My Daily Obsession

ARC Review: The Untouchables by J.J. McAvoy

2015-01-22T17:30:00.000-05:00

The UntouchablesRuthless People #2
Publication Date: January 22, 2015
Also in this series: The Untouchables
Genres: Contemporary, Dark, Romance

Summary:

Book 2 in the Ruthless People Trilogy.

"One Secret. Multiple Casualties.”

Everything Melody Callahan has ever been told about her past is a lie. Her father lied. Her husband lied. But like all secrets…they come out. Not only is her mother, Aviela, alive but she won’t stop until she tears down everything Liam and Melody have spent the past year building.

With a new target on their back and the media now focused on their family as the Presidential election approaches, Liam and Melody must fight on two battlefronts. Melody is torn between being in love with Liam and wanting to kill him for lying to her. Being in love and showing love are two different things in her world. Liam wants to do anything to protect his family even if that means hurting the people he loves.

Family is everything… but what happens when they’re out for your blood? Everything they have been through is nothing compared to what is coming...

***Warning: This book contains adult language and subject matter including graphic violence and explict sex that may be disturbing for some readers. This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***

Buy Links:

THE UNTOUCHABLES (BOOK TWO)

US http://amzn.to/1zoDjK3
UK http://amzn.to/1t8xf3P
AU http://amzn.to/1zoDjK3
Kobo: http://bit.ly/184iVSM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1yIkxLY
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1zxtOYG

RUTHLESS PEOPLE (BOOK ONE)
US http://amzn.to/1wu9aDD
UK http://amzn.to/10rwo3x
AU http://amzn.to/1wu9aDD

AMERICAN SAVAGES (BOOK THREE)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ap4nDS
B&N: http://bit.ly/1IJbHk3
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ud8FMy

Additional Material

The Untouchables Soundtrack http://wp.me/p3p2N1-tj

The Untouchables Prologue and Chapter One http://wp.me/p3p2N1-sR

The Untouchables Trailer: http://youtu.be/RcIb1pOMdIU

My Thoughts:

In Ruthless People we met Mel and Liam and fell in love with them and the family. At the end, plans were put into place that play a huge part in this next installment of the series. I would encourage anyone to read the Ruthless People first!! There are things that will make much more sense.

The Untouchables was everything a reader could hope for! The cover did not lie. You can feel the love between Mel and Liam (as much as she won't admit it half the time :) ), you feel the betrayal that Mel goes through, and by the end you fear what is going to come next!

This book was a rollercoaster. At times I couldn't stop laughing, but there were other times I was so scared for Mel and Liam and angry at others. While they don't live a typical lifestyle, I still want them to have a happy ending to their story...or I guess one that Mel would approve of. :)

In Ruthless People, Liam really fought for Mel and their marriage, but there are still some underlying issues that have to be worked out. And if you know Liam, he takes those issues head on in his own unique way. I was glad to see the continued growth of their love and marriage, as well as the continued character growth we see when we are inside Mel's head. Which at times is not a happy place to be with everything that is thrown at her. I admire her strength, courage, and how she has made a name for herself in a world dominated by men.

The betrayal...was one of the hardest parts of the book! I thought I saw it coming but I still had hope that things would not go down that road. I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall, but had to refrain.

The slight cliffhanger has me climbing up the walls for the third book! I absolutely love McAvoy's writing and how she is not afraid to write her characters as they are, not how others think they should be. I have loved both of her books so far and can't wait to see what she writes next.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.”

She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy

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ARC Review: Marked by Rebecca Zanetti

2014-12-22T19:32:00.001-05:00

Summary:
Janie Kayrs has known Zane almost her whole life. He was her friend in the dream world. She trusted him. But that was before he kidnapped her, spiriting her away to an isolated cabin to learn what her dreams never told her. Like how dangerous he looks. How he got on the wrong side of the negotiating table. And how much sexier he is in real life…

Zane is a battle-hardened warrior, used to command and solitude. But Janie has drawn him from the minute they met. His need for her could destroy everything he’s worked for, but the risk is too sweet not to take it. They call her the Chosen One. But when it comes down to the questions of peace or war, life or death, safety or passion, it will be Janie who makes the choice…

My Thoughts:
This is my favorite series by Zanetti, and I was thrilled and honored to receive a copy via Netgalley for review.

