Happy Blogoversary: 3 Years & Counting!

Happy Blogoversary  to me!  Well, it's been 3 years and counting since I started down this neverending blogging and writing adventure.  I thought my Bride of Frankenstein photo was the perfect way to commemorate my 3+ years.  You like?  Yeah, me too.  

Anyway, I had many goals I wanted to tackle in 2012 and although I didn't reach all of them, I did make significant progress.  Keep your fingers crossed that I keep up with my momentum with my writing.  I feel very close to finalizing a project I've been working on for two years. WOW!  Hopefully, I'll have some progress to report soon.

To celebrate my blogoversary and this journey, I've decided to do a special giveaway.  What kind of giveaway you ask?  Well, the Free Shit Fairy came through again.  

Since Lara Adrian was so kind to give me an ARC of Edge of Dawn (my review) and swag, I decided to sweeten the pot.  I realized there are many people that haven't read the series, which makes me sad.  What the hell?  For my blogoversary, I'm giving away my ARC copy and a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person so they can not only get the latest addition to the series, but also so they can purchase another book in the series.  And... I'll also be drawing additional names for some pen & book marker swag Adrian sent me.  Wahoo!  Below is a copy of the ARC & swag.

+ = AWESOME 

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form.  (And yes, I do check GCF)

 

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Extra entries…

+1 For Becoming my Fan/Like on Facebook/MinaBurrows

+2 Snag My Button!
+1 Subscribing via email to my blog
+1 Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this on Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Update!  Congrats to Ki P. for winning my 3 Year Blogoversary Giveaway!  Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org via Rafflecopter.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Fridays with Fred - The teenage years.

Be sure and stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend!

Mina B.

ARC Review: Lara Adrian’s Edge of Dawn

Right before the holidays I received an ARC copy of Lara Adrian’s upcoming, coveted and next installment in her New York Times bestselling Midnight Breed Series, Edge of Dawn. *squeals with joy*  First, I have to say a big THANK YOU to Lara for sending me the ARC.  I can’t tell you how excited I was to read this book.  If you know nothing about me, know that I am a HUGE fan of anything Adrian, and all things breed.  Don’t believe me? Check out this feed of my blog posts.

In the previous installment, Darker After Midnight, the series almost felt like it was coming to an end.  If you missed this book, check out my review here. In this book, Sterling Chase and the rest of the order defeated Dragos and in doing so, exposed themselves as vampires to the world.  In Edge of Dawn, its twenty years later and humans and the vampires are struggling with co-existing.  I remember when I read the back cover of this book, I was more excited about the characters featured than the plot.  Adrian has such a talent for writing intriguing characters.  If you recall, Mira was the young breedmate and adopted daughter of Nikolai and Renata from Veil of Midnight.  She had these wicked eyes that reflected the future when a person glanced into them—like pools of visions. Pretty cool, huh?  That pesky little talent always caused trouble for Mira and twenty years hasn't changed that.  Now that she's older and wiser with deadly skills and stunning looks, her visions reveal the worst fate imaginable—the death of the love of her life, Kellan.

Without revealing too much, Edge of Dawn was the perfect extension to the series. Adrian immediately entranced me with the new world of breed and humans. Mira, a captain with the Order, is all grown up now (along with other kid characters), and she is bad a**!  But as an adult, she’s angry and still grieving over the loss of her childhood friend and love interest, Kellan.  Believed to be dead for eight years, Kellan has been in hiding, living among the rebel humans. These two were the perfect couple to segue the series into a new era.  Of course there’s a new enemy revealed too, one with ancient ties to both Breed and their mates. I won’t tell you what happens, minions. It wouldn’t be right. 

Edge of Dawn was a 4 for me—no surprise there, huh?  Edge of Dawn releases February 26, 2013 so pre-order your copy today.  If you haven't read the series, you really need to catch up since we're already at book 11. Coincidentally, book 1, Kiss of Midnight (ebook) is on sale on Kindle for 99 cents so download that one too while you can. 

