Review: Touch of Fire (The Elementals, #1) by Maria Zannini

April 1st 2009 by Samhain Publishing

(first published April 1st 2008) 

Amazon

Between mage and man lies fire. Leda has been ordered by the House of Ilia to use her fae gifts to find an alchemist's bible, no matter what the cost. In a world where technology has been replaced by Elemental magic, this book is more dangerous than any spell or potion.


A ragged scrap of parchment is Leda's only clue and it leads her to the last man known to have had the book-a savagely handsome ex-soldier turned scavenger. Greyhawke Tams. He'll serve her needs nicely, in both her quest, and her bed.


The last thing Grey remembers is a bar brawl leaving him flat on his face. When he awakes, his situation hasn't improved. He's been bound in service to a contemptuous little fire mage with luscious curves and a deceptively innocent face. Grey's not fooled-he's hated the Elementals ever since he lost his younger brother to their brutal rites of passage.


But something about Leda tangles his brain faster than any woman he's ever known. And soon it becomes clear she needs more than his "services". A barbarous overlord wants that book and he's willing to shatter Leda-body and spirit-to get it.


She needs his protection. Whether she wants it or not.


Warning: Sex, sin and sauciness abound. This just in: Virgin butter not only helps nervous young virgins on their wedding night, it makes a damn fine hair liniment too.

 
My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Touch of Fire is a magical read set in a post apocalyptic setting.  Throw in time travel and here is the makings of a riveting story.

Leda and Grey are addicting to read.  I never want it to stop.  They make an explosive pair and never a dull moment.  Leda is a Fire Elemental hunting for a book that could mean catastrophe if in the wrong hands.  However, on her hunt she becomes the hunted.  Hunted by a man with great power and a knack for the fire element as well.  What she does not know is this man has his own secrets and he will stop at nothing to keep them hidden and in the process place into motion his even greater plans to reign.  


In a world where magic shoots you to the top of the food chain, it comes as no shock that Grey has no love for Leda.  But as her indentured servant for a time and his growing passion for her, he joins her quest and is soon catapulted into a fraying mess. 


All in all, I am impressed with Touch of Fire.  Leda character is rough and refined on the edges with her sweetness trying to stay hidden.  She and Grey are both a treat to read and their pudding passion into something more is even more a treat to read.  Not to mention the time travel element and just what is the contents of that book.... even more a pressing read.


Related Post:
Double Review: The Devil To Pay (Second Chances #1)
Review: Chain of Souls (Second Chances, #2) by Maria Zannini

For more information, visit:
Website & Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

See Maria's other titles:

Double Review: Jealous And Freakn' (Freakn' Shifters #2) by Eve Langlais

November 2011

Amazon

Francine’s loved Mitchell, a wolf like herself, since she first set eyes on him back when they were just kids. However, Mitchell’s never seen her as more than another annoying sister. Determined to make him realize she’s all grown up, she enlists the aide of Alejandro, a gorgeous cat shifter. She never counted on wanting them both.

Alejandro knows Francine is special from the first moment he meets the fiery plump wolf, which is why he suggests she use him to make Mitchell jealous. A great plan, especially if it means getting to kiss those luscious lips. One taste though, and he’s addicted, but how does he make her see past the man she loves to realize she’s also meant to be his mate.

For a long time now Mitchell’s been running from Francine, certain she’s mistaken that their destiny’s lie together. However, the little girl he remembers is all grown up, and when he sees her in the arms of another, a need to claim her overrides all his common sense. But, he’s waited too long and fate has decided that he’s going to have to share. Can he bend enough to accept Francine and another man, or will his jealousy keep him freakn’?

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

This sizzling number is certifiably an entertaining read. 

Francine has been waiting her Mitchell, her bff's brother, to recognize her as a mate.  However, he sees her as only a sister but with five years to pass by Francine is grown.  The image of her as his kid sister is long out dated and he can not believe the mating frenzy that hits him dead in the face.  Actually, come to find or read he actually had feelings for her prior but the mating bond was not as pressing and could be easily ignored.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading his jealous actions... so much fun.
Alejandro on the other hand is enjoyable right off the bat and does little to deny the bond calling, he encourages it.  Self-proclaimed player and proud of it, has the mating frenzy bad to the bone.  His quick tongued innuendos is a perfect match for just as fiery, Francine.  Reading them battle it out with words is Eve's major success.

Alejandro and Mitchell, differ one another well enough that there is no confusion as to who is who. It also makes for a diversified story.  All in all, this installment is more so lusty romance with a focus on the relationship verses ample world-building conflict so if you are a romance fiend this is your read.  The entertainment quality earned the 5 stars rating. 

Jen's Review:

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
This review can be found through Jen's networks as well..

This book was awesome! I love this series
There was a lot of Naomi in this book –
And of course Ethan and Javier with their only purpose in life is to make her feel like a Delicate Freakin’ Flower :)
She is so funny though – Her BFF – Francine is anything but a Delicate Freakin’ Flower, but she’s not a hard and over
Confident girl either. She is a perfectly normal Wolf shifter

She grows up as a BFF with Naomi, so of course she knows everything about her family life. She has known that Naomi’s
Older brother Mitchell was her mate since she was 10 years old, but Mitchell didn’t acknowledge her claims.
Since they grew up together, all his feelings of protection seemed to blur together as nothing more than being like a little sister.