For the past six books we have watched Janie Kayrs find a new family, grow, and wrap the Kayrs men around her little fingers. Now, she will all grown up and she is ready to take on whatever Fate has in store for her.

I loved being in Janie's head. While she makes mistakes, she is very mature and I loved that even though she was only human, she would do anything to protect her family...even sacrifice herself!

I think Zane was the biggest surprise in this book. We finally find out what he is, and while I always thought something of the sort could be a possibility, I was still shocked when the truth came out. I thought it couldn't get any worse, but then it did, and I was shocked again!!!

The only part I struggled with was Kalin. I wanted to hate him for everything he was apart of, but at the same time I still remember that little boy from the beginning of the series and my heart breaks.

If you have followed the series though this wild adventure and heartbreak, then I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Marked as soon as humanly possible! If you have not followed the series before, you need to start from the beginning. While Zanetti does a great job of summarizing as we go along, you will miss out on so many laughs and cries.

This was my favorite book of the series so far, and I loved the sneak peak we get into what will be happening next... ;)

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Author Website

Out With the Old, In With the New

2014-12-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

Well Ladies and Gents, 2014 is almost over. It seems to have been a crazy year for most. I must claim part of that group for I couldn't even find time to blog, but twice.

This year I finished my Associates Degree in Accounting, lost 35 lbs, adopted a cat who is secretly plotting to take over the world (or at least the kitchen cabinets), and discovered a love for shoes made in Israel.

What's up for 2015? Well I was accepted back into Purdue University for Spring 2015. I am very excited to complete my Agricultural Economics Degree in Fall 2015 (December). This will be a crazy year, but with much less family drama. I am very excited to get back to blogging every week!!

I have spent the day on Netgalley, Goodreads, and catching up with emails from Authors and friends. Can't wait for you all to read my newest reviews!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

~Alyssa

Review: Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston

2014-04-01T22:11:00.000-04:00

Summary: Livy Kowalski has no time for idiots. When you shapeshift into a honey badger, getting through life’s irritants is a finely honed skill. Until she gets stuck housing her nutso cousin and dealing with her dad’s untimely and unexplained demise.

That’s where Vic Barinov comes in—or his house does. Vic can’t step outside without coming back to find Livy devouring his honey stash and getting the TV remote sticky. It gets his animal instincts all riled up. But he’ll have to woo her at high speed: all hell is breaking loose, and Livy is leading the charge

My Thoughts:

In my experience any book that Laurenston writes is going to be fabulous, but this one is truly one of her best. In this series there is the expectation that the book will have some extremely funny moments, some new love, and some ass kicking. What I loved about this book was that it seemed to take all of those expectations and surpass them without even trying.

You will laugh out loud when you read this book, so it is best not to read it at work (like I tried to do) because you will only embarrass yourself. Livy is HILARIOUS! I don't think I have laughed this hard since Blayne's book. Just some of her thoughts were enough to make me chuckle.

I was happy to see more of a progression in the big story line of the series. I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I feel like we finally got some answers as to what was happening with the dead shifters. Thank goodness because the last book did very little to move the story along. Now my only question is will there be another one because I still have questions, and still kind of confused as to the involvement of some of the characters.

On a side note, the Honey badgers are officially my favorite!

If you have not read any of the books in this series, I do not recommend starting with this one. You will be confused! Start with the first book so that you can understand what bigger story line I am talking about!

To summarize, I loved it. This book will go on that pretty shelf that I keep all my favorites on. :)

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Originally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A.'s dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.

Cover Reveal: Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby

2013-12-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to be able to share the cover for Kristen Proby's SEDUCING LAUREN. SEDUCING LAUREN is a sexy Contemporary Erotic Romance novel releasing August 19, 2014! It is the second book in Kristen’s Love Under The Big Sky Series, published by Pocket Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). The first book in the series, LOVING CARA, is due to be released January 21^st!!!

