Top 5 Sundays #206 - Favorite Book Couples {Part IV}

Sorry for the delay guys!

Here are my picks! ;)

Results:

Favorite Book Couples {Part III} 81.82%

Favorite TV/Movie Couples! 33.33%

The theme for today is:

Favorite Book Couples {Part III}

But first, a little bit about this feature and the rules to join in…

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my RIGHT sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:

1. Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.
2. Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.
3. Fell free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)
4. After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.
5. If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

*in no particular order

Duncan & Gemma

Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James Series by Deborah Crombie

I so love them together!

Reyes & Charlie

Charlie Davidson Series by Darynda Jones

I really enjoy them together =)

Kaleb & Sahara

Heart of Obsidian{Psy-Changeling Series} by Nalini Singh

So many feels!

Lucy & Sean

Lucy Kincaid Series by Allison Brennan

I really love these two's partnership!

Toby & Tybalt

October Daye Series by Seanan McGuire

Can't wait for more of them!

Attention 

Please HELP, Guys! 

If you have any theme ideas for the next Top 5 Sundays Posts, please leave them in the comments! NEED NEW IDEAS! Your input would be much appreciated!

Now I can’t wait to see who is in YOUR List of 

Favorite Disney Movies! {Part II}

 Write you post and leave your link so i can check it out!

Hope you guys have fun with it!

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the RIGHT sidebar!

Read more...

Larissa's Release Day Review: Notorious {Max Revere #1} by Allison Brennan

 Notorious

by Allison Brennan

Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.

When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O’Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets.

Now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral—after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She’s finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she’s not prepared for Kevin’s sister to stubbornly insist that he didn’t kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max’s old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin’s troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

• Release Date:  March 25th 2014 by Minotaur Books
• Author

Buy The Book:

**No Spoilers

I love how Allison Brennan does Mystery/Thrillers, so when I realized she was starting a brand new series with a new heroine, I jumped on the chance to read it =)

Brennan writes such great female leading characters and Max is no exception. I enjoyed how she is not really involved directly with the police, but she is actually an investigative reporter, which is more a hindrance than an asset when someone close to her dies unexpectedly and Max has to return to her home town and deal with all the crap she had thought she left behind.

Notorious is a fabulous start to a series that has a lot of great potential. If you enjoy Mystery/Thrillers this is definitely one book you should check out!

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the right sidebar!

Read more...

5 Loveys Review: Cold Snap {Lucy Kincaid Series #7} by Allison Brennan

Cold Snap

by Allison Brennan

The Kincaid family hasn't been together for the holidays in twenty years. Now, after a heart attack puts the family patriarch in the hospital, the seven Kincaid kids and their families are doing everything they can to be home this Christmas. But getting everyone to San Diego by December 25th isn't easy—Lucy and Sean are forced to stay the night in Denver when a blizzard shuts the airports down, and a bad evening turns deadly when they discover a body in the hotel exercise room. Meanwhile, Lucy's siblings are facing troubles of their own, from missing friends to death threats. Slowly, a terrifying picture begins to emerge that hits closer to home than any of the Kincaids are prepared to deal with.

• Release Date:  October 29th 2013 by Minotaur Books
• Author

**No Spoilers

Lucy and Sean are back! YAY! However Allison has turned the series on its head a bit, by splitting Cold Snap in parts and having Patrick involved in one mystery while doing an errand for his mom, Lucy and Sean, Dillon and Kate in another mystery and a final mystery involving them all. The Kincaid family hasn't been all together in a LONG time and with all these law enforcement types in one family, the road to a family reunion is never easy. I LOVED Cold Snap! It felt so fresh! The different mysteries kept me from being bored and as usual the interpersonal relationship kept me so entertained I couldn't put the book down for even a second. For fans of the series... Patrick finally meets someone that can keep up with him and brings out a part of him that was still in a coma. I LOVED it so much! Lucy and Sean were their amazing selves and I can't wait to read about their new adventures next. Catching up with the Kincaid clan before Lucy's FBI move was a brilliant plan on Allison Brennan's part and I thank her for it! The mysteries were very compelling and interesting to read, but no more comments on them will be made to avoid spoilers =) All in all, Cold Snap was much more than I expected and I am thrilled! Now I can't wait for more!

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the right sidebar!

Read more...

5 Loveys Review: Lucy Kincaid Series by Allison Brennan

LUCY KINCAID SERIES 

by Allison Brennan

Six years ago, Lucy Kincaid was attacked and nearly killed by an online predator. She survived. Her attacker did not. Now Lucy’s goal is to join the FBI and fight cyber-crime, but in the meantime, she’s volunteering with a victim’s rights group, surfing the Web undercover to lure sex offenders into the hands of the law. But when the predators she hunts start turning up as murder victims, the FBI takes a whole new interest in Lucy.

