Preview of Volume 2 by Michelle Franklin

A few months ago, I first read The Commander and The Den Asaan Rautu- never have I been the same again!  Coming Jan 2012, Volume Two of this riveting fantasy romance will release and below is a little sneak peak of what's to come.  Before you scroll down to read it I want to mention that this series started online.  Here is what's said: "the longest online, ongoing romantic fantasy series."  Thus, if you are a fan it is easy to indulge yourself in MORE.  =D


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January 2012

Sneak Peek Preview:

It was his first time in the realm of the castle kitchen, a place that promised many delights yet at present had none: the ovens were cooled, the fires were out, and a place that should be filled with mellifluous scents and sights was dull and dim; the oven room, scullery and larder were all but silent with no servant or cook to tend them. The cook and servants had all been encouraged to take refuge in the servants quarter of the keep until the morrow, leaving them to pass a tranquil evening after such a ordeal but leaving the giant to bear his rising hunger. He had not eaten anything since the evening before, and though he had been trained to go many days without food or water, he would soon be forced to quench his appetite in one manner or another.

                Once he joined his mate and spied what was within the barrels, his hunger rose and his avidness was expatiated. He forced the heap of fur blankets and canvas he was carrying into his mate’s hands and shoved her aside to claim his rightful place as provision tester, claiming that his palate was more discerning than hers and he could tell whether this pork was acceptable for transport. He sampled a few shards from each barrel to make certain that everything was evenly spiced and hummed in a state of assenting reflection, pondering each shred of pork with a thoughtful thrum.

                The commander, though in possession of some strength for a woman of her size, was unable to hold the pile she had been tendered and placed the canvas and furs onto the table beside her. “Odd I find it that for one who wears so many furs you feel the need to collect even more,” she smirked.

                “Your kingdom is cold, woman,” was the giant’s reply, keeping his eyes upon his task.  

                She laughed at his ravening behavior and stood in front of him, attempting to deter him from his sampling. “And I would not warm you as well as a blanket could do?” she said, placing her hands on her hips and giving the giant a clever look.

                Her goading, though innocently meant, was ill-timed; she had interrupting the quenching of his hunger, and when he looked down at her keen eyes, slightly-colouring cheeks, and the rounded tops of her breasts, he could not disregard such provocation. He pulled her hands from her hips and drew her forward. “You would, woman,” he decided, pressing her chest against his torso.

                She delighted in her hands being trapped by his and began to attest to Frewyn farmers having a talent for enduring cold while pressing herself suggestively against him. They were finally alone one more, and though only for a few moments at most, she was resolved to enjoy their privacy while she could.

                Rautu heard his mate speak but he could not much attend; the combination of her eagerness and their being alone had driven his appetite beyond his ability to concentrate. I would have you in my bed, woman, he thought while feeling her pleasurable warmth, in my bed every evening to warm me and to allow me relief. I would share a home with you and honour you many times in an evening. You need not ask me or provoke me. I would please my Traala as I have sworn to do. His profession went unsaid; it manifested a rapacious embrace and eager osculations around her craned neck, exposed for his caprice by pulling back on her long hair. I would have you sleep upon me, beneath me, beside me. I would feel your warmth, I would have you feel the extant of my ethnaa, and I would have you give me Dhraaha. His mind wandered in pleasance, traversing the notions of breaking the Amghari regulations where he could. It was not enough to be in her presence or fight at her side. He must be permitted to indulge, he must release, he must do something to convey how desperately he wished to- he brooked his considerations but where he endeavored to check his hungering motions, he failed. He must hinder and distract himself for her safety. Long had it been since a release of his ethnaa and he was allowing it to conquer him through his affections. He would not permit it to happen again, that which had made him so apprehensive of seeking another woman for company. The notion of sleeping with her curled against his chest remained as he removed his mouth from her nape and said, “You have not prepared enough for our journey,” hoping a continuance of their conversation would help him reclaim his focus.

Related Postings, to date:
Excerpt w/ Michelle Franklin
Review: The Commander And The Den Asaan Rautu (Haanta #1)
Review: Khantara: Vol 1 (Haanta) by Michelle Franklin 
Book Tour & Review: Tales from Frewyn-The Opera by Michelle Franklin 

See More:

Release Day & Review: The Last Slayer (The Heartstone Trilogy #1) by Nadia Lee

December 26th 2011 by Carina Press

Amazon

Ashera del Cid is a talented demon hunter, but when she kills a demigod's pet dragon, the hunter becomes the hunted. Her only potential ally is Ramiel, a sexy-as-hell demon. Now the two must work together to battle dragons and demigods…and the chemistry crackling between them.

Ramiel has his own reasons for offering Ashera his protection. He knows her true identity and the real reason the demigods want her dead. What he can't predict is how she'll react when she discovers he knew who she was all along...

Ashera is shocked to discover that she is the only daughter of the last slayer. To claim her destiny, she and Ramiel must join forces to face down danger and outwit their enemies. Only then will she be able to truly accept her legacy...

