****THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED****
The winner of yesterday’s book, Jeweled, is Sarah M., who said, “I read “Deepest Thread of Black” by Finn Marlowe and just LOVED it! It’s a different take on shifters and is so witty and sexy and well-written that I’m still thinking about it almost two weeks later :-).” Congrats! Please drop me an email, Sarah! Anyabast (at) gmail.com
Today’s book……
New York Times bestselling author Anya Bast spins a spellbinding epic fantasy of a man and woman torn between love and war, magic and mystery, passion and revenge…
Once, Gallus Lucan was in line to inherit the Dragon Throne of Numia—until his future was crushed and his family slain by his malevolent uncle Magnus. Now Lucan has only one ambition: overthrow Magnus and take back what is rightfully his.
Branna ta Cattia is the Raven, a high priestess who has come to Numia to defeat its tyrant. It’s a journey made on the strength of her prophetic dreams, visions of ancient rituals, sacred spells, and of a handsome stranger destined to help her—all in the name of stopping Magnus’s oppression. But Branna’s stranger is more than she expected. For Lucan wants victory his own way. To hell with the consequences.
As the magic of one woman’s love and the brute force of one’s man revenge unfold, Lucan and Branna realize their destiny as spirit mates—and their fears that the ultimate cost of winning freedom could be greater than either imagined.
Read the first chapter and/or view the book video.
Answer in the comments for a shot at a copy of Raven’s Quest. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you won.
Name one book on your keeper shelf and explain why you love it.
Alpha (Shifters series) by Rachel Vincent & Sin Undone (Demonica series) by Larissa Ione.
I love both authors and I am just addicted to both series! There isn’t any series I can think of that can be compared to both series, and I love the uniqueness! I am sad though that both series ended!
by Betul E. March 31st, 2011 at 8:06 amHi
The Harry Potter books – love the series and will always go back and re-read them. I like the mystic, mystery, worldbuilding and the way the characters grow with each adventure.
by Pam B March 31st, 2011 at 8:21 amTo Kill a Mockingbird. I read it about once a year. It makes me cry every time, but I love the concepts of redemption and honor it contains
by Michelle March 31st, 2011 at 8:25 amWe only get to name one! I would have to say “the Flame and The Flower” by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I have had this book for years and i am still able to pick it up and be swept up in the story and the character every time. It is a shame that we lost such a talented author as Kathleen.
by tammy ramey March 31st, 2011 at 8:48 amThe Kent Family Chronicles. I loved this sweeping saga that follows a family from pre-Revolutionary War to the early 20th century.
Over the years I read the series through several times. I love the interaction of the characters and the built-in surprises. Also it was fun following a family through important events in American history. It’s been awhile since I read the series. I think it’s time I picked it up again!
by Lulu March 31st, 2011 at 8:53 amThis is so hard, as I have 6 keeper shelves. I guess the one book I’d never get rid of, no matter what, is Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. I love that book. Every time I need an escape, I pick it up again. It’s just so easy to lose myself in that world.
by Stephanie N March 31st, 2011 at 9:03 amwell it is definitely hard to chose 1, but my absolute favorite is the grimms fairytales. sounds kiddish i know, but i grew up with that book and i love it. my mother read it to me and my sisters every night. and i read it now. i will read it to my children as well, when i have kids.
by ruth cardoza March 31st, 2011 at 10:08 amThe anthology Cops and Cowboys by Lora Leigh and Shiloh Walker is probably one of my favorite books and definitely on my keeper shelf. I have already read it at least three times and the reason I bought the book in the first place is because it was by Lora Leigh. I don’t think there has been a Lora Leigh story I’ve read yet that haven’t like but better you this book introduced me to Shiloh Walker. This was the first story I had read by her and just liked the story so much that I have since added her as one of my must read authors.
by Mandy B. March 31st, 2011 at 10:38 am“A Necessary Husband” by Debra Mullins. The sex scenes make me warm where I sit down!
by Mel K. March 31st, 2011 at 10:40 amThis has got to be the hardest question I’ve heard in awhile. I’m going to have to go with Tess Gerritsen’s Body Double partly because it was the first Rizzoli and Isles book that I read and partly because both title characters worked well enough together by then that Gerritsen could spend most of the book leading the reader through twists and turns and absolutely visceral moments of punch-to-the-gut emotions.
by Lauren March 31st, 2011 at 10:51 amKushiel’s Dart, Hardback signed. It was really hard to find the book in HB it took around 1.5 years searching used book stores to find it. I love Jacqueline Carey’s work, it is just AMAZING!
by Kristina Ebert March 31st, 2011 at 11:00 amWhy only one?
