Love Romance Passion » Gifts

Kindlegraph – Author Autographs for Your Kindle

Guest Blogger — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:26:24 +0000

Guest Post by Michele Gorman, author of Single in the City

Have you ever had a book inscribed and signed by the author? It’s great fun, isn’t it? That connection, no matter how brief, between reader and writer is something special. I love having personalised books, and I love signing books for fans. That’s one of the many great things about good old-fashioned paper books.

But eBooks are gaining popularity, there’s no doubt about it. They’re great for their immediacy and convenience – like little chocolate boxes instantly delivered to you, ready for your indulgence. And they’re great for the chance to try new writers you may not otherwise run across when perusing your local bookshop shelves.

But there’s no booky smell, no weight in your hand or chance to study the detail in a beautifully designed cover … and until recently, no easy way for the author to sign them.

Enter Kindlegraph. This is a genius idea and I’m so excited about it, because now fans can have their favourite Kindle books signed by the author using the magic of the Internet! No waiting for local book signings and no queuing.

And up till year-end I’d love to inscribe and sign Single in the City for your friends and relatives. So any lovely woman who enjoys chick lit, or a fish-out-of-water adventure set in London, can receive the book from you, with your inscription! You did know you can gift Kindle books right? All you need is your friend’s email address. Find the book on Amazon.com, click Give as a Gift and voila! Faster than Santa can shimmy down the chimney, your friend gets an email saying that you’ve given her a lovely gift (you can also set the date that she receives the email).

You’ll get an option to include a note in the Amazon email, so you can simply tell your friend that you’ve arranged for me to sign it, include whatever inscription you’d like me to add, ask her to go to www.kindlegraph.com, choose Single in the City, request Kindlegraph and paste your inscription in the note to me. Easy as leftovers on Boxing Day.

I hope you find this info useful, not just for my book, but for all your future Kindle books. I love this idea so much that I’m making it a personal mission to tell as many readers, and writers, about it as I can. If a favourite author isn’t yet on Kindlegraph, do drop her a note through her website or facebook page or twitter to ask her to join.

And of course I’m happy to inscribe Single in the City for you at any time, and that includes UK, Canadian and the rest of the world’s Kindlers. Kindlegraph isn’t country-specific – if you’ve got Single in the City on your Kindle, I can sign it. Be sure to tell me a little bit about yourself in the request and that way I can personalise the inscription for you.

Happy Christmas, happy Hanukkah and a very lovely 2012 to you all! I shall be eating mince pies and writing Single in the City’s sequel, which should be published by March.

Get started, buy: Single in the City

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5 Great Gift Ideas for Romance Lovers

Keira — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:38:32 +0000

This list has some fabulous ideas for gifts between friends, family, and lovers.

1. Book cover.

This gift idea is both simple and can be homemade for very few dollars. First you can make it out of sturdy fabric and a sewing machine. This is probably the quicker way to make a book cover. Measure and cut the fabric to be long enough to wrap the book and provide book flaps. Sew edges to keep from unraveling, add ribbon to the top to use as a bookmark,

The other way is to crochet the book cover. If you're looking for a project to learn crocheting on this is more functional and cooler than most ideas all you need to do is cast on a row the length of the trade or mass paperback book and continue with single crochet until it is long enough to wrap around the book plus extra for the flaps. Finish it off by crocheting around the edges. You can even crochet a book mark! This style is very elegant.

2. Digital Reader.

Get the reader in your life an eBook reader. There are several types out there. The most popular are Sony Reader and Amazon Kindle. I would suggest the Kindle hands down simply for the free access to Sprint's EV-DO network for purposes of downloading new eBooks. The Sony Reader may be more stylish and professional appearing than the Kindle, but the freedom from the PC and ability to download your favorite new books at whim defeats the Sony Reader in both convenience and usefulness. If you are an avid reader who looking for something you can use on the go, definitely go with the Kindle.

