LovLivLife Reviews

His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-23T11:00:00.004-10:00

I have on my shelf two other Anne Marsh books and below is another soon to be released. Anne Marsh and Kensington Brava are offering one lucky winner a copy of His Dark Blood. Opens International! Ends Jan 31st. Details below!

His Dark Bond (Fallen #2) by Anne Marsh

January 31st 2012 by Brava

HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY . . .

Zer is no angel—well, not anymore. He’s explored every flavor of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood…a woman like Nessa St. James.

AND HER SOUL

Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer’s bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved, and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, this is one job Zer’s going to nail.

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GIVEAWAY

Prize: Receive one copy of His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh
Shipping & Opens to: International

To Enter:
1. Email, if not in profile, or leave another way to contact. AT...DOT...com is okay!
2. Comment w/ a thought on the cover, book synopsis or any other relevance.

Earn an Extra entry by tweeting or retweeting: Leave a link in the comments.

My Tweet: http://bit.ly/A4JstQ International Giveaway:His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh "HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY AND HER SOUL" #paranormal#romance Ends 1/31 Link to my Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/lll808/status/161554148591013890

*Thanks for spreading the word!

ENDS: Jan 31st (The release date)

Early Review: Clash (Recast, #2) by Yolanda Sfetsos

2012-01-23T10:06:00.001-10:00

January 24th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Amazon

When revenge, secrets and lust collide, there can only be chaos.

Jenks Maine is dead, but the devastating effects forcing Recast to fight in the arena goes on. Half-Recast Ace Abu is determined to put a stop to it. All he needs is to get to the planet Fray, locate the concealed Clash Arena, and destroy it. But first he has to cross half the galaxy before the sound and smell of his partners’ nonstop lovemaking drives him mad.

By the time he parks himself on a barstool in the town of Grit, he’s more than ready for a few beers. Except the sexy singer on stage is only making him—and his inner beast—burn hotter.

Ely’Shea longs for the freedom Jenks stole from her. She’s his right-hand woman, but when the boss is away she steps out of her enforcer role and ducks into a remote bar to indulge her passion: singing onstage. The night she catches a glimpse of an alluring cowboy in the audience, he ignites a spark inside her she never thought she’d feel again.

Unable to resist temptation, they’re consumed by passion…but once the fuses are set, their deepest personal secrets could blow any chance of forever all to hell.

Warning: This book contains a very lonely shapeshifter in need of some loving, a kick-ass singer leading a double life, a serious case of mutual lust, an arena filled with enslaved warriors, and so many secrets it can only end in total madness.

My Review:
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Jenks Maine has really mucked up a lot of people's lives and has created horrors unimaginable. Ace, Colt and Brynn set out to clean up the mess that Jenk's has left behind. One of those messes is Ely'Shea, "Personal Liaison Assistant by his [Jenk's] title ,Slave by hers." Ely's head has been fitted with a inhibitor chip that has allowed Jenk's to keep her under his dirty thumb. Serving and fulfilling his orders like a slave. Ace, once a target of Jenk's is now on a mission. His mission takes him to a planet where he meets Ely. Little do they know of one another accept for the instant connection they share.

Destroy the Clash Arena and set the captives free are at the top of the agenda for Ace, Colt and Brynn. Sneaking onto the planet by way of Jenk's space ship is a brilliant plan. Soon Ace and Ely discover whom the other is and what that means for the Arena.... you'll just have to read.

All in all, Clash offers an adventurous tale in space and another strong heroine. I believe there is enough back story that this book could be read without book one but then you would miss out on Colt and Brynn's story and the fall of Jenk's. However you choose to read this one it'll surely entertain!

For more information, visit:
Website & Blog / Twitter

Related postings:

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Lovin' Covers 1.20.12

2012-01-20T22:03:00.000-10:00

Enslaved (Eternal Guardians #5) by Elisabeth Naughton

November 2012

Predestined (Existence Trilogy #2) by Abbi Glines

April 4th 2012 by Wild Child Publishing

Crystal Gardens (The Arcane Society #13) by Amanda Quick

April 24th 2012 by Putnam Adult

Lovin' Covers 1.19.12

2012-01-19T23:13:00.000-10:00

Oooooooh my, there are sooo many covers. I want to finish watching the newest epi of Once Upon a Time and then curl up with my book so you will have to click on the image for a description, if there is one. Plus, there are more titles and covers I found this week but there is just too much. Thus, browse my flickr at your leisure! Good Night and Happy Reading!