My Review:
Rating: 4/5 Stars

"I was considering hiring a freelance writer to make stuff up.  I mean really, how many different ways can you say, "I came, I saw, I killed"!" -Teaser

Ashera del Cid is the best of her trade.  A demon hunter to be feared by the naughty night creatures and to be respected among colleagues.  Her character is full of lethal strength and wit.  As the youngest ever to make junior partner in her firm of demon hunters, the respect does not come blindly, Ashera has earned every ounce. 

On the eve of Ashera's twenty-seventh birthday, a last minute job pops up.  Double the normal rate has Valerie, step-sister and colleague, pushing the right buttons to get Ashera to make the stop before the night's end.  What Ashera finds there is just the beginning to the end of Ashera's rather quiet life.

Personally, I always enjoy a kick butt heroine.  I like the no non-sense, take care of business kind of attitude and Ashera measures up and than some.  Ashera possesses little of a social life.  In her own words, she is not much of a looker but as love would have it she had found a man that loved her as is.  As luck would have it, that man was taken from her.  Ashera, who already possessed a natural knack for demon hunting from a young age, since losing her lover, been fueled by a new motivation- revenge.  Natural talent and motivation has quickly bumped her to the top of the food chain and ultimately has become the nightmare of nightmares. Poor demons... nothing worse than a scorned woman with an arsenal of weapons.

Despite praise worthy features of this novel, I did have a hard time when Ashera's true self was revealed.  Basically, her initial described features is a disguise meant to keep her safe until she is old enough to fulfill her role.  Mentally, I had to re-imagine Ash in my mind.  With the cover looking as it does and the person I had created in my mind already, I kept having to rethink the image.  I'm also on the fence with the romance between Ash and Ramiel but I am hoping with later books I'll either fall on one side or the other. 

All in all, I was entertained by The Last Slayer and look forward to forth coming books.  Ashera's character is a major highlight and written very well.


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Review: Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #2) by Larissa Ione

December 1st 2011 by Grand Central Publishing
Amazon

The signs are everywhere...disastrous world events. Evil rising up, unleashed upon the innocent. The prophecies were there...but no one listened. Until now. The time has come for those who can either usher in Doomsday...or prevent it. They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army's paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he's spent weeks being tortured...and plotting revenge.

Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn't your average girl. She's immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé's wrath - and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul...and her heart.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars 

Food for all of my senses.... Larissa Ione always delivers the most scrumptious reads.  


My most favorite element of any of Larissa's books, Immortal Rider included, is the sub-plots within the entire novel.  Limos and Arik are the main characters but at the same time Larissa's writing always includes side stories, plus, back history so readers are refreshed.  Honestly, I do not know how she does it without over-killing the main focus but she never ever fails. 


Arik has been around for a while now, like an old friend.  From the Demonica series to the Lords of Deliverance, Arik's story is definitely due.  Limos, the only 'pretty' one of the four horsemen, well, the other three I'm sure are quite the lookers but I don't think 'pretty' is a good adjective to describe,  That aside, Arik really goes through hell and back for Limos. =) LOL! Literally, he goes to Hell for her, no joke.  Poor guy, from the book's get go he's already beaten to an inch of his life, multiple times.  But does that deter Arik from lusting after Limos?  Hahaha, you'll just have to read it!

Honestly, I don't have much else to say accept to READ IT!  Read Larissa books.  If you have not started any of her series than you are lucky to read her books back to back without having to wait for the next release date.  I will be anxiously waiting for Lethal Rider.  For some reason in this book I looked forward to the pieces with Thanatos and Regan more than I did Limos's.  Well, I know why.  It has something to do with Regan's mission to seduce Than and walk away with his baby! Yay! I am so excited. lol!


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Blog Tour: Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Hello Everyone, thanks to author Heather Hildenbrand, below is an excerpt from Cold Blood. If you would like to learn more be sure to visit her site.  Also, Heather is offering an ebook giveaway.  Enter in the comments.

November 22nd 2011
Amazon

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process.
 

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?

************************

Chapter Six

The bell rang, and everyone gathered up their trash and headed for the doors. I noticed not all of the kids were heading for our building.

“Where are they going?” I asked, pointing to two girls walking in the opposite direction we were.

“Sophomores are in Ashton Hall, over there,” said Cambria, pointing. “Freshman are there, and those two are senior buildings. They get so much more room than we do.” She sounded wistful, and I wondered what could possibly make a school building so much nicer by having fewer kids to fill it up.

“So all the junior classes are in this building?” I asked.

Cambria nodded. “Lexington Hall.”

I stopped walking. “Wait, what?” I knew that name. It was Victoria’s name.

“You heard me right. Named after Victoria’s great-great somebody.” Cambria shook her head. “You’d think with all that dough they could get that girl some class – or some sense.”

I didn’t say anything. I was thinking about the comment Victoria had made in the lunch room, about having money. But she obviously had money, and I didn’t, so what was she talking about.

I hooked my bag over my shoulder, dumped my trash into a receptacle cleverly hidden between shrubs, and fell into step between Logan and Cambria.

“What class do you have next?” Logan asked.

I dug my schedule out of my back pocket and smoothed it open as we headed back inside. “Lineage, Professor Lopez.”

