SHAMELESS SUMMER GIVEAWAY HOP (INT)

[THE GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED]

Hi there! It's the international  Shameless Summer Giveaway Hop! I'm gonna make this real easy for you gals - comment to enter! Comment about what, you ask? Well--- keeping with the themed of Shameless why don't you tell me what you check out on the beach? 

Do you go North for gorgeous pair of eyes - or do you go more South at the fab abs or even lower...? 

Come on now, be shameless! ;)

What are you going to win?

Pick on of these hot novels as your price!

( must have All Romance ebooks account to receive the gift )

So do comment and have an awesome Summer!

Want to Tweet for extra credit? (Use a different Comment, just mention: Tweeted!) :
This is the tweet:
" For hot guys in hot swim wear, click this --> http://niinas-reading-and-reviewing.blogspot.com/2012/06/shameless-summer-giveaway-hop-int.html <-- AND there is a hot SHAMELESS SUMMER GIVEAWAY as well! (International) "

GUEST BLOG: MIXING EROTICA AND PARODY

Mixing Erotica and Parody

by Eiko LaBoria

Thank you for the opportunity to write a guest blog about mixing erotica and parody.
The Fame Shame Game: The Debut is an illustrated erotic parody.

A brief blurb on the subject matter:

           "The restless spirits of Hollywood are creating their usual brand of mischief when they take special notice of the newly arrived Lana De Luna, an aspiring movie star. Lana has a face and body created for sex and an overpowering voice in her head that beckons her to take no prisoners – in vain, she tries to subdue the voice as it urges her to have but one goal, make it to the top of Hollywood by any means necessary – instead she falls in love with the callous and handsome rake, Morton Cay, who reduces her to shambles, thrusting Lana to finally heed the echoing almighty voice and transform into the most ruthless player in the game – looming souls laud her new ambition – bringing Morton Cay and all of her detractors to their grimy knees!"

A lot of things about sex are funny to me! The positions, the faces, the grunts, the things that make us feel good, don’t necessarily look good. This is the starting point from which I decided to write an erotic parody. I have traveled to Los Angeles and numerous film festivals throughout the years and one thing that continually strikes me like a thunderbolt; is the great number of people that are willing to do absolutely anything to obtain fame. Whether it be a foundation on which to build on or a fleeting desire, the search for fame brings out the best, but more times than not, the worst in the seeker.

I’ll always remember the night when I attended a party hosted on a private estate in Malibu. There were many familiar faces from the big screen, it was dreamlike to be surrounded by stars, in the sky and on earth, all which had an air of royalty about them. But there were also many faces that I didn’t recognize, those that had the air of fake-it-till-you-make-it about them. Suddenly, I see a leg struggling to overcome a concrete wall, a young girl was trying her best to get into the hot spot, surely she thought the feat of climbing a wall was a small price to pay. Then in the blink of an eye, she falls into a rose bush full of thorns. She doesn’t scream, just rubs her bare legs and begins to wiggle herself into the party. With blood running down her legs from puncture wounds, I remember the embarrassment I felt for her as security approached her and escorted her out of the party. Although, I didn’t laugh at the moment, a few days later, when I recalled the incident, I laughed so hard, I cried, what was she thinking? And had she been able to remove all those prickly thorns from her ass.

I went further and imagined the young girl staying at the party and sashaying over to a producer she somewhat recognizes. She offers oral pleasure for the small price of an audition, they lock themselves in a bathroom, she performs, he zips up his pants, they leave, when she seductively asks.

        “When will you be calling me for an audition?”


        “In a couple days, but for now, we’re only look to fill two positions, Minnie and Belle.”  he replies.


        “Minnie and Belle? What studio are you with?”


        “Well, it’s not exactly a studio, it’s more like a land?”


        “A land?”


        “Disneyland! But I’m the only one you blow, no blowing Mickey, no blowing Beast, no blowing Prince Charming, just me!”

The brainstorming was a combination of kitsch silliness and cringe-inducing sexual scenarios. From there, it was about creating a dynamic unforgettable main character, a character that could bring the pleasure and the pain. A character men would die to be next to and women would kill just to be her, if only for a minute and just like that, Lana De Luna, was born. The Fame Shame Game: The Debut evolved from this brainstorming session unto what it is today. There are situations that are hardly believable, as what comes out of some actresses mouths, at times, is superior to what goes in them.

I recall a long ride I had with another actress in the Hollywood grind. She told me how she had just had the audition of a lifetime. She was thrilled, ecstatic, beyond blissful!

        “I mean, I didn't even have to audition with the rest of the girls. He actually took me to his house for the audition.” she said.


        “His house?” I replied.