Ok, um I’d have to say Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken. The plot really captured my attention and I really loved the characters; And I love books where there are moments where you feel like the characters emotions are your own.
I haven’t re-read this book yet but I plan to someday, I love being re-introduced to Annwyl and Fearghus and getting re-acquainted with their world.
I can’t wait to read more of this series by this talented author!
by Gabrielle J. March 31st, 2011 at 11:00 amOne book on my keeper shelf is Julie Garwood’s “The Bride.” It was my first romance and that’s the book that got me hooked.
by Jane March 31st, 2011 at 11:05 amKerrelyn Sparks’ THE VAMPIRE AND THE VIRGIN. I have all her books but I have an autographed copy of this and it was the first autographed book I got so it is VERY special to me.
by June M. in USA March 31st, 2011 at 11:05 amI would say Catherine Coulter’s The Sherbrooke Bride. It was the very first romance novel I read which lead me to being hooked to reading and checking out other romance genres!
by Colleen March 31st, 2011 at 12:06 pmThe Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I absolutely love the writing style. The character development, secrets, and different aspects of the vampire, were creatures, and magic users make this series one of the best I have ever read.
by Stephanie M March 31st, 2011 at 12:16 pmTerri Garey’s Dead Girls Are Easy, I love the whole series they keep you turning the page and I love the humor in them.
by Tamara Shurling March 31st, 2011 at 12:50 pmDark Lover by J.R.R. Ward. This is book 1 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series. I love this series! It’s impossible really to pick a favorite but this one is the beginning of a great story. The stories have everything – action, humor, romance (very sexy!) Each one features a different member of the brotherhood, Vampires who are defending their race against the evil that would destroy it. Love, love, love the Brotherhood!
by Linda M March 31st, 2011 at 1:23 pmTrisha Baker’s Crimson Kiss. It was a rare find! It’s a different take on the vampire world. It’s the first book in a trilogy and the 2nd and 3rd books are very hard to find and when I do find them, they are very expensive. Its the only thing I can find that the author has written and I just really like the main character and how she has lived her life.
by Kimberly F March 31st, 2011 at 1:25 pmTempted by Megan Hart will always be on my keeper shelf. It is the first erotic romance I read after a 10 year hiatus. I enjoyed Megan’s writing so much that I quickly read her entire backlist. And I would be lying if I didn’t say that the character of Alex Kennedy didn’t have a little to do with it. *Alex* sigh
by StacieDM March 31st, 2011 at 1:26 pmGosh, only one! Well, then the first book I saw when looking at my shelf is Hannah Howell’s Highland Lover. I love her entire Highland series and have most of them. They are all keepers because I really love the Scottish dialog and time period.
by Ashley L March 31st, 2011 at 1:50 pmMercury’s War by Lora Leigh because it is an emotionally gripping story that is amazing!
by Jeanette Juan March 31st, 2011 at 1:53 pmRavens Quest is such a great book!
by Cid Tyer March 31st, 2011 at 2:19 pmi would have to say the finger lickin fifteen by janet evanovich, that book makes me laugh so hard i have to keep reading the same sentences over again
by minhchieu tran March 31st, 2011 at 2:50 pmThat’s easy it would be the first romance book I ever read. Once in Paris by Diana Palmer. I read that book more than 10 years ago and I still love it. It’s the book that got me started on romance books. Definitely a keeper.
by Mary Kirkland March 31st, 2011 at 2:54 pmPride and Prejudice– because if there is ever a time when I need to really escape and know I will enjoy myself while doing it, I go to that book 🙂
by Chelsea B. March 31st, 2011 at 2:58 pmPride and Prejudice also… one I read back in high school and really loved the witty characters. I have a very small collection but that one’s a keeper!