Oh, I almost forgot.  Stay tuned in the coming week.  Along with the ARC, Lara also sent me some swag so it appears I'll be doing a special giveaway, which is perfect timing since I missed my blogoversary.  Wahoo!  

Who doesn't love free sh**?

Mina B.

ARC Review: Lara Adrian's Darker After Midnight

All I have to say is I've been waiting for Harvard's story since Book 2, Kiss of Crimson (my review.)  And it's finally here....Book 11, Darker After Midnight.  Squeak!  Ask and you shall receive.  Seek and you shall find.  Hallelujah, Lara Adrian.  First, I have to say a big thank you to Lara for sending me the ARC.  This is one of my favorite vampire series.  I simply must read all that's breed, dang it!  If you're a fan of Adrian's Midnight Breed vampire series than you know how we "breed" lovers have been patiently waiting (in near-death anticipation) for this book!  I'll do my best not to give away too many spoilers, but there may be some…sorry.

Darker After Midnight...in two words: Breed Armageddon.

If you recall, our breed hero, Sterling Chase, first arrived in Book 2, Kiss of Crimson.  Since then, we faithful readers, have read Chase's slow and painful demise.  Over the course of this series, he's managed to lose his loved ones and the damn near respect of every one of his kind.  As breed, vampire warriors almost always face bloodlust.  That's when you (according to Lara) "fuck, fight or fang" with an insatiable appetite.  And then, of course, you go “rogue.”  Going rogue is about the worst thing for a breed vampire.  Rogues are mindless and live in a constant feeding frenzy.  And poor Chase is on the cusp.  He had been there the last couple of novels, nearly going over the edge in Deeper Than Midnight (my review.)  It's there were he foils Dragos' plot and meets the lovely Tavia Fairchild.

In Darker After Midnight, the Order (Chase's Breed Warrior family) comes to terms with losing their treasured compound.  Chase, however, took one for the team, diverting attention away from the Order and becoming public enemy number one.  While the police end up containing Chase, the Order manages to relocate to another property.  While biding his time in lockup, Chase sees Tavia again.  At first glance, these two appear to be worlds apart.  She's a perfectionist and is the right hand to a prominent US Senator.  Chase, on the other hand, is the nearly rogue vampire warrior.  When Tavia first eyes Chase, she shudders at his unearthliness.  It permeates through his human facade, piercing Tavia's soul.  However different they seem, lo and behold through Adrian's plot reveal we soon find out they are not so different after all.  

So much happens in this book, I don't want to say more than that.  I have to warn you, though.  I've said it before (too many times *sigh*.)  Lara Adrian loves to break her own rules and she's done it again, minions.  Damn it, it's awesome too.  I wasn't sure what to expect having such high expectations for one of my favorite brooding heroes, Chase.  But after reading the book in its entirety, I was more than pleased.  Tavia is a force period.  And Dragos' war against the world - human and breed alike - has finally arrived.  It was nothing like I expected.  On my meter....Darker After Midnight was a 4.  

Stay tuned for my review of Lara Adrian's novella, A Taste of Midnight.

Mina B.

Freedom Giveaway Hop: Winner

Congrats to Kimberly F.; the lucky winner of the Freedom Giveaway Hop!   Kim not only wins a copy of  Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 9), but also a set of the series bookmarkers and a signed book plate!   The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn.  Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.

I want to give special thanks to Lara Adrian & Heather!   Remember, they gave me extra bookmarkers and signed book plates to give away.   How awesome is that?   And so, the following ten people were chosen randomly and will each receive a set of the series bookmarkers plus a book plate signed by Lara herself.

1. Krystal L.
2. SpadesHighReads
3. Ellen T.
4. Joanna W.
5. Kelsey O.
6. Maryann N.
7. Jolene A.
8. Judi @pikasarelove
9. Theresa @ FadeIntoFantasy
10. Jennifer K J.