“Eww. Boring.” Cambria wrinkled her nose. “I can’t believe they’re making you take that.”

“Why?”

“It’s a freshman class,” she said.

“But it’s a requirement if she’s going to graduate,” said Logan.

“Sucks to be you,” Cambria said. “But it’s on the way to my class so I’ll walk you there.”

Logan checked his watch. “I better get going. Calculus is at the other end. I’ll see you guys later." He shuffled away with his bulging backpack and disappeared into the crowd.

I turned and followed Cambria down a different hallway that led behind the staircase. While we walked, she peered over my shoulder at my classes.

“Looks like we have math and history together, so I’ll meet you after and we can go there together,” she said.

“What class do you have now?” I asked.

“PT. Physical Training,” she said. “The rest of us have more physical training than you do. I guess they’re letting you get caught up in all the classes you missed.”

“I’m sure I’ll make up for it with Alex,” I said.

Cambria shot me a sideways look, letting her bangs fall away from her eyes, and stared at me. “Alex Channing?”

“I think so. He’s going to be my tutor. Headmaster Whitfield said I need to work with him to get caught up.”

“Oh em gee. That boy is magically delicious.” Cambria sighed and leaned against the wall behind her, a faraway look in her eyes.

“He’s okay,” I said. I didn’t want to admit she was right, that Alex was definitely easy on the eyes, especially after how crappy he’d been this morning.

She snapped her gaze back to mine. “Okay? He is more than okay and you get to work with him every day. I officially feel no sympathy for you. I wish I was the new kid.”

She leaned against the wall again, pretending to swoon, and I laughed. Then the bell rang and she straightened. “You better get in there. I’ll see you after. Time to go run off all this tension you’ve given me. Later,” she called, as she jogged down the hallway.

To find out where you can read the next installment of Cold Blood, please visit www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com 

*********************

On a personal note, I asked Heather the Hot Seat questions.  Here they are:

Cats or dogs?  Unfortunantely neither, since my 5yr old is allergic. BUT if I had to pick... cats.

One or two piece swim suit?  My body is that of a mother now, so - sad to say - one peice. Or usually a two piece that covers like a one piece!

Beach or pool?  Depends on the day. We usually split our summer and do half the time at the pool or water park and half the time at the beach. We are in the water almost every day. But for the view, and the love of the feeling I get when I'm there, there will always be something about the ocean. I'm pretty sure I was a mermaid in another life. The water sings to me.

Boxers or briefs?  lol! Um, yeah, panties. Oooh - I like the ones with the ruche (is that how you spell it?) on the back. I thought it would be uncomfortable but its not. At least not the ones from Victoria's Secret. There - wasn't that descriptive? Now you know so much more about me. =)
Paperback or Hardback?  paperback

Triple threat: sing, dance, or act?  Pick one. Dancing. Hmm... I think for that you need rhythm. Once upon a time it would've been singing. (Took voice lessons n high school) Now, I think acting. Being someone else is so much more fun than being ourselves sometimes. It's one of the reasons I write.
Make the call or send a text?  text. I'm a lazy friend.
Paper book or ebook?  paper ... sorry Kindle. I love you.
Cake or pie?  Cheesecake!
Sushi: Nigiri or maki? Uh, no idea what you just said, but I like sushi.
Super strength or super speed?  speed. I could get so much more done. Think of all the books I could write in a month!
Favorite sing-in-the-shower-song?   Hmm... anything from Newsies. Favorite: King of New York.
Favorite color palette?  Blue.. no green! Ahhh!
Vamps or Shifters?  I'm always torn on this one. I'm going to say Shifters. There's something about getting in touch with your animal side...

PJ party with the gals or LNO @ the club?  PJ party. I'm old (almost 30!)
Pedi or mani?  Definitely Mani. My feet are wayyyyy too ticklish for a pedi. It's really embarrassing.
Summer or winter?  Summer
High heels or flats?  Heels (although I haven't worn much other than flip flops in 9 months)
Make it or Buy It?  Buy it! Especially food. I hate cooking.
McDreamy or McSteamy?   McDreamy. I like the combination of sexy and predictable.
Angels or Demons?  Angels.
*Poof* Magic Wand- what do you make happen?  I get a MILF body/figure as soon as I've given birth!!
Guilty indulgent?  Late night eating. The 'go-to' snack: chips and salsa. I think I'm part Mexican on the inside.

**************************

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Related Blog Posts:
Guest Post: "The Para and the Normal: Werewolves"
Jen's Review: Dirty Blood (Dirty Blood, #1)
Review: Cold Blood (Dirty Blood #2)

GIVEAWAY

Prize:

One ebook copy of Cold Blood and one Book Jacket.  Opens World Wide.

How to enter:
Leave in the comments...

1.  Be a follower!!=)

2. Email address.  AT... DOT...com if not in profile or another way to contact.
3. Ask a Hot Seat question in the comments.  I want to add to my list.

Ends:  The ending of the Blog Tour, Dec 25th.

Review: Cold Blood (Dirty Blood #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

November 22nd 2011
Amazon

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process. 