Ironskin (Ironskin #1) by Tina Connolly

2012 by Tor Books

A Hunger So Wild (Renegade Angels #2) by Sylvia Day

July 3rd 2012 by Signet Book

Fair Game (Guardian, #3) by Taylor Keating

August 28th 2012 by Tor Books

Blood Before Sunrise (Shaede Assassin #2) by Amanda Bonilla

July 3rd 2012 by Signet

Tainted Night, Tainted Blood (Kat Redding #2) by E.S. Moore

July 1st 2012 by Kensington

Death and the Girl Next Door (Darklight #1) by Darynda Jones

April 3rd 2012 by St. Martin's Press

Claimed by a Vampire (Harlequin Nocturne) by Rachel Lee

February 1st 2012 by Harlequin Nocturne

Darkness Becomes Her (Offspring #6) by Jaime Rush

May 29th 2012 by HarperCollins Publishers

Forever Claimed (Harlequin Nocturne) by Rachel Lee

March 1st 2012 by Harlequin Nocturne

Wrong Side of Hell (League of Guardians novella) by Juliana Stone

March 6th 2012 by Harpercollins

The Goddess Hunt (Goddess Test #1.5 Novella) by Aimee Carter

March 1st 2012 by Harlequin Teen

The Half-Breed Vampire by Theresa Meyers

February 21st 2012 by Harlequin

Prehistoric Clock (The Steam Clock Legacy, #1) by Robert Appleton

February 6th 2012 by Carina Press

Blood of the Pride by Sheryl Nantus

February 13th 2012 by Carina Press

Pack and Coven by Jody Wallace

February 20th 2012 by Carina Press

Under Her Brass Corset by Brenda Williamson

February 27th 2012 by Carina Press

Synthetic Dreams by Kim Knox

February 27th 2012 by Carina Press

The Highgate Vampire by Asa Bailey

July 7th 2012 by Hodder Children's Books

Ember (Darkest London 0.5) by Kristen Callihan

February 1st 2012 by Forever

Halflings (Halflings #1) by Heather Burch

January 17th 2012 by Zonderkidz

Night Seeker (Indigo Court #3) by Yasmine Galenorn

July 3rd 2012 by Berkley

Be My Valentine, Vampire (Wicked Games #2.2) by Michele Hauf, Cynthia

Cooke, Vivi Anna, Theresa Meyers, Lisa Childs

February 3rd 2012 by Mills & Boon

The Werewolf's Wife (Harlequin Nocturne) by Michele Hauf

March 20th 2012 by Harlequin

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by Moira Young

October 30th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry

Sweet Shadows (Medusa Girls #2) by Tera Lynn Childs

2012

Dark Heart Surrender (Dark Heart Forever #3) by Lee Monroe

April 5th 2012 by Hodder Children's Books

Lovin' Covers 1.13.12

2012-01-13T09:52:00.003-10:00

There are some fantastic covers of books that'll be released soon. I have not made a post like this in a long time so I will only post the most newest ones. However, to see all covers I've collected click over to my page.

Slayer's Kiss (The Shadow Slayers, #1) by Cassi Carver

February 14th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Description:
When the past flies in your face, clip its wings.

The Shadow Slayers, Book 1

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.

When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

Warning: Contains a kick-ass heroine with a foul mouth, a kind heart and a raging libido, and two fallen angel warriors who wouldn’t have her any other way. Watch out for sex in the clouds, a magical island of hedonism and a love triangle that gives new meaning to the term “hot-wings”.

Shadows Before the Sun (Charlie Madigan #4) by Kelly Gay

July 31st 2012 by Pocket Books

Description:
The electrifying sequel to the acclaimed urban fantasies The Better Part of Darkness, The Darkest Edge of Dawn, and The Hour of Dust and Ashes!After filling out mountains of paperwork, Detective Charlie Madigan sets out for a death-defying trip into heavenly Elysia to rescue her partner Hank and bring the siren home. Of course, she doesn’t expect to leave behind an all out siren revolution or return home to find that jinn crime boss, Grigori Tennin, has begun a massive search for the divine being, Ahkneri. Tennin’s tactics set off a chain reaction that puts Charlie in the crosshairs of the shadowy creature known as Death and awakens Ahkneri from her long sleep. And when Vengeance rises, Atlanta will never be the same.

Otherkin by Nina Berry

July 31st 2012 by Kensington

Description:
I thought I knew myself. Then I met Caleb.

Dez is a good girl who does as she’s told and tries not to be noticed.
Then she rescues a boy from a cage, and he tells her secrets about herself.
Now inside her burns a darkness that will transform her.

Everything is about to change -- and neither Caleb, nor the Otherkin, nor those who hunt them are prepared for what Dez will unleash.

A Tale of Two Vampires (Dark Ones #10) by Katie MacAlister

May 2012

Warrior Rising (Nocturne) by Pamela Palmer

March 20th 2012 by Harlequin

God Save the Queen (The Immortal Empire) by Kate Locke

July 3rd 2012 by Orbit

Description:
Queen Victoria rules with an immortal fist.
The undead matriarch of a Britain where the Aristocracy is made up of werewolves and vampires, where goblins live underground and mothers know better than to let their children out after dark. A world where being nobility means being infected with the Plague (side-effects include undeath), Hysteria is the popular affliction of the day, and leeches are considered a delicacy. And a world where technology lives side by side with magic. The year is 2012 and Pax Britannia still reigns.

Xandra Vardan is a member of the elite Royal Guard, and it is her duty to protect the Aristocracy. But when her sister goes missing, Xandra will set out on a path that undermines everything she believed in and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to topple the empire. And she is the key-the prize in a very dangerous struggle.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet (Charley Davidson #4) by Darynda Jones

2012

Samurai Game (GhostWalkers #10) by Christine Feehan

July 3rd 2012 by Jove Pubns

Description:
In a world so dark and seductive, expect nothing less than a triple-cross in the explosive all-new Ghostwalker novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan.

In an underground club, a high-ranking public official spends his secret nights indulging in fantasies as exciting as they are depraved. For a seductive employee of the Dungeon, it’s her job to fulfill them. But she’s playing a far more dangerous game: one of blackmail, politics, and murder that reaches into the shadow world of the Ghostwalkers, and the creation of a spectacular, one-of-a-kind new weapon of defense.

But when a dictator makes his own catastrophic moves, the Ghostwalkers have no choice but to bring in two major players, a man and woman both driven by passion and revenge. Both expendable. Both with nothing left to lose.

Into the Dreaming (Deckle Edge) Karen Marie Moning

April 24th 2012 by Delacorte Press

Description:
Between the Highlander and Fever worlds lies a place beyond imagining.

For the first time in hardcover, here is #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning’s novella Into the Dreaming, a tale of Highland fantasy, star-crossed lovers, and the timeless manipulation of the ancient, immortal Unseelie king. This is Moning at her romantic, funniest finest.

Free him from his ice-borne hell . . .

Stolen from his beloved home in the Highlands of Scotland, imprisoned in the Unseelie king’s dark, frosty kingdom, Aedan MacKinnon endured centuries of torture before becoming the icy, emotionless Vengeance, the dark king’s dispatcher of death and destruction in the mortal realm.

And in his century you both may dwell . . .

Aspiring romance novelist Jane Sillee has always believed that she was born in the wrong century, but she’s managed to make a decent enough life for herself—if only she could stop having those recurring dreams about a man too perfect to exist.

In the Dreaming you have loved him . . .

Haunted every night of her life by a devastatingly sexy Highlander who comes to her while she sleeps, Jane tries to write him out of her head and heart. As a child he protected her, as a woman he loves her.

