Thursday, October 24, 2013

Halloween Hunt

Welcome to the Halloween Hunt & Giveaway Hop!

From now until Halloween hop around and visit blogs, enter giveaways and collect the Halloween Hunt "words"!

Hunt words will make up different Halloween quotes and earn extra entries in the grand prize giveaway! Happy hunting!

My Words

Linky LIst of Participating Bloggers

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Cover Reveal: East of Ecstasy - Laura Kaye

Annalise Fallston made peace with postponing her big-city dreams to care for her ill father, but lately she’s been filled with a restlessness not even her beloved painting dispels. Worse, the colors don’t speak to her as they always have, and all her efforts produce dark, foreboding images of a dangerous man and a terrifying future.

Devlin Eston, black-souled son of the evil Anemoi Eurus, is the only one who can thwart his father’s plan to overthrow the Supreme God of Wind and Storms. But first, Dev must master the unstable powers he’s been given. Distrusted and shunned by his own divine family, he never expected to find kindness and passion in the arms of a mortal.

But Devlin’s love puts Annalise in the path of a catastrophic storm, and in the final Armageddon showdown between the Anemoi and Eurus, sacrifices will be made, hearts broken, and lives changed forever…or lost.

Where You Can Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Books in Series

East of Ecstasy
Fourth and FINAL Novel of the Hearts of the Anemoi Series
Earlier Books in Series:
North of Need
West of Want
South of Surrender

About Laura Kaye

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Where to find Laura

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The Contract Blitz Day

Paige Reynolds makes the biggest decision of her life and follows her heart. She's ready to open her mind, soul, and body to her-Sir.

But is her-Sir ready for her ultimate gift?

From ER Pierce

If you’re looking for an emotional ride into the realm of Dominance and submission, adore real characters with heart and flaws, then look no further than my My-Sir series. Paige and Sir will capture your attention and take you willingly into their world. You’ll endure the passion Sir and Paige ignite within each other and come out breathless.

ER Pierce bio

I write with emotion, occasionally a temper, and I let my words flow free. I dabble in paranormal, contemporary romance, erotic fiction and darker urban fantasy. I fly by the crotch of my panties when writing, though I do try to keep a notebook handy for my many scribbled ideas, plot twists, and characters.

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story when I was in seventh grade--A first person account of an entire summer. I went through a massive teen angst poetry phase, and I have notebooks and binders filled with prose.

Ceithin and Aurelia from Fractured Moon showed up in my head. They yapped incessantly, demanding I sit and tell their story. After a month or two of being woken up with harsh whispers, I started writing. They haven't stopped, and in fact, brought friends. Now my head is filled with stories, scenes, snippets and crazy people.

Cue Law and Order music here: dun, dun.

These are their stories.

Oh, and hey... I'm a Virgo

Where to find ER Pierce:

Her Author Page on Amazon | Her FB Page | Her Tweet Spot | Her Goodreads Page

Monday, September 2, 2013

Surprise BRAZEN Book blast!

Who doesn't love surprises? The people behind Brazen Books sure do - and they just couldn't wait a whole month before putting out another book for their readers.

Surprise!

Their newest book combines steamy island romance and high personal stakes. What a combination!

Competitors by day, lovers by night…

Allegra Wilks has had the worst month of her personal and professional life. To save her company, she must go on her would-be honeymoon and land the luxury eco-island resort’s lucrative advertising account. But when a lingerie mishap leads her into the arms of a wickedly distracting Australian, Allegra’s tempted to skip the trip and explore the most sensual kiss she’s ever experienced. Too bad their chance encounter at the airport is just that.

Having recently lost his company to his former best friend’s shady business tactics, Jett Halcott is headed to a South Pacific resort to secure an advertising account that will resurrect his reputation and career. Realizing the tantalizing Allegra Wilks is on his flight, Jett envisions a week filled with business and pleasure. But Jett doesn’t know Allegra’s fighting for the same account, or that there’s more at stake than his heart.

Links: AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iTUNES

Excerpt

“You should do that more often,” he said, reaching out to trace her bottom lip with his fingertip. “You’re beautiful, but when you smile? Wow.”

Uncomfortable with his overt compliments, Allegra sat there and let a guy she’d just met touch her lips with a slow, sensual caress. His fingertip traced her bottom lip in a butterfly-soft sweep that left her breathless.

Their eyes locked as he lowered his hand, and what she saw made her wish she could ditch Palm Bay and travel to Australia.

Blatant lust. Strong. Sexy. Seductive. His eyes deepened to an incredible green that matched a favorite jade pendant she wore often. He wanted her, and in this crazy moment, the feeling was entirely mutual.

He raised his beer to his lips and took a long swig, his heat-filled stare never leaving hers.

Damn, she had no idea what to do in this situation. Make a joke to diffuse the tension? Acknowledge it? Flirt?

She hated feeling out of control, had instigated steps her entire life to avoid it. Yet in a loaded thirty seconds, Jett had made her damp with just one look and made her flounder.

“Is the blatant charm an Aussie thing or is it just you?”

Thankfully, he blinked, and broke the scorching stare that made her want to grab a napkin off the bar and fan herself. “It’s me.” He leaned in close. “Time you fessed up.”

Yikes. Was her reaction to him that easy to read?

“To what?”

His lips almost brushed her ear. “You’re battling an incredible urge to drag me into the nearest janitor’s closet and ravish me.”

She laughed at his outrageousness. “Sorry. I don’t do sex in cleaning closets. Too many hazardous chemicals.”

“Yeah, those pheromones can be killer.”

She loved his quick wit and for the second time in as many minutes, wished she’d met him at a different place, different time.

“Pity.” He reverted to a smoldering stare that had her wishing she’d ordered a vodka shot chaser. “Sex in confined spaces can be fun.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Heat crept into her cheeks and she signaled the waiter for a glass of water. To douse herself with.

“Not the answer I was hoping for,” he said, shifting his barstool closer so their thighs brushed. “Would’ve been better if you’d said, ‘Sounds good, Jett, let’s go try.’”

She cleared her throat and gratefully accepted the water from the waiter, drinking it all and wishing she could run the cool beaded exterior across her forehead. “How did we get onto this crazy topic?”

“Started with you wanting to ravish me.” He clinked his beer bottle to her empty glass. “Seriously. There’s no need to hold back. I can take whatever you want to dish out.”

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Review: Colton by Blood - Melissa Cutler

Rising romantic suspense star Melissa Cutler reveals more secrets from the Coltons of Wyoming.

An unsolved murder haunts those who live and work at Dead River Ranch. When called to care for the ailing Colton patriarch, Dr. Levi Colton must face the father who never claimed him. He's not looking for distraction, but he finds it in Kate McCord, the irresistible pastry chef. Beneath her sweet smile are scars from her own tragedy and a determination for justice.