        “Yea, straight to the bedroom, but it’s OK, I don’t mind. It was me and another girl. It was so funny the way we were both competing with each other to do him the hardest, because we both really wanted the part. But I won! Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no lesbian, but I’ll fuck a woman for a good role.”

And I laughed...it was vulgar, funny, Hollywood!

It was seamless to intertwine erotica, Hollywood, and parody. Inspiration was abound and humor rummaged through every part of the story.  I began to think of what starlets of Old Hollywood must think of this generation, were they different or unfortunately the same. I pondered on the studio system of the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s; where studios would take in an actor, which instantly became studio property. They were then polished, taught how to dress, act, and live. They developed all the facades that must be erected around a single person, in order, to create a movie star or the allure of a movie star. I consider all the actors of yonder years as the ultimate movie stars.

I began writing scenes where Old Hollywood Glamazons were more than just memories, they were goddesses, nestled high above the skies, looking down on current Hollywood and favoring those they deemed fit, while those they abhorred, with a flick of their fingers, closed all of their doors.  I did not want these goddesses to merely speak, I wanted them to sing, so I wrote three songs for Goddess Judy Garland, Goddess Jean Harlow, and Goddess Rita Hayworth. This introduction of Old Hollywood Goddesses created more scenes with all the same elements of erotica and parody, but with a touch of revered antiquity.

After I wrote the story, I developed the illustrations. I wanted the illustrations to be as raw and gritty as the story. I wanted them to make even the most hardened erotica lover blush just a bit. I could have chosen illustrations that did not depict sexual acts or compromising situations, but I did, because I knew that the sentiment of taboo associated it would be as original as the story. I hypothesized that because many of these situations were inspired by events and stories that were true, it would make it that much more intriguing to read about everyday life in the part of the world where dreams can either shine or shatter. This was a heavy concept, so I added humor to it. It’s not an attempt to lighten the truth, but sometimes, if you can make someone laugh, you make them just that more comfortable and in comfort there is understanding.

In conclusion, The Fame Shame Game has a mixture of heighten and exaggerated emotions and situations, like life, at times we experience one emotion more enduringly than another for any singular period. But like the seasons, emotions too change and evolve and so does the balance of the erotic and parodic.That said, the elements of erotica and parody are only two facets of a multi-faceted story.  Adding parody to an otherwise erotic story, I believe helps in the digestion of the world, especially a world where only the fittest, wittiest, most beautiful and ruthless tend to survive.

Thank you for reading and I hope that you’ll be able to read The Fame Shame Game: The Debut soon!

Please like us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fame-Shame-Game-The-Debut/123222271057472

Visit us at: www.classifiedimagination.com

Buy the paperback: http://www.amazon.com/The-Fame-Shame-Game-Debut/dp/1450581773

Buy the e-book at:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Fame-Shame-Game-ebook/dp/B007Z61PJW

http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/eiko-la-boria/the-fame-shame-game/_/R-400000000000000688106

Please email me directly at: classifiedimagination@gmail.com with any questions or just to say hello!

REVIEW - BARCODE: LEGEND OF APOLLO

"In this world, humans are born with tattoos known as barcodes. The data contains mythological powers that make arena fights very entertaining. Yet, Spencer's codes are different. They seem to draw him into a comforting darkness. It's in this hell that he learns the truth about his corrupt family and how he murdered his mother."

Author: Kashif Ross
Pages: 239 pages
Publisher: Self Published on February 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: YA Adventure
Series: Barcode #1
Amazon: Buy / $5.47 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $22.51 (Paperpack)

"Spencer Colt must return to his last year of Colt Academy - the academic institute for gladiators. The school and arena are run by his father, a wealthy businessman too occupied to remember his son's 19th birthday. Spencer could care less. He's a sarcastic jerk that wants to finish his final year without another person mentioning his destiny, to reunite America.

On his first day back, his family's helicopter plunges nose first into the battlefield. As bloodied and limp bodies are dragged across the stadium, a mysterious boy named Kode emerges.

Spencer hardly has time to show concern for his recovering family members when he and his beautiful nemesis, Michelle Miyamoto, are attacked by a naked and manic Kode. Michelle promises to train with Spencer after they discover the lunatic's intentions, but she has trouble of her own. She must keep the practice a secret for her friendship to survive.

In this world, humans are born with tattoos known as barcodes. The data contains mythological powers that make arena fights very entertaining. Yet, Spencer's codes are different. They seem to draw him into a comforting darkness. It's in this hell that he learns the truth about his corrupt family and how he murdered his mother." ~From Goodreads

I've been off the YA genre for a long time now, the last YA book I read was The Hunger Games in the fall... so reading Barcode was something out of the ordinary for me, a woman who's found her niche in romance.