Now in the Waking you must save him . . .

When an ancient tapestry bearing the likeness of her beloved Highlander arrives on her doorstep, Jane is whisked back in time to fifteenth-century Scotland, to the castle of Dun Haakon on the isle of Skye, where she is given one chance to save her dream lover . . . or lose him forever to the Unseelie king.

Caught in a deadly game between the light and dark courts of the Fae, Jane must find a way through the ice to the heart of her Highander. But will the love of one mortal woman be enough to defeat such ancient and ruthless immortal enemies?

The Accidental Genie (Accidentals #7) by Dakota Cassidy

November 2012

Howl For Me (True Destiny #3) by Dana Marie Bell

March 13th 2012 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Description:
For a love that will last through the ages, they must fight an evil older than time.

Jeffrey Grimm’s grandfather, Odin, tortured and nearly killed his twin sister. He’s on a mission to return the favor. To get the job done, he needs the world's oldest living laser hair removal candidate: Fenrisùlfr, the werewolf prophesy has decreed will kill Odin at Ragnarrok.

When he gets to Norway, though, he discovers the wolf can change into a man…a man so sexy that Jeff is blindsided with lust. And, despite his blood ties to Odin, Fen wants him with equal ferocity.

An attraction to the blood kin of his oldest enemy? Fenris figures he must have been caged far too long. Yet as soon as the magical phrase that frees him leaves Jeff’s lips, Fenris has no choice. He is bound to protect Jeff at all costs, even if it means giving up his hatred of the man who betrayed him—and learning to live with the horrors of toothpaste and the Internet.

Odin isn’t through with him, though. And when he gets his hands on Jeff, Fen calls upon everything within him to fulfill the prophecy... even if it means his own death.

Warning: this book contains explicit male/male sex, graphic language, a redhead with a temper and the ultimate werewolf. Caution, drooling may be an unfortunate side effect.

Night Demon (The Night Series #2) by Lisa Kessler

2012 by Entangled Publishing

Description:
Deep within the Yucatan jungle a demon has awakened...

Glitch (Glitch #1) by Heather Anastasiu

August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

Description:
In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Like I said.... Fantastic and Yummy covers!!=)

Review: Secret Santa (Secret McQueen #2.5) by Sierra Dean

2012-01-12T09:26:00.003-10:00

November 29th 2011 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

Amazon

’Tis the season for ho-ho-homicide.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The season for mistletoe, Christmas lights…and a killing spree. When Secret’s friend, Detective Mercedes Castilla, asks for help to solve a series of murders longer than a string of lights, Secret resigns herself to the fact her holidays will be anything but peaceful.

It seems someone is killing New Yorkers in an unusually gruesome way, and as the bodies pile up faster than presents under the tree, the police are no closer to finding the killer than Secret is to finding the perfect present for one of her boyfriends, Lucas.

Tracking down a monster in Manhattan the week before Christmas is almost as difficult as shopping for her ever-expanding collection of loved ones. When tragedy strikes close to home, Secret must do everything in her power to put an end to the horror in time for Santa to come down the chimney.

Warning: Contains a less than merry McQueen with a sword and a reason to use it; a festive new use for mistletoe; and a promise that will haunt Secret like the Ghost of Christmas Future.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

What a journey's its been with Secret McQueen. She has come along way and lucky her, she has picked up a few friends and some 'closer than friends' along the way. And just in time for Christmas too.

While a lot has changed for Secret, like having a seat on the vampire Tribunal, some things never change. There are missing and murdered kids. The cases look a little sketchy, of the paranormal kind, and then events hit close to home for Secret so she is thrown back into danger. Gotta love the Christmas time.

My favorite quote is right in the beginning:

"Since I’d been promoted to a seat on the Tribunal, I now had to worry about stuff like undeads’ feelings and the other day-to-day concerns of pulse-challenged Americans everywhere."

All in all, a perfect novella to continue on in this series. The only thing I am hoping for is more Lucas time. I love Desmond but all things considered, Lucas is being left out. Poor lonely boy! =D

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

See my Flickr set for Sierra Dean:

Review: Demon Crossings by Eleri Stone

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-10:00

January 2nd 2012 by Carina Press

Amazon

Private investigator Grace tracks a kidnapped child to middle-of-nowhere Iowa. Encountering a strange creature she knows can't be a local animal, she doesn't need her psychic abilities to figure out the sleepy town is not what it seems. When she meets the intriguing Aiden, she's plunged into a world of Norse gods and fire demons where the Wild Hunt still rides the night.

Aiden needs Grace's help to cross the portal between worlds and rescue his daughter. Grace is unlike any woman he's ever met. He's drawn to her courage, distressed by her vulnerability and doubtful of her motives. But he knows that her visions are the key to defeating the enemy and bringing everyone home alive.

Grace wants a future with Aiden, even if it means she'll never have a normal life. When a test run to the portal takes a terrifying turn, they must learn to finally trust each other or Aiden's daughter, and their chance at love, will be lost forever...

My Review:

Rating: 5/5 stars

Demon Crossings is a unique story that incorporates Norse mythology. I am close to clueless when it comes to Norse myth but I found myself drawn into world of Ragnarök and Odin and other names I'll not attempt to pronounce.

Grace's past has taught her to trust ans relay on no one but what happens when someone like Aiden breaks those barriers? Aiden is the leader of his groups hunt. They live to protect the portals leading into the human world from demon creatures. Aiden is has earned the respect given but being the leader comes with the responsibility of all. When Grace shows up and proves to have the gifts needed to help him rescue his daughter, is he willing to risk all? Grace is not a damsel, though she admits to playing the role when called for, she is something more. Abandoned and rejected at an early age, her childhood is a nightmare. But with those nightmares brings forth her drive to ensure other children are not harmed like her. Honorable traits and a heart in need of love.... Grace is a lovely character to read and Aiden's strength is admirable.

All in all, Eleri Stone has written another fantastic story with fierce yet vulnerable characters. I look forward to continuing the journey in the world of Demon Crossings.