This giveaway was such a treat for me.   I adore Lara Adrian and love the Midnight Breed series. It’s no surprise that Deeper Than Midnight has already reached the Publishers Weekly Best-Sellers list.   Congratulations, Lara!   You rock and we love you for it!  

Oh and before I forget, a GINORMOUS thanks to my Free Sh** Fairy.   That fairy is so amazing and is probably already buzzing around, searching for the next big giveaway.   I love that damn fairy!
Until next time…
Mina B.

Freedom Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Freedom Giveaway Hop!  Woot!  Over 200 blogs are participating for a full week so you’ll have ample opportunity to win, win, WIN!  Just like before, I’d be S.O.L without my Free Sh** Fairy.   And just look at what he brought me for a giveaway….Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 9)!

I'm #105

That’s right, minions.  That's one heck of a package from my Free Sh** Fairy, huh?  This book just came out this week so it’s hot, hot, HOT off the presses!  And thanks to my Free Sh** Fairy, I’ve got one copy to give away.  But WAIT…there’s more. 

Recently, I was fortunate to be a recipient of an ARC copy of Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight – book 9 in her Midnight Breed Series.  (Note: For those of you that missed my review, see here.)  As an added perk, I also received some book markers and SIGNED book plates for this giveaway!  *squeaks* How awesome is that?

Now, let’s get down to business. One (1) lucky winner will win one (1) copy of Deeper Than Midnight plus one (1) signed book plate and one (1) set of the series’ book markers!  Don’t ya love it!  I know.  I know.  Calm down.  Also, I have more book markers and book plates to give away so I’ll be picking additional names to send these out to some lucky winners.

The Freedom Giveaway Hop runs from 12:01 AM on July 1^st on thru July 7^th, midnight – so you’ll have plenty of time to enter!

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+2 For Becoming my Fan/Like on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on July 1^st to July 7^th, midnight. Contest is for US residents only. Want to see who else is participating? Take a look at the links here and hop on by.


Mina B.

(Note: The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.)

Book Review: Lara Adrian's Deeper Than Midnight

Since last fall, I’ve patiently waited – along with the rest of Lara Adrian’s fans – for Book 9 in the Midnight Breed Warrior series, Deeper Than Midnight.   And boy was this book worth the wait.   I was blessed to receive an ARC copy from Lara and her assistant, Heather, so I want to say THANK YOU so very much. Words cannot describe how grateful I am. *sniffle*


In Book 8, we finished with Brock and Jenna’s story, which in my opinion kept me guessing.  (See my review here.)  If you recall, Dragos kidnapped Kellen Archer and then viscously attacked the Lazaro Darkhaven.  The only survivors were the Gen 1 warrior, Lazaro and his grandson Kellen.   In the chaos of the abominable scene, Lucan –against his better judgment – allowed the two Darkhaven family members entrance and refuge at the Order's compound.   In Deeper Than Midnight, we learn what a HUGE mistake that was.  Want to know more?  Buy the book.

Now, the real juice behind this tale is Hunter and Corrine’s story and then the rest sets the stage for Book 10, Deeper After Midnight.  What's that?  You guessed it, Harvard lovers…Book 10 & Chase’s story. I’ll get to Sterling Chase in a minute. First, let’s talk about Hunter. *pause for a deep sigh*   What’s not to love about him? Just like all the breed warriors, he’s big and lethal but more importantly, he’s HOT! As one of Dragos’s former top assassins, Hunter comes off like a quiet, subdued, calculating warrior that in any given situation, can deduced several ways to kill a being. But what makes me swoon is his affection for the little Mira. It’s too endearing. 

As for his growing attraction to Corrine, it’s no wonder why Hunter’s drawn to her. Both of them suffered deep emotional wounds while being held captive by Dragos. And now that Corrine’s free, she’s introduced back into her old life and uncovers the horrifying truth behind Dragos abducting her. With Hunter’s help, she searches for something Dragos stole from her during her captivity. And she’ll do anything to get it back, even go head-to-head with Hunter. 