ABOUT SEDUCING LAUREN:

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

KRISTEN PROBY is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18123205-seducing-lauren?ac=1

Amazon Pre-Order: http://www.amazon.com/Seducing-Lauren-Kristen-Proby-ebook/dp/B00GEEB4Y2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387464903&sr=8-1&keywords=seducing+lauren+kristen+proby

Review: Sex Love Repeat by Alessandra Torre

2013-12-19T03:00:00.001-05:00

Summary:
I love two men. I screw two men. I am in a relationship with them both, and they are both aware there is another. That is all they need to know, that is all I let them know. They don’t need to know a name; they don’t need to know anything but that they are not alone in my heart.

They have accepted the situation. Stewart, because his life is too busy for the sort of obligations that are required in a relationship. Paul, because he loves me too much to tell me no. And because my sexual appetite is such that one man has trouble keeping up.

So we exist, two parallel relationships, each running their own course, with no need for intersection or conflict. It works for us, for them, and for me. I don’t expect it to be a long-term situation. I know there is an expiration date on the easy perfection of our lives.

I should have paid more attention, should have looked around and noticed the woman who watched it all. She sat in the background and waited, tried to figure me out. Saw my two relationships, the love between us, and the moment that it all fell apart.

She hates me.
I don’t even know she exists.
She loves them. I love them.
And they love me.

EVERYTHING else hangs in the balance.

My Thoughts:

***I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I was so excited to receive this book! The summary sounded right up my alley and I could not wait to get started. Madison is the type of female character I love! She is strong, sexy, and comfortable in her own skin. She has no problem wanting and liking sex. Why should boys get to have all the fun? :)

At the beginning of the book, I had no idea how it was going to develop. Will it finish as a menage? Will one man step down? Will she loose them both? Am I going to be annoyed with a love triangle?To many feels!!!!

I loved the relationship that Madison has developed with both Stewart and Paul. While they both obviously see to her physical needs, they both also give her something the other one cannot. Stewart is more the demanding and controlling type of man. Paul, while still possessive and you can tell at times he struggles with letting Madison go to Stewart, is much more affectionate and is able to spend more time with her. She loves them both. At first I didn't understand how, but luckily Ms. Torre took us back to the beginning where it all started so that we could see how Madison's love progressed for each man.

That "she" mentioned in the blurb? Did not see that one coming. Off all of the people to fall in love with, and the Universe chose those two? Must be fate! :)

The only thing that kept this from being a five star read was the ending. Don't get me wrong, it seems everyone gets their HEA.....but I'm selfish and I wanted more. I felt it just came together too quickly and much too clean. There was some angst, but right as you started to feel it...it disappeared. Don't short me on my feels!

Overall this is a great read and I loved how original it felt. It is rare to get a book that does not remind you of another. Great job Ms. Torre. :)

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Checkout her webpage for more information

Or visit her on Facebook and Twitte r

Feature & Follow

2013-11-28T22:41:00.002-05:00

Q: What’s your favorite Thanksgiving Day food? If you’re not American or Canadian, what is your favorite holiday food?

My favorite Thanksgiving Day food would have to be stuffing. I love the turkey, the potatoes, yams, and rolls, but there is just something about the stuffing that is just perfect! If I had it my way I would have it more often, but then I would probably get tired of it. :(

What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day food?

Review: Unforgiven by Elizabeth Finn

2013-11-28T01:27:00.001-05:00

Summary:
A mistake made long ago…

Pain buried so deep…

When Bailey Trent returns home to her small little Ozark mountain town after being away for nearly six years, she knows she’ll face the ghosts of her past. It does not mean she’s prepared to come face to face with the cruelest of those memories.

Darren Cory’s life is a shell of what it once was, and when he’s forced to endure the cause of his agony, hatred abounds quickly. But hating Bailey destroys him too.

Can Darren find a way to move past the pain and forgive the woman he once cared so much for before his anger consumes them both? Or will he drag them into the hell of an unforgiven past.