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

Related Blog Posts:
Release Day & Review: Redemption by Eleri Stone
Guest Post with Eleri Stone
Review: Mercy by Eleri Stone

Reading at the Beach

2012-01-04T10:36:00.000-10:00

I was ridiculously giddy when I seen that I received Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout in the mail. Pure could not have come at a better time. It felt like a Christmas gift! Thank you Spencer Hill Press!

I, of course, took pictures of Pure's beautiful cover and it, of course, went with me as I set out on my daily adventures! Off to the beach it went with me!

I had to pace myself, otherwise, I would have devoured Pure in a heartbeat. So I read a little of Pure and switched over to listening to an audio of Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead.... My first audio ever and I really enjoyed it!

Oh, if you have not noticed I have the cutest Kindle cover that Jen @ Jen's Bookshelf made for me. Thank you Jen!

*Sigh* I had a lovely Winter break while it lasted but now my daughters are back in school and I have some blogging to catch up with!

Review: The Kure by Jaye Frances

2012-01-04T10:25:00.001-10:00

September 16th 2011

Amazon

Forbidden by law and denounced as an abomination by the church, the Kure has been hidden for centuries...

John Tyler has never met Sarah Sheridan. But he knows he must find her, and somehow convince her that she is the key to unlocking the power of an ancient ritual that will rid his body of a rare and ravaging disease.

But as cure quickly becomes curse, John realizes the ritual is more than a faded promise scrawled on a page of crumbling paper, and he discovers, too late, that the unholy text has unleashed a dark power that is driving him to consider the unthinkable.

Ultimately, John must choose between his desperate need to arrest the plague that is destroying his body, and the virtue of the woman he loves, knowing the wrong decision could cost him his life.

Jen's Review:

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

Wow! I'm not sure how to review this book - lol
It was very .. Deep, Very disturbing and very heart worming all at the same time. I hated it. but I loved it - I was so disgusted by it, and yet I couldn't put it down.
Jaye Frances did an Awesome job with this book -
We start off with John pacing his house - he was afraid to sleep, afraid the condition would spread. the Large red pustules covered his abdomen. And he knew that the center of the outbreak was lower, concentrated in the worse possible area. As dawn approached, he got on his carriage and made his way to town. Hoping it was early enough no one would see him.

He got to the Dr's office, and when the doctor told him he had to use leaches to suck the poison out of his system. Poor John couldn't help but think of the time he saw a lady being drained by those leaches right in that very office. He knew there had to be another way to get the poison out, another way to save his manhood.
Begging the doctor for another way, "John, your affliction is rare. In my 30 years as a physician, I've seen it less than a dozen times....It was in the tropics, the islands below the equator where I first saw it. Sailors mostly. I saw several of them die from it. But that was before we learned how to stop it, and prevent it from taking over the entire body."
Reaching for hope, John mentioned bearing some people talk about elixirs, and potions used long ago that contained cures used by healers.

The Doctor was focused on getting John started on the leaching , he knew he had to get started right away, for 10 hour those leaches would drain the poison from his body. Every day for a week before his condition would start to improve.
But John was reluctant to even try it. He just KNEW there was another way...
Sensing his wary, The Dr pulled out an old book he had hidden away in his bookshelf.
But this wasn't an ordinary healing book, this was a secret Kure book. One much take an oath to swear secrecy before reveling what was inside.
But John insisted that he would keep it quiet, he just HAD to know ...
"the afflicted must call upon the healing power of a young virgin, for it is only though her that a man's body is kured"
I'm not even going to tell you HOW - *shudders*
Ok so John talked the doctor into giving him a day before starting the leaching. He needed time to get his ranch in order, prepare things in case something went wrong.

That night when John was in his room, trying not to sleep. His mind was going over and over the passage from the book. He was disgusted with it, and yet, desperate enough to want it.

When the pain started stirring up in his stomach, and the dizziness, he tried to stand up, but he fell backwards, striking his head on the headboard.
Fighting to stay conscious, desperate to quell the noise in his head, he tried to separate the imagined sensations from the feelings he knew were real.

Then from beyond the deafening maelstrom, John heard an ominous undertone. he thought of it as a voice calling to him. He heard it again, and again. finally unable to stand the noise any longer, unable to make out what it was, screaming until his throat was raw, then the silence... and he KNEW ... He knew the Kure was true, and there was someone out there that was able to help him...

But could he really ask? There was no way. It was too awful, he knew he couldn't even broach the subject.
But then morning came, and the pain in his abdomen was getting worse, looking down, he saw even lower it was twice as bad as it was the day before.

*Shudders* This book was pretty intense. I was really surprised at how everything turned out. John had a conscience. He KNEW it was wrong to ask, he did everything he could to keep this beautiful young women away from his problems.. but when he blacked out, and really FREAKY stuff started going on in his mind (I don't know how else to describe what went on) He actually had no choice BUT to tell her what was going on.

The book increases in intensity. As the hours, days progress without the leaches, the disease gets worse and worse. The pain becomes excruciating. And .. wow - poor guy. You really feel horrible for him.

For more information, visit:
Website

Winners all around & Happy New Years!

2012-01-04T09:59:00.000-10:00

Winner: Melissa (My World...in words and pages)

Winner: Tasnim

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).

Winner:

BookStacksOnDeck

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:

Sophia Rose

Winner: booklover0226

Congrats to all Winners. Winners, I have either sent your info to the appropriate source or I have contacted you myself. Check your emails.

Preview of Volume 2 by Michelle Franklin

2011-12-26T09:17:00.001-10:00

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

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

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.

See More:

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

2011-12-26T08:38:00.002-10:00

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.

For more information, visit:
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Amazon

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

2011-12-24T12:11:00.001-10:00

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!

For more information, visit:
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Blog Tour: Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

2011-12-21T00:29:00.004-10:00

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.

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

For more information, visit:

Website & Blog / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter

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

2011-12-21T00:21:00.002-10:00

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 :)

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

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

2011-12-20T19:12:00.009-10:00

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!