This book was dark and I loved it. Hunter and Corrine were so perfect for each other. I adored how Lara connected their stories, building a sensual and beautiful romance that started from great pain and loss. And what made this story even darker was Chase’s unraveling. Holy heck, I can’t wait Book 10.

Lara Adrian’s Deeper Than Midnight is hands down a 4.5. For me, it’s the “bump and set” to her next tale, Deeper After Midnight which I have no doubt will be the ultimate spike. I can’t wait!

Until next time…read anything Breed!

Mina B.

Lara Adrian's New Cover Art: Darker After Midnight

Hey, minions.  I've been wanting to post this for awhile now.  Released just last month is the cover art of Lara Adrian’s Book 10 in the Midnight Breed Series, Darker After Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel.  For those that don’t know, this is the book her die-hard fans have been begging for.  Its Sterling Chase’s story a.k.a. Harvard.  Ooooooh, we love him!  This former agent is wound so tight, he’s going to need a fierce female to snap him back in to place.  And we just can’t wait!  Anyway, here’s the cover art and it’s it awesome?  I know.  I know.  It’s okay.  Go ahead and freak out.  I did too.  
Darker After Midnight releases January 24, 2012. *squeals with excitement*

And now for some even bigger news… Lara recently announced via her newsletter that she has "recently signed on to write another two books in the series, and there will also be an exclusive, e-book original novella coming out.”  Wahoo!  Since we know the story won’t be about Gideon and Savannah, I wonder who it will feature?  Thoughts?  That’s a tough one, but it’s still great news! Stay tuned because later this year, we’ll find out!

Lastly, sign up for Lara Adrian's newsletter and get a sneak peek at the first few chapters of her next upcoming book Deeper Than Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 9), scheduled to be released June 28, 2011.  Hurry!

Until next time…read anything Breed!

Mina B.

Book Review: Lara Adrian's Taken By Midnight

Today I’m reviewing Book 8 in Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, Taken By Midnight. Ooooh, I’ve been waiting for this book, let alone review. I tend to devour everything that’s Lara Adrian and Breed when it comes to paranormal romance. I love this series and just can’t seem to get enough. That being said, I wasn’t over the moon with this book, simply because I was left with more questions than answers. But…I still liked it…a lot. WARNING…there are spoilers. Read on…if you dare.

In Book 7, Shades of Midnight, we first met Jenna Darrow, the ex-cop who was held captive by the Ancient. Keeping her barely alive, he fed off of Jenna, a mere human, taunting her with a merciless question: Choose life or death?

The question had merit, especially for Jenna. It had been four long years since Jenna lost her husband and daughter in a terrible car accident. Four years since her life was transformed into a pit of misery. Unknowingly, Jenna answered yes to that fated question. And from that moment on, the Ancient implanted a piece of himself into Jenna; transforming her into God knows what.

Luckily Jenna’s transformation wasn’t nearly as difficult thanks to Brock. I read other reviews that didn’t appreciate their relationship and felt it lacking. I totally disagree. I liked their chemistry and understood their draw towards one another. Jenna, the control freak, had the insatiable need to control things. Brock, the vampire breed warrior, was gifted with the ability to relieve pain. And the moment he met Jenna in Alaska, he siphoned a monstrous amount of Jenna’s pain and heartache without hesitation.

For Brock, there was a possessive sort of protectiveness when it came to Jenna. As the story unfolded, it revealed more about the Jenna’s new mysterious DNA which left me flummoxed. I honestly had more questions than answers about the two of them which frankly drove me crazy. That being said, I did feel a tinge of regret when they were unable to bond. But…that may be a good thing. I sense – or hope, rather- that on the horizon, Adrian answers the unknown about Jenna and her ever-changing DNA. Dear God, the chick actually has dermaglyphs now.

