Giving Thanks to Kick Ass Books of 2011 International Giveaway!

I did promise you a big giveaway, peeps, so here it is!

I'm incredibly grateful for all the mind blowing books I've read this year, and as 'tis the season I would like to share them with you.

Every book mentioned in this post (or any previous books in the series) will be up for grabs!

Here we go...

(links either redirect to my reviews or Goodreads descriptions)

The Informationist by Taylor Stevens

“The aloneness. The invisible walls. Always the outsider looking in. Different. Unusual. I despise their world and the superficiality of it all and yet still want to be a part of it. I wonder sometimes how much simpler a life of naïveté and unawareness would be. I have on occasion found people I could trust with who I really am, and when that happens, I walk away....

It’s safer that way-- for them, for me. It’s far easier to bear personal pain than the responsibility of someone else’s. I feel safe around people as tough as I am, but they don’t come along that often.”

 An absolutely incredible, brutal, explosive book. Although not UF, this thriller is a MUST READ for any fan of kick ass heroines.
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 Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

“The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were trouble."
"Ditto."
"I wanted to drag you between the shelves, fuck you senseless, and send you home."
"If you'd done that, I never would have left."
"You're still here anyway."
"You don't have to sound so sour about it."
"You're upsetting my entire existence."
"Fine, I'll leave."
"Try and I'll chain you up.”

 How do you sum up the awesomeness that is Jericho and Mac? You can't. You have to catch the fever. Enough said.

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Feed by Mira Grant

“There comes a point when you need to get over the fear and get on with your life, and a lot of people don’t seem to be capable of that anymore. From blood tests to gated communities, we have embraced the cult of fear, and now we don’t seem to know how to put it back where it belongs.”

Extremely provocative, political and heartbreaking, Feed is not mere dystopia, to me this is a modern day equivalent of 1984.
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 Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

“Sometimes, there aren't any good choices. Sometimes, making the right one is hard... It's funny, but when you think about it, we're all broken. That's what life does. It knocks you down and breaks you and you either get back up again, or you don't. You either do things on your terms, or you don't. You let the bad things win, or you don't."
"You either let it break you, or you don't.”

 Nobody writes a kick ass young heroine quite like Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Kali was inhumanely awesome. Like a cute gruesome mini version of Barrons's beast.
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Haunted Honeymoon by Marta Acosta

“That’s why I adore you. You’re as mature as an excellent wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano,” Nancy said. “How are things going with Sir Sexalot? Is his new house party-worthy?”
“It would be excellent if you were throwing a Scarface party,” I said. “It has a mirror ball and a pool. Ian is …”
“Sexeriffic?” “Yes, but also too much the continental roué, I think. All mysterious and imperturbable and debauched and pleased with being Ian Ducharme.”

If you haven't read Marta, you really don't know what you're missing. Funny, sharp, sexy. The quips are to die for. Ian Ducharme is a vampire in a league of his own, - dark, gorgeous and wickedly charming. In fact, I would say, he is a book version of Ian Somerhalder. *wink*
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 The Reapers are The Angels by Alden Bell

See, it’s a daily chore tryin to do the right thing. Not because the right thing is hard to do—it ain’t. It’s just cause the right thing—well, the right thing’s got a way of eluding you. You give me a compass that tells good from bad, and boy I’ll be a soldier of the righteous truth. But them two things are a slippery business, and tellin them apart might as well be a blind man’s guess.”

Like in Feed, zombies in this book serve as a background to a personal journey. Sad, powerful, wistful, full of emotions, this book is not to be missed.
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City of Ghosts by Stacia Kane

Chess lied to herself every day; it was just something she did, like taking her pills or making sure she had a pen in her bag. Little lies, mostly. Insignificant. Of course there were big ones there, too, like telling herself that she was more than just a junkie who got lucky enough to possess a talent not everyone had. That she was alone by choice and that she was not terrified of other people because they couldn’t be trusted, because they carried filth in their minds and pain in their hands and they would smear both all over her given half the chance.

Another one of those extremely powerful series. Chess and Terrible, a junkie and a thug, their love against all odds, - it is unforgettable.
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 Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh

“He was trying to make me his bed buddy. I declined. He gave chase."
... "How, exactly, did you 'decline' his offer?"
"By slitting his throat."

Elena would've kicked him, except he'd probably use the chance to pull her down with him. "Shut up before I do the same to you."
He tried to stop laughing. Failed. "Jesus, Ellie. You are awesome!”