2011-12-19T11:15:00.000-10:00

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!

For more information on Marjorie Liu, visit:
Website / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter

Book Tour: Khantara w/ Michelle Franklin

2011-12-11T22:11:00.001-10:00

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?

For more information, visit:
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See more:

Book Lover's Holiday WINNER!

2011-12-11T22:05:00.000-10:00

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

2011-12-10T12:03:00.001-10:00

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:
Website / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Double Review: A Ghostly Ménage by Eve Langlais

2011-12-10T11:48:00.001-10:00

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:
Website / Blog / FaceBook

See Eve's other titles:

Blog Tour: Night Reigns by Dianne Duvall

2011-12-08T00:07:00.002-10:00

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.

Review: Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians, #2) by Dianne Duvall

2011-12-07T23:28:00.002-10:00

Tomorrow, Dianne Duvall's Blog Tour stops here. Win a signed copy of this title, on this blog. Visit Dianne's site to enter to win a Kindle.

December 6th 2011 by Zebra

Amazon

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?

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Absolutely innovative, a well-done piece by Dianne Duvall.

Ami and Marcus make a dynamic dual that I found enticing to read. I especially love the anticipation Dianne built up around Ami-- who is she really? My curiosity took a life of its own, I wanted to know what kind of creature she is and what's her story. Absolute intrigue. When an author appeals to your curiosity and tugs at your heart strings you know you are in for a thrilling read.
Marcus is certainly entertaining himself. I never expected him to crumble his much fortified defense mechanisms but when faced with one particular determined female anything is possible. Imo, all the more merrier to read a strapping man fall to his knees for a woman and Ami is just the lady for the task. Both characters surprised and pleased the reader in me.

The romance gradually builds while the action is brimming. As Marcus fights his feeling and slinks in the shadows in efforts to avoid Ami, she becomes even more so determined to get her job done. She is now his "assistant" and is tasked with taking care of his needs and protecting him. Immortal Guardians are a sane version of the vamp counterparts whose bodies are rejecting the change. The rejection has the vamps toeing the line of their sanity. Of course, the sun is an issue among other difficulties and that is where Ami steps in. However, as emotions run high, Marcus finds himself wanting to shield Ami instead of vise verse. *sigh* Ah, the things that are done in the name of love.

All in all, Immortal Guardians is the newest must read series to read. Night Reigns is a superb addition to the series. The world is perfect for paranormal romance readers. There are all the elements of a pnr read with its own touch among the sea of pnr books.

Related Postings:
Review: Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) & [Jen's Review]
2/28/11- Guest Post with Dianne Duvall

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

Virtual Book Tour: THE THIRTEEN HALLOWS

2011-12-06T21:54:00.001-10:00

The Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott, Colette Freedman
December 6th 2011 by Tor Books

Amazon

The Hallows. Ancient artifacts imbued with a primal and deadly power. But are they protectors of this world, or the keys to its destruction?

A gruesome murder in London reveals a sinister plot to uncover a two-thousand-year-old secret.

For decades, the Keepers guarded these Hallows, keeping them safe and hidden and apart from each other. But now the Keepers are being brutally murdered, their prizes stolen, the ancient objects bathed in their blood. Now, only a few remain.

With her dying breath, one of the Keepers convinces Sarah Miller, a practical stranger, to deliver her Hallow—a broken sword with devastating powers—to her American nephew, Owen.
The duo quickly become suspects in a series of murders as they are chased by both the police and the sadistic Dark Man and his nubile mistress.

As Sarah and Owen search for the surviving Keepers, they unravel the deadly secret the Keepers were charged to protect. The mystery leads Sarah and Owen on a cat-and-mouse chase through England and Wales, and history itself, as they discover that the sword may be the only thing standing between the world… nd a horror beyond imagining.

The Thirteen Hallows is the beginning of a spellbinding new saga, a thrilling tale of ancient magic and modern times by a New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning playwright.

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

I asked the Authors to give me a list of Thirteen uses of a book after reading it, of course. It's a mix of serious and humorous, a perfect cocktail of life if you ask me. =D

13 uses of a hardback book once you've completed reading it:

1. Lend to a friend
2. Donate to a library
3. Shelve and revisit
4. Shelve and never read again.
5. A convenient rest for an ipad/kindle/nook/tablet.
6. Decoration (in the antiquarian book trade, we call nicely bound books, which no-one will every read, “furniture.”
7. Sell it on Ebay.
8. Give it away on Craig’s list.
9. Extracted pages can be used as fertilizer (but not the cover!)
10. Book swap
11. To level an uneven dining table
12. To hide love letters/wills/secret messages/photographs
13. To sit on. (More than one may be required!)

Which do you think you'll end up using it for? Be honest now! I laugh at the fertilizer idea but 'tis the Holiday season- kindling for the fire place? For me, since a fire place is not necessary where I live in Hawaii, I would love to use it as kindle for fireworks after New Year's Eve, but that was before fireworks were banned. Booooo =(!

Book Trailer:

For more information, visit:
Website- Michael S. / Website- Colette F. /
Amazon / Publisher / Goodreads

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

GIVEAWAY

Prize: One Winner will receive a copy of THE THIRTEEN HALLOWS.

To Enter:
1.Comment w/ Email address. AT... DOT...com is okay of not in profile.
2. Answer: Add to the list, What would you do with a hardback book once you've completed reading it? Have fun or put on your pocket protector and be serious.

Opens: US, Canada, and Ireland.

Ends: Dec 21st. HST.

Book Tour & Review: Tales from Frewyn-The Opera by Michelle Franklin

2011-12-06T00:07:00.003-10:00

October 6th 2011 by Red Willow Publishing

Amazon

When due homage is paid to the heroes of Frewyn, what could possibly go wrong?

The Frewyn Players at the Royal Theatre in Diras are looking for new material to perform when a famous director from Marridon arrives to impart a Marridon theatrical pastime that is certain to make them famous. An opera will be their new performance, one that glorifies Frewyn's greatest heroes, but what begins as homage ends as mockery, and the play that would make them the greatest exhibition in Frewyn might instead make them the Den Asaan's most merited enemy.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Opera is imagination at play. Every word, every sentence, is a walk through the park. Lighthearted, humorous and a little romance to tickle your senses, The Opera is worth a read and a keeper on your ereader.