As a wildfire forces them together with an unknown killer, Levi and Kate must confront an attraction that flares hotter than flames. They edge closer to the truth, discovering that the secret that links their pasts could lead them straight into the killer's trap.

This is the second book in The Coltons of Wyoming miniseries.
Series Order:

  1. The Colton Ransom by Marie Ferrarella
  2. Colton by Blood by Melissa Cutler
  3. The Missing Colton by Loreth Ann White
  4. The Colton Bride by Carla Cassidy
  5. The Colton Heir by Colleen Thompson
  6. Colton Christmas Rescue by Beth Cornelison

Note: Book was provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Review

I'm going to come clean right off the bat and admit this is my first "Cowboy" romance book I've read. I have family who are about as country as they come, but my family don't own a ranch and ride horses. They all drive trucks, say "ya'll" and have dogs for pets, but they have all had their challenges with living in the south (Texas) and issues with work like the rest of us. I am glad I could review Colton by Blood as the Colton family is a refreshing take on the typical "country/cowboy" views of them.

Levi Colton was doing everything he could to avoid the family that shunned him and his mother. Even now, after several years have passed since his mom died he loathes the man who let his mother wither away in bitter hurt. When his half-sisters beg and plead for him to come help care for their dying father, Jethro, he really wanted nothing to do with Jethro, but his Doctor side has him on the road from Levine to the country-side sprawling estate the Colton's live in along with the family help.

Poor Kate McCord is afraid of the dark and with the crazy Texas winds knocking out power it leaves her stuck in place only to drop the tray with the treat she was heading to give Jethro Colton. What she doesn't realize is what happens when you are late giving a person with a sweet-tooth the size of Texas their evening treat. And boy does she get reamed out by Jethro when she arrives late with his evening sweet... What she doesn't realize is that Levi is standing right outside the door...listening and waiting for the perfect moment to enter Jethro's living quarters.

Enter Levi and we almost can feel the sparks between him and Kate. But what snags him is the sweet left for Jethro, and boy is it moan-worthy good! As the plot builds and things start happening at the ranch, we see both Kate and Levi struggling with their feelings for each other. Levi thinks that being a Colton is a curse and that he has been trying to prove he is nothing like the man Jethro is notorious for being - cold and uncaring. What he finds out is that there is pride and bone deep roots to all Colton's which are GOOD traits, which he does have.

Kate has a history which any woman would not wish upon their worse enemy. Trying to put back together the semblances of her life and go back to doing what she loved has proven difficult. we get to learn about what drives her and about the ghosts of her past. She believes love is an ill-fated thing for her and to love again would only cause more hurt,and pain, both of which she knows would only cause her to become more depressed and shutdown from the outside world. Her one friend and confidante at the Ranch was murdered and Kate has taken it upon herself to help find the killer, but what she doesn't realize is this puts her in danger. At the same time trouble is still brewing on the ranch as it seems one of the servers has a hidden agenda to get her way into good graces with the Colton's and get a cut of their country fortune. Her greed unfortunately get her killed, leaving all wondering who the killer is??

Levi has an instinct when it comes to Kate and when the raging wildfire gets to the borders of the Colton's estate everyone get to work saving and moving the cattle and horses to safety. When Kate isn't seem or heard from in several hours Levi can't help shake the feeling something is wrong. He soon comes to find out that someone on the ranch is out to hurt her, and his protective side goes into overdrive. They soon learn that their paths are more intertwined then they EVER knew! This drives a large wedge into their growing relationship and they are both left reeling from the hurt of ghosts of the past. This drives Kate away right into the killers path again! The best part is the ending and how things played out...so NO spoilers here. Believe me it's an ending that will resolve a lot of things for both Levi and Kate.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Cover Reveal - Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye

Laura Kaye's Website

Avon is proud to announce the publication of Laura Kaye’s second book in her hot Hard Ink series, HARD AS YOU CAN (On Sale: February 25, 2014).

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can-and never let go.

The big Reveal...

ZOMG...isn't it drool worthy!!!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Ella's Turnung WHAT Blog Hop

Its Ella Jade's birthday. What better way to celebrate than to share the joy with others. Ella has asked us to share a birthdaystory of our own.

My Birthday Immortalized

A couple years ago when I hit 30 my girlfriends and I decided to paint the town Red and go out for the night. We went out to dinner and then to our local dualing piano bar ( If you've never been you REALLY need to go... They are so much fun!!) Well, my friends thought to try and get me drunk and up on stage with a pianist. I wasn't drunk, but the couple drinks I had certainly did shed my introverted personality.  Soon enough my name was called and I was ceremoniously pushed to the stage and sitting on the lid of a beat up baby grand piano. Now, I don't know the name of the "true" song their pianist, Steve, was singing, but I can tell you it was DIRTY AS SIN! I was laughing so hard every time he would sing "Sara Blow Me!!" by the end I was crying from laughing so much!

It was later that night I found out my close friend had had her digital camera pointed at me the WHOLE time I was on stage. She wasn't taking pictures... Worse - Video! Luckily she didn't post it to YouTube. That is still a fun memory I have from Birthdays past.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Ella has  nice peize of a $100 Gift Card for either Amazon or B &N on the blog hop. See the below link to hef blog for entry in her drawing.

My gift on this hop will be an eBook set of Laura Kaye's Heroes books -  Her Forbiddeb Hero and One Night with a Hero.

To be entered please comment with a birthday wish for Ella and include your E-mail address. Entries without e-mails are not considered for my giveaway. Don't forget to stop by the other participants blogs to see what other goodies are up for grabs!

Ella's blog hop list... CLICK HERE

Thanks for stopping in and have a great weekend!

~Sara (AKA Poison)

Monday, July 8, 2013

Susannah Scott - Dragon Hunt #6

Thank you to Picked by Poison for inviting me over today!

I am celebrating the release of my fun, paranormal romance, LUCK OF THE DRAGON, and detailing the true story of how I went off-track in my hunt through the remote Ozark Hills for an eight-foot tall metal dragon sculpture.

I’m touching on the age-old question today: what constitutes art?

In my last serial blog post, my husband and I had encountered what we judged to be both amazing art, and the down-right profane…

* * * * *

“I love the dragons,” I rubbed the elegant line, where the wing of the metal sculpture branched from the creature’s powerful chest. “But the other stuff, is just awful.”

“Yep.” My husband agreed.

Now, I feel I should defend our judgment of “art” here. We are not small-minded, culturally-depraved hillbillies. We’ve been around a bit. But, trust me when I say, except for the amazing dragons, the yard sculptures really were misogynistic, crassly sexual, and just plain icky.