With her future and possibly even her freedom suddenly in jeopardy, Lucy discovers she’s a pawn in someone’s twisted plot to mete out vigilante justice. She joins forces with security expert and daredevil Sean Rogan, and together they track their elusive quarry from anonymous online chat rooms onto the mean streets of Washington, D.C. But someone else is shadowing them: A merciless stalker has his savage eye on Lucy. The only way for her to escape his brutality may be another fight to the death.

• Release Date of Book #1:  December 28th 2010 by Ballantine Books
• Expected publication of Book #7: October 29th 2013 by Minotaur Books
• Author

**No Spoilers

I am addicted to the paranormal genres, but after reading J.D. Robb's great Romantic Mystery series, I decided to check out more series in the genre. Now I am a card carrying fan of Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and most recently of Allison Brennan.

I had read Brennan's Paranormal series, but in the Procedural Thriller is where she shines as an author. Not only in the Criminal aspects but also in the interpersonal relationship between characters. Which, let's be honest, it's what keeps us coming back. I mean, what would it be of shows like Castle and Bones without the friendships ans relationships?

I love Lucy Kincaid! She is a great heroine for me. She is real, she is a survivor that has chosen to NOT be a victim and fight for justice. What is not to love?

Now, her hero is definitely a new favorite male lead for me. Sean is the great anti-hero. He is more of a hero.hero for me, because the anti is usually in the past. What might keep him in the "anti" column is that he is not afraid to cross some lines for justice.

My favorite thing, besides the great thriller side of the novels, is the relationship between Lucy and Sean, and the relationship the have with their families. I love how much they lean on each other and how much they trust each other even when other might try to set them against one another.

If you love this genre of novels, the Lucy Kincaid series is a must read! =)

Next in The Lucy Kincaid Series:

Expected publication: 

October 29th 2013 

by Minotaur Books

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the right sidebar!

Read more...

INTL GIVEAWAY + Interview w/ Allison Brennan

So psyched to welcome Amanda Carlson here on the blog again, please give her a warm welcome! =)

- When did you first start writing?

I’ve always written something, from when I was old enough to hold a pencil. I got my first library card when I was four years old and knew immediately that I wanted to write books. But I didn’t get serious about pursuing writing as a career until 2002, when I committed myself to finishing one of the many projects I’d started.

- Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you? Which ones?

When I was 13, I read THE STAND by Stephen King and wrote him a letter telling him I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. He sent me back a postcard that said, “If you want to be a writer, write.” He was my first inspiration.

Then in 2001, I read Lisa Gardner’s THE THIRD VICTIM and Iris Johansen’s THE SEARCH, both romantic suspense novels with a darker undertone. And that’s when I knew what I wanted to write.

- I love Lucy and Sean's relationship and how much they rely and trust each other. Is their relationship based on anything in your life or mostly fictional?

Sean and Lucy are definitely fictional!

- I also love how real the police/FBI aspect of the series seem. Do you do a lot of research?

Yes, I research extensively. More now than when I started! I’ve gone through the FBI Citizen’s Academy and participate in annual SWAT training drills where 

I am a role player—I’m either a victim or a bad guy. It’s been a fantastic learning experience and I have access to a lot of people in law enforcement because of it. I have more than 50 books (forensics, criminal psychology, true crime) and have gone on research field trips, like to Quantico, the morgue, national FBI headquarters, local police ride-a-longs, etc. I also talk to a lot of people and always ask about their jobs and hobbies, even if it’s not in law enforcement.

- how far ahead do you plan you story arches? Or are you more of a pantser?

I’m definitely an “organic writer” (I don’t like the word “pantser.”) I rarely know what’s going to happen in a story until I’m writing it, and I prefer it that way. I let the characters and the situation drive the story.

Favorites:

- Favorite Movie?

Star Wars, though the new Star Trek reboot with Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine are a close second! In classics, I love The Thin Man and anything by Alfred Hitchcock.

- Favorite TV Show?

Hard one! I watch a lot of television, Justified, Law & Order: SVU, and Sherlock are probably my top three, followed very closely by Castle, Person of Interest, and Grimm.

- Favorite Book?

THE STAND by Stephen King.

- Favorite Author?

JD Robb, Lisa Gardner and Michael Connelly.

- Favorite Genre that is NOT your own?

Romantic comedy

- Favorite one of your Books?

Whichever book I just finished writing! 

- Who is your favorite of your own characters? 

This is an impossible question. It’s like asking me which of my children is my favorite! Right now, it would have to be Maxine Revere, the heroine of my new series. She’s new to me, intriguing, and I don’t know everything about her yet.

