HOT TOPIC: National Book Lovers Day GIVEAWAY
It’s National Book Lovers Day and we here at the Banter decided to share a little of our “book loving selves” with you.
Take a peek below and get to know a bit about what Annie, Jay, Toni, Tracy, Trio, and myself enjoy in a main character, what reading means to us, discover some of our favorite books we've read this year (not necessarily released in 2017), and even what we like about reading for a review blog.
In celebration we are offering a GIVEAWAY. Enter the contest and you could WIN reader’s choice of ONE of our six favorite 2017 reads!
What I enjoy most about reviewing for a recommendation blog:
"On a blog, there’s team support. Also, there’s a wider audience to be gifted by introduction to great authors. What a treat! I wish I could write as well as my favorite novelists. Instead, I’m grateful to spotlight creative talent. Since KEBB only publishes four and five heart reviews, readers save themselves the hassle of ho-hum books!"
What elements I look for in a 5 heart read:
"Five hearts are saved for books whose characters mature because of the plot. The manuscripts must teach, have unique plot twists, or characters I’d like to meet. When words paint exquisite pictures or there’s a good morality play, I’m in heaven. Give me a one-sit read, when I look up and realize it’s 3:00 am. After all, the middle of the night is the best time to read sizzling sex scenes!"
Click on Image Above for Review Recommendation
"My favorite novel for 2017 (thus far) is How to Bang a Billionaire, by Alexis Hall. The billionaire trope is over-used, even, now in gay erotic romance. Yet Alexis makes it new, with very funny dialogue, witty observations, and a deeply intuitive psychological relationship with flawed characters who must accept the others’ foibles. When a writer allows a reader to identify with characters entirely unlike ourselves, this is a mark of greatness."
What I enjoy most about reviewing for a recommendation blog:
"I have always been an avid reader. In 2012 I discovered the M/M genre and haven’t looked back. Being gay and a romantic at heart I love escaping into the lives of the characters that these authors create for us. After I finish a good story I like sharing it with others and if I can help promote one of these amazing works to others I am content.
"You should review because you enjoy it. Be honest and if you have to be negative about a work remember that it is someone’s baby, so be constructive don’t just lash out. Finally, don’t stress about it. For me anyways, reviewing comes after a 50 to 60 hour work week so finding the time to read and review can be challenging but so rewarding as well."
Who the author is I would most like to meet and why:
"This is a tough question. There are so many that I would love to meet and I hate to single one out. Given that I am to choose one I will go with Andrew Grey. I have over 80 of his books and would love to sit down with him and chat."
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"Wayne Mansfield's Across the Sea is my favorite read so far this year. It is a beautiful younger/older romance that breaks your heart and then puts it back together again. You're drawn into the characters, their passion, troubles, and unfortunate situation, but see them adapt, grow and come out strong."
What elements I look for in a 5 heart read:
"I look for clear characters – where I don’t have to think twice about who they are and what they mean to the story. I also look for clever dialogue and something that makes me laugh or gasp out loud."
What I enjoy most about reviewing for a recommendation blog:
"New authors! New genres! The hope that I may influence someone’s book purchase and help them discover the great authors that I recommend."
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"Oh, this is easy. By far Z.B. Heller captured me with her story Sex Ed. It is such an earnest tale with a large dose of humour and characters that even now, I can recall with ease!"
What I enjoy most in a main character:
"I love when an MC is an alpha type. I love the guy who is strong, confident and has a definite wicked streak."
What reading means to me:
"I've always loved reading. Books have a way of taking a reader into different worlds. I love when an author can bring me into their character’s lives and make me feel such a wide range of emotions. I can't remember a time when I didn't read. There are so many good authors to discover and of course there's always your most favorites. To me reading is a great way to de-stress and relax. There's nothing like curling up on the couch or in bed with a good book."
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"I have to say Bey Deckard's Caged: Love and Treachery on the High Seas is my favorite this year. Every Bey story is brought to life by his amazing skills as a writer; always engaging, humorous and emotional. "The characters in Caged are multi dimensional and each one has amazing traits. The triad relationship is sexy as all hell with a story full of adventure, action and pirates. I mean what's not to love about hot sexy pirates!? And Tom is just one of the best MC's ever!"
What elements I look for in a 5 heart read:
"Well I’m all about the passion. Whether it’s emotions, actions, or just hot sex I want to feel it! When the author puts part of themselves into a book I can always tell and that’s what makes the difference for me."
What I enjoy most in a main character:
"I want to see strength. Even the most passive or abused character should have convictions and eventually find a way to act on them. But my favorite characters are hard headed, intense alpha males who take what they want, suffer the consequences, and learn their lesson."
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"The best book I’ve read this year is Arctic Restitution by Lynn Kelling. I was so touched by Jaye and Cash’s relationship in Caged Jaye but they never got their good-bye… It was amazing to live through this whole journey with Jaye and to get some perspective from Cash about how much Jaye meant to him, it just really hit me hard. Lynn Kelling always does this to me with her characters though, I feel like I know them and they stay with me long after I’ve finished the book."
What I enjoy most in a main character: "For me it's someone who is a strong, dominant personality but at the same time can show his tender side; a caretaker who doesn't mind being nurtured. Add a little witty charm that makes me grin from ear to ear and I am a gonner! "
Who the author is I would most like to meet and why: "I am dying to meet J.R. Ward! Not only for the fact that she writes some awesome paranormal romance but her book Lover at Last started me down the M/M path and I would love to convince her to write some more manly action." *giggles*
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"My favorite read for 2017 has to be Adira August's On His Knees. It is one of those books that you just stumble upon with no expectations that ends up delivering everything you could want and more. A powerful man with a beautifully submissive nature, a Dom who reads him like a book and a no-holds-barred scene that brings out the best in them both!"
Giveaway ends August 14, 2017 at 12:00 a.m. CST/USA