And as for the plot…it wasn’t as riveting as it has been in the past but I still liked it. The action compelled me to read on – which I loved – and I was left wondering what’s to come. With the Ancient dead and the breedmates freed, what type of diabolical plans will Dragos unleash on the Order? I can’t help but think somehow Sterling Chase is involved but I could be wrong.

I’ve said it several times before; I’m a huge fan of Lara Adrian. She writes delicious vampire tales that catapult me to another world…which is the whole point of reading, isn’t it?

If you’re into vampires, romance and a killer plot, than Adrian’s Midnight Breed series is just for you. If your interest in her other books, see below.

Book 1, Kiss of Midnight (my review) 
Book 2, Kiss of Crimson (my review) 
Book 3, Midnight Awakening (my review)
Book 4, Midnight Rising (my review)
Book 5, Veil of Midnight (my review) 
Book 6, Ashes of Midnight (my review)

On my KilloMeter, I give Lara Adrian’s Taken By Midnight a 4.

Until next time…read something breed, try Taken By Midnight.

Mina B.

Lara Adrian’s Name the Baby Contest

Lara Adrian announced she’s running a “Name the Baby Contest”. Beloved characters of the Midnight Breed series, Dante and Tess, are having a baby. It’s the Order’s newest member and Lara’s asking her fans for baby names.  Holy cow...isn't that awesome?

First of all,Kiss of Crimson, is one of my favorite in the series (Midnight Awakening my other fav.) This is such an exciting contest for me, because this is one prize I’d love to win.  Right now I have my thinking cap on with baby names. The deadline is June 30, 2010 so think, think, think but don’t think pink because all breed babies are male. Unless, Adrian breaks another one of her rules. Could that be the case? I doubt it but you never know.


Until next time…Dante and Tess need to name their baby…help!


Mina B.

A Paranormal Book Review: Lara Adrian's Ashes of Midnight

In Book 6 of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series, Ashes of Midnight, the hero featured is none other than the beloved breed warrior, Andreas Reichen.

He’s dashing, debonair and sexy as hell which was why I was clamoring with anticipation to read this tale. Adrian’s books are fuel for the reading demons that possess me. I know when all else fails and I can’t find a good paranormal romance book to save my life, I can turn to one of Adrian’s breed warriors to satiate my literary thirst.

Andreas's breed character is a burst of fresh air in this dark paranormal series. On the surface he’s carefree, jovial but deep down; he’s pure breed – which means he’s lethal. I can’t say this enough; I loved Andreas’s character. We first meet Andreas in Book 3, Midnight Awakening – (click here to read my review) – Tegan and the Order seek help from Andreas, the Director of the Berlin Darkhaven. You either like him or love him, there’s no denying it. And then sparks fly in Book 5, Veil of Midnight, transforming Andreas, the once charismatic breed warrior, into a deadly pyromaniac (click here for my review). An old enemy of Andreas resurfaced and attacked his home, killing his family and spinning Andreas out of control.

In Ashes of Midnight, Adrian introduces a past love of Andreas, Claire. She’s been long gone from his life since he abandoned her and she ended up marrying an unworthy breed warrior, Roth. It’s no surprise that Roth turns out to be another evil player in Dragos’s sick game of world/breed domination. With this trio - Andreas, Claire and Roth - Ashes of Midnight makes for some killer reading. What I loved most about this book is Adrian does what she does best; she breaks yet another one of her cardinal rules. If you’re a fan, then you know the bonding ritual between a breed and breedmate is sacred, connecting two beings eternally, irrevocably. But what Andreas does to Claire, after Roth kills his family is delicious and sets reader’s tongues wagging for more. I won’t spoil it. But I will hint...two is company and three is definitely a crowd. You simply must read this book.

On the Mina Burrow’s KilloMeter, I give Ashes of Midnight, a 4.

Until next time….read a Midnight Breed Series already.

Mina B.