Take for example the shudder-worthy monstrosity behind my husband. “She” was cast nude with Medusa hair and forward grasping arms. Barbed wire criss-crossed her mutilated breasts, and between her legs, her vulva was painted bright red and over-sized, so that it swelled outward. The lips were pierced through with a pitch-fork.

See what I mean? It’s difficult to capture that much loathing in iron.

My head buzzed. What had been a muted-out sense of apprehension grew to a strong urge to flee. Artist Bob emerged from the house with a more alert swagger and used car salesman look on his face. He all but rubbed his hands together in glee as he approached us, but he couldn’t of course, because he carried his topped-off alcoholic coffee on the bulge of his belly.

“What do you think about my ex-wife here?” Bob gestured to Medusa.

“Your ex-wife?” I asked.

“Well I guess technically she is one of my ex-wives. I’ve had five, but “her” I married twice. Stupid. Both times. She sent her father after me, sayin’ I abused her or something… You’d think a pastor woulda seen through her, but I guess she was his kid and all. That’s why I used the pitch fork. It is supposed to show religious zeal.”

Honestly, I was too shocked to comment. The information he had just spewed shouldn’t have been surprising, but it was. “The dragons are amazing.” I managed.

He frowned, drank deeply, and looked pensive. “You like how I grouped them? I put then chain on their necks and the knight holding them down.”

Silly man, you can’t hold a dragon with a chain, my muse whispered in my brain. I pointed to my favorite. “I especially love this one.”

Again, Bob frowned. “You can’t afford these. Let me show you what I have in my garage.”

Alarm bells went off in my head. Enclosed spaces, even with my husband at my back seemed risky…

* * * * *

So, what defines art for you?

I’ll give it a stab. For me it is a sensory judgment—how a piece makes me feel—the zing of singing celestial angels. In whatever form: word, music, paint, sculpted iron... Give me your thoughts on art. Thank you for following my release tour.

All my best,
Susannah Scott

P.S. You can check my website (link below), for the next stop on my blog tour, wherein I will continue my tale, and give out excerpts from my upcoming release, LUCK OF THE DRAGON.

Luck of the Dragon
by Susannah Scott
Entangled Publishing

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 2013
Imprint: Covet

Luciana de Luca has a PhD in sass and gemology—and a problem. Her twin brother’s gambling debts have gotten out of hand, and a mob enforcer is blackmailing her to rob the latest, greatest mega-casino on the Strip. Although Lucy has worked her whole life to get away from her family’s grifter past, to save her brother, she dons three-inch heels and a sluts-r-us dress and struts into Alec’s Gerald’s casino, determined to put her long-forgotten thieving ways to the test again.

 

Alec Gerald, a shape-shifting dragon, has built the Crown Jewel casino to provide sanctuary for his people amongst the flash and awe of Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the sexy little thief trying to rob his gem exhibit turns out to be his mate, and he must woo her before he loses his dragon form forever. With enemies in every corner, and the all-important mating ceremony looming, Alec and Lucy must learn to trust each other, before time runs out for Alec and the rest of the dragons.

 

where to Buy Luck of the Dragon

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

About Susannah Scott

Susannah Scott lives in the Missouri Ozarks and is the lone female in a very loud household of males ranging in age from 4 to 40. While she jokes that the extreme levels of testosterone inspired her to write romance, it is really the love of creating an excellent story, and the occasional dreams of twenty-foot dragons, that wake her and send her to the laptop before the chaos of daily life ensues. Susannah loves to hear from her readers. Please visit her website or follow her as Susannah Scott on Facebook and on Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal - Laura Kaye's Forever Freed

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient guilt and grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear--talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and tempting the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can...

NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE OF 2011
NJRW GOLDEN LEAF FINALIST FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2011
GDRWA BOOKSELLERS' BEST CONTEST FINALIST FOR BEST PARANORMAL 2012
GDRWA BOOKSELLERS' BEST CONTEST FINALIST FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Paperback | B&N (coming soon) | Kobo | Other stores to follow!

Excerpt (Warning: ADULT content!!)

The bedroom door had barely clicked behind me when Samantha grabbed and shoved me toward the bed. I fell backward, and she was on top of me, clawing at my clothes and ripping off her own. Whatever had been going on with her all day was now clearly finding a release.

“Sam?”

She kissed me roughly and shoved her tongue into my mouth. I groaned and pushed her back. Though we french kissed all the time, I generally kept her out of my mouth.

“Sam?”

Finally, she stilled. With her hands braced on my shoulders, her eyes burned down into mine. Her anger squeezed my chest. Her voice was strained. “Lucien, we’ll talk later. I promise. But right now I want you, and I need you. And I need you to know it, feel it.” Her words clarified little, but I nodded.

She unleashed herself on me, kissing and licking and roughly nipping at my upper body all while maintaining eye contact. I thrust my hips into her when she lingered over my Blood Mark. I finally had to grab her hair and tug her attention away from it.

With a groan, she reached a hand down between her legs and worked herself as she devoured me. When I realized what she was doing, I moaned and gripped her shoulders and rolled on top of her.

I grabbed her hand and pulled it to my mouth, then noisily sucked on her wet fingers. I groaned at the sweet nectar of her arousal.

“You see what you do to me, Lucien? What only you do to me?” she rasped. “Take me, Lucien. I’m yours,” she offered as she planted her feet flat on the mattress and pushed herself up forcefully against my erection.

Her aggression spurred mine, and I grunted. “You want me?” I asked as I ground myself against her wetness. She ran a hand over the bedspread and found the packet she’d apparently laid out earlier. She slid herself against me as she opened it and then rolled on the condom. “God, yes,” she whimpered.

I plunged forward and filled her in one hard stroke. She screamed and wrapped herself around me. Hard breaths and grunts and strained curses in two languages filled the room as we battled through Samantha’s emotions with our bodies. She kissed me roughly and dug her nails into my flesh. The physical pain mingled with her radiating pleasure to coax what I was sure was going to be one of the most intense orgasms I’d ever experienced.

She came in a frenzy of screams and muscle contractions. And then bit against the taut skin at the base of my neck. Hard.

My fangs and release shot out at the same time. I growled and in a blur turned my head in search of my biceps. I missed the tender skin of her shoulder by a hair as the urge to bite down became irresistible.

Finally, I willed my fangs to retract and licked at the wound I’d made on my arm, then slid down a little and laid my head on her heaving breasts.

“I love you,” I whispered breathlessly.

She hugged my shoulders and combed her fingers through my hair. “I love you, too.” We lay together, panting, for a long time. “Lucien?” I lifted my head off her chest to look at her. “I’m ready to talk now.”