We start off with Francine’s car breaking down on the way to Naomi’s baby shower… she could shift into her wolf, but then carrying
The baby shower gift was going to be a little hard, so what to do??

When out of nowhere she hears the purr of a motorcycle approaching. It pulls over. There is no way she’d be able to carry the gift while
Riding on that thing. Without seeing any other choice, she took his offer to have him balance the gift with her holding onto his waist.

And the Innuendos begin.. “Are you sure I’ll fit? “ She owned panties with more crotch room than that bike offered” “just hold on tight, baby, and I’ll do the rest”

That was when her inner canine wanted to sniff the stranger up and down and follow it up with a lick.. that was strange, her wolf only acted like that when Mitchell was around. Besides, she’s already got her mate.. well kind of.
Once Mitchell acknowledges her as his mate, she’ll be taken, so what’s got her wolf all excited about this stranger?

Looking out the window, Mitchell is anxiously waiting for Francine to show up. Not because he’s interested in her of course, but because he needs the head start out the back door. Francine had
Been chasing Mitchell since he could remember. Knocking him down and pinning him down, trying to get him to admit she was his mate. But she’ like a sister to him. That’s
Pretty gross.
After high school, Mitchell went his own way and avoided Francine. He knew things wouldn’t change, so what happened when he saw her pull up on the back of a motorcycle, hugging
Another man? She didn't look like a little kid with pigtails and braces anymore.

Mitchell stalks down to Francine and demands she tell him what she’s doing with this cat – “whatever happened to “Hi Francine? Or “How’s it going Francine?”
Annoyed that she would ride around on a motorcycle without a helmet with her new boyfriend .. “he’s not my boyfriend, Although, if he were, what we did together would be no one of your business.”
“and might I add, we’d do some very INTERESTING things.” The Tanned biker said.

And the fists started flying.
I loved how Naomi came out of the house to see why Javier’s younger brother Alejandro and her stupid brother were fighting in her front yard, and just casually striking up a conversation
With Francine.
“Ethan, they’re going to crush my pretty flowers” Naomi barked , just as Ethan grabbed the fighter’s by the arm and yanked them apart *Sigh* I still love Ethan! The Big hugs Kodiak Teddy Bear :)

OK so back to the story, We now met Alejandro, who seems to stir up emotions in Francine, as well as jealousy in Mitchell, So when after Mitchell stalks off and everyone else resumes to the shower,
Francine is a mix of emotions. And so is her wolf.

When she leaves with Alejandro to go home, Mitchell is waiting for them. Since he was acting like an idiot, Francine decided to go home with Alejandro instead of Mitchell. Mitchell went burzerk again
And Francine announced she had offered her couch to Alejandro, so it only made sense that he take her home.. and they left.

At Francine’s apartment, Alejandro comes in for a beer, not really expecting to sleep over, their innuendo’s get stronger and stronger, and funnier and funnier :)
Alejandro had noticed that Mitchell was acting more out of jealousy than big brotherly type, so he offered himself up to Francine to try to get Mitchell to notice her more.
With the help of him being her new boyfriend.
“And what do you get out of this?” “A Place to stay, A chance to needle my brother, among others. And in the pursuit of our answer to Mitchell’s affection, make-out time with a hot redhead”

So everyone wins, right?

This was a cute story , I personally didn’t love Mitchell, I think he was too stubborn, Maybe if we had some flashbacks or something from them growing up, or something, more about their childhood
Together. I just wasn’t feeling the WHY she was so headstrong over Mitchell. Sure her wolf went crazy whenever he was around, but .. I don’t know –

I do love Alejandro though! He’s so hot, and sexy, and funny! WOW! I love how quick witted these two are. But Alejandro is a Seducer of women. Lover with excellent techniques, Good looking, and He won’t make a promise to a women, and he doesn’t stick around very long afterwards.
But when his inner cat tries to claw it’s way out whenever Francine was around, he was starting to re-think his ways…

There was great action, tender love, and lots of sweaty hot sex :)
Awesome story! 


For more information, visit:
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See Eve's other titles:

Release Day & Double Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin (Blackthorn Brothers #2) by Kasey Michaels

November 29th 2011 by HQN Books

Amazon

Meet the Blackthorn Brothers—three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love.

Handsome as the devil and twice as tempting, Robin “Puck” Blackthorn lives for the pleasures of the moment. His only rule—never dally with an innocent woman. But when an encounter at a masquerade ball leaves him coveting the one woman who refuses to succumb to his charms, Puck realizes that some rules were made to be broken…

Scandalized to discover that the masked man with whom she’d shared a dance—and a forbidden embrace—is in fact the ton’s most celebrated rake, Regina Hackett vows to keep her distance. Yet when her dear friend vanishes, it is to Puck that Regina must turn. And as they embark on a dangerous journey through London’s darkest alleys, Regina will discover that beneath Puck’s roguish facade lies a man who will stop at
nothing to protect her—or to convince her to take a chance on an unrepentant sinner.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Historical Romance is not a genre I read.  I believe this is the second one I've read.  Even though it is not my go-to genre I must admit that I enjoyed A Midsummer Night's Sin.  Robin “Puck” Blackthorn is mostly reason as to my enjoyment.  His character has a relax tone and wild sense of humor.  Puck is infectious and I'm ready and willing to be contaminated.  