Barcode is first of all well written, Ross writes text that is engaging and fun! Barcode was a joy to read, it didn't get boring or still and the characters were three dimensional with personal struggles and package and that made them very interesting which helps make the novel entertaining.

The plot was interesting, the gifts or powers from the gods and the whole gladiator wipe is really entertaining,  the world is going towards dystopia which is interesting to read, like the lack of trees and nature, and the hero isn't exactly nice. He really is almost bit evil, snarky, temperamental and selfish - I think he makes for one of the most interesting characters I've met on the genre. You know when you're a kid and you like to play the bad guy in games well Spencer is kinda like that. I also really really enjoyed his bantering and interaction with Michelle, loved it really!

Give Barcode a go if you like YA with loads of adventure, and action and a really unique hero/anti-hero. ;)

Rating :

Checkout my Interview with the author!

JUST ONE DROP - REVIEW, GUEST BLOG & GIVEAWAY

"Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves."

Author: Quinn Loftis
Pages: 239 pages
Publisher: Self Published on February 2012
Form: E-book (from tour for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Grey Wolves  #3
Amazon: Buy / $2.99 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see yours )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)

"Jennifer Adams, best friend to Jacque Pierce and Sally Morgan, spicy, out spoken, a little crazy and human...or so she thought. Jen has just found out that human DNA is not the only thing that resides in her veins, she happens to share that little pesky werewolf gene, although it isn't more than just a drop. Now that she and her friends are living in Romania with Fane's pack, she is also oh so conveniently stuck with the object of her affection, the fur ball Decebel.

Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves. This type of gathering hasn't taken place in over a century but with a shortage of females among the werewolf population the males are getting worried they won't ever find their true mates.

Meanwhile Decebel struggles with the emotions he is feeling towards Jen. He tries to keep his distance but there is just something about the mouthy blonde that keeps him coming back for more of her verbal abuse that he just can't seem to get enough of...go figure."

Not having read the previous two novels the language in this doesn't make sense, all the female character seem like bitches ( not a werewolf joke ) they are belittling and calling their men names, which is off putting.  Now what I think is going on here is the Katie MacAlister heroine syndrome ( which I love! ) the women are outspoken, brash and crude at times, it's funny and witty when you know the characters from the start ( and I think people who started with novel number one probably agree with that ) - but when you start from the middle it doesn't work.

The writing is good, there is sometimes a paranormal feel and with the heroine being 18 a young adult feel - which confused me as a reader. There were sentences that could have better, but it wasn't really that much of a bother.

The story I liked, it was imaginative and fresh, with the paranormal twists and the mating business, which I love! The characters were galore, tons of them, it took me a while to remember who each was with but I learned to like them.

I think, honestly, that had I read novels one and two before this I would have easily given this 4 stars - but as it is it's only 3.5 fore the above mentioned reasons.

Rating :

Jennifer Adams and Decebel never before seen  footage

Here is a conversation between Jen and Decebel that the readers didn't get to see. This happens in Just One Drop. Jen and Decebel have just had it out about the incident during the self-defense training. They are sitting on the couch after everyone else had left. They are talking quietly before they both fall asleep.