Nalini has an incredibly descriptive and vivid style, plus both Elena and Raphael raised angels' level of hotness to a point whereI was glad Nalini's angels have nothing to do with religion and concept of God.
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Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

I have a plan," he said.
"Yes," she said.
"Let's get married," he said.
"Yes," she said.
"Let's conquer the world," he said.
"Yes," she said. No one in her family had ever been accused of dreaming small.
"Let's bring the beau monde to its knees."
"Yes."
"Let's make them beg for your creations."
"Yes," she said. "Yes, yes, yes."
"Is tomorrow too soon?" he said.
"No." she said. "We've a great deal to do, you and I, conquering the world. We must start at once. We've not a minute to lose."

 One of the very few historical romances I've read this year. Loretta created exquisite, unconventional, sharp and very powerful couple. Her best book so far.
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Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

“Did he just rip out the engine?" I asked.
"Yes", Saiman said. "And now he is demolishing the Maserati with it."
Ten seconds later Curran hurled the twisted wreck of black and orange that used to be the Maserati into the wall.
The first melodic notes of an old song came from the computer. I glanced at Saiman.
He shrugged. "It begged for a soundtrack.” 

Another one of the top urban fantasy series out there. How come every new Kate Daniels book that comes out is better than the previous one? Series you shouldn't miss. Trust me.
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Lovers and Beloveds by Meilin Miranda

Beautiful epic erotic fantasy with a strong Kushiel vibe. It rocked my socks off. 18+ only.








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Etched in Bone by Adrian Phoenix

“I know what love feels like, but this, this man... fuck me. Steals my breath. Knots me up. Torches me."
"No, this is what denying love feels like, man. Why you denying your heart?”

Adrian Phoenix is Dan Brown of urban fantasy, and this series following FBI agent Heather Wallace and rock star half-vampire half-fallen angel Dante Baptiste is out of this world.
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White Tiger by Kylie Chan

As I said before any fan of Hong Kong movies and in particular martial arts will love this book.

Unusual, full of Asian culture and mythology, complex and beautiful. Absolutely loved it.





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Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

“A dragon just gave me a piece of jewelry,” she said. She took another swig and handed the bottle back to Graydon. “Have I been added to his hoard?” He shook his head and drank too. “No, cupcake,” he said. “I’m pretty sure you’ve replaced it.”

Another of the few paranormal romances I found absolutely delightful. A couple that truly sparkles with wit and irresistible attraction, and not in a weird Cullen-way. Plus amazing world-building and dragons.
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Blood Rights by Kristen Painter

A woman after my own heart, fragile, beautiful and deadly with a sword in her hands. Fantastic world-building, hugely entertaining storyline.

How could I resist? How can you?






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A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

This self-published book continues to get five star rave reviews not because we are all friends of the author, but because it's that good.

Believe me, you really really don't want to miss it. A paranormal mystery with romantic elements, it introduces you to a complicated world of vampires with elemental powers.



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Fifty Shades of Grey

I've said all I could about this mind blowing book, and now I'm exhausted. You either love it or you can't stand it, but Grey is unforgettable.
18+ read only.







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The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne

I can not even begin to tell you just how good is Joanna Bourne.
I can't choose a quote, because the whole book is pure poetry.
I loved, loved, loved it.

It's one of those books where love shines through things unsaid. It's deeply moving.



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Giveaway Rules

1. Giveaway is open worldwide. If Book Depository doesn't ship directly to you, I'll ship the books myself.

2. Giveaway ends 7/01/2012.

3. There will be three winners:

First prize is a book of your choice from the list (or any other book in the series). Elizabeth Hunter also graciously contributed two of her Elemental Mysteries books as well: A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth (ebooks) = 3 books in total.

Second prize is a book of your choice plus an ebook A Hidden Fire from me = 2 books in total.

Third prize is one book of your choice from the list.

NB: I can only offer Fifty Shades of Grey on Kindle. Cost of the paperback is too high. As I'm from UK I can not gift kindle books, but I can send you a Kindle gift card from Amazon in your country for you to buy the book yourself. Hope it makes sense ;)

4. Mandatory entry:

+1 tell me of the book/books that truly rocked your world this year and leave your email address.

5. Extra entries as usual:

 +1 GFC follower/Networked Blogs Follower

+1 spread the word through social media (Facebok, Twitter, your blog, etc.)

+2 grab my giveaway button

Good luck!

This is my way to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year (plus Happy Orthodox Christmas, which is on the 7th of January in Russia) to you, me dears!

Thank you for all your love and support, and may all your wishes come true!