My Thoughts:

****Warning! This review contains spoilers! If you have not read this book, do NOT read this review!******

One choice. One decision. One mistake. That is all it takes to loose everything you have and everything you had hoped for.

Bailey represents many young adults who decide to get behind the wheel intoxicated. She didn't think she was that drunk. She didn't think that anyone would get hurt. She certainly never meant to mess up her life so badly, but unfortunately sometimes our decisions have consequences that we never foresee.

Bailey has just gotten out of jail. She is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and trying to start over. That is easier said than done. Not only does she have to deal with her own guilt over killing her best friend, but it seems everyone in town would be more than happy to never see her again. She has the support of her mother and her friend Michelle, but that is where the love for her ends.

Darren is the brother of the best friend she killed, and also the man she loved. Darren, bless his heart, is confused, angry, and feels betrayed. He trusted Bailey, and even though his own sister was drunk that night as well, he has no sympathy for Bailey at all. In fact, his hatred has begun to control his every thought. Emotions he thought he had buried a long time ago have decided to make an appearance. Even worse, he finds that he is still attracted to Bailey.

This story is about working through the hardships that come with life and coming out on the side of forgiveness. How do you forgive someone when they took away someone you love? How can you still love that person that you hate with everything you have?

This story made me cry. Not just once, but multiple times. All Bailey wants is to go back in time and she can't. She just wants someone to understand and love her for her mistakes. She wishes she could even forgive herself. Darren wants her out of his life, but can't make it without her. This is a roller coaster of a ride that will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. There is nothing dull about this book and I dare anyone to read it without crying.

Elizabeth Finn did a wonderful job of capturing the emotion and the hardship of making that one bad decision. I cannot wait to see what she will write next!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Elizabeth Finn is an Iowa native, where she lives with her husband and son. Elizabeth loves all things romance and enjoys immersing herself in the world of writing contemporary erotic romance stories. Look for more to come from Elizabeth Finn.

Visit Elizabeth at ElizabethFinnFiction.com, Facebook.com/ElizabethFinnFiction or email to ElizabethFinn77@gmail.com. She would love to hear from you!

Review: Reaper's Property by Joanna Wylde

2013-11-27T03:22:00.001-05:00

Summary:
Marie doesn’t need a complication like Horse. The massive, tattooed, badass biker who shows up at her brother’s house one afternoon doesn’t agree. He wants Marie on his bike and in his bed. Now.

But Marie just left her abusive jerk of an ex-husband and she’s not looking for a new man. Especially one like Horse—she doesn’t know his real name or where he lives, she’s ninety percent certain he’s a criminal and that the “business” he talks with her brother isn’t website design. She needs him out of her life, which would be a snap if he’d just stop giving her mind-blowing orgasms.

Horse is part of the Reapers Motorcycle Club, and when he wants something, he takes it. What he wants is Marie, but she’s not interested in becoming “property of”.

Then her brother steals from the club. Marie can save him by giving Horse what he wants—at home, in public, on his bike… If she’s a very, very good girl, she’ll get lots more of those orgasms only he can offer, and he’ll let her brother live.
Maybe.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

My Thoughts:
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author, and I can honestly say that I am now and forever a fan. Reaper's Property is not some fairy tale story where the princess is protected, dumb, and weak. This book dwells into real life. Where the prince isn't always a good guy and nothing is perfect.

I liked how in the beginning of the book, the chapters would flip back and forth between the past and present to give us a better idea of what had led up to the starting point of the book. I also liked seeing things from both Horse's POV and Marie's. Without both, it would be really hard to understand both of the characters. Some of their actions don't make sense until they later reflect upon them.

Marie is a fighter. She has finally left her husband and has moved in with her brother, Jeff. It is not the best of circumstances, but at least she is safe and happy. That is until the Reaper's show up. Marie's brother is a piece of work. While I honestly believe he cares about his sister, some of his decisions are just plain stupid. I wanted to reach into the book and shake him, because Jeff has done something so stupid that it's about to cost him his life. He stole from a Motorcycle Club. And not just any club, but the Reapers.