         "Are you really okay?" Jen asked him tentatively.
         Decebel chuckled, "Was I that bad?"
         Jen turned her head in his lap so that she could look up at him. Decebel's amber eyes still glowed.
         "Bad is putting it mildly my furry friend. You were ready to take out an entire pack."
         "He shouldn't have put his hands on you Jennifer. I know you don't understand, but to a male Canis lupis see his mate touched by another male is maddening. To see someone do it to you in such an intimate way and hurting you at the same time," Decebel was beginning to growl again, "by all rights if there were mating signs between us I could kill him for his impudence."
         Jen reached up with her hand and gently caressed his face trying to smooth out the frown lines, "No more frowning or growling. I'm here, I'm safe, I'm yours."
         "Mine," Decebel agreed as he ran his hand up and down her thigh to hip.
         "Can I ask you a question?" Jen quirked an eyebrow at him.
         "Only if I can ask one back," he winked at her.
         "What did you think about me the first time you realized something was there between us?"
         Decebel closed his eyes and Jen decided he must be thinking back to that day. She waited, watching his handsome face.
         "You were laying lifeless on the grass. You weren't moving," Decebel's voice was soft, and it sounded painful for him to speak, "I remember running to you. You were all I could see. Your skin was so burned. I was afraid to touch you, afraid I hurt you worse. When the EMT's took you it took everything in me not to tear their throats out for touching you. The only thing holding my wolf back was reminding him and myself that they could help you. They could save you and they had to save you because you belonged to me."          Decebel looked down and opened his eyes. They met hers and he held her stare as he spoke, "That was the first time I thought it, that you were mine. It was so right, so true. My wolf knew without a doubt that you were our mate. Once you woke up and I was able to talk to you, I didn't know how to handle my emotions. I was worried I would scare you, and I didn't understand how I could feel the way I did because you weren't Canis lupis. I watched you sleep. I just needed to see you breathe. I couldn't stand not having you in my sight."
         Jen's breath was shallow. She felt like all the air had been pushed from her lungs as she listened to Decebel tell her about his feelings for her from the beginning. She had no idea it was so intense even then.
         Decebel leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips and whispered, "Your turn."
         He grinned wickedly at her when she frowned.
         "Same question?" She asked. He nodded.
         "I thought you were amazing."
         "Amazing? Wow, didn't realize my first impressions were so good."
         Jen swatted him, "I'm not finished."
         Decebel chuckled, "I'm sorry baby, go ahead."
         "As I was saying, I was just at time speechless when I saw you. I mean I played things off, you know, didn't want to come across as the drooling teenager, but inside, inside I was drowning in my emotions for you. You were so confident, so handsome, so untouchable. I hated you and loved you at the same time. Hated you because I could never have you, loved you because something in me recognized that we would be good together."
         "Better than good love," Decebel spoke softly, his eyes conveying the depth of emotion that filled his voice.
         "I'm so glad that you came to America with Vasile."
         "Me too Jennifer," Decebel was shaking his head, "You have no idea how glad. I nearly didn't come. Vasile wanted to leave me in charge of the pack. But my wolf was restless about the idea. I told Vasile that and he told me to listen to my wolf. He knew you were here. Just the thought of having missed you."
         "Shh," Jen soothed running her fingers through his hair, "But you didn't miss me. I'm here. We're together. And now my handsome man you are stuck with me. You really should ask for a consolation prize."
         Decebel smiled at the her, one of the only people that could ever get a smile from him.
         "You are my everything," he whispered as he kissed her again before she could give him one of her smart mouth retorts. No doubt he would have loved it.

Giveaway of Out Of The Dark, The Grey Wolves Novel 4!

Quinn Loftis is giving away one copy of Out Of The Dark here on For The Love of Reading!

To take part you simply have to comment! What did you think of the excerpt?

Don't forget to leave your e-mail so I know how to contact you if you win.

Good luck! The Giveaway is open June 5th - 10th!

TODAY'S BEAUTY BUYS

Hi there!

Okay - so I posted last week about My May Favorites and I mentioned the talented and beautiful Tiffany D and her make-up tutorials. She has completely gotten me hooked on make-up again ( this is where hubby goes, uh-oh ) and I got some essential nude shades for the whole summer bronze look today!

Let me show you what I got! But first I had to do some organizing as my jewelry drawer became my make-up drawer ( the before pic was pretty much after I got all my jewelry arranged on the cabinet and this was what was left - trust me I have like 6 pounds worth of bling ;) )

Before and After

So what did I get today? Here we go!

Wet 'n Wild : Lipstick in Breeze

The color looks so amazing on me, it's been a long time since I've worn a more shimmery nude color on my lips...

Wet 'n Wild : ColorIcon Eye Shadow in Comfort Zone

( left to right, left to right and so on... )

I love these shades! They are so yummy, I'll be posting some of my creations with them later!

Wet 'n Wild : Wild Shine Nail Color in Hallucinate

I have the French Polish underneath with only the tips done with Hallucinate...

What do you think? What new make-up have you gotten lately? Share with photos if you have'm! :D

Why do I use and love Wet 'n Wild? The are Cruelty Free! No bunnies were brutally tortured and murdered for my make-up. :)

MOVIE REVIEW - HYSTERIA

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy and Rubert Everett
Release: 2011
Lenght: 100 minutes

It's 1880 and a progressive doctor scorn by the old fashion medical industry is about to invent the first vibrator.

Yeah, you heard me. 

The movie is funny, witty, little awkward and embarrassing but also informative on the state of women their right and the lack of them in end of 1800's. It's as shocking as hysterectomy court ordered for women said to suffer from Hysteria.

Mortimer Granville's a great character, totally clueless of woman's orgasms, and when he joins Dr. Dalrymple's practice things get seriously funny!

Charlotte Dalrymple's character is the women's rights forerunner who refuses to mold to the Victorian princess, she's loud, arrogant and lively - a woman who's modern in the age of meek and quiet society wives.

Like Jane Austen with a little bit of naughty and funny then Hysteria is for you! I sure loved it, Maggie Gyllenhaal is perfect as sassy Charlotte and Hugh Dancy is great as the upright, polite young doctor inventing the vibrator for medical use on women with hysteria.

A romantic comedy in Victorian London with newly discovered electricity, pleasurable medical solutions and vibrators!

Rating :