by Lynn March 31st, 2011 at 3:05 pmNalini Singh’s Angel’s Blood; I love the interaction between the heroes, Elena and Raphael. He’s tough, cold and a barbarian and yet she sees the good in him.
by Diane Sadler March 31st, 2011 at 3:18 pm“Watchers” by Dean Koontz is the first book of his I ever read and is still one of my faves today. Such a fabulous book! It has everything – a super-smart dog, romance, action, and a happy ending 🙂
by Sarah M March 31st, 2011 at 3:41 pmEvery book.written by Rachel Gibson. She is absolutely hilarious! If I have a bad day and need something so cheer me up I go to R. Gibson because I know she’ll have me laughing in no time. I’ve read some of her books so much the covers were falling apart and I had to rebuy the book.
by amanda Pizzolanti March 31st, 2011 at 4:00 pmOnly one? That’s tough!! But I have to say This Pen For Hire, which is the first in the Jaine Austen mystery series by Laura Levine. I admit I’m addicted to the series and have almost the whole series in hardcover. I love the book because Jaine is a real person with the same issues we all have. She has trouble saying no to chocolate, wears elastic waist jeans (I admit I own a pair or two of those) and has this awesome cat named Prozac that basically runs the show lol. They are very funny books and a hoot to read, I re-read them all the time!! 😀
by Ashley A March 31st, 2011 at 5:07 pmKushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey. I think she is one of the best authors I have ever read. Her prose is beautiful. Her story comes alive. I couldn’t read the books fast enough!
by Jen B. March 31st, 2011 at 5:58 pmPride and the Prejudice – I am a big Jane fan and no matter how many times I read it Mr. Darcy never gets old.
by Pam S (pams00) March 31st, 2011 at 6:06 pmWow, tough question. I have to go with The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. Amazing world building and characters that are so real. I found myself lost in the book for hours and almost unable to put it down to sleep and eat……my husband was not amused:)
by Joylyn March 31st, 2011 at 6:07 pmDefinitely Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon. The reason? Two words: Jamie Fraser.
by Elizabeth March 31st, 2011 at 6:53 pm😛
The Changeover by Margaret Mahy, which I read many times in high school. Loved how she gained power and saved her little brother.
by Lindsey E March 31st, 2011 at 7:22 pmI have so many, many, many favorite books on my shelf but I’m going to have to go with The Last Bachelor by Betina Krahn simply because it was the first romance novel I ever read and every girl should always remember her first :ohh:
by Casey H March 31st, 2011 at 8:32 pmONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS IS UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN BY FRANCES MAYES. I DON’T TRAVEL SO I LIKE THE WAY I WAS TRANSPORTED TO ITALY WITH HER DETAILED BOOK.
by Rachel March 31st, 2011 at 8:45 pmI have several authors I buy in hard cover and keep: JD Robb; Sherrilyn Kenyon; Laurell K Hamilton; Karen Marie Moning; and Christine Feehan.
One of my favorites, though, is
by Doreen Virtue. My copy is autographed, and it helped explain some of the patters I keep repeating since I am an incarnated angel.
by Cat April 1st, 2011 at 1:40 amLOL, this one is easy 🙂 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon will always be on my keeper shelf….for one reason. Jamie, Jamie, and more Jamie. Do you need a better reason than that? Hands down my favorite hero ever!
by Booklover1335 April 1st, 2011 at 4:49 amOh, I have way too many books on my keeper shelves, from older classics to tons of paranormal stuff….hehe!!!
I guess the all time favourite would be Lord of the Rings. It’s got everything in it, adventure, great characters, evil enemies, humor, wit, an epic plot and of course Aragorn….lol!!!
Valerie
by Valerie April 1st, 2011 at 5:02 amin Germany
Wow, you don’t ask easy questions do you?
I guess out of all the hundreds of books on my keeper shelves the one I would never give up has to be decided by which one I reread most often. *looks at which books are on third or fourth copy*
Guess it’s either Anne McCaffrey’s The Ship Who Searched as it doesn’t matter how often I read it it affects my emotions or Mecedes Lackey’s Arrow Fall for the same reason.
I would have added Mercedes Lackey’s Magic’s Price except with that one it hurts to read the ending so I can’t reread it as often.
by Ilona April 1st, 2011 at 11:19 am