A Midsummer Night's Sin starts with two young lady's grasping at an opportunity to be reckless, spontaneous and to hide behind the anonymity a mask provides.  A masquerade ball!  Beautiful Regina and her equally lovely cousin make a detour to the masquerade ball and what starts off as a harmless let-loose night turns to be a nightmare in the making. Thankfully Regina is not the type to cower.  She enlists the help of Puck even after a quite embarrassing debacle.


Regina lives among parents who have no care for her.  A mother who wallows at the bottom of the nearest alcohol bottle and a gruel father that sees dollar signs and a title when looking at his daughter.  Regina, even though falling for Puck's charms still makes Puck work for his heart's desire.  She is quick to reply to his advances and throws attitude right back.  She is on the same playing field as Puck and I admire her character because of it.  It is all to easy to be over shadowed but Regina shines.


All in all, despite A Midsummer Night's Sin being the second book in the series and I not having read book one, I was easily able to fall into step.  In fact, now I want to read book three because Black Jack makes quite the impression in this installment.  I will even have to look up book one.  Thanks to Jen, who asked me to double review this title with her, I have read another Historical Romance and was fully entertained. 

Jen's Review:

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
This review can be found through Jen's networks as well.

Love this story! How sweet - I'm defiantly in love with Puck :)

The book starts off as we learn about how Puck is worshipped in France. Everyone wants to look like him, be seen with him, act like him - why? because Puck is that type of guy that is just all around fun to be around. He knows how to make you smile without even trying. He can make you swoon with a touch of his hand - he's just that guy that both male and female want to be around ...

Until he gets to England - his home... there he is a nobody - sure he has the money, the wealth, and his father's name, but he is a Bastard's son - his mother never married his father. And just like his other 2 brothers, they are outcasts and no one wants anything to do with them...

So in the beginning of this story, Puck is talking to a couple of men he knows. These men don't want anything to do with him, but Puck has something on them .. yes he's resorting to blackmail.. but the only thing Puck wants, is their friendship - or pretend to be his friend.. introduce him to people at the ball, get his name up there with the social's so he could try to climb out off this blacklist that so many see his name on. So the men agree.

Next we meet Regina ... how to describe Regina?? hum ok her mother is the daughter of an Earl, Her father bough Lady Leticia from said Earl and they had Regina together. but her father, Reginald Hackett, had different plans for his little family.

He paid little for Leticia, but was going to make a LOT more money off of Regina's hand in marriage. Lady Leticia had been broken in her spirit, and became a drunk. She was terrified of her husband, but loved her daughter.

Now Regina was primed and ready for her future. Heading out to balls and meeting with the socials. He travelled with her cousin Miranda. Now Miranda wasn't quiet as primed as Regina, but her father was in the works of arranging a fine Duke for her to marry off to.

So Regina and Miranda were off to the ball - only Miranda had told her mother that Lady Leticia was escorting them to the ball, and Regina had assumed Miranda's mother was escorting them. But together the two girls decide to skip the ball all together and head over to a masquerade ball instead :) Where they can keep their names and faces hidden, and flirt and dance and just have fun. Sounds good to anyone right :)
That's where Regina met Puck. When Puck was introduced to the 20 or so men that were attending the ball, he became bored and wanted to meet with some lovely ladies. He was told that all the ladies in the room were hired for the evening (meaning "prostitutes")

So when Puck was looking around the room and backed into the lovely lady in the white mask he was attracted to her by her voice > She had dismissed him, and he hadn't been dismissed by a lady since he was thirteen. But then he saw her eyes... and he was hooked.

Puck asked her for a dance.. only the ballroom was too crowded, so they twirled their way to the gardens. Once there, Regina admitted that she was expecting a kiss from him, but since Puck had thought she was more then a madian, he gladly obligated. "

A single kiss and he was ready to set her up in her own apartments, give her anything she wanted" diamonds, pearls, her own carriage and stable. One kiss and he was the fool he laughed at, enslaved by a woman whose cold blooded profession it was to jumble the wits of idiots like himself"

Then he pulled back and looked into her eyes... and swooped in -As he kissed her, nibbling, his hands wondering, kissing her harder and everywhere he could and all the while he crooned to her in French... And OH the things he said to her! Lol (It's translated) then she whispers back in friend "I have a hat pin poised to stick in your ear if you do not release me at once"

That was when Puck realized his mistake. This was no whore for hire.
When Regina went back into the ballroom to find Miranda, and couldn't find her, panic set in.. she didn't know what to do. Puck had come up behind her and asked what was wrong. When she finally caved in and told him she couldn't find her cousin, they went looking around the gardens for her. That's where they found Miranda's mask.. crumpled and torn. signs of a struggle and she was gone.....


Puck was Regina's only hope in finding her cousin and getting her back ...

Now first of all - this book was different for me to read, because I had never read a Historical Romance book before (not counting Steam Punk books) I know about Dukes and Earls and their ranks, I've known about arranged marriages, but this book isn't full of all the older details that bore me (I'm not a big history fan) A lot of things in this book seemed to be things that could be happening in the here and now days as well. which upped the level of this book in my POV :)

I loved the old fashion speaking in this book. The romance was sweet and true.