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea. So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming committee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?

Jen's Review:

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

Great story - I’m not in love with the cliffhanger – But there is a great set up for the next book - really looking forward to that one : )

This was an awesome story - lots of action and drama :)

We start off with Tara getting ready to leave for Hunter school, just a couple of days after the first book left off. Tara isn't thrilled about leaving her home, her mom and grandmother, her friends and school, but she knows she needs to learn about being a hunter and working towards making Vera’s vision come true.. Leading the Cause .. with Wes by her side..

*sigh* Wes *sigh*

Wes comes over to talk to Tara before she leaves. That's when he informs her that Jack is still healing and needs Wes to stay and help run to cause. in fact, Jack is asking Wes to take over the leadership of the Cause - SO Tara is forced to go to west point hunter's school and be without Wes - that's just not fair :(

When Tara gets to the school, she literally  runs into  a familiar guy with very green eyes. he looks at her, then turns and stalks down the hallway and turns the corner. when she realizes he was at the warehouse incident and saved her life, she wanted to follow him.. but her Grandma pulled her attention back to the school... and off they went to meant the Headmaster.

The Headmaster gives Tara her schedule and lets her know her trainer will be here in a sec to show her to her first class.

waiting outside the door watching her mom and grandma leave her, she turns and sees the familiar green eyes again.

Alex is a senior and his job is to catch Tara up with her physical training so she can graduate with the rest of the class next year.

Walking in front of her, Tara follows silently as they pass by a bunch of other students glaring at her, whispering and pointing at her.... she tried to brush it off as just being the new kid, but when she heard a few people saying "Dirty blood" and "mutt" she couldn't help but feel insecure. but she wasn't going to let them see that.

Tara is roommates with none other than Veronica - the schools most popular ice queen.

Things couldn't get any worse..

Trying to stay away from her as much as possible, she becomes friends with Logan and Cambria - the school's other misfits. Logan is too much of a hottie to blend in with the geeks, and the cool kids all figured out that he’s too smart to sink their shallow standards, and Cambria too stubborn to conform.  So they took Tara under their wing.

When Alex starts training with Tara, he comes off cold and distant. When Tara realizes it's because he, too has issues with her mix blood, she tries to be just as cold back to him. but then they become friends - and that turns into something a little more - but she's with Wes, and she loves Wes, so why is she attracted to someone else?? she tries to brush it off as Wes's absence that's causing it, but then Alex starts to show his interest, and she doesn't know what to do...

I love the friendship that is bonded with these 3 misfits :) Cambria  is awesome. I love the way she thinks. She is all talk and action and even with her "Charming" attitude, she couldn't care less what people thought of her.

As Tara’s past creeps up on her, she has no other option but to relay on Alex and Logan and Cambria to help her...

Great story - can't wait for the next one to come out :)



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Related Blog Posts:
Guest Post: "The Para and the Normal: Werewolves"
Jen's Review: Dirty Blood (Dirty Blood, #1)
Blog Tour: Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Mid-Winters Eve Blog Hop

Prize #1 (International including US):

One book under $10 from The Book Depository.  Must be able to receive free shipping.  To see if your country is included, see HERE!   Plus, one fabric Book Jacket (see below).

AND

Winner will be notified via email and there will be an announcement.  3 days to claim prize via email.

Prize #2 (International including US):

One book under $10 from The Book Depository.  Must be able to receive free shipping.  To see if your country is included, see HERE!
 

Winner will be notified via email and there will be an announcement.  3 days to claim prize via email.

How to enter:
Leave in the comments...

1.  Be a follower!!=)

2. Email address.  AT... DOT...com if not in profile or another way to contact. 3 days to claim prize via email.

Check out the other blogs too:

Majorie Liu Winners!

It's time for winners to be announced.  Congrats to both winners.  Feel free to click on images to be routed to the original giveaway post.

Prize: Receive one In the Dark of Dreams by Marjorie M. Liu.

Winner:  Ronda

*Ronda, I sent your name and email address along to the my contact for this giveaway. Congrats!

Prize: Receive my gently used copy of Tiger Eye.

Winner: DL Thomas

*DL Thomas, Email is being sent right after this post goes lives. Congrats!

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Book Tour: Khantara w/ Michelle Franklin

Posted on the 11th Hawaii Time so that the post will be live for everyone who is ahead of me.

The Haanta series is an amazing fantasy read.  My review of Khantara will show you just how much I love the series.  The world and every character in it is brimming with life.  Thanks to Twisk, Haanta's artist, the very life of the Haanta series is captured, pencil to paper, for all to see.  Below is one of my favorite excerpts from Khantara. 