3. Movie and Dessert.

At home or out as a date, this is a lovely idea. If you're planning this for at home you can buy some fruit and melt some chocolate for an impromptu fondue in front of the screen. Turn the lights off, light some candles, and indulge in a little romance. Or if you're afraid of burning the chocolate turn this idea into an experience. Go out for ice cream before or after the movie and pick a film you wouldn't see if it wasn't for her. Hold hands in the movie and or eat your ice cream walking around and holding hands. Take the time to pull yourself and her out of the world of schedules and things that need to be done to make the evening truly special.

4. Pamper basket.

Include some bubble bath, lotion, candles, and a book. Provide all the necessary goods to give her an evening away from it all. For a little extra add some redeemable you-time coupons like a massage, back scrub, or for a little more heat give her the choice and control of how you'll make love. Let her escape to ecstasy.

3IN1 Blue f 4 Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Tablet Leather Case CoverProtectorStylus

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International Kindle Review

Keira — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:55:27 +0000

I’ve had my Kindle for about five days right now and I love it. Even more I love the M-Edge Platform Leather Kindle Jacket that I got. The combo together has made me a very happy little reader.

If you have been wondering about readers and which one you should get, please know this review isn’t a comparison. I have no experience with Sony Readers, Nooks, or iPads. I will be frank with what I like and dislike about it.

Cost:

It is prohibitive.

The reader ($259.00) and protective cover ($44.99) are $303.99 combined. Not to mention any additional accessories or warranty that you might be inclined to get. Luckily shipping is free at this level.

I looked for a long time at cheaper models and brands that factored under $200 and ultimately choose Kindle because I had an Amazon gift card, my mother had one and loved it, and Amazon would most likely be where I purchased ebooks.

(Eventually we’ll figure out how to link the two together and share our libraries which will be another plus.)

PDF formatted ebooks:

PDFs are the file type for most of my ebooks, so it was important to me that I could transfer PDFs directly from my computer into the ereader. The International Kindle does this and it is very easy to do.

That said, a PDF can’t be read like a Kindle download. Of the four I’ve looked at you can’t read them in the vertical position because the writing can’t be enlarged. The PDF basically does a fit-to-screen, displaying the full page at a usually microscopic print size that is also most times very light in color. It’s gray and not black. If you’re eyesight is really good then you only have to click once to get to the next page.

However if you change the screen format to horizontal the print gets bigger. It’ll be readable. The font size this way depends solely on the PDF parameters. Again there is no way to increase font. Horizontal formatting requires four forward clicks to get through the page and onto the next one. The Kindle does not remember what fourth you are on, so you are better off finishing a page and leaving it instead of leaving the book in the middle of a page.

Reading in either direction so far has kept the style formatting nice and clean.

Kindle formatted ebooks:

I went and got a bunch of freebies for my Kindle the minute it said it was shipped, which was pretty cool. I hadn’t even got the reader and I could get books for it because of the wireless feature. Sweet! The minute I got the Kindle I turned it on and everything synced.

The font on Kindle formatted ebooks size up and down with ease. Clicking from one page to the next is as simple as hitting next. The Kindle will remember where you are based on internal location recognition instead of pages. This makes it difficult for bibliographies, but otherwise is no big deal. It’s actually very helpful.

Browsing the Internet:

Way more hassle than it’s worth. You have to type the website out on the ponderous and tiny keyboard (which is useless so far in my opinion unless you’re a note taker which I’m not). Then instead of the website loading, a search result page loads and you have to use the directional button to scroll down and select the website you typed out in the first place. Most websites are not formatted right for a Kindle – they need to be heavily text based to work and look right. Overall it’s just too complicated.

Accessing Kindle Bookstore via Kindle:

I haven’t done this yet, mostly because I search for books directly on Amazon from a computer. I’m sure it’s easy to use and functional.

Battery Life:

Excellent. Haven’t charged it yet since I got it and charged it up fully the first time. I am still at about half battery life. Woot! The screensavers are fun too, I like them a lot. I think you can add pictures and have your own images show up – I plan to do that after I finish the book I’m currently reading.