Horse is an alpha male who also rides a motorcycle. Yum! Even better, he is in the Reaper's. *Swoon* He is possessive, rude, and can be a real asshole but he also has a soft side that makes it hard not to love him. From the moment he meets Marie, he knows that she will be his. (In his alpha "all knowing" way) Unfortunately for him, Marie has other plans. Horse always gets what he wants though so when the opportunity presents itself to just take Marie, he does. He offers her a deal. Her willingly coming with him and to his bed, and they won't kill her brother.

I loved the chemistry between Horse and Marie. They are both so stubborn and set in their ways. They both had to struggle to understand each other and Marie had to come to terms with the way of the MC. Very steamy read, and I don't think anyone's ovaries will ever be the same.

By the end of the book I was in shock by all the twists and turns! I did not see the ending coming. I had some suspicions, but I did not think it would end like that. :( The good part that came out of it was Horse and Marie. :)

This book is a must read for all who love a bad boy, alpha male who is possessive, talks dirty, and isn't afraid to take what he thinks is his. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to buy:

Amazon
Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Facebook

Website

Review: Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley

2013-05-24T00:04:00.001-04:00

Summary:
Indy Savage, cop's daughter, rock chick and used bookstore owner, has been in love with Lee Nightingale, once bad boy, now the man behind Nightingale Investigations, since she was five years old. No matter what ingenious schemes Indy used to capture his attention, Lee never showed an interest and Indy finally gave up. Now Indy's employee, Rosie, has lost a bag of diamonds and bad guys are shooting at him. When Indy gets involved, Lee is forced to help. Complicating matters, Lee has decided he's interested, Indy's decided she's not. But she can't seem to keep Lee out of her life when she's repeatedly stun gunned, kidnapped and there are car bombs exploding (not to mention she's finding dead bodies).

Indy's best bet is to solve the mystery of the diamonds before Lee. Lee's challenge is to keep Indy alive and, at the same time, win back her heart.

My Thoughts:
Holy cow where to start with this one?!?!?!? I have always been a Kristen Ashley fan but for some reason I always put off reading the Rock Chick series. No I don't have a brain tumor or anything, I have no explanation for my idiocy! To put it short and sweet like, I loved this book.

Indy is officially my favorite female character of all time. No one does it like a Rock Chick! :) There was some backstory at the beginning that I was really glad was there. INdy's narative helped us readers catch up to where she is in life and where she isn't with Lee. :( Indy is a no nonsense type of woman who does not take sh*t from anyone. She speaks her mind, rocks out in killer clothes, and lives life like she wants to. And I was very very glad she decided to sleep in Lee's bed that night. :)

Lee is the ultimate book boyfriend. He has his own private investigation business, or whatever it is he does (as he can be kind of scary with his knowledge and nohow sometimes) and Indy has landed smack dab in the middle of the situation with his latest client. Lee decides that he has waited enough for Indy and decides to make her his own. Indy isn't too sure about this but Lee obviously has his ways of convincing her. :)

I loved all of the shinanigans that Indy and Ally get into. Between car bombs and kidnappings, there is not one dull moment in this book! I know it might have come out a while ago but I would recommend this book to everyone looking for a good laugh and lots of adventure!!!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better

Blog Tour: I Kissed a Dog by Carol Van Atta Book Review, Guest Blog & Giveaway!

2013-03-08T04:01:00.001-05:00

I Kissed a Dog

The Werewolves of the West Series Book One

Carol Van Atta

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Cambridge Press US under the umbrella of Charles River Press (CRP)

ISBN: 1936185725

ISBN13: 9781936185726

ASIN: B009SV179U

Number of pages: 446

Cover Artist: Ann Falcone

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeuDqevNSXM

Book Description:

Chloe Carpenter isn't like other women. She can communicate with animals. A gift she unwrapped following one of her frequent dances with death.