****************

A Meal Together

                The wren, having completed his quest, was eager to return to his master in hopes of showing and telling the giant how well he had done during his mission. Upon coming to the house, pushing aside all of the other sparrows and robins who would peer through the window and beg to be let in for some seeds or small fruits, the wren became even more desirous of his master’s company when he saw the meal being placed before him: a large wooden bowl filled with fresh vegetables, doused in honey and light oils, and topped with a sprinkling of toasted seeds. A simple meal to most, but this was ecstasy to the wren, who had been flying this hour and did not know when he should ever rest until coming to the sill only to be screeched at by a flock of envious creatures. He forced them to balk at his ardent remonstrances, pronouncing that he was trusted and chosen for a reason, and though they chirped that they would not believe him, claiming that he must have bribed Khantara with a gleaning of nuts or a fat worm, he would have them understand his position. He flicked his beak at them, puffed his feathers, and with a complacent flap of his wings rapped against the window.

                Presently, Anelta came to the window. The side hinge was undone and the wren burst in with strident tweets, telling of how he delivered his master’s message and had brought someone with him.

                “Have you?” said Khantara with a furtive smile. He made a quick look outside, and though he saw no Jhiaanta in the copses of trees lining the lane beyond the dismal front yard, he knew he was there hidden amongst the more durable boughs. He made a small sigh, shook his head, and asked that the wren place the feather in his talons back with the others on his axe.

                “Is there something the matter?” asked Anelta, catching a fearful tone.

                The giant smiled. “One of my students has followed my sentinel here,” he explained, welcoming the bird back to the table with and extended finger for him to perch on.

                “Would he like to come in? I would gladly make something for him as well.”

                “You are generous to offer, Anelta,” Khantara purred, placing his hand upon hers, “but he would rather remain outside and observe. You need not be concerned. He is only making certain that I am well. He worries for me when I am away for long.”

                Anelta’s complexion flushed with colour and her eyes sparkled, thinking of how nice it was to have someone so anxious for one’s own wellbeing. “Well, he is welcome to stay where he is for as long as he likes.”

                Khantara would have smiled at her invitation, but he was too occupied with smiling at the meal before him; the dulcet scent of the honey mixed with the freshness of the vegetables delighted his senses and compelled him to regard his meal with happy anticipation. He waited for Anelta to bring her bowl to begin, but when she returned with only a few utensils and pleas for him to begin eating, he found such an office difficult to fulfill. He then pushed the bowl toward her, thinking that it must be Thellisian custom to have guests eat first and he would therefore share what he was given, but immediate entreaties for him to please eat followed and Khantara grew chary of such conduct. “My people eat meals together,” he said, hoping to impress this tradition upon her. “Do your people eat alone?”

                “Most of us eat together for meals, if we can,” said she with a hint of reluctance. “The Marked often ate together in the shelter.” She watched the wren hop along the edge of the table as Khantara took up his utensils and she was silent, determined to say no more on the subject.

                He had hoped there would be more to her explication, but her silence only confirmed his uncertainties. “Are you forbidden from eating at the same table as others?”

                She said a quiet, “Yes,” and then seeing the giant’s disappointed countenance added, “but I usually sit in the garden and eat, which I enjoy much more than sitting at the table most of the time.”

                Khantara narrowed his gaze. “Does your mate not allow you to eat with him when he is here?”

                “No. He doesn’t like when I sit at the table. He says that I speak too much and too loudly.” She realized what she was saying and remembered to keep her voice at a pitch that would have been acceptable to him were he present. “The way I eat, too, sometimes disturbs him,” she murmured, “so when he is here for meals, I wait until he is finished so I can do the washing and then eat quietly in my room.”

                She had said enough to disconcert the giant; not only must she give up her meal to others but she must also be made to wait on one whom he was certain could not appreciate her abilities. To create something so savoury from items so simple was a gift that only constant privation and an active mind could warrant, and with a taking of her hand, a placing of her fingers around the handle of one of the utensils, he silenced all further  considerations on this point with a firm, “We eat together,” and made certain that she should have more than he would be allowed to give.

                They ate in exulted silence, each glorying in one another’s company, Khantara conversing in hums of thankfulness and Anelta smiling with modesty between each bite. The giant devoured his portion with closed eyes and did so at such a measured pace that she had not noticed her eating more than half what she had prepared until there was nothing left to be ate. She had been hungrier than she felt, and in realizing that she had taken more than she wished to give, she leapt up from the table to prepare something more when her hand was suddenly seized and she was lead back to her seat.

                “There is no need, Anelta,” said the giant in a tender accent. “I am well satisfied and I greatly enjoyed what you made.” And then, bowing his head, he added, “You have my sincere thanks.”

                She freed her hand only to cool her warm cheek with her palm. “But you have eaten so little,” was her halfhearted plea.

                “Amghari are trained to survive by eating much less than you have given me.”

                She must believe him, though she was disinclined to do so when considering what one of his size ought to eat to maintain his condition, but she would obey him and not contrive to make anything more until the birds sitting on the sill had something to say on the subject. They twittered and trilled and would be heard, and though Anelta could not understand them, she surmises that the remaining seeds in the large wooden bowl were giving them some distress. “May I give some seeds to your friends?” she said, eyeing the birds who had quieted when she pronounced her intended charity. “I think they’re waiting here for you. You are so kind to stay here with me. I don’t want them to feel neglected.”  

                “You may do as you wish,” said Khantara, smiling.