Music and Sound:

Put some in via direct input, listened to it, and called it good. The sound quality is nice. The songs played in order. I just don’t listen to music while I read.

Two things I need to do still: try an audio book and try the experimental text-to-sound feature. Right now I’ve been too excited about reading my ebooks free of computer distractions.

Readability during Day/Night:

The Kindle is gorgeous in direct sunlight. No glare, easily read, and no eye strain. I read for an hour plus while partaking lunch at an outdoor café.

I did not buy a booklight accessory for the Kindle, though you can get one and should if you plan to read in the car. As for me at night I just use a lamp and I have no problems with my eyes. The screen is just as clear if a little darker.

Overall?

It does what I wanted it to do and I should have bought it sooner!

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Best Romance Novels of 2010

Keira — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:16:31 +0000

Want to know what LRP thinks are the best romance novels of 2010? Look no further! I've compiled a list from our reviews of romances published in 2010. Only the highest rated ones will do! For the cream of the crop look no further as I've listed all our 4.5 and 5 Star romances in one easy scannable post. Some reviewers listed books they've read but not reviewed for LRP just to give you the pleasure of debating which books you're going to add to your TBR pile. Haha. :)

(Take notes! Great last minute gift ideas ahead!)

Enjoy!

Keira:

Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell
His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell
The Redhead Revealed (Redhead Series Book 2) by Alice Clayton
Passions of a Wicked Earl by Lorraine Heath
Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle
Haunted Honeymoon (Casa Dracula Book 4) by Marta Acosta
Just One Taste by Louisa Edwards
One Fine Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy
The Unidentified Redhead (Redhead Series Book 1) by Alice Clayton
The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey Series Book 2) by Julie Kagawa
The Iron King (Iron Fey Series Book 1) by Julie Kagawa
Miss Foster's Folly by Alice Gaines
His at Night by Sherry Thomas
One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare
Nancy's Theory of Style by Grace Coopersmith
A Twist In Time by Susan Squires
Starlight & Promises by Cat Lindler
My Own Personal Soap Opera by Libby Malin
SEALed with a Ring by Mary Margret Daughtridge
A Daring Proposition by Jennifer Greene (Originally thought this was a 2011 book, but it's 2010 so here it is... review coming soon!)

Mandy:

Backstage Pass: Sinners on Tour by Olivia Cunning

Marcia:

A Secret Affair by Mary Balogh

Sandra:

Once Upon a Threesome: An Erotic Anthology of Historical Ménage à Trois edited by Lori Perkins
His Christmas Pleasure by Cathy Maxwell

Susan:

Testarossa by Julie Dolcemaschio
Wolf Fever by Terry Spear
Honky Tonk Christmas by Carolyn Brown
My Give a Damn's Busted by Carolyn Brown
Heart of Vengeance by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn
The Wolf Next Door by Lydia Dare
The Accidental Highland Hero by Terry Spear
Dead Again by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Too Wicked To Kiss by Erica Ridley
Legend of the White Wolf by Terry Spear
Getting Lucky by Carolyn Brown
A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare
Tall, Dark and Wolfish by Lydia Dare
Diana by the Moon by Tracy Cooper-Posey
Earl to Enchant by Amelia Grey
Sleep No More by Susan Crandall
Born to Bite by Lynsay Sands

Karin:

Guarding Suzannah by Norah Wilson
Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods
Honeysuckle Summer by Sheryl Woods
The Cost of Love by Drue Allen

Whew! That's a pretty big list, huh? Now it's your turn. What were your favorite romance novels published in 2010?