About Laura Kaye

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Monday, June 17, 2013

Cover Reveal: East of Ecstasy - Laura Kaye

TAKEN BY THE VAMPIRE KING
A Story of the Vampire Warrior Kings
Earlier Books in Series:
In the Service of the King
Seduced by the Vampire King

Henrik Magnusson is supposed to be immortal, but a mysterious ailment leaves the vampire king near death, and not even the blood of the Proffered, human virgins trained to serve the elite, can sustain him. Then he rescues a beautiful young woman from his enemies, and is filled with blood lust and desire he hasn't felt for centuries.

Photographer Kaira Sorenson's life takes a nightmare turn when she's attacked by blood-thirsty creatures—and saved by a vampire. She should be afraid of Henrik, but she can't deny her intense attraction to this regal, enigmatic being—nor the fact that her blood may be his only salvation. Now she must decide if she's willing to be his forever…

Releases August 1, 2013

Where You Can Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

Henrik's back slammed against a brick wall, the darkness of the narrow alley sheltering their trio from the tourists thronging Tromsø's streets.

Lars stood at the entrance, making sure no one developed an unhealthy curiosity.

Jakob got right up in Henrik's face, forearm pressing into the king’s chest. "What happened?"

He shook his head, swallowing thickly, his hunger burning so intensely it was almost a living thing within him. “Wanted her,” he rasped. It hadn't been a decision. There wasn't anything rational or conscious about it. From the first moment she’d approached him, he was awash in her appealing scent, like the smoky berries of a vintage wine or the rich bite of an aged, dignified whiskey.

“Wanted her how?”

“I wanted her.” He knocked his head against the brick. Even now, he couldn't shake the image of the vein’s rhythmic dance along her slender neck or of the luscious dip of her cleavage, both displayed so invitingly by her upswept hair. His fangs throbbed with a want and a need he couldn't remember feeling in ages. Not to mention the aching hard-on between his legs.

“Straight out no-shit bloodlust?” Something like hope sounded in the warrior’s deep voice.

“Ja.” Henrik heaved a deep breath of cold January air as his imagination unhelpfully replayed how it would've gone down. Tearing the gown from her trim body. Holding her curves in his hands. Bearing her up against the wall. Sinking his fangs and his cock in deep until every dark, needy part of him was sated.

“I’ll get her.” Jakob turned away.

The king slammed his hand down on his brother’s shoulder and gripped hard. “Nei.”

“You want her. You need her.”

“I’ll kill her.”

Because he wouldn't be able to stop.

Once he got a taste, something base and instinctual told him he wouldn't be able to make himself stop. He’d been so close to the edge of his restraint in the gallery. Only the sound of her voice had pulled him back from the brink.

All he’d wanted was a night out of their mountain citadel, away from the looming promise of death. He thought the jovial atmosphere of the festival would distract him from all that was to come. Instead, it had thrown it right in his face. Christ, he was a catastrophe waiting to happen, already more beast than man. He shook his head again. “I’ll fucking kill her,” he rasped.

“You won’t.”

Acid washed through his gut. “You willing to risk an innocent woman’s life—or her soul—to see which of us is right? I’m not.” He shuddered, the danger of becoming like his evil enemies one of his greatest fears. “Leave her be. I’ll not have it any other way.”

About Laura Kaye

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Where to find Laura

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Review: The Fallen Prince (Keepers of LIfe #2) by Shea Berkley

There is a magical realm that exists alongside the human realm, but it wasn’t always so. The firsts are beings who were created to nurture the land. The world was split into two realms, and the firsts were allowed to redeem themselves. Sadly, the majority continued with their self-indulgent behavior to the point where one of their own, a king, became so obsessed with power, he was secretly banished by the court in hopes his absence would calm the masses. But a spark of madness was ignited and not even the lost king's absence could curtail what he set in motion.

Note: Book was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review

This book takes off shortly after the end of the first book, The Marked Son. Dylan and Kera are in the human realm, avoiding returning to Teag as many don't want Dylan to return. Lately, Kera has been acting strange and suddenly run off leaving Dylan wondering whats wrong. His connection with Kera usually allows them to know how the other is feeling, but lately its been weaker. One afternoon, she does just that, but Dylan chases after her, but has lost her in the woods while he begins to get "hot under the collar" and the next thing he knows he's a walking torch. He's a danger to everyone if he can't control his anger which seems to make the new power grow and show itself. His dreams are haunted by a man he knows all too well to him, but unsure of his true intentions. He is left with a mind full of "what ifs" and thinking things aren't what they seem.

If that isn't bad enough a giant pink spiky worm/snake pops out of the ground... Things are going from bad to worse ans they realize the creature is armor plated and human weapons can't get past it's armor. Good thing for Dylan and his new power, the creature has already had a hold of his grandfather, but when it goes for his Grandpa that sets Dylan off. He holds his sword in hand, and it erupts in flames and he lunges for the tongue reaching out slicing it off. This only makes it MAD and Dylan and Kera work hard to get rid of this creature form Teag. This sets everything else into motion.

Kera ends up visiting to Teag only to find thing are not as they should be. Some of her friends believe she has abandoned her people and that they aren't any better off than before. There is an evil loose that is reeking havoc all over, and with a new leader, who is turning their world to ashes. Her friends show her whats going on when shrill cries send them running into a scene straight out of a human horror movie. They help save the people, but the danger isn't fully gone. This evil is hungry and it seeks to take over. They fend them off with the help of Kera's new magic. She reluctantly returns to the human world to try and iron things over.

More creatures are coming into the human world, causing havoc, one was sent after and captures Kera sending her back into Teag, but not into a good part. As she learns where she has been sent and tries to find shelter she's lured into a deadly trap. Lulled into a false sense of security and snared by a dark creature in The Unknown. She succumbs to a dream where she is visited by the same man haunting Dylan, he offers to help her, but her dreams grow darker in nature and she realizes the horror of what is truly happening.

Everyone mist fight to save both the human and magic realms before the evil leeches out and ruins both worlds, but can Dylan learn to use his powers and accept his birthright as the ruler of Teag, save Kera and restore peace or will this new enemy be more powerful then Dylan and send Teag and eventually the human world into darkness? You have got to read this adventure to find out!!

I have been anticipating The Fallen Prince for a LONG time, ever since Shea published The Marked Son I knew things were only ramping up. Dylan and Kera together have to harness new, untamed dark powers, stronger then any they've faced yet. Along they way the encounter new dangers, new allies and an unforeseen evils being let loose. Shea builds up the adventure again with more creatures, more mysteries and more danger. The fallen Prince doesn't disappoint in this continuation! I gladly give this story 5 stars for getting me hooked again and I'm (again) anxiously awaiting the third story, The Bastard King.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Review: Tempted Into Danger by Melissa Cutler

When a simple mission to deliver the beautiful and brilliant Vanessa Crosby to a safe house goes horribly wrong, ICE agent Diego Santero’s life gets complicated. Keeping the anti-crime analyst safe from the notorious mercenaries after her program will put everything he’s worked for at risk.