In her otherwise wacky life, she's finally found a semblance of sanity working at the Plum Beach Wildlife Park, where her unique talents can make life or death differences for the animals in her care. That semblance is shattered when a new veterinarian roars into the park in his spiffed up sports car and sets his golden gaze on her. If she had her way, he'd roar right back out.

Problem: He's her new coworker and he's saved her life twice - in the past twenty-four hours.

Zane Marshall, Enforcer for the Pacific Pack of purebred werewolves, has a job to do - figure out who or what is mutilating the young men of Plum Beach.

With orders to find the woman who talks to animals, he accepts a position working alongside the fiery Chloe Carpenter, a female who ignites his interest far more than he ever expected. Remarkably, she's the one elusive female with potential to bring meaning and passion to his empty existence.

Problem: She despises him.

Together, they're forced to unravel a mystery of supernatural proportions, a murderous mystery with eternal implications for everyone. In the process, they discover opposites really do attract.

Major Problem: Zane is pledged to another woman, and she'll do anything to keep him from Chloe.

Guest Blog:

Addicted to Love, Romance, and Relationships?

Remember Reality!

Carol Van Atta

Like most authors of paranormal romance, I like the idea of love and romance with a paranormal twist or two that spices things up for the couple. I’m also a fan of love that is intense, at times irrational, and often impulsive. It makes for great reading. However, because of the hot topics we write and/or read about, we might want to consider adding a warning label to our special brand of sexy, supernatural shenanigans.

Warning: Hot and Heavy Romance leading to heated hormones and hellacious heartbreak may result from attempting replicate the relationships in this book.

What I’m saying … we need to keep our feelings for steamy supernatural romances that have the potential to shred our hearts and maybe even our hope, in check.

So, let me ask you, have your friends ever pointed out your relationship failures? Ever heard the word co-dependent and cringed? Do you excuse and tolerate behaviors that are unacceptable and hurtful in your mate? For example: He makes me bleed because he can’t help himself. He is, after all, a vampire. Or … he only bosses me around when the moon is full; remember he’s a werewolf.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the above questions, you just might be in an unhealthy relationship and possibly addicted to love, romance, or the idea of participating in a relationship despite the painful consequences and high emotional price tag.

I know the scenario all too well. It’s easy to fall for those alpha males we inhale like a breath of fresh air while devouring our favorite romances, paranormal or otherwise. The stories make dysfunctional and dare I say, at times, borderline abusive men appear so tantalizing. They also tempt us with the notion that can’t live without a specific relationship/person … think Bella sitting in that darn chair following Edward’s departure in the Breaking Dawn, The Movie.

Why am I bringing up this depressing topic on Valentine’s Day?

Because it’s important to remember the books we read, featuring men who ultimately bring danger and even disaster to our lives aren’t good for us in the real world. We don’t have super powers, (unless you’re hiding something) to combat the villains and vicious characters that seem to cling to these men like a pair of poured on leather pants. Nor are we equipped to handle all the chaos that accompanies them, roaring down the main street of our heart.

But the main reason, friends, is because I care. I know what it’s like to search for love in the darkness hoping it would light up my life. Unfortunately, I ended up with a blood thirsty vampire latched onto my neck unwilling to release his relentless and painful hold. What seemed so enticing and intoxicating in the beginning became poison to my heart and life. When a vampire is attached to your throat, it’s hard to live life, let alone experience love.

This special post is just a reminder for us to enjoy the lethal love in the books we read, without allowing our desire for love and romance to overpower our commonsense.

On the lighter side, this is what makes reading paranormal romances the safe and better option. I took this from my website.

Why write a series of books about wolfy-men, who according to legend, howl at the moon, shed fur, and shred their victims with their big teeth - oh my?

I think the explanation can't ignore the psychology of women. Do I speak for all women? Of course, not! But I do know (right or wrong) a wide range of women (myself included) are, or have been at some point in the past, drawn to "bad boys," men who for whatever reason live daringly adventurous lives, doing things that often cause them to stand apart from other less intense guys, the type of guys we might refer to as uber reliable or b-o-r-i-n-g. Bad boys are so refreshingly far from boring, they're not even on the same map. They're typically easy on the eyes, usually in a non-traditional way, and have strong, possibly overbearing personalities; they are decidedly masculine in every sense of the word. Dare we say they're predatory? They take control, go after what they want, and are nowhere near tame. Feral. Wild. Sexy. Dangerous. Yep. They're beastly. And what's more beastly than a werewolf? See my point?