"Two hearts, two warring nations, one forbidden love." The Opera, a short story, contains an opera written to regale the people of Frewyn with the retelling of a story brimming with love and war. However, when interpretation and presentation doesn't fulfill the likings of the Den Asaan the show is threatened to cease on the eve of opening night. What's the Director and the cast to do? Well, at least the Commander knows full well how to placate her Giant a.k.a. the Den Asaan. He may be an intelligent man and well-decorated warrior but dangle a sweet in front of him and he's lost. Well, lost until the said sweet is consumed and now he's in need of a new treat. LOL!

I will never tire of the Haanta series cast of characters. Each character possess distinct personalities. The three main characters in The Opera, the Commander (fyi-she's a she), the Den Asaan (fyi- a Giant of a man), and King Alastair are each exceptional and well-fitted among the other.

All in all, highly pleasing tale. Confession, my life will never be the same now that the Commander and the Den Asaan are permanent figments in my imagination. Thank you Michelle Franklin for another fantastic read. I'm coming to realize that no matter length, Michelle consistently writes at her best.

Related Postings, to date:
Excerpt w/ Michelle Franklin
Review: The Commander And The Den Asaan Rautu (Haanta #1)
Review: Khantara: Vol 1 (Haanta #3) by Michelle Franklin

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

See more:

Here is the ending image and I can not get it out of my mind. Hilarious! Icing on the cake! Be sure to view to Official Art Site for more.

Winners: Blog Tour w/ Debra Anastasia

2011-12-05T23:34:00.000-10:00

Winners are....

1. Blogger Name: Krystal Larson

2. evening-green

Congrats winners, I will send your email addresses along to Debra. Krystal, you will be contact by me as well for your shipping info for the Book Jacket. Thank you Debra for stopping here.

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

Book Trailer:

Guest & Giveaway w/ Marjorie Liu

2011-12-02T08:15:00.044-10:00

Seven years ago, fresh out of law school, I gave myself a month to try and do the one thing I'd never managed: finish writing a book. In retrospect, the idea that a month would be long enough seems ludicrous (I wasn't familiar with NaNoWriMo, either), but I was very determined. I was highly motivated.

And I wrote that book.

I called it Tiger Eye, and it ended up being the first in the Dirk & Steele series of paranormal romances -- stories about psychics, mermen, gargoyles, shape shifters, all fighting evil and finding love under impossible odds.

The 11th in the series, Within the Flames, was published from Avon just this week. The hero, Eddie, has been with readers from the very beginning -- introduced as a shy young man with the ability to start fires with his mind -- evolving into someone older, wiser, and slightly embittered, who still possesses the best of hearts.

And the heroine, Lyssa, a dragon shape-shifter with her own dark past, is his perfect match…if they can survive long enough to have their happily ever after.

************
Excerpt:

The old woman’s hand flashed out, trailing light, and touched the corner of Eddie’s mouth. Not with a finger, but a claw – cool as silk, sliding across his lips, down his jaw. He smelled stone and ash, and a hint of sandalwood.

“You know what you have to do?” Long Nu said to him quietly.

“You want me to find a girl. A girl who can control fire.”

“A shape-shifter,” she murmured, as golden light continued to shimmer over her hand, and her flesh rippled with scales. “A dragon.”

Eddie reached up, very slowly, and pushed her hand away from his face. “I don’t understand why you don’t go yourself. One of your kind to another.”

“It would draw the wrong kind of attention. More than what is already focused on the child.” Long Nu glanced at Roland. “She is being hunted.”

Hunted. A girl, hunted. Eddie felt a cold, visceral disgust when he heard that. It made him think of his sister.

“No one told me,” he said.

“We were not sure. Now we are.”

“Who’s after her?”

Long Nu hesitated, and that was enough to convey to Eddie just how bad it was.

“They are called the Cruor Venator,” she said, in a cold, heavy voice. “Blood Hunters. Witches who steal power from blood.”

Serena sucked in her breath, a startling sound because it was filled with fear, dismay: two emotions Eddie had never, once, associated with her.

Eddie shared a quick look with Roland. “Witches?”

“Not just any witches,” Serena said sharply, continuing to stare at Long Nu. “Killers. Vicious, ruthless. They live for death. It’s their first, and only, pleasure.” She moved even closer to dragon woman, as though stalking her, hands flexing at her sides. “But it’s impossible. That magic hasn’t been seen in a hundred years.”

Long Nu shook her head. “I know what such a death looks like. A shifter in Florida was lost to a group of them only two weeks ago. The same shifter who contacted Dirk & Steele about the girl.”

A hard knot of unease hit Eddie’s gut. “I didn’t know he was dead.”

Roland rubbed a hand through his hair, and closed his eyes. “I only just found out. Long Nu discovered Estefan’s murder through different channels. When he stopped emailing me, I thought maybe he’d changed his mind about asking for our help in finding the girl.”

“I suspect he reached out to you because he had an idea of what threatened her. Except the Cruor Venator got him first,” said Long Nu in a cold, blunt voice – looking directly at Eddie as she spoke. “Estefan was ripped apart. Drained of blood. Part of his heart eaten. Skinned. It was a very bad death.”

Eddie did not blink or flinch. Long Nu, still watching him, added, “His wife is human, and was away when he was murdered. She explained that just before her husband died, Estefan told her that three women had been asking locals about a girl with golden eyes. It concerned him a great deal…especially when he learned that they were using her real name.”

“You think those women are witches,” he said, “and that they found the shifter, and murdered him, because they were looking for the girl.”

“I know it,” Long Nu replied, with chilling certainty. “And even if I am wrong, the mere possibility makes it urgent that we find her as quickly as possible.”

Serena’s eyes narrowed. “Did he know that she was headed to New York?”