Relentlessly hunted and not knowing whom to trust, Diego takes Vanessa on the run, deep into the heart of the deadly Panamanian rainforest. Vanessa reminds herself that she’s just another asset to the ruggedly handsome black ops agent…until their intense situation leads to a release of passion neither expected. But even if they make it out alive, how can they ever have a future together?

Note: Book was provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Diego Santero is beginning to think his job in Black OPS is just to be a chauffeur for people who are on a bad guys "to kill" list. When asked to go and pick up and deliver "the asset" to Panamanian authorities Diego is ready to go AWOL...until he sees the photo of their "asset" Vanessa Crosby. Cute, but wait whats this...a Brainiac??? Now that's hard to top.

Vanessa never dreamed her normal life would end up with her being whisked away from her home and safety, until her apartment is blown up right before her eyes. The question begs itself...Why? When she learns the algorithm she created for fun as a challenge is being sought by the Feds and by the Chaira brothers, notorious for MANY crimes in Panama. She has no choice if she wants to live. What she didn't count on was getting stuck in the jungle with Diego.

After her apartment was destroyed Vanessa is sent to the "safe house" secondary location, but when they arrive and the safe house is already under attack, the ICE team scatters in effort of thwart the Chiara brothers and they band of bad guys. Diego and Vanessa flea into the Panamanian jungle on foot after the vehicle they were driving is gunned down and turned to scrap. With nothing on her but her work clothes and the flash drive with the algorithm they run, but they are far from safe until they can reach Diego's "Leroy" - a place for safety when EVERYTHING goes wrong. Diego and Vanessa face a lot more before they are able to regroup with Diego's team - a venomous snake, jungle natives, choppers and even the Chiara brothers and their gang.

While all this is happening and Diego is spending time with Vanessa love is growing. Vanessa is scared that she'll never be able to return to some sense of normalcy, while Diego fears that even if he lets his guard down that she'd never have the life she deserves with him. They fight the attraction until they test the waters and see it may be worth the risk, but getting back to the ICE offices is not going to be easy. They just about have things well in hand when things go from on track to out of control in a matter of a few minutes when the tables are turned. What happens is too good to reveal. To find out if Diego and Vanessa get their HEA you have to read this new Book in her ICE: Black Ops Defenders series from Harlequin Romantic Suspense!

Melissa was a new to me author I met thanks to another author. I read teaser after teaser and it only got me hooked! I loved how we meet hard edged Diego and his team. Each using a code word for a nickname. We get to meet all of them and get s small glimpse of each as we see them group and work together seamlessly. I loved watching the romance bloom and each facing an uncertain future. Diego is a soldier to the core, but seeing him reveal a little about his family makes him more soft and relate-able. Vanessa on the other hand is far from home being in Panama and doing what she loves....Analyzing numbers. Bet she didn't see this adventure coming? But that's why we have authors like Melissa who can make a story believable and full off shock and romance. I loved Diego and Vanessa's story and the big shocker at the end threw me for a loop! As Melissa said, if you can pull of both then you've done your job well. She has done that in spades! Thanks Melissa I can't wait for more of Diego and his team to "drop in" on the next novel!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Review: The Cat's Meow by Stacey Kennedy

When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby, an enchantress, is determined to discover who is behind the odd deaths. But being a witch gifted by the Goddess won’t protect her from the talented warlock the Coven sends to assist her. Kale weaves a spell more powerful than any she’s ever seen–and he’s sexy as sin. But why he’s even needed for such a simple mission is beyond her.

While having some muscle around can’t hurt her investigation, fighting her growing attraction for Kale is worse than a hex, especially considering she knows he—and their Coven—are hiding something from her. When she turns up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats, though, the elusive warlock isn't the her only concern. She now has a political rebellion on her hands, too. And when the truth about who she really is begins to surface, the only person Libby can trust is herself.

Note: Book was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Libby is her coven's one enchantress. When she is sent to investigate some feline slayings and her friend senses evil, things go form bad to downright catty when Kale shows up to "assist" in her investigation. He watches as Libby sends the cats soul on to put it to rest. Watching her work is nothing compared to what he believes she holds in power. However, he continues to assist in her investigation, but when she starts asking why he is there for something as simple as mysterious feline murders she begins to wonder if her own coven thinks she's weak an looking for a reason to send her away.

Kale is intrigued by Libby's ability to channel the Goddess and her powers, but knowing whats really going on he's got to find out if she can really handle what it takes. When they begin to discover that things are far more grave then they thought, Libby is torn between believing Kale and letting him help or trusting her instincts and knowing that Kale may be hiding the truth about who he is and why he's there. As more then cat's begin to turn up dead they must face that the situation is beyond their control and tell the Coven that trouble is brewing in a BIG way.

Libby still doesn't trust Kale, but when she talks to her own mother, an elder, she finds that even her mother's lips are locked! Libby knows that things are bad if even her own mother can't tell her things...and that only one reason can keep them like that. Libby starts putting two and two together and holy hex! If she would have been keeping up with the priests and priestess in the Alchemy and reporting in as she was told, she would have known!

Kale tries to keep her at arm's length, but his attraction for her still shows through, and trying to keep his hands off her proves difficult, but when Libby taps into her powers and meets with a Ghost, Kale is there and boy can he distract her from her job! But they come to find out that Libby's past is coming back to haunt her in the form of her ex-boyfriend...Byron, who is up to no good. He is trying to hide, but with some canine help and the Goddess they track him down and come to find out that things are happening much more rapidly then they thought. Unfortunately Libby's conflicted feelings for him get in the way and Kale is forced to let him go... but not before they find out the Alchemy is up to BIG trouble and the death's of warlocks in the coven indicate it's for their power.

Kale believes he knows how to unlock her true power, but can Libby handle the responsibility and learn what she needs to fight the Alchemy? Kale and Libby find themselves right in the middle during Beltane - the one period when Kale's warlock powers are unleashed and his secret is revealed that Libby find she has to trust the Goddess and the feelings her powers give her. With battle ensuing Libby finds the Goddess is guiding her and she must go beyond her comfort zone if she is to stop the Alchemy. It goes against everything she was taught, but she knows it will alter her future. IF you want to find out what happens you have got to read the book!