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15 Perfect Gift Ideas for Your Book Lover

Keira — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:20:00 +0000

Don't know what to get the book lover in your life this year? Try this guide on for size:

Book Journals. Think of it as a A Book Lover's Diary or as Goodreads.com for her purse.
Bed Lamps. You know one of the best things about hotels? Their double wall lamps. These babies shed just enough light to illuminate her side of the bed (or yours) without disturbing the other person in the room. Want to read until 4AM to finish that epic novel – no problem!
Book Lights. The LightWedge Original Book Light looks seriously cool. It will illuminate the page she’s reading and nothing else. I want to get me one of these!
Romantic Times Magazine Subscription. Romantic Times Book Reviews is a magazine dedicated to serving romance readers and dishes up 200+ reviews an issue.
Reading Club Paraphernalia. If she’s in a reading club you definitely want to get her a Reading Group Journal. Buying her the books from the club would also be a terrific gift!
Book Magnifiers. Books don’t always come in large print so it’s nice to have a Handheld Magnifier to zoom in on the text.
Bookends. Those Harlequins and category novels don’t hold themselves up you know. A cute set of bookends would go a long way to organizing that TBR pile. Kikkerland Leaning Ladies Bookends might be nice or these executive frame bookends which you can personalize.
Book Stands and Holders. They come in many shapes, sizes and functions. Are you looking for a Paperback Caddy, Book Clip, or an All in One Bookholder, Bookstand and Bookmark?
Blankets. Reading is fabulous when snuggling with a Blanket. A new fuzzy and warm blanket to read under would not be unappreciated.
Audio Books. Another great gift idea is an audio romance book. There are several titles available from big name authors. Check out: 8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber, Birthright by Nora Roberts, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, or Lover Avenged by J.D. Ward.
Ebook Reading Devices. Does she love to read ebooks? Choose from Amazon's Kindle, Sony's e-Reader, or B&N’s Nook.
Hot Beverages. A steaming cup of Ghirardelli Chocolate Premium Hot Cocoa or Bigelow Cinnamon Stick Tea is sure to make anyone merry.
Boxed Book Sets. There are a ton of box sets out there, do you know what she’s looking for or what she likes? Try a Nora Roberts box gift set: Sign of Seven Trilogy Box Set, or In The Garden Box Set, or Key Trilogy Box Set.
Bathtub Caddies. If she loves to read in the bathtub you need to get her a Bathtub Caddy with a book holder in it! She'll love it!
Laptop Table. If you're waiting on an electronic reading device an Adjustable Laptop Table with Cooler is the next best thing. It will make reading ebooks easier and cooler!

Edit: Bonus Gift Ideas!

Bookstore Gift Cards. Give books through gift cards and ease your book lover's budget guilt. Even if they use an Amazon Gift Cards for something other than books, you're getting them exactly what they want.
Bookmarks. Something like Book Darts, which are plentiful, cheap, and pretty would suffice. I'm also a huge fan of Magnetic Page Markers. Love them a lot because the heavy weight of the magnet opens the book to the page easily and without fuss. Great stocking stuffers!

Photo Credits: We Heart It

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33 Great Gifts for Readers this Holiday Season

Keira — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:35:57 +0000

Happy hunting for that perfect gift! Below is my gift list for your reader this year. Enjoy!

1. Book Magic Book Clip: Enjoy hands free reading with this little book holder.

2. Treadmill Book Holder: Perfect for the person who loves working out and reading at the same time but isn't into audio books.

3. Owl Themed Eyeglass Holder: Never scratch your glasses again when you put them on the nightstand! Plus isn't he adorable?

4. Yellow Nose Eyeglasses Holder:: A fun silly looking gift that'll make you smile every time you see your glasses on it.

5. Kindle Wireless Reading Device: Kindles are hot and I'm not just saying that because I own one.

6. Kindle Lighted Leather Cover: It's pretty, protective, and functional - that light will be very useful at night!

7. Kindle Books: Give Kindle books this holiday by clicking "Give as Gift." After all they'll need something to read on their Kindle after they get one, right?

8. Print Romance Books: Heat up your night, because baby... it's cold outside!

9. Amazon.com Gift Cards: Great for when you don't know what books to get your book lover but want to get them something they'll like.

