FREE eBooks - A Free eBook each day this week! They will be announced on the Samhellion Blog every day. Check out these two freebies: Wild Thing by Shelley Munroe and April's Crush by Meg Allison. Happy E-Reading!
Romantic Times Booklovers Convention
OK, I'm so excited I can't see straight!
I'm attending my very first Romantic Times Booklovers Convention next week and the excitement is too much - I can't even sleep at night I keep wanting to wake up and be another day closer!
Believe it or not, I'll be attending the Aspiring Authors workshops before the main conference - I've finally decided to make my dream a reality. Then, it will be all about meeting some romance authors! The list is amazing and I just hope I can control my urge to squeal with delight.
Next week, look for daily posts with all the great details, pics with your favorite authors and maybe even some photos of the Mr. Romance competitors!
You can get all the details about the conference here.
Check out this awesome video for some fun highlights from 2008!
RT Convention 2008 Wrap Up from Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Vimeo.
I'm attending my very first Romantic Times Booklovers Convention next week and the excitement is too much - I can't even sleep at night I keep wanting to wake up and be another day closer!
Believe it or not, I'll be attending the Aspiring Authors workshops before the main conference - I've finally decided to make my dream a reality. Then, it will be all about meeting some romance authors! The list is amazing and I just hope I can control my urge to squeal with delight.
Next week, look for daily posts with all the great details, pics with your favorite authors and maybe even some photos of the Mr. Romance competitors!
You can get all the details about the conference here.
Check out this awesome video for some fun highlights from 2008!
RT Convention 2008 Wrap Up from Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Vimeo.
AUDIO LOVIN: Review of Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella
Remember Me
By Sophie Kinsella
Read By Charlotte Parry
Random House Audio
2 Heart Review
I enjoy Sophie Kinsella’s books, and for a bit I had to have every one. Somewhere, probably before Shopaholic & Baby, I lost interest or found someone new and forgot about Ms. Kinsella. So, when I saw the audiobook for Remember Me and saw her name on the cover I thought why not?
Charlotte’s reading of the book is good, it’s just unfortunate that some of the lines she is forced to read made me want to chuck the CD out the window! I couldn’t get passed her grating out “STOP IT” every other line. I kept wondering why Ms. Kinsella couldn’t have found an alternative phrase every now and again.
This is a cute story that doesn’t end the way you might expect it to. If you need something fun to pass the time this is a good choice. If you are looking for a really great audiobook, this wouldn’t be my first recommendation. I wanted a heroine with more gumption and sass and less blind obedience. I think the audio version of the book might point out the shortcomings in the phrases and Lexi’s characterization more than what might have been evident in the printed book.
By Sophie Kinsella
Read By Charlotte Parry
Random House Audio
2 Heart Review
I enjoy Sophie Kinsella’s books, and for a bit I had to have every one. Somewhere, probably before Shopaholic & Baby, I lost interest or found someone new and forgot about Ms. Kinsella. So, when I saw the audiobook for Remember Me and saw her name on the cover I thought why not?
When twenty-eight-year-old Lexi Smart wakes up in a London hospital, she’s in for a big surprise. Her teeth are perfect. Her body is toned. Her handbag is Vuitton. Having survived a car accident—in a Mercedes no less—Lexi has lost a big chunk of her memory, three years to be exact, and she’s about to find out just how much things have changed.For the most part, I enjoyed this audiobook and its quirky tone. As much as the amnesia storyline might seem hokey or generic, Kinsella actually creates a story that leaves you guessing and offers up some new ideas on the subject. Lexi is a likeable character that I wanted to root for, but she quickly begins to irritate me. For some reason, I want her to use her common sense and open her eyes instead of blindly trusting everyone. I want to like her, I really do!
Somehow Lexi went from a twenty-five-year-old working girl to a corporate big shot with a sleek new loft, a personal assistant, a carb-free diet, and a set of glamorous new friends. And who is this gorgeous husband—who also happens to be a multimillionaire? With her mind still stuck three years in reverse, Lexi greets this brave new world determined to be the person she…well, seems to be. That is, until an adorably disheveled architect drops the biggest bombshell of all.
Suddenly Lexi is scrambling to catch her balance. Her new life, it turns out, comes complete with secrets, schemes, and intrigue. How on earth did all this happen? Will she ever remember? And what will happen when she does?