It was so much fun reading this book and getting to know Puck, falling in love with him :) He deserves his HEA :)






For more information, visit:
Website / Goodreads

Review: Chain of Souls (Second Chances, #2) by Maria Zannini

October 18th 2011 by Bad Dog Press

Amazon

Banished from Heaven for refusing to harvest an unwilling soul, Liam Chase drinks to forget night after night until the Angel of Death pays him a visit.

For the price of a few humans souls, Ziva promises to get him reinstated into Heaven. Liam doesn’t doubt her influence, but milking humans of their light is an unspeakable crime, punishable by eternal oblivion.

He’d rather rot on Earth than commit such a heinous sin. But the Angel of Death didn’t get where she was by taking no for an answer. Ziva is a huntress of extraordinary skill and cruelty. If he refuses, his loved ones will be her next targets. And Ziva never misses

Ziva has already set her sights on Shannon, the soul he once refused to harvest, and his beloved servant, Evie. He’ll do anything to keep them safe, even if it means his death.

But something goes wrong just as he concedes, and the chain of souls picks a new mistress before he has a chance to deliver.

Brought before the most feared angel of Heaven and Hell, Liam discovers he has failed to protect those he loves, and now they too could share his fate.

  My Review:
Rating: 4/5 stars


Chain of Souls is the sequel to The Devil To Pay.  All the characters remain steadfast but there are a few new faces and each in their own way shake things up quite a bit.  Ziva, who earned the moniker "Angel of Death" has her sights set on Liam.  Fortunate for her Liam is in a dreary predicament and with so few options and a not so clear head he agrees to do her bidding.  With Shannon and Evie made to be collateral targets thankfully Cerberus decides to grace the pages with his presence.  

Snippet, 70%: "This was stupid.  It was suicide.  How could she allow herself to get talked back into Heaven-and by a dog?  So what if the dog had three heads.  She didn't think it made him three times smarter."

Cerberus adds flavor to the storyline.  I find his slobbering mouth a delight to read.  He befriends Shannon and ends up looking out for her when she most needs it.  Shannon is faced with the dilemma of returning lost souls trapped in the chain of souls, crystal balls filled with stolen souls strung on a chain.  To sweeten the pot, Shannon is dealing with her heart's feelings and the fall out between brothers, Liam and Michael.  What's a gal to do?

Overall, I enjoyed Chain of Souls.  I would not recommend reading Chain without reading The Devil To Pay first.  Seeing as how both stories are rather quick reads I would say read them back to back and make it a double feature night.  I'm enjoying the progression of the Second Chances series.  I love the ending and the anticipation of what's to come.




Related Post:
Double Review: The Devil To Pay (Second Chances #1)
Review: Touch of Fire (The Elementals, #1) by Maria Zannini

For more information, visit:
Website & Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

See Maria's other titles:

Review: Wither (Recast, #1) by Yolanda Sfetsos

 

December 8th 2009 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Amazon

Betrayal. Lust. Secrets. It’s enough to send a space cowboy riding hell-bent for stardust. 

Wrangling is in Colt Marshall’s blood. He was known across the galaxy for his skill at roping horses and cattle, but found that the woman he loved wasn’t so easy to tie down. Now a mysterious client has him wrangling a man who may or may not be fully human. Colt doesn’t know and doesn’t care, as long as he gets paid. Until his pursuit of the escaped captive lands him on his former lover’s planet…and her request for help threatens to crack the armor around his heart.

With Colt’s unexpected arrival, Brynn Wight’s problems could be solved…or multiplied a thousandfold. She doesn’t expect him to understand why she left him, but she sure could use his help ridding her planet of the feral creatures terrorizing her town every night. It doesn’t help that he looks just as good as she remembers. Or that even after five years, their mutual lust is very much alive.

Their desire rivals the heat of the planet’s skin-peeling sun, stripping away layers of secrets to expose the truth. And a secret that could be their death sentence…

Warning: This book contains a space cowboy with an attitude, a female sheriff with a kick-ass past, an AI dressed like a deputy, feral creatures, and a planet scorched by its proximity to the sun—but still not as hot as the cowboy and sheriff are for each other.

My Review:
Rating: 4/5 Stars

I will say it again and again, Samhain is genius with the "warning" labels.  The labels in and of itself sell the book.

"Warning: This book contains a space cowboy with an attitude, a female sheriff with a kick-ass past, an AI dressed like a deputy, feral creatures, and a planet scorched by its proximity to the sun—but still not as hot as the cowboy and sheriff are for each other."

What's there not to love?  The character cast is unique and the setting adds to the complicated obstacles these characters are expected to conquer.  The villain is as wicked as the next and ugly to boot.  There are victims everywhere you turn and even more so the characters are determined to right wrongs.  Shifters, part human and part animal, are used as means to an end.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  


Colt's latest contract and conquest has gotten loose.  The ship's pod is making a b-line to Wither, a planet with a skin-scorching sun and few hours of night.  As of late, the few night hours are plagued with vicious creatures that will make the scorching sun look like a walk in the park.  In Wither, night hours were once a reprieve but now a nightmare.  Colt's ex-lover Brynn Wight is the Sheriff of Wither and is desperate enough to ask for his help.  This request comes much after she ditched him and fled.   
Using the allure of all the gold one man can carry is merely and excuse Colt uses to stay and give aid.  There's no fooling me Colt! =D 


Hidden pasts, deep secrets, renewed love, and evil lurking will be revealed.  Wrongs will be made right and revenge will be dished out.  