If you want tame, werewolves are not for you. Danger isn't for everyone. Yet, I challenge you to take a long look at the desires of your heart. Do you crave adventure? Excitement? Passion? If you're breathing, I suspect you've wished for those very things a time or two ... or three hundred. Don't worry. And don't be ashamed. You're so not alone.

Men with supernatural tendencies tend to live outside the box we call normal. Excitement, danger, and passion cling to them like peanut butter to jelly. Yummy! And we just can't help but want a taste. Granted, we may live our safe, predictable lives, but opening a book that rockets us into a world of romance, intrigue, and danger, along with a good dose of humor, allows us to experience those bad boys without the not-always-positive side effects. In other words, we can safely enjoy danger and desire without breaking a nail or nursing a broken heart.

That final sentence says it all. We can enjoy our wolfy guys from the safety of our favorite arm chair, without putting ourselves in harm’s way.

However, if you’ve found yourself dealing with an unwanted and toxic relationship, I’d like to recommend a resource you might want to check out. The book, Biting Back, by Claudia Cunningham, is a no-nonsense, no garlic guide to facing the personal vampires in your life.

Be safe. Love. Live. And read. Happy Valentine’s Day.

My Thoughts:

This was an excellent start to a series and I was so happy to read this book!

Chloe isn't your average 24 year old. She's got some hidden talents that make life pretty interesting even before the Supernatural community starts to take notice of her. The last thing she needs is more trouble, or so she thinks! At the beginning of the book I had a little trouble connecting with Chloe. The writing was good, I just felt she was looking for any excuse to be mad at Zane. Her emotions were all over the place! Luckily as the book went on, and all the supernaturals came out to play I began to understand Chloe better and have more respect for her. Everyone around her has a secret, people are dying, there is a hot werewolf that would do anything to protect her, and one evil women that Zane has been pledged to since he was a child. It is enough to make anyone's head spin!

It was so easy to fall in love with Zane. So easy going while at the same time fiercely protective and loyal. Until he met Chloe he was beginning to feel trapped, but to him she is everything he was been waiting for. He is not immune to secret keeping in this book, but I honestly felt he had good reasons for the keeping the secrets he did. I felt so heartbroken for him when Chloe revealed her secrets. All this time she has pushed him away because of his lies while keeping huge ones of her own!

There is a lot of information to take in while reading! At times it was almost overwhelming trying to understand how all the other characters fit into the murders and betrayals. Who was a good guy and who was the bad guy? Until the end you really aren't sure, and even then I found myself wondering if I could still be wrong about some characters!

This book kept me on my toes and played with my emotions. I loved it! Some books are so predictable, but not this one. You never knew when you were going to get hit by a curve ball and I could not have even tried to predict half of the things that unfolded as the story progressed. I am so excited to see what Carol Van Atta does in the next book of the series! With everyone conspiring with their own hidden agendas, I'm worried about how my favorite characters will survive!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Links to Buy!

Author Blog Book Depository Indie Bound

Amazon Print Amazon Ebook BN BN Nook Smashwords

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Like most authors, Carol Van Atta is no stranger to the written word. She penned a short novel at age 12 (somewhat frightening illustrations included, and lots of bunnies were involved), and had a creative writing piece published in her high school newspaper (about David Bowie's Diamond Dogs LP). Yes, she's an ex-80's chick.

Devouring books from numerous genres, Carol developed a deep thirst/hunger for more reading material, and could almost always be found with her nose in a book.