                He summoned the birds from the sill into the home and they entered in a whirl of motion, gaining more friends from the nearby lines of trees as they flurried about. Anelta had turned to gather more seeds from the cabinet, but when she had turned back toward the table was greeted by the sight of nearly a hundred birds, all of them decorating the sparse outfittings, the chairs, and the giant’s hair and shoulders. He had brought a handful of seeds thinking that should be more than enough to sate the little hopping creatures, but now she wondered how she could provide amply for so many. She sprinkled the seeds onto the table and was swallowed in a swarm of talons and feathers before the last seed had even fallen from her hand. She laughed and spread her fingers to catch the sensation of being clouded by so many creatures, her fingertips touching their wings and crests, and though the birds had returned to their places once the seeds were gone, she felt breathless in the receipt of their attention, honoured to be blessed with so many visitors as she had never hitherto known within that house.

****************

Khantara: Vol 1 (Haanta #3)

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?

Related Postings, to date:
Excerpt w/ Michelle Franklin
Review: The Commander And The Den Asaan Rautu (Haanta #1)
Review: Khantara: Vol 1 (Haanta) by Michelle Franklin 
Book Tour & Review: Tales from Frewyn-The Opera by Michelle Franklin 

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

See more:

Book Lover's Holiday WINNER!

A special thanks to Eve for offering up my favorite title to one winner!

If you want to show Eve some love please visit her....

Website

Blog  *Become a Follower*

FaceBook   *Become a fan*

 

Prize:

Read my review!

AND

Winner is:

kara-karina

Congrats.  I will be emailing you shortly or you may contact me via contact AT lovlivlifereviews DOT com.  I will also have Author Eve Langlais email you directly.  Enjoy your winnings!

I have another hop coming up and there will be at least 2 prizes, maybe more.  See you there!

Review: The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles #1) by Krystle Jones

Amazon

The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.

When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will, and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life. But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. The city is harboring a devastating secret, one that could change the tide of the war and threaten to destroy everything Sloane has come to believe in.

Heart-stopping action and scorching romance collide in this dystopian, urban fantasy thriller.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Fans of YA titles by Richelle Mead, Jennifer L. Armentrout, P. C. Cast, Rachel Caine, just to name a few, will be elated to read The Scarlet Dagger.

Tragedy, action, hate, romance and humor, all rolled into one book.  Start to finished, I enjoyed The Scarlet Dagger.

Teaser: "I couldn’t imagine a worse fate than being turned, and suddenly this talking, seemingly sensible man before me became incredibly tragic. He would never age, a beauty queen’s wet dream. I couldn’t imagine being a teenager forever. There were too many things I wanted out of life. Then I remembered he was a vampire, and any pity I felt vanished."

Immediately, I took a liking to Sloane McAllister.  Her character is young, naive in ways to be expected, noble, passionate, resilient, determined, and a self-thinker.  The Scarlet Dagger kicks-off with Sloane deciding to defy her Mother in hopes of finding her twin brother in vamp infested territory.  Perhaps, she is jumps the gun but when faced with choice Sloane makes hers and she does not back down.  Sloane is a person of action.

Ever felt the rug be pulled out from under you?  Well, Sloane is thrust into an underground world and not only threatens but breaks down all that she has been taught about vampires.  After a fit or two, she begins to play the game and starts gathering all the info she can.  Of course, for the sake of plot of conflict, the info she finds has her second guessing the truth she knows and is now wondering what's what.  To make matters worse she is falling for the one boy who changed her life and she finds the brother she so desperately wants to see safe.

All in all, one heck of a YA read.  I would recommend this title to all YA readers.  




For more information, visit:
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Double Review: A Ghostly Ménage by Eve Langlais

August 30th 2011 by Cobblestone Press, LLC 

Amazon.com / Cobblestone Press

Forget ghosts who rattle chains, try living with ones that like to grope.

Jenna, desperate for change, buys a repossessed home on a whim. The townsfolk claim it's haunted, but Jenna's pretty sure all it needs is some filler to stop the drafts. But before long, even she has to admit, there's more going on here than the vagaries of an old house. And whatever it is keeps making her panties damp and her dreams hot.

Derrick and Mark, werewolf twins, are stuck in their house as disembodied spirits all because of an evil witch. When their fated mate suddenly becomes the new owner, they end up taking haunting to a whole new erotic level.

Can Jenna save the alpha brothers and if she does, can she handle a forever after with not one, but two men?

My Review:
Rating: 4/5 stars

I have a thing about not reading Ghost stories because I do not, do not like the idea of floating around and being ignored.  In life, I love to talk so being isolated with little to no function scares me.  Plus, without a corporeal form, I beg to think what kind of fighting action would take place.  I am an absolute action kind of gal.  With all that said, A Ghostly Ménage is nothing like what I was expecting would come of a ghostly tale.  In fact, I will read Eve's Ghostly tales any day of the week and I'll even place my pre-order for my very own pair of ghosts ;) *Wink*. C/o LovLivLife Reviews.  Can you make that happen Eve?