All in all, Wither is an exciting concoction of Cowboy and Space...... Space Cowboy.  Yeee haw!  Come Jan 2012 book two will be released, Clash.  Clash will be the story of Ace.  I can not wait!

For more information, visit:
Website & Blog / Twitter

See some of Yolanda Sfetsos other works:



Related postings on Lovin & Livin Life Reviews:
Guset Post: What's your Sci-Fi? by Yolanda Sfetsos 
Review: Alex Wales: Promise (Alex Wales Quartet #1) by Yolanda Sfetsos

Early Review: Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

January 17th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers

Amazon

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

My Review:

My Rating: 5/5 Stars


Unearthly, book one in the series, took my breath away and finally I'm able to exhale because I've been waiting for Hallowed.  Sometimes high anticipation equals high expectations and than the book has a lot to contend with.  Well, that high marks is what I was hoping for and what I've received.  I just love when everything evens out.


In book one, Clara has gotten through the ordeal that came along with her purpose or mission for Angel-bloods, however, her purpose is not over.  What Clara sees as a failure to meet her purpose is also a moment in time that she will never regret.  I admire her character for making a decision and not backing down.  Strength is Clara and she only become stronger in Hallowed.  Of course, having strength and courage does not leave her void of making mistakes and stumbling along the way.  Those very stumbles and unforeseen obstacles seek to break Clara.

Fasten your seat belts because Hallowed is packed with twists and surprises.  I read every page with rapt fascination.  Emotions coursed through me and I found myself clutching my Kindle.   Cynthia Hand has done a number on my nerves and for that I am grateful.  What a read, what a read!  The only small erk element is the self-fulfilling prophecy factor, however, it is almost impossible to have visions and not use them as a guide.

Overall, Wow.  Characters are written to make an impact on our minds and hearts.  Conflicts are written to liven the plot.  The setting is perfectly placed for all the events that transpire.  I am going to be holding my breath for a whole other year.  What will now graduating have in store for the characters?  I have no idea but I'm willing to bet that Cynthia will be surprising me in book three.




Related Post:
Review: Unearthly (Unearthly #1)


For more information, visit:
Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter


See Cynthia's work:

Review: Remembrance (Transcend Time, #1) by Michelle Madow

July 27th 2011 by Dreamscape Publishing

Amazon

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy.

Jen's Review:

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
This review can be found through Jen's networks as well..

Not sure what it was about this book that kept me so interested, but I just couldn't put it down!
The book starts off as Jeremy and Izzie were driving to school, the first day of school. Jeremy had been acting differently, more distant, always worried about his new friends on the Varsity soccer team. In line to be the next Co-Captain of the team. Sure the pressure was on him, but they didn't seem to have that same connection they once had 3 years ago when they started dating.

First day of school and Izzie's first class was History with her BFF Chelsea. Just as class was about to start, a new guy walks into the classroom. Their eyes meet and Izzie knows she has met this guy before. She KNOWS him. She can visualize his hair a little longer, but still in that messed up sort of way. It scared her. He broke his eyes away first, grabbing the last free desk in the classroom. The one next to Izzie. Throughout the whole class, she did everything she could not to look at him, not to think about it.. it was hopless.
Next class in AP French with Jemery, she saw Drew sitting front and center in the same class. French had never been Izzie's favorite subject, in fact she barely sounded like an English Tourist when the teacher called on her to ask what she did over the summer. Drew looked at her stunned by her lack of the use of the language.
But he re-assured her after class that it would come to her and she would be a natural at the language in no time.
When Chelsea announced to Izzie that she had asked Drew out on a double date with her and Jeremy, Izzie's heart started pounding harder.
On the way to the movies, things got a little tense with Jeremy, but once they met up with Chelsea and Drew, Izzie decided to try to forget Jeremy's harsh words and enjoy the night. Of course they went to a horror movie where everyone knew that Izzie got scared easily.

I was up late reading this book, waiting to see how it played out -
This book was cute on a lot of different levels. I loved the draw that Drew and Izzie had towards each other. And yet trying to fight it made everything worse. I loved the flashbacks, and how the knowledge came back to them once they remembered. It was different then other books I've read with similar topics.

Great story - recommended to those that love a good YA Romance book :)

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Book Trailer:

Hau‘oli Lā Ho‘omaika‘i! (Happy Thanksgiving!)

 

Hau‘oli Lā Ho‘omaika‘i! (Happy Thanksgiving!) to you and your 'Ohana from mine.  Enjoy this blessed day everyone.  Aloooooha! =)

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Poughkeepsie Comes Home Debra Anastasia

Welcome, Welcome. Up for grabs is 2 ebook copies and a book jacket.  This contemporary romance is sure to leave an impression on your mind, heart and soul.  Read below and enter to win.