Stacey is still a master at romantic tension as it mounts throughout the story. Between Libby trying to find out Kale's secrets, her growing attraction to the warlock, and not getting in over her head and then Kale trying to keep up his facade, his interest in her and helping her realize her potential things get steamy! I about died laughing in Libby's dream scene wit the snarky remarks from the Ghost and everything else going on there too. Her climactic scene was superbly written and the execution was flawless. Libby is smart, cunning and strong in the face of danger once she let's her feelings ring true. Kale is dark and brooding in his own rights and finally showing his strength and power is a scene I visualized and marveled at immensely. When all is said and done they are a perfect pair and compliment each other nicely. A great start to a be-witching tale sure to get you hooked on warlocks and witches again.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Review: South of Surrender by Laura Kaye

Review

So far of all the Hearts of the Anemoi series books this one has me speechless! Laura continues the battle of the Greek Gods with a story that will leave you aching for more, crying at all the right moments and smiling at the joyous ones.There is SOOOO much to this story that it makes it difficult to do it without major spoilers. However, this story truly deserves it as you need to experience for yourselves the epic continuation of the looming battle of the Anemoi gods, the women they love and the one god out to ruin it all.

As the synopsis states, Chrys is out to save his brother of the East, Eurus, from his fate of death, believing he is redeemable. But when things get heated between them Chris ends up in his animal form plummeting from the sky right into the stable of Laney's horse farm. When the storm hits and Laney is truly in the dark without power she is reluctant to leave her home until the panicked cry from her horses demands she venture out into the dangerous storm. When she finds is beyond comprehension, but quickly it fleas as she realizes the creature is badly injured. She wastes no time in tending to his wounds and keeping him warm, even if she isn't believing what her hands are telling her.

When Chrys realizes that someone is caring for him, and that she's seen his animal form it makes him want to flea, but when he realizes that Laney can't see it has him all the more curious about her. He also realizes that she too is injured and needs help. Knowing HE caused her to get hurt, well that makes him feel even worse. It makes him realize just how dangerous being around her can be, even when his heart is screaming at him to stay and protect her.

Laney's helper, takes her to get help while Chrys tries to confront Eurus. However, in his absence a strange woman comes looking for Chrys and this woman has Laney on edge, she gives off strange vibes and frightens Laney and her dog. Laney is left to rely on her friend to care for her horses while Chrys finds out things are only getting worse. His father is nowhere to be found, the other gods are getting impatient that Chrys has let things go on as long as they have and that it is already to late to keep Laney from danger she is already involved in.

As Chrys begins to fall as hard for Laney as she has already for him, Chrys does everything he can to keep her safe, including asking another Greek god for help. What he gets is more then he bargained for. As everything comes crashing down on the Anemoi they spring into action to protect the women they love and their families. The story ends on a HUGE cliffhanger you have got to read!

Laura takes us to the next level in South of Surrender. We get the romance between Laney and Chrys and we also get into the battle of the Anemoi. I did not want to put this book down. In her usual fashion Laura gets you hooked from the beginning. I was completely absorbed in the world of the Anemoi and the heartbreak, wonder and the fights! I cried at the moments I didn't see coming and I rejoiced at seeing Chrys and Laney get a HEA that was beyond what I saw coming. A full 5 star for this gut wrenching, heart stopping, and smile through the tears story!!

Where to Buy South of Surrender

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Add to your Goodreads Shelf!

About Laura Kaye

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

South of Surrender RELEASE Day BLITZ Giveaway!!!

I am thrilled to welcome Chrysander Notos and Laney Summerlyn to the world today! Chrys is the hero of South of Surrender, the third book in my Greek-mythology inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series. The Anemoi were wind gods the Greeks associated with controlling the wind, the weather, and the seasons, and as the summer god, Chrys is the hottest of them all! Laney is Chrys’s nearly blind love interest who sees him more than anyone else ever has. Together, they are pure sweet, sensual, sexy win! Need more proof? Check out this sweet, sensual excerpt from when they’re traveling in elemental form and the giveaway that follows!

They went up into the sky, and though the rain and wind were all around them, were them, it was just as Chrys had said.

The wind didn’t buffet her, because she was the wind. The rain didn’t batter her, because she was the rain. The thunder and lightning didn’t scare her, because she knew exactly when they’d occur. A tremendous thrill roared through her. That she got to experience this, that he’d made her see the beauty in something that had long terrified her, that he’d shared it with her at all.

This is amazing, Chrys, being a part of this, being a part of something bigger than yourself. Thank you for bringing me with you tonight. Thank you for…getting involved. Even if he’d only done it out of obligation or duty, this moment, this night, this whole time since she’d first laid eyes on him was something to be cherished forever.

Warmth surrounded her, like he was hugging her. Words came to her, in that odd language she’d sometimes heard him speak, but not in the way they normally communicated. It was like the words were on the wind. Something about the sound of them flooded longing through her being. And heat.

Overwhelmed with everything she was feeling, everything she’d experienced this night, Laney didn’t speak again. Instead, she just soaked in every bit of the splendor of the nighttime world. After all, this was the world she’d been without the longest. Her night vision had been the first to go. Normally, she was completely blind in the dark. Now, she could see that the night wasn’t black, but was painted with a palette of blues and greys and purples that possessed its own beauty.

And Chrys had made it all possible.

Win 1 of 5 $50 gift cards to winners’ choice of Amazon/B&N/iTunes!

HOW TO ENTER?

Did you have a favorite line from the excerpt? Comment with your email address to enter to win! Open to international! Giveaway runs for one day and ends at midnight PST on May 28!

Visit more participating Blitz Day sites for more excerpts and more ways to win! And look out for the South of Surrender Blog Tour to start next week with more excerpts and giveaways! Check out the awesome early reviews coming in for the book, too!

Thanks for reading!
~Laura

South of Surrender:

She's the only one who can see through his golden boy façade to the broken god within...

Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is on a mission: save Eurus from his death sentence and prove his troubled brother can be redeemed. But Eurus fights back, triggering vicious storms that threaten the mortal realm and dangerously drain Chrys.

Laney Summerlyn refuses to give up her grandfather's horse farm, despite her deteriorating vision. More than ever, she needs the organized routine of her life at Summerlyn Stables, until a ferocious storm brings an impossible—and beautiful—creature crashing down from the heavens.

Injured while fighting Eurus, Chrys finds himself at the mercy of a mortal woman whose compassion and acceptance he can't resist. As they surrender to the passion flaring between them, immortal enemies close in, forcing Chrys to choose between his brother and the only woman who's ever loved the real him.

Where to Buy South of Surrender

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Add to your Goodreads Shelf!

About Laura Kaye

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

Friday, May 24, 2013

Cover Reveal - Avoiding Mr. Right by CJ Ellisson

Cover Reveal

Avoiding Mr. Right
Walk on the Wild Side #2
by CJ Ellisson

Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of:

  1. Casual Sex
  2. Friends with Benefits
  3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her.

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It'll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla's sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate.

Release date is set for June 20th. Below is a link to add to your GR TBR list!