“Yes. And everything he knew, the Cruor Venator now knows.”

Deep, dangerous, waters, thought Eddie, feeling that old familiar shift inside his skin, as though he was a shape-shifter himself, transforming into a different person.

That transformation had begun as soon as Long Nu said the girl was being hunted. After all these years, it was natural as breathing. Part of him was always quiet, always waiting, beneath the fire. A mindset, where nothing could be depended on, where violence was expected, promised, and always lethal. He had the scars to remind himself, if he ever forgot. But he never had.

His heart donned a cold armor: where he would feel nothing. Nothing, until this job was done.

Because it was obvious this job was going to require doing things he was going to regret.

“Just find the girl,” Roland said heavily, clearly reading his thoughts. “Serena, talk to your contacts. I’ll do the same here.”

Eddie didn’t need to hear more. He didn't want to.

He turned and walked away, descending the stairs to the kitchen. He did not look at the cage. He strode down a long hall, and then took another flight of stairs to the seventh floor.

He had an apartment half-a-mile from here, but a spare room had been given to him several years ago, after contracting an artificially constructed virus: the prototype of a bio-weapon. The infection had almost killed him, with one additional side effect.

Eddie had lost all control over his powers. All those hard-earned years of focus, sacrifice, and isolation – gone, meaningless. Literally, up in flames.

The way he lived his life until then had revolved around his ability to protect people from himself. Suddenly, in an instant, that was no longer possible. For almost a year he had needed to live in that glass cage, where he would be safe from others.

Confidence, shattered. Heartbreakingly alone.

Those first few times venturing beyond its glass walls -- terrifying. After that, months where Eddie did nothing but stay indoors or sit on the roof of the building, staring at downtown San Francisco. Watching people. Watching the world.

It had taken another six months for his confidence to return…but only because he’d had no choice. A friend needed help. That had been motivation enough for him to test the limits of his new control, and after that…it had gotten easier.

Taking back his old life had felt like a miracle.

Now he wondered if he needed to return to the cage again.

The spare room that Roland had given him was nearly a thousand square feet in size. No interior walls. Just windows, overlooking the city. His bed was a mattress on the floor, and his clothes were stored in plastic bins. Stacks of travel books, language study guides, and science magazines surrounded his bed, along with a small lamp and a box full of bottled water.

Eddie found a backpack, and began stuffing it with underwear, a pair of jeans, and some t-shirts.

He found a small leather wallet, covered in stains and worn so thin with age it almost broke when he handled it. No money inside. Just photos. He hesitated, but placed it in one of the bins, carefully. He had enough distractions.

Free. He’s free. Good behavior. They let him out because he was a model prisoner.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God, baby.

He’s free.

Eddie closed his eyes, and focused on his breathing. With a great deal of effort he pushed away the memory of his mother’s stunned, grief-filled voice.

But there was another voice inside his head. His own.

Don’t go to New York City. Go after Malcom Swint, instead.

Kill him.

For Daphne.

It would be so easy. All it would take was a thought.

Just one, little, thought.

Eddie shook his head in disgust. No. This was the perfect time to leave San Francisco.

He kept the lamp off. Old habit. He preferred working in the dark, unseen. The city lights were more than enough for going through the motions. He had packed this bag so many times he could do it in his sleep. It gave his brain time to sort through everything he had been told.

Find the girl.

Air moved across his neck. Eddie turned. Long Nu stood behind him, silent as a ghost. He was too surprised to speak – and then he was too busy keeping himself calm as heat flooded his bones and muscles, rising through his skin. The air warmed around them.

“One more thing,” she said.

Eddie never saw the old woman move. Suddenly he was falling, falling and falling until he hit the mattress so hard he bounced. Golden light flashed, and he heard a rough, rubbing sound; like the belly of an alligator dragging over the floor.

A huge clawed foot settled on the mattress beside his head. Heat washed over his body, but it was not from him.

“Look at me,” Long Nu whispered, her voice deeper now, almost a growl.

Eddie turned his head. It was too dark for details, but he glimpsed scales rippling over the muscles of a long, serpentine throat…the hard line of a jaw, the shine of a sharp white tooth. Golden eyes shone like fire.

“The Cruor Venator don’t just take the blood of shape-shifters,” she said, each word softly hissed. “Any blood will do. But yours…your fire…” A deep rumble filled the air, caged thunder, born in her throat. “Fire is elemental. Only dragons have fire in their blood. You will stir their hunger.”

“I’m no dragon,” Eddie whispered. “I’m human.”

Long Nu leaned away from him, a slow retreat, revealing a massive body that in the darkness resembled a sinuous coil of muscle and claws, and draped leather. Eddie did not look too closely. He began breathing again. His heart pounded so hard he was dizzy -- and that was dangerous.

Staying calm kept him cool. Staying calm was the key.

“You’re wrong,” said Long Nu. “What you bury only grows stronger, in time. This is true of what sleeps in blood.”

Eddie swallowed. “Stay out of my head.”

“I can’t,” she said simply. “You hide so much of your heart, even from yourself. Hide too long, and you will forget it’s there.”

He sat up, but had to shield his eyes as golden light flared bright as the sun, blinding him.

When he could see again, he found Long Nu on her knees, human and mostly naked. Her clothes were torn, hanging off her in rags. Eddie averted his eyes, and dragged the blanket off his bed. He handed it to her.

“Ma’am,” he said quietly.

Long Nu’s hand touched his fingers as she took the blanket. Her skin was hot -- just as hot as his. Even hotter, when she grabbed his wrist with her other hand, and held him tight. Smoke rose between them. Eddie set his jaw, and met her golden gaze.

“There are so few left of my kind,” whispered Long Nu. “Find the girl.”

“I will,” Eddie promised, and found himself adding, “Whatever it takes.”

Long Nu gave him a mirthless smile, and the smoke between them suddenly became fire. It did not burn him, but the flames flickered up both their arms, like tiny deadly fingers.

“If the Cruor Venator is hunting her,” she said softly, “it might just take everything you have.”