Jenna buys a house on a whim, she is looking for a change.  What she discovers in the home located on Changeling Drive is more than enough change for one scorned author.  Jenna just got out of a bad relationship and sworn off men.  But as luck, or maybe just Eve Langlais, would have it Jenna is now apart of a plan to save two brother.  Derrick and Mark have lost their physical form. Almost like ghosts, they wait in limbo and can not leave their family home.  It is the same home that Jenna has just purchased.  Both brothers, stuck to twiddle their thumbs for years they were not expecting Jenna.  Now with the three- Jenna, Derrick and Mark- will they be able to break the curse that has thrust the brothers into a limbo status?

All in all, Ghostly is a fine novella that has a complete story without the dwellings of more details.  The shortness works just fine for me as I wanted to know what happens to the brothers. 

Jen's Review:

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

Awe - what a cute story - When I was a teenager, I didn't believe in Ghosts, but I had wanted to pretend they existed :) Haunted me and followed me around the house (I Blame the movie BeetleJuice :)
This story was a fast read, but really cute.

The Two ware’s Mark and his brother Derrick came home from their Halloween Run, only to find "HER" trespassing in their home.

Following her nasty sent up into the master bedroom where they found her laying in between the sheets waiting for them.
Derrick, the not as polite brother told her to get the F*#$ out of his bed. Mark on the other hand .. a little more polite... "What he meant to say... is while you are quite attractive, we are unfortunately not interested, Thank you for your offer though."

Lol Of course Derrick snorted about the same time I did :) I love the difference between these two twins :)

WELL Unfortunately that wasn't the right thing to say to Clarissa - because she is a witch , and a powerful witch at that, but not powerful enough - she wants the twins to claim her, bond her to them so she can use the power of their ware’s to make herself strong enough to overpower the witches in her coven...

But the guys wouldn't budge. She wasn't their mate, and they wouldn't settle for anything less...

So she cursed them... not just a little curse, She took their bodies away and left them as spirits, no one could see them, or hear them. And they couldn't leave their house. Every year on Halloween, Clarissa came back to the house demanding the twins bind her to them, and every year they refuse.

Because no one could see or hear them, after 5 years, the courts appointed them as missing/dead and put their house up for auction.

That's how Jenna bought the house they haunted.. she needed a nice quiet place to start over. Leaving behind a bad relationship and friends that betrayed her, she was anxious to start over. And something about the house drew her here...

Mark and Derrick knew the second she walked into the house that she was their mate...even though they can't smell her, or feel her... they couldn't look past the pull that called to them.

And now they couldn't do anything about it...

This was sad, So sad - poor guys, I've read Werewolf stories before and I know the pull they've been feeling to touch their mate, to smell her hair, to *ahem* "BE" with her.... and the frustration these guys must have to not be able to do any of that....

It was hot though, the things a ghost could do when they have nothing else to do :) The chilly breeze across her shoulders, the soft whisper kisses of a chill on her neck... and the things they crave to do to her while she sleeps *Blush*

Loved this story :) Very original and now I'll have an excuse to talk out loud to myself when the kids aren't home :)



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

Blog Tour: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall

Get to Know the Immortal Guardians Crew 3

Thank you, Chasity, for welcoming me back to LovLivLife Reviews!  I’m thrilled to be here today, celebrating the release of Night Reigns, the second book in my Immortal Guardians series!  

I thought it would be fun to add some character interviews to my blog tour, so visitors can get to know the Immortal Guardians crew.  I even solicited some questions from the “Honorary Seconds” who follow my blog.  ;-)  

In case you’re new to the Immortal Guardians, I’ll just take a quick moment to explain that the vampires and immortals in my series are both infected with a rare symbiotic virus that produces the increased speed, strength, and regenerative properties both possess, as well as the photosensitivity and a need for blood.  Vampires are humans who have been infected and suffer brain damage as a result that causes them to rapidly descend into madness.  Immortals are gifted ones, men and women born with advanced DNA, who have been infected.  Their advanced DNA protects them from the madness. 

Seconds are members of a human network who guard and assist individual immortals.

Sheldon, Richart’s Second, has agreed to proffer the questions to today’s guest:  Seth, the leader of the Immortal Guardians and a favorite of readers.

Sheldon:  Thank you for doing this, sir.  I know, as the leader of the Immortal Guardians, you must be incredibly busy.

Seth:  I’m happy to do it.  The men and women who work for The Network rarely have a chance to interact with the immortals they aid in so many ways.  Chris Reordon and I both thought this would give them an opportunity to get to know us better.

Sheldon:  Actually, The Network might be a good place to start with the questions.  How extensive is it?

Seth:  It’s global.  There are three major branches here in the United States.  Chris heads the East Coast division. 

Sheldon:  Was creating The Network your idea?

Seth:  Yes.  I knew early on that immortals who couldn’t tolerate direct sunlight or who had to severely limit their exposure to it would require the aid of humans.  Even today most business -- financial and otherwise -- is conducted during daylight hours, making Seconds like yourself and other members of The Network invaluable. 

Sheldon:  I imagine it’s also pretty hard to work in any after-hours business when one spends one’s nights hunting insane vampires.

Seth:  Precisely.

Sheldon:  So, you’re the eldest Immortal Guardian.  Many would like to know just how old you are.