November 22nd 2011
by Omnific Publishing

Contemporary Romance

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

For more information, visit:
DebraAnastasia.com / Blog / Twitter

Book Trailer:

Giveaway:

Leave your email in the comments if not in profile or any other way to reach you.  Winner will be contacted via email.

Prize: Two Winners.  Each will receive an ebook copy from the Author.  The first winner selected will also receive the book jacket below. Size: Mass market, Handles and bookmark.

Opens World Wide.  Ends November 30th.

Review: Khantara Vol. 1 (Haanta) by Michelle Franklin

October 2011

Amazon

Khantara tells the story of the Den Asaan Rautu's mother and father.

Khantara is a Haanta conquerer, meant to wage war and rule over the enemy nation of Thellis, but after vanquishing Thellis and occupying a construction of a Haanta outpost, he meets Anelta, a woman enslaved by her own people bearing a brand of servitude on her neck. Khantara contrives to save her from a cruel home and bring her to the refuge his people can provide, but how can he do so successfully when the eyes of Thellis are upon him?

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 stars


Michelle Franklin's writing is an express to a whole other world that's filled with vibrant scenes and characters.


The Haanta series is riveting to the core.  Fantasy at its very prime with a sweet helping of romance and adventure.  Khantara is a welcomed edition to this series that I love so much.  The only pit stop is the ending.... I wanted more. 

Khantara and Anelta are characters that kept pace with my heart.  Their friendship is kind and respect is mutual.  Anelta is innocent, eager and well-mannered.  She does not expect anything from anyone but Khantara can not allow her mistreatment to go on further.  He offers the free riches of companionship, a conversation, a stroll, and a bite to eat.  As these two spent time together, they start to feel for one another.

Always, my most favorite piece of the story is the mind-painting of Michelle's written words.  The storues that I have read of hers never let me down.  I am always able to visualize just what she writes of and I want nothing more than to be the next character written into this fantastic tale.  Lovely and vibrant writing well-done.


Related Posting;
The Commander And The Den Asaan Rautu (Haanta #1)

For more information, visit:
Twitter / Facebook / Official Site / Official Art Site


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Review: Driven &Hidden (Northern Waste #1 & 2) by Eve Kenin (aka Eve Silver)

Amazon

Driven:

Road Warrior
 
Raina Bowen knows she can handle herself just fine against anything the harsh Northern Waste throws at her. Until it throws her an enigmatic stranger called Wizard. First, she has to haul him out of a brawl he can't hope to win. And next, her libido is shooting into overdrive at the feel of his hard body pressed against hers on the back of her snowscooter. But there's something not quite right about this guy. Before she can strip bare Wizard's secrets, they're lured into a race for their lives, battling rival truckers, ice pirates... and a merciless maniac with a very personal vendetta.

Hidden

Tatiana has honed her genetic gifts to perfection. She can withstand the subzero temperatures of the Northern Waste, read somebody’s mind with the briefest touch, and slice through bone with her bare hands. Which makes her one badass chick, all right. Nothing gets to her. Until she meets Tristan. Villain or ally, she can’t be sure. But one thing she does know: he has gifts too-including the ability to ramp up her heart rate to dangerous levels. But before they can start some chemistry of their own, they have to survive being trapped in an underground lab, hunted by a madman, and exposed to a plague that could destroy mankind.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars each

These books are from my personal shelf and boy am I pleased with my selections!

Eve Kenin a.k.a. Eve Silver is a highly talented writer.  I've read her paranormal series and now this sci-fi series and I am all around impressed.  The only downer, there is no other book in the series and there really needs to be one because I want it =).  With that said, each book is it's own story and each ends cleanly with no loose ends.  Of course, there's room for more to be written but if there is never another book I feel like the story is complete. Though I am going to hope for another.

Driven and Hidden are both out of this world entertaining to read.  The characters Eve has created are easy to attach to.  Suffice to say, I want more of these characters that I love.  Even the secondary characters have piqued my interest. Ugh, I'll just say it... I want to read Yuriko's story.

All in all, adventure and rich storyline makes Driven and Hidden must reads. 


For more information, visit:
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Driven traveled up my 2nd time to Mariner's Ridge with me.

Hidden went up to Kuli'ou'ou Ridge (above) with me and my 3rd time up Mariner's Ridge as well.  All separate days.

Review: Magic In the Blood (Allie Beckstrom #2) by Devon Monk

May 5th 2009 by Roc

Amazon

Working as a Hound-tracing illegal spells back to their casters-has taken its toll on Allison Beckstrom. But even though magic has given her migraines and stolen her recent memory, Allie isn’t about to quit. Then the police’s magic enforcement division asks her to consult on a missing persons case. But what seems to be a straightforward job turns out to be anything but, as Allie finds herself drawn into the underworld of criminals, ghosts, and blood magic.

Review:
My Rating: 4 Stars

Magic in the Blood occurs in such a short span of time but with all that's happening you'd think Devon Monk would spare her protagonist by giving her some time at least.  LOL.  Not at all.  Though I think that's what makes the Allie Beckstrom series urban fantasy to the core.  No pain, no gain.