10. Love Romance Passion Blog on Kindle: Buy them a subscription to this blog for their Kindle! They'll love getting daily updates about all the hunky heroes we like to talk about.

11. Portable Book Stand: Great for hardbacks, paperbacks, cookbooks, and your Kindle!

12. Fierce Dragon Bookends: The most popular bookends design online. Bring the fantasy to life!

13. Violin and Sheet Music Bookends: Cute bookend perfect for the reader who is also a music lover.

14. Cast Iron Owl Bookends: These little guys are just adorable. Who wouldn't love these?

15. Bananagrams: This fun little word game will be a big hit with younger and grownup readers.

16. Bananagrams Calendar 2011: Enjoy a new word challenge every day with this fun calendar.

17. Scrabble Premier Wood Edition: Readers are the best Scrabble players!

18. Scrabble 2011 Boxed Calendar: Practice for that next Scrabble game with this cute calendar.

19. Pride and Prejudice: This restored edition will deliver 6 hours of delight to any Jane Austen fan.

20. Pride & Prejudice: Another beautiful rendition of the classic tale and my personal favorite.

21. Emma: This version of Emma is truly a delight to watch. I love all the vibrant colors and sets.

22. Lost in Austen: Have you ever wanted to meet Mr. Darcy? Me too!

23. Jane Austen Movies: Check out some other wonderful bestselling Jane Austen movies for more ideas on what to give your favorite reader this season.

24. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: For the Twilight fan and vampire lover this is going to be a big hit.

25. The Twilight Saga Collection: Get all the books for your Edward or Jacob fan.

26. The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season: A show with bite... and don't forget to pre-order The Complete Second Season.

27. Sookie Stackhouse 8-copy Boxed Set: Get them one of their favorite series or introduce them to it!

28. True Blood: The Complete First Season: Need I say more?

29. True Blood: The Complete Second Season (HBO Series): Ditto! And don't forget to pre-order The Complete Third Season.

30. Moleskine Ruled Notebook Large: It's never too late or too early to start journaling!

31. Mighty Bright Book Light: Two different brightness levels, very portable, and easy to use.

32. Black Dagger Brotherhood Boxed Set: Includes Dark Lover, Lover Eternal, Lover Awakened, Lover Unbound, Lover Revealed, and Lover Enshrined.

33. Christmas Romance Books 2010: Give a little good cheer with these 2010 holiday themed romances.

What else would you add to this holiday gift guide?

Photo Credits: Lori Greig

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A Great Christmas Gift for the Avid Reader!

Guest Blogger — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:20:27 +0000

by Annie Leong, guest blogger and creator of A Novel Cover

A Novel Cover is a new product that was developed just for paperback books. Whether you need some privacy on a plane to read your favorite romance novel or to spruce up a used book or library book, A Novel Cover is perfect for you. Each package has three original designs for $12.59, fulfilled by Amazon so you can feel confident that you will receive the best customer service.

A Novel Cover is:

Easy to use, one fold and two adhesive strip and you’re done!
Reusable, adhesive strips peel back so a new book can be inserted
Durable, special laminate coating is dirt and water resistant
Unique, designs guarantee your reading privacy without question
Custom sized, made to fit any paperback 6 ¾ inches in height with a spine with of up to 2 inches

Christmas is around the corner, these make a perfect gift when paired with a new book or gift card. If you buy a lot of Christmas gifts on Amazon, it’s easy to add A Novel Cover to your basket, either directly from Amazon or through my website at www.anovelcover.com.

For more detailed information, my website will show you how our book covers are constructed and applied and a sample image of what your book will look like once the book cover is on.

A package of 3 reusable covers is now $12.59, temporarily reduced from $14.99 until the holidays are over. Buy two and qualify for free Super Saver Shipping! You will love A Novel Cover, it’s currently rated 4 ½ stars on Amazon from Customer reviews. Take a look, buy one for yourself or as a gift for a friend! Happy Holidays!

Buy: A Novel Cover - Adjustable Book Covers for Paperback Books!