Charlotte’s reading of the book is good, it’s just unfortunate that some of the lines she is forced to read made me want to chuck the CD out the window! I couldn’t get passed her grating out “STOP IT” every other line. I kept wondering why Ms. Kinsella couldn’t have found an alternative phrase every now and again.
This is a cute story that doesn’t end the way you might expect it to. If you need something fun to pass the time this is a good choice. If you are looking for a really great audiobook, this wouldn’t be my first recommendation. I wanted a heroine with more gumption and sass and less blind obedience. I think the audio version of the book might point out the shortcomings in the phrases and Lexi’s characterization more than what might have been evident in the printed book.
Romance Junkies Chat Tonight!
RomanceJunkies Rocks! I love their website, blog, and their yahoo group and highly recommend romance lovers (well - JUNKIES!) check them out!
One of their coolest features is that they offer online chats with authors on a regular basis. Tonight is the monthly chat with the Midnight Seduction Authors.
Here are the details:
MIDNIGHT SEDUCTION Author Chat 9-10 PM EST
Date: Tuesday April 14, 2009
Time: 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: http://www.romancejunkies.com/chat.html
Come and chat each month with the authors from Midnight Seductions. You will meet with different authors every month to learn about their latest releases!
Rock on RomanceJunkies and thanks for feeding our romance addiction!
One of their coolest features is that they offer online chats with authors on a regular basis. Tonight is the monthly chat with the Midnight Seduction Authors.
Here are the details:
MIDNIGHT SEDUCTION Author Chat 9-10 PM EST
Date: Tuesday April 14, 2009
Time: 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location: http://www.romancejunkies.com/chat.html
Come and chat each month with the authors from Midnight Seductions. You will meet with different authors every month to learn about their latest releases!
Rock on RomanceJunkies and thanks for feeding our romance addiction!
National Library Worker Day
Thank you to all of the Library workers who dedicate themselves to literacy and the idea of a free exchange of knowledge and information.
Please stop by your local library today and show your appreciation with a word of thanks - or in my case, cupcakes! If you can't make it to the library, send them an e-card!
Technical Glitch My Petunia! Shame on Amazon!
Amazon Rank
Amazon has been stripping books of their important sales figures and deranking them from it's listings and of course they are targeting GLBT books - sometimes even wiping out entire listings from some publishing houses. They are censoring what is being made available to the public and that's ridiculous!
For instance, you can type in an authors name - which, if you do that then you really are looking for books by that author DUH! - then you will not get any of that author's books that might include same sex partners. BUT - you can still get all kinds of erotica as long as it's male/female.
Oh- and of course you can get your dogfighting book needs there too. And all the information you ever needed about machine guns. Cause those have never harmed anyone and we don't mind kids seeing those. Such bullshit!
Both Smart Bitches and Dear Author are following this very closely - I suggest checking out their posts that follow all the details. They also include information on contacting Amazon and putting a stop to this!
Click here to learn about the Google Bomb Campaign from Smart Bitches.
Check out how to contact Amazon with a complaint and see a letter here at Dear Author.
I was previously part of the Amazon Associates program, but no more. I have pulled all the amazon ads from my site and will be changing all the links that go to their site. Never again will I purchase something from Amazon and the Sony Reader just clinched the competition for my hard earned dollars!
Amazon has been stripping books of their important sales figures and deranking them from it's listings and of course they are targeting GLBT books - sometimes even wiping out entire listings from some publishing houses. They are censoring what is being made available to the public and that's ridiculous!
For instance, you can type in an authors name - which, if you do that then you really are looking for books by that author DUH! - then you will not get any of that author's books that might include same sex partners. BUT - you can still get all kinds of erotica as long as it's male/female.
Oh- and of course you can get your dogfighting book needs there too. And all the information you ever needed about machine guns. Cause those have never harmed anyone and we don't mind kids seeing those. Such bullshit!
Both Smart Bitches and Dear Author are following this very closely - I suggest checking out their posts that follow all the details. They also include information on contacting Amazon and putting a stop to this!
Click here to learn about the Google Bomb Campaign from Smart Bitches.
Check out how to contact Amazon with a complaint and see a letter here at Dear Author.
I was previously part of the Amazon Associates program, but no more. I have pulled all the amazon ads from my site and will be changing all the links that go to their site. Never again will I purchase something from Amazon and the Sony Reader just clinched the competition for my hard earned dollars!
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