Allie continues to pull the short straw.  Constantly attacked by all kinds of foes, she definitely could use some back up.  Luckily for her that may be in the works in the next installment.  Magic in the Blood is packed with action sunrise to sundown.  The use of magic comes with a price and Allie continues to pay dearly.  I mentioned in my review of book one that I love the consequences that Devon Monk has created for using magic in world.  No one should be able to possess that kind of power without a backlash.

The most interesting part is Zayvion Jones.  Since Allie is missing a big chunk of her recent memories She and Zay have to start out some what fresh and it's so much fun to the brewing happening again.  I do hope this storyline continues but I have more books ahead of me so I'm going to keep an open mind.

All in all, I am digging the series but I do want to ask for two things 1.) A change in the weather and 2.) A hot outfit for her date with Zay which better happen in the next book.  Pretty please *batting eye lashes*

Double Review: Omega Mine (Alpha and Omega Shifters #1) by Aline Hunter

September 23rd 2011 by Ellora's Cave 

Amazon

A bond forged in blood. Fealty given to the one he desires above all others.

Graced with the ability to shift into any form, Diskant Black is the absolute authority when it comes to New York shifters, and as the Omega of the city, his word is law. Protecting the shifter races is more than a job, it's a predisposition ingrained since birth-nothing is more important.

Until a chance encounter with a tiny female sets fire to his blood, brings him to his knees and turns his world upside down. Ava Brisbane is more than he bargained for in a mate-beautiful, fragile . . . human. If he wants to keep her by his side, he'll have to sacrifice a portion of his soul to establish a bond that can never be broken.

Unfortunately, the timing couldn't be worse. Shepherds-hunters of all the shifter races-have arrived in New York. To protect the woman he can't live without, Diskant will have to stand against those who have come to start a war.

My Review:
Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Once in a while my superficial tendencies decide to take over my decision capabilities and this title is case in point.  The cover for Omega Mine completely melted my brain and one thought reined, "I need to read this!"  Although Omega Mine was a fun read it didn't live up to the hype my melted brain gave it but that's my fault.  

Shapeshifters are my favorite supernatural species to read.  I really enjoy the mate-bond that seems to go hand in hand with shapershifters.  Diskant and Ava are no different.  After a chance meeting there is something sizzling between the two but Ana tries long and hard to fight it.  All the while Diskant is on the look out for this female who can not swiped from his mind and dreams.  The seeking and finding is my favorite part of the storyline.  The romance is more passionate lust but then transform into something deeper.  


Supernatural creatures and the world created by Aline Hunter is superb.  I very much enjoyed the world in which her characters reside.  The element of Diskant being an Omega is one I have sparsely read and gladly welcome.  


All in all, despite my over-excited superficial tendency I enjoyed this title.  The content is on the heated side, hence, Ellora's Cave, so I would recommend the title towards that route.

Jen's Review:

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
This review can be found through Jen's networks as well..

WOW How cool would it be to be mated to the Omega of New York - the Alpha of all Shifters! Because Ava us - and wow!

Ava's brother is a "bona fide loser."  He'd piddled all the money left by their parents to nourish his gambling addiction. First it was antique silverware, vintage vases. Then he stared hocking the jewls.

When he sold a locket that was a family heirloom, and special to Ava, she would do anything to get it back.

When Craig Newlander, the big Villati head kahuna, contacted her about doing him a "favor" in exchange for the necklace, she should have said no ... but she didn't.

She set out to meet with the guy Craig told her to, at night , alone ... when she was approached by 2 vampires. She knew they were vampires because she could read their minds. See Ava is telepathic, but the only breed she can't read is Shifters. So she knew she was in trouble.

When Diskant Black heard a roar of outrage sound nearby. An undeniable battle cry and revealed the gender of the victim.... Leaving a male to fend for himself he could do, but never a damsel in distress.

When he approached, he saw her being carried off in the opposite direction while the other Vampire approached him. "this doesn't concern you shifter" He knew this trick. And he wasn't going to fall for it. Going full speed he plowed into the back of the vampire and sent the tiny body soaring into the air, and she didn't make a sound when she landed on the unforgiving cushion of concrete and grime.

Giving into the bear that called within, he smiled at the vampires. Two swipes of his hands in either direction ravaged skin and drew blood. It didn't take a crystal ball to know what would happen next. The Vampires fled like the hardcore pussies and bottom feeders they were.

Retracting his claws and teeth and body to return to normal, he approached the little thing with short spiky blonde hair with chunks of dark pink streaked in it.

He lowered his head and inhaled deeply until his chest burned. This was the kind of scent a man could lose himself in - and Diskant did just that - until he shook his head clear.

He had to get rid of this little human - she was trouble for him... He was going to leave her at a hospital, someone had to be looking for her, Parents, siblings, a Lover, or husband.. A throaty growl of range crept up his through.. Yeah, he definitely needed to drop of her off and walk away...

He knew he was in trouble the minute he lifter her in his arms and all the beasts beneath his skin growled in contentment. Each one brushing against the inside of his skin, fighting for a place to break free and make their own unique mark of claim.

Yeah, this one was big trouble.

Ok that's how they met - at first when Ava woke up, she was afraid but extremely aroused by this big man - she knew he was a shifter because she couldn't read his troughs. She had heard stories about how strong shifters were, and if trying to mate with a human, he would hurt her.