Link to GoodReads

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Cover Reveal - The Rising King By Shea Berkley

Cover Reveal

The Rising King
(Keepers of Life, #3)
by Shea Berkley

The summer before Dylan Kennedy’s senior year in high school is turning out to be anything but boring. Ridiculously hot girlfriend? Check. Killing evil Dark Souls who suddenly have aspirations of taking over the magical realm of Teag because its protective spell is gone? Check.

Not even Teag’s King, Dylan’s father, Baun, can stop them. People are dying, and a dark magic that his girlfriend, Kera, received from Baun is growing stronger. Dylan wants to believe Kera is suppressing the darkness that’s in her, but every day he sees that control slip just a little more.

Baun sends Dylan to find a powerful magic that stop the Dark Souls, a magic so strong that Baun hid it so no one else could use it. What Dylan doesn’t expect to find along with it, are consequences that could end the lives of those closest to him.

Excerpt

I ease my hand into Kera’s and lace our fingers together, bringing her deep violet eyes onto me. They sweep over my face, and the edges of her full lips curve upward as if she’s fighting a smile. She sets aside the book and leans close bringing the scent of summer with her. “You scared me to death.”

I love it when she worries about me. When it comes to my life, someone caring enough to worry is sort of a new thing. “You do that all the time to me.” I tug her hand and bring her closer so I can snag a quick kiss. Kera pushes away, but I don’t let go. The look she throws me is serious. “I’m not kidding, Dylan. You have to be more wary, especially when it comes to creatures like the millispits.”

“I didn't die.” It’s a reminder that’s kind of obvious.

“Because I saved you.”

“What’s that make? Two for me and one for you?”

She leans back, testing the limits of our reach. “Are you keeping score?”

“No…” I hate getting caught like that, and slowly pull her back toward me, “…it just sounds like I am, but I’m not.” I pull her right off her chair and onto the bed and on top of me. I bury my face in her hair and breathe deeply. No one smells as good as Kera. “Was anyone else hurt?” I ask even as I place little kisses along her jaw.

She stretches her neck back for me. “Leo received a splinter.”

“Ummm,” I say, enjoying the feel of her skin against my lips. “Will he live?”

“To see Lucinda hover over him after we got back, you would not think so. She very clearly said we were not allowed to take him anywhere without her.”

I twist and flip her onto her back until I’m hovering over her. As seriously as I can, I say, “Lucinda’s crazy. You know that, right?”

“I am aware of a few odd peculiarities that make up her personality.” She brushes my hair back and twirls a piece over my ear. “With that said, she does seem to honestly care for Leo.”

“Like an owner does a pet. But for how long?” I ask, more to myself than to her.

“As long as it pleases her to do so, I imagine.”

I’m not in the mood to dwell on Lucinda and what her agenda might be. All I want is to hold Kera. I nibble just below her ear and she giggles. I love the sound of her laughter. I stop and place my forehead to hers. “And how long will you care for me?”

“My heart would be crushed if I were to never see you again. I would die a thousand deaths every day.” Are those actual tears in her eyes? “My heart is crushed every time I see you and I can’t kiss you.” I’ve never said a sappier statement, or a truer one.

She places a sweet kiss on my lips. “That rarely happens.”

I kiss her back, and say against her lips, “Because you crave my kisses.”

She laughs and pushes free. Rolling to her feet, she says with a smile, “Because I like to kiss.”M

“Me,” I say, popping up on my elbows. “You like to kiss me.”

Her smile widens.

I snatch her hand. She’s adopted wearing a wide, tight leather bracelet on her right wrist. It’s etched and embossed with a swirling pattern that is so Kera, I can’t remember when she didn’t wear it. We do a quick, playful game of tug of war before I yank her back. “Tell me you love me.”

She winds her arms around my neck and smothers my face with tiny kisses. “I love you madly.”

Where to Find Shea Berkley

Her Website | Goodreads

The Keepers of LIfe Books

The Marked Son (Keepers of Life #1)

Goodreads | Amazon US | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

The Fallen Prince (Keepers of Life #2)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Review - Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull's-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

Note: Book was provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Nexi Jones has been living life as a human in the human realm her whole life, until one night when her world shifted on it's axis. She's finding it hard to believe that a HUGE wolf is attacking her family, and not only that but it shifted into a man. Trying to battle between what she's seeing and believing, shes even more shocked when Kyden runs in calling her by name and he's wearing only a kilt?? He manages to kill some of the attacking wolves and then whisks her of to the Otherworld to keep her safe.

It's there she meets her real father, and finds out she's not human, but part witch and part guardian. When she was taken into the Otherworld it activated her powers, which were put under lock and key to protect her from having to find out about the Otherworld to begin with. Now all she wants to do is hunt down the were who killed her family. she's gotten in trouble with her father for doing just this, but her determination won't be undermined. After a trip and finding she was hunted, and not her doing the hunting, her father and Kyden decide it's time to train her so she can do whats she's been doing from the start...hunt the were who hurt her family.

Who better to train her then Kyden. This both intrigues and infuriated Nexi as she's not sure what to make of him. Sometimes he can be an arrogant jerk other times he's a sweet guy! His hot-cold attitude just makes her attraction to the guardian stronger and she knows this attraction isn't one sided. As she's training and learning her skills she goes out on missions with Kyden, to find out that the attacks in the human realms aren't miscellaneous...but aimed at Nexi! Add in her soul-sister witch who has truly unique and highly valued power and you have a deadly team.

As she find out who or WHAT is hunting her, she grows in her strength and powers as her witch half comes into play. When things go from bad to absolute worse, she must rely on Kyden to help keep her safe, but what happens next is a turn I didn't see coming. I can't elaborate too much as it would spoil some of the best part of the story, but what I can tell you is this is where Nexi shined as a character! She grew into herself and her role as a potential lover for Kyden, the ultimate guardian to her father, and to the full strength of her witch powers. How she handles her situation is not something for the faint of heart when faced with danger and the unknown, but she does it splendidly, cleverly and with cunning! I loved seeing her in action and doing her worse to make the villain get his sweet revenge for all he's done to her family - both human and otherworld.

A 5 star start to Stacey's new series! Magic & Mayhem is set to be one you'll come to love. Werewolves Be Damned is a excellent first in an intriguing new series sure to please any Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance fan. From the building love to the action Stacey put it all into this new series! So if you love the romance, but crave action then this book is for YOU!