- Which was the hardest to write?

The hardest book I wrote was SILENCED. I had just changed publishers and was working with a new editor and I had a total creative break-down. 

- What would you be if not a writer? 

 Nothing. I can’t imagine what I would be if I weren’t a writer. If I didn’t write books, I would love to write for television.

Quickies!

- Coffee or Tea? 

Coffee!

- Reading or Writing?

Both. Can’t be a writer without being a reader first!

- Print or eBook?

Print

- Hardback or Paperback?

Either

- Pepsi or Coke?

Diet Coke

- Library or Bookstore?

Bookstore

- Summer or Winter?

Winter

- The Movie or The Book?

The Book

- Romance or Action?

Action

- What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Once I get the very rough draft down, I love revising the story and getting deeper into each scene and character.

- What is your least favorite part?

Copyedits.

- The Lucy Kincaid series in your own words? 

A rape survivor refuses to be a victim, learns to love, and fights for justice.

- What is coming up next for you?

While I’m still writing the Lucy Kincaid series, I’m launching a new series in hardcover about an investigative reporter who focuses on cold cases. The first book NOTORIOUS will be out April 1.

- What are you working on right now?

I’m finishing DEAD HEAT, the 8th book in the Lucy Kincaid series.

- Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?

Write every day, read a lot, and don’t give up.

- Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?

Thank you! Without you, I wouldn’t be writing what I love to write.

-Thanks so much for being here!

Thanks for having me!

The Lucy Kincaid Series:

Buy 

Allison Brennan's Books:

Allison Brennan

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Allison Brennan is the author of twenty novels and several short stories. A former consultant in the California State Legislature, she lives in Northern California with her husband Dan and their five children.  

Crime fiction, mysteries, and romantic suspense have always been Allison's favorites, so it's no surprise that her romantic thrillers have a dark suspense edge. Reviewers have called her books "terrifying," "mesmerizing," "fast-paced," "pulse-pounding," "wonderfully complex," "layered," and "a master of suspense - tops in the genre." Lee Child called LOVE ME TO DEATH, "A world-class nail-biter" and Lisa Gardner says, "Brennan knows how to deliver."  

Writing three books a year is more than a full-time job, and so is raising five kids, but Allison believes life is too short to be bored. When she's not writing, she's reading, playing video games, watching old movies or new television shows, driving to or attending volleyball / basketball / football / soccer / baseball / softball games, and on occasion even makes it to the gym where she enjoys people-watching more than exercise.  

Allison is currently writing the Lucy Kincaid series about an FBI recruit. The sixth book, STOLEN, is on sale now. COLD SNAP will be out on October 29, 2013. Also, she's thrilled to announce a new hardcover mystery/thriller series starring investigative reporter Maxine Revere that launches April 8, 2014, starting with NOTORIOUS. 

Connect with Allison Brennan:

 Website | FaceBook | Goodreads | Twitter 

YouTube | Pinterest

Win an eCopy of 

"Crash and Burn" 

by Allison Brennan and Laura Griffin

INTERNATIONAL

New York Times bestselling and award winning authors Allison Brennan and Laura Griffin team up for this exciting new series featuring the unforgettable Southern California detective duo, Moreno & Hart.

Trial by Fire …

Three years ago LAPD Detective Scarlet Moreno and rookie cop Krista Hart were nearly killed during a botched sting operation. Now, they’re best friends and partners in the Orange County private investigation firm of Moreno & Hart. But their routine assignments are anything but safe …

Crash …

Scarlet Moreno has her hands full with a cheating spouse case when the bartender at her favorite pub becomes a murder suspect. Worse, the detective in charge of the investigation threatens to arrest Scarlet for obstruction—even when she tries to give him valuable information. Scarlet risks her PI license and her life to find out the truth, absolve her friend, and track down a killer—with or without the help of the arrogant, mysterious Detective Alex Bishop.

And Burn …

Krista Hart is burned out on catching deadbeat dads and philandering husbands when a big-time criminal defense attorney hires her for a choice assignment: find the sole witness to murder the day before the trial. The case could be a boon for Moreno & Hart, but the witness is in hiding, someone is following Krista, and her own client is withholding information. The last person she wants help from is sexy investigator R.J. Flynn, but he claims he’s willing to share intel—for a price. If she can solve this case, it’ll elevate Moreno & Hart above being divorce voyeurs, but first she has to survive, with her life and heart intact.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fill out the Rafflecopter ABOVE to win!

INTERNATIONAL!

Don’t Forget to Vote for the Theme for

My TOP 5 Sundays Post on the Poll at the RIGHT sidebar!

Read more...