So when he left her alone for a few minutes, she jumped out the window and ran.

When Diskant found her gone, he called up every pack in the city to look for her. with only the dim scent of her on the pillow.

4 weeks later, Ava was on her last day working at Club Liminality before she went off on a much needed vacation. Club Liminality was a club where shifters frequently stopped by to hang out - That's where Trey noticed her scent. After 4 weeks of searching all the areas outside of New Year, she was smack dab in the center of Time Square the whole time.

So Diskant showed up and brought her home.

The marking of this is differently then books I've read before. This one is actually a painful but extremly intimate way to mark your mate - Diskant wanted nothing less than to be blood bonded to Ava, and he knew that he had to take his time doing so. because it was painful for her.

I loved this story - once they completed the first bonding, things started picking up a little more. The Sheppards were in town. The Sheppards were a group of religious people who believed that shifters and vampires had the soul of the devil in them, and the only way to help them is to destroy them.

Lots of great action, both inside and outside of the bedroom :)

Can't wait for the next book - I'm anxious to see how it goes with Trey :)





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Double Review: Scared of Spiders by Eve Langlais

January 19th 2011 by Amira Press

Amazon / B&N / Amira Press

Bring on the bug spray, because to prevail, Josie’s going to have to face her greatest fear.

Josie’s not a brave person, and she’s especially scared of spiders. Imagine her surprise when she finds herself attracted to not one, but two, larger than life men.

Clint and Brandon both want the timid mouse who’s come to work for them—and their beasts are chafing to mark her—but when she can’t decide between them, there’s only one thing to do—share her.

Before they can convince Josie that a threesome would benefit them all, they need to take care of the menace threatening their chosen mate. And when Josie confronts the bogeyman of her nightmares, she discovers an emotion stronger than fear—love.

My Review:
Rating: 4/5 stars

There were few spiders around growing up so I haven't been around any spiders worthy of nightmares but there is something absolutely hellish about a man-shifting spider *shutters*.  With that said, a man-shifting spider is definitely worthy of the title antagonist and yes, nightmares.

I am not one for shy female leads because I'm not shy at all but Josie is endearing.  Her character is written to seem timid on the surface but there are a number of indicators that she is anything but.  As I was reading, I enjoyed Josie's attitude and witty comments that broke through that timid surface and by the book's end Josie's character fully blossoms.

The men in her life, Alpha and Beta werewolves, are a competitive play off each other.  A ying and yang sort of deal and all around good times.  When they resolve to help bring their "Little Mouse" out of the house to play they really do make a great team.  Success and nothing less will be accepted.

Scared of Spiders makes a perfect quickie read with its short length.  Like most Novellas, Scared does not dive into many details upon details and events tend to happen back to back.  Thus, if you are not familiar with novellas what transpires may seem rushed or too quick.  However, I assure you there is a big plus to novellas.  I find them equivalent to a piece of multi-layered and fully delectable cake.  Once in awhile, in between full length novels, a novella, like delicious cake, hits the spot.  When I want something simple and easy, a novella never disappoints.

Jen's Review:

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
This review can be found through Jen's networks as well..

Yikes! I can relate, I've always hated spiders, but Josie has a very strong fear that pretty much freaked me out :)

We start off with Josie looking for a new job - her last boss tried to harass her, and she just didn't have to nerve to face him again. So she sent him an email telling him she was finished at the job... unfortunately her landlord wouldn't care why she didn't have any money to pay the rent, so she wasn't going to be picky.

She found a job in a warehouse across town and made the appointment.
When she walked into the warehouse, as if on cue, every male in the place stopped whatever they were doing and looked over at her... freaky -
But Josie's eyes caught on one particular man - Wow! He was a big guy, and being Josie, big was scary , her eyes traveled over to another male, big too - but there was something about these two who didn't scare her like everything else did - but then something caught her eye in the corner.. up above their heads - a spider - like it turned towards her and started stalking her.. job or not, hunky guys or not, spider triumphs all, she's out of there...

Jogging up to catch her, Clint and Brandon couldn't let her know. Their inner wolf was calling to get this woman back into their eye site. Clint is the Alpha of the pack, and Brandon is their beta, it's not normal for a human to attract more than one were, but Clint could see it in Brandon's eyes that he wasn't going to step aside. And when Brandon shook Josie's hand, he could see the spark fly off both of them.. They were going to have to share ...

Josie is a meek little mouse - she seems to be afraid of everything - not just spiders, but to speak up for herself, to voice her opinion, or to let herself fall for a gorgeous guy, knowing she couldn't keep his attention and he'd wonder away leaving her with a broken heart...

Brandon and Clint - lol they're awesome with Josie - I can feel her fears as she thinks things through, but Clint and Brandon want nothing but to protect her. To keep her safe and happy.

Josie learns that the two men are weres, and she excepts that... But when she comes upstairs from doing laundry one Sunday afternoon and finds a note threatening her and her "pups" she calls Clint in a panic. That's when Josie packs a bag and heads over to the Ranch -

Great story :) Loved the fictional character at the end who was doing all the mind controlling - just the thought of him gives me the willies :)

Great Menage too - these two men are there to make Josie happy, even if she doesn't know what to do with two men :) 



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