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Black Friday Kindle 2 Deal

Keira — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:38:17 +0000

Saw this on Twitter and thought I'd give everybody a head's up!

@AmazonKindle Kindle Team

Black Friday Deal: Limited number of previous gen Kindle (same E Ink as current Nook) for just $89!

Deal starts 11/26 at 9 am PST.

US $100.00

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Amazon Kindle Fire 8GB Wi Fi 7in Black w 2 year protection plan case

US $179.99

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How to Write a Love Letter to a Woman:

Keira — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 06:00:01 +0000

If you're a man looking to do a little old fashion courting I suggest writing a love letter. It's free and means more to her than a diamond necklace; you just have to be willing to pour your heart and time into constructing it. Be sure to write it out and not use a computer printout for the final copy! Preferably write it out in cursive script.

What You'll Need:

Nice stationary; plain white heavy card stock is fine.
Matching envelope.
Good pen; black or blue.

Structure:

The basics of writing a letter are simple. You start with the salutation. Avoid standard Dear Name. Consider instead My Dearest Name, My Sweet Name, My Darling Name, or My Beloved Name. The use of an adjective is key for setting the mood of the letter.

The body is a little tougher because the content is really up to you, the situation, and the history between you and her. Be sure to be sincere and not force anything or it will sound fake. Below is a list of romantic words for your consideration to use within this section of your love letter.

For the end of the letter skip Sincerely and go straight for the heart warming farewell. Think about Your Devoted Noun. Old fashion letters used the noun servant as in Your Devoted Servant. Or if that particular closing is not to your liking try an Adverb Yours, such as Affectionately Yours, Eternally Yours, or Unconditionally Yours.

15 Romantic Words to Consider in Your Love Letter:

Use this list to give some depth to the body of your letter. Feel free to use different conjugations of the words.

Lush - this word can describe her lips, her body, etc.
Exquisite - to describe her.
Secret - to describe your emotions.
Devotion - to describe your emotions.
Ardent - to describe your emotions.
Earnest - to describe your emotions.
Yearn - to describe your emotions.
Vow - stronger than a promise, something you fervently intend.
Crave - to describe your emotions.
Cherish - to describe your emotions.
Violence - not brutal; more Mr. Darcy as in 'the violence of my affections.'
Deepest - to describe your emotions; ie: my deepest yearnings, deepest feelings, deepest secret.
Keep - desire to win her... your plans to hold onto her.
Tempt - how she makes you feel.
Possession aka Mine - don't be creepy with this. Nobody likes a stalker, unless your name is Edward Cullen or the girl wants you to be a stalker (unlikely).

What words would you add ladies?

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Comparison Between Apple iPad and Kindle 3

Guest Blogger — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:17:12 +0000

by James Mowery, guest blogger

Since the release of the iPad, people have been making comparisons between it and Amazon's e-reader device Kindle. When it comes to determining which device is "better," an agreeable answer is not usually found. After all, each device is capable of unique functions; Apple's iPad can browse the web, send email, and download hundreds of apps, while Amazon's Kindle (and newly announced Kindle 3) is considered to be the strongest e-reader on the market. So which device is, well, better?

The announcement of Amazon's new Kindle 3 has brought this question back into the public forum, and the answer still remains that it depends heavily upon what you are looking for in a device. For those who are looking only for an e-reader, Amazon's Kindle 3 costs only a fraction of Apple's $500 iPad at $140, and is considered to be the superior device when it comes to reading purposes. That said, it is incapable of most of the functions that the iPad boasts, such as web browsing, apps, email and more. The iPad is certainly more expensive, but is a far more powerful machine. Add to this the fact that you can download Amazon's Kindle for iPad in the app store, and for those with the extra money on hand, the iPad certainly begins to look like the right choice.

So in the end, it really comes down to what you're looking for in the device. If you want a solid e-reader for a fair price, Amazon's Kindle 3 may be the superior option. Alternatively, the iPad will give those who can afford to spend the extra money an experience like no other.

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