Monday, May 20, 2013

Hellhound By Kaylie Austen - Top 10 List and Review

Today on the Blog I have Kaylie Austen telling about her Top 10 Books of all time. Without forther ado I give you Kaylie's Top 10:

Top 10 List:
My favorite books:

  1. Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. Technically it’s a play, but I’ve been digging Shakespeare since middle school.
  2. Grace Grows by Shelle Sumners. This is a 2012 release that completely took me by surprise. I still think about hunky Tyler.
  3. Enclave by Ann Aguirre. A fast and easy YA post-apocalyptic about zombies who turn out to really be semi-intelligent mutants.
  4. Ours is Just a Little Sorrow by Gwen Hayes. Technically, this is a novella on the longer side. The prose is great and reminiscent of the Victorian era, and I love everything about it from the developing relationships to the romance to the gut-clenching, sort of creepy climax.
  5. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. This is a 2013 sequel to Cinder in the Lunar Chronicles. I’m so impressed with Meyer’s writing, which isn’t simplistic but easy enough to follow. The flow is fabulous and how she integrates so many characters into a multi-threaded storyline but keeps the reader focused and maintains a storyline that we can still follow is mind-blowing.
  6. Play With Me by Piper Shelly. This is a very cute coming of age story about a girl and her first kiss with down-to-earth characters with lots of sparks.
  7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This is a classic with a unique voice and compelling writing style.
  8. The Feast of Roses by Indu Sundaresan. This sequel to The Twentieth Wife takes me to Agra during the imperial rule of India when women quietly obeyed their fathers, then husbands, but the new princess makes a bold move by speaking her mind, shaping decisions through men, and changes the events of a dynasty.
  9. The Walking Drum by Louis L’Amour. A western plus a smidge of romance made this a fast read.
  10. Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker. This is an older book which I read in high school and it stuck with me through the years. It’s an unique perspective of the world through the eyes of a female raptor.

Summary:

Selene is the Hellhound, a powerful and ruthless descendant of the Greek gods. She is bound by tradition and tied by bloodlines to lead her people against the mortals. Although she is arranged to marry Nathanial, she falls for Demetrius, the self-professed Black Angel, and things take a bitter twist. When she stumbles across the corpses of her father and Nathanial, all eyes move in on Demetrius. Selene must take the assignment to hunt down her accused lover. Facing the untrustworthy cerebral chamber, powerful shape-shifting sentinels, superhuman archers, and a deceitful Council, the Hellhound must work quickly to uncover the truth before she is forced to annihilate her lover.

Review

I have to admit this story was very action packed. Almost too much at times with the myriad of characters you briefly meet. This story focuses on Selene and Demetrius.

Selene is the only child and daughter of a pair of clan Elders. She is destined to take her father's place on the Council once he dies. She has been bethroved to Nathanial, the son of another Elder and council member. Set to ascend and become a great Elder Selene isn't so thrilled with the way of life the current council has the clansmen living.. One night she meets a hunter, Demetrius who challenges her to leave the domicile - the "apartment living" she calls home. He takes her out into the human realm and she sees the kind of life he lives and beings to understand why he likes it living there. Upon returning her family is upset, but somewhat understanding of her "infatuation" with him and his life. However as she beings to spend more and more time away form the domicile and seeing Demetrius hunt and how her powers are valuable, she begins to want a different life - a life with Demetrius.

Back at the domicile, her family and the other council are beginning to suspect something is going on between them. In order for the clan to trust her they force her to step into the cerebral chamber. A father unpleasant experience where the person gives up their memories to the chamber to preserve the integrity of the clan. But is that all the chamber does? Selene doesn't think so. And she has good reason to believe so. her father is disappointed in her choices, but is wiling to let her become a hunter and she is given the nickname of Hellhound.

When She is called into a "ceremony" and in the mele things begin to happen. Her father was murdered and so was her bethroved, Nathanial. With the memories of her friend and witness, her lover is the murdered. She is forced to hunt Demetrius as her prey. She is torn between believing her lover, who is declaring his innocence and following orders to hunt, capture and bring him in to face the council. She takes on her job and hunts for him, but having been taught by him, finds it to be tough to find him.

In her search for answers, she beings to Ascend, much to her dismay. Having taken in her fathers powers she's begin the transition to Elder. She only finds that her help is non-existent and they only lead to more questions than answers. However questions DO get answered, but at what cost. You'll want to read to find out. The ending leaves one to believe there is more here than meets the eye and that there could be a sequel in the works.

I did like this book, but felt the romance between Selene and Demetrius was a bit YA. They fall in love a bit to fast, and being called lovers seemed out of place. There is a lot of action throughout the book. It fits fairly well into the Paranormal Suspense genre, but I left it lacked some substance with characters. We get to see Selene hunt and figure out the true circumstances of her father and fiancee's death. But there are so many other things I would have liked to have seen fron her, maturing and growth for example. It has enough suspense that it make sone wonder what is next.I give it a rating of 3 stars.

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Love Me Top 100 Kindle Giveaway from Diane Alberts

9781622661404_FC

CONTEST RUNS THROUGH JULY 4th! 

If Love Me gets to the Top 100, Diane is giving away a Kindle (wi-fi) with a customized cover with Tommy’s abs on it! That’s right, not only do you get a Kindle, but you get an AUTOGRAPHED Love Me cover for your Kindle, too! But remember, Diane only gets to give one away if enough people hear about Love Me and buy it so it hits the Top 100!

Enter as much as you want, but unless Love Me hits the Top 100, no one wins the grand prize! Buy, share, and tweet this contest! Let’s reach our goal!

She's planning a celebration already! She's going to be giving away a Kindle with Wi-fi (Est. Value $69) AND an autographed, custom Love Me cover (Est. Value approximately $30) if Love Me hits the Top 100 on either site!

Already have an e-Reader? She’ll give you a giftcard for the value of the e-Reader if you prefer, to Barnes and Noble OR Amazon! I know a lot of people don’t have one yet, and I’d love for more people to get to read eBooks.

To help make that happen, all you have to do is spread the word in any way you can–blog about it, post on twitter, Facebook, etc! The sky is the limit! While a purchase is not required to win, those fans that have already purchased Love Me, can get an extra ten entries! Simply submit your order confirmation number.

Can it get any easier than that?! Help make Love Me hit the Top 100 today, and spread word about the contest. The more people involved, the higher the chances of hitting the Top 100! You can gain extra entries by tweeting about the contest EVERY SINGLE DAY! Winners will be picked after the contest closes, on July 4th, 2013. Contest opens today, April 30th, and the deadline to enter is midnight on July 4th, 2013.

 

If Love Me doesn’t hit the Top 100, she's still giving away a consolation prize–a signed Kindle case with Love Me’s book cover–aka Tommy’s abs!!

Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Suggested tweet(in Rafflecopter below):

If #LoveMe hits the Top 100, @DianeAlberts is giving away a Kindle! Check out #LoveMe & RT! http://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Take-Chance-ebook/dp/B00CK52XJY/ref=sr_1_10?s http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-me-diane-alberts/1115213932?ean=9781622661404

 

 


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