Seth:  Old enough to have witnessed Biblical events.

Sheldon:  Really?

Seth:  Yes.  David witnessed many as well, though he isn’t quite as ancient as I.  *small smile*

Sheldon:  You’re also the most powerful Immortal Guardian.  What gifts do you have?

Seth:  All of the gifts -- telepathy, telekinesis, teleportation, healing, precognition, etcetera -- that the other immortals have combined.  Plus a couple they don’t have.  Those I won’t discuss, however.

Sheldon:  Which one is your favorite?

Seth:  It’s a tie between the ability to heal and the ability to teleport.  Both have saved countless lives in the past, so it’s difficult for me to choose.

Sheldon:  *looks at list of questions*  Okay, what is the best thing about being an immortal? 

Seth:  Being able to help others.

Sheldon:  What’s the worst?

Seth:  Losing our human friends and family to age, illness, or injury.

Sheldon:  What is your one fear? 

Seth:  I don’t have just one.

Sheldon:  Then, what is one of your biggest?

Seth:  Currently?  That Ami will fall into our enemy’s hands.

Sheldon:  Do you envy humans their shorter, simpler existence? 

Seth:  *ponders that a moment*  I don’t know that I envy them, but I do wonder sometimes what such an existence would be like. 

Sheldon:  *peruses list*  If you could relinquish your command to anyone, who would you want the new leader to be?

Seth:  David.  Aside from me, he has lived longer, seen more, and acquired more wisdom than any other immortal.   As the second oldest, he is also more powerful and possesses more gifts than the others.   Already he performs many of the duties I do.  Which is why he is my second in command.  I couldn’t accomplish all that I do on a daily basis without him.

Sheldon:  And he really goes the extra mile to make immortals and Second feel like family.

Seth:  Yes, he does.

Sheldon:  As the eldest immortal, do you have any regrets?

Seth:  Too many to count.

Sheldon:  *consults list*  In all of your years of living, when were you the most powerless?

Seth:  *long pause*  The night my wife died.

Sheldon:  *stares*  You were married?

Seth:  Yes.

Sheldon:  When?

Seth:  Many lifetimes ago.  Next question, please. 

Sheldon:  Of course.  Why did you assign Ami to be Marcus’s Second?

Seth:  Marcus suffered a great loss recently.

Sheldon:  You mean Bethany?  The woman he loved for, like, eight centuries?

Seth:  Yes.  And his actions of late have become too . . .

Sheldon:  Nutcasey?

Seth:  Erratic for my peace of mind.  I thought having a Second again would bring a little structure into his life and . . .

Sheldon:  Calm his ass down?

Seth:  *smiles*  Perhaps.

Sheldon:  What do you think about the whole Roland and Sarah thing? 

Seth:  I’m glad they found each other.

Sheldon:  Did you see it coming?

Seth:  *laughs*  No.  I don’t think anyone could have seen that coming.

Sheldon:  *checks list again*  Okay, the women at The Network all want to know this one.  Who would your fantasy woman be?  Hair, height, eyes, and so on?

Seth:  I don’t indulge in such fantasies since they will never come to fruition.  Such only leads to disappointment.

Sheldon:  You don’t think you’ll ever find love?

Seth:  No.

Sheldon:  Dude.  You didn’t even hesitate when you said that.

Seth:  *cell phone buzzes*

Sheldon: *watches as Seth retrieves his phone*

Seth:  I have to take this.

Sheldon:  No problem.

Seth:  Ja? . . . Wie Viele? . . . Wo? . . . Ich bin auf dem Weg  *returns phone to pocket*  I have to go. 

Sheldon:  *looks at the sunny window*  Now? 

Seth:  *shakes his head*  It’s always nighttime somewhere.  Thank you for the interview.  *vanishes* 

Sheldon:  Sure.

If you’d like to see more of Seth and learn what happens when he throws Marcus and Ami together, I hope you’ll check out Night Reigns!

*******************

Night Reigns

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

*******************

Don’t miss my big Kindle Contest.  I’m giving away TWO Kindles (or a Kindle Gift Card if you already have one) to celebrate the release of Night Reigns.  See my website for details. 

Dianne's Website:  http://www.dianneduvall.com

Blog:  http://dianneduvall.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Duvall/248355201895532

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DianneDuvall

Thank you for joining us!  Have a wonderful week!

Dianne Duvall

*******************

GIVEAWAY

Thank you Dianne for the stellar character interview.  Being a fan of the series, I love these types of posts.  Seth, is definitely a character that piques my interest and now more so.  *Scoffs* Not a believer of love? Ha, I can not wait to meet that woman who will have him do a 360.

For giveaway, "I'd love to give away a signed copy of Night Reigns." Thanks Dianne! This giveaway Opens International.

Be sure to follow Dianne: Blog / FB / Twitter

To Enter:
1. Comment w/ Email address.  AT... DOT...com is okay of not in profile.
2. Be a follower
3. Answer: What is your impression of Marcus and/or Seth?


Opens: International!

Ends: The duration of the Blog Tour, Jan 2nd.