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

HOT SEAT Questions:
Cats or dogs? Poodles and cats.
One or two piece swim suit? Depends on whether or not the beach is deserted.
Boxers or briefs? On my guy? I prefer nothing at all. ;) Ditto

Paper book or ebook? Depends on whether or not I’m traveling, in which case ebooks are easier.
Cake or pie? Pie. Lots of pie.

Favorite sing-in-the-shower-song? Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!
Favorite color palette? Blues, Purples…
Vamps or Shifters? Elves.
PJ party with the gals or LNO @ the club? I have no idea what LNO is, and I’m not one for PJ parties. Apparently, I’m boring. (Lol. LNO=Ladies Night Out!)
Summer or winter? Winter.
High heels or flats? Depends on the terrain and shortness of my skirt.
Make it or Buy It? Both.
McDreamy or McSteamy? McIntelligent and McMakesMeLaugh

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

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

GIVEAWAY

Prize: Receive one In the Dark of Dreams by Marjorie M. Liu.
Opens: US. No P.O. Boxes.

To Enter:
1. Email, if not in profile, or leave another way to contact. AT...DOT...com is okay!
2. Comment w/ a thought on the post or answer a Hot Seat Question for yourself!

ENDS: December 16th

Note: See sidebar to win book one of the Dirk & Steele series! I just read it this week and loved it. Separate entry.

Book Lover's Giveaway Hop

2011-12-01T19:38:00.001-10:00

One Winner. Eve Langlais is offering Intentional Abduction and I'm throwing One book of winner's choice under $10 from The Book Depository.

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

Website

Blog *Become a Follower*

FaceBook *Become a fan*

Here is what you will receive:

Read my review!

AND

How to enter:
Leave in the comments...

1. Be a follower!!=)

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

To see other participating blogs, see below:

Winners!

2011-12-01T13:01:00.000-10:00

Well, Well..... better late than never. Life has been too busy. Excuses aside, I have your winners. I used Random.org. Click on images to see original giveaway post.

Prize: One paperback book from the Book Depository by Thea Harrison. You choose.

Winner: Laurie (BittenbyParanormalRomance)

Prize: Two Winners. One book each per Winner's choice- one book under $10 from The Book Depository.

Winners:

Michelle @ Book Briefs

BlackWolf

Email notices have been sent along! Check your inboxes.

Review & RIPI Giveaway: Tiger Eye (Dirk & Steele #1) by Marjorie M. Liu

2011-12-01T09:25:00.000-10:00

*Tomorrow, Marjorie M. Liu will be making a stop here. A post for you to read and a giveaway for your to enter. *

January 1st 2011 by Avon (first published March 6th 2005)

Amazon

The first book in Marjorie M. Liu's extraordinary Dirk & Steele Series!

Long ago they roamed the earth — dragons, tigers . . . shapeshifters — men who wore the forms of beasts. Their world was magic. Now it is gone. But some remain . . .

He looks out of place in Dela Reese’s Beijing hotel room— exotic and poignant, some mythic, tragic hero of an epic tale. With his feline yellow eyes, he’s like nothing from her world. Yet Dela has danced through the echo of his soul and knows this warrior will obey her every command.

Hari has been used and abused for millennia. But he sees, upon his release from the riddle box, that this new mistress is different. There is a hidden power in Dela’s eyes—and with her, he may regain all that was lost to him. Where once he savaged, now he must protect; where before he knew only hatred, now he must embrace love. Dela is the key.

For Dela, he will risk all.

My Review:
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Tiger Eye, a book like no other, in a world all its own. Dirk & Steele is a unique and entertaining read.

A small box, fitting into the palm of Dela Reese's hand, the sides carved with intricate designs of man and tiger-breathtaking. A beautiful riddle box and the beginning of this thrilling tale. Dela is not like others. She possesses abilities to manipulate metal with her mind and at time catch glimpses of what's to come. Dela, her family and others like her form a private detective agency called the Dirk & Steele. Their abilities are rare and valuable. Luckily for Hari, Dela's the one to open the riddle box and unknowingly become his new mistress.

Hari is a shape shifting warrior from two thousand years back. Trapped, with no freedom, Hari is a picture of anger. His chest, marred by a evil magi, towering seven feet high, Hari is a frightening sight. However, Dela is not a push over. As the two partake in a private tango of trust, there is more brewing and the two are at the heart of it all.

An evil magi who is ruled by his own desires and was once in possession of wicked powers, is looking to reaffirm his place as number one menace. Unfortunately, for this magi, Dela has backup and she has thrown her weight behind Hari.

All in all, amazing read with so much happening it's a wonder how I manage to complete any of my duties. This title is older and off my shelf. First published in 2005 but when I received word that my blog would be apart of a stop over for Marjorie M. Liu, I knew it was time to jump into Dirk & Steele. So glad I did. I recommend this title to all readers.

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

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

GIVEAWAY!

Aloha Everyone. The idea of RIPI is easily said by Steph, "Used books need love to." So here are titles that I have read and would like to pass on. For more info on RIPI click on the image. Anyone can enter and anyone can host.

To Enter:
1. Comment w/ Email address. AT... DOT...com is okay of not in profile.
2. US Resident and be willing the accept Media Mail delivery.
3. Be a follower here!!=)

Opens to US. Ending to be determined with tomorrow's post.

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

2011-11-30T11:04:00.002-10:00

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

2011-11-30T10:24:00.001-10:00

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:
Website / Blog / FaceBook

See Eve's other titles:

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

2011-11-29T08:19:00.002-10:00

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

2011-11-28T12:44:00.003-10:00

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

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

2011-11-28T12:18:00.001-10:00

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:
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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

2011-11-28T11:29:00.000-10:00

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)

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

2011-11-28T11:28:00.001-10:00

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

2011-11-24T12:28:00.000-10:00

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

2011-11-23T06:05:00.001-10:00

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

2011-11-21T11:18:00.005-10:00

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)

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

2011-11-21T09:13:00.000-10:00

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

2011-11-21T09:11:00.000-10:00

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

2011-11-21T09:09:00.003-10:00

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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