She has contributed to several popular inspirational anthologies and devotional books, and lives in the rainy wetland of Oregon with a terrifying teen (another in college) and a small zoo of animals. She is taking an undetermined hiatus away from inspirational writing to delve into her darker side. (Though you can check out her latest spiritual suspense novel, Soul Defenders). It is rumored that this genre-jumping occurred after Carol discovered too suspicious red marks on her neck, and experienced an unquenchable urge to howl at the moon.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Werewolves-of-the-West-I-Kissed-a-Dog/153030771437034

https://www.facebook.com/carol.vanatta.1

http://www.werewolvesofthewest.com/

http://vampswereswhyohmy.blogspot.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1237874.Carol_Van_Atta

Book Review: Play With Me by Kristen Proby

2013-03-06T13:14:00.005-05:00

Summary:
Will Montgomery is a successful professional football player and seemingly has it all. He’s not used to being told no, and certainly doesn’t take no for an answer. So when he turns his charms on his sister’s sexy rocker-chick friend Meg, he’s not only turned down, but met with open hostility, piquing his curiosity and libido. He’s determined to show her that he’s not the arrogant jock she thinks he is, and to get her into his bed.

Megan McBride is not impressed with Will Montgomery, his fat contract, fancy car, or his arrogant public persona. She doesn’t have time for a relationship, and if she’s learned anything in life, it’s that loving means losing, so she guards her heart ferociously. But she can’t deny the overwhelming attraction to the sexy, tattooed athlete, and when Will starts breaking down her defenses and grabs hold of her heart, will she be able to admit her feelings for him, or will her troubled past cause her to lose the first man she’s ever truly loved?

My Thoughts:
After reading the summary, the bones and structure for the book were there and Proby had some really good characters, but I felt that the book kind of flopped.

I was really excited for this book to come out. The first and second book in the series were really great. Great characters, great plot, and great writing. Unfortunately, this book did not hit all three.

For me the plot let me down. Most books hit some sort of climax, where a character undergoes some sort of personal growth or something happens that must then be overcome, but I felt like that didn't happen in this book. Yes there was an issue Meg had to get over, but the issue didn't seem real. I know she had trust issues when it came to certain feelings and expressing those feelings, but the whole scenario just did not seem realistic. It felt forced and while the book ended with a HEA, I felt like there was no actual growth to the main characters. I would have liked to have seen a more realistic setting for Meg and Will.

Proby's writing is great. SHe does a really good job of setting her scenes, and getting across what her characters are feeling and trying to express. I was especially happy with her bedroom scenes. There was so much heat coming off of the pages I could almost see the steam. :)

I think the characters in this book are great and the writing is really good, but the plot needs some work. Other than that it was a good fast read. I would still recommend this book!

My Rating: 3 Stars!

Links to Buy!

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

About the Author:

Kristen is the author of the Amazon and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Blog Tour: Focus by Alyssa Rose Ivy Review & Giveaway!

2013-02-20T05:55:00.001-05:00

Title: Focus (Crescent Chronicles, #2)

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Release date: January 23, 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Group: Mature YA/ New Adult

Tour Schedule

Summary:

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Summary:

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.

Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

My Thoughts:

The first book in this series was great and I was happy to be able to read the second! Allie is on her way to start her first year at college but that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much going on in this book for Allie, Levi and everyone else!

Now I am all for strong women and not giving into a man right away, but there were times where I was frustrated wtih Allie. I know she and Levi didn't necessarily get off to the best start, but the man is trying to hard to prove to Allie that he does care about her and after a while I thought that he had proved himself enough, but Allie just kept refusing him. I was glad the whole book wasn't that way or I would have gone insane. I love Levi. He is great for Allie with her tendency to not always think everything through before she acts.

The chemistry between the two characters was perfect. I can't think of one way I would change it in that regard There were times where they really made me laugh.

I'm on the edge of my seat for the next book! Levi may not have learned his lesson and Allie may not have fully forgiven him which could lead to so very very bad things!!! I can't wait to see what happens in the third book!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Focus (Crescent Chronicles, #2) –

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Flight (Crescent Chronicles, #1) –

Amazon

Barnes&Noble

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Review & Giveaway: Manipulation by Jolene Perry

2013-02-06T08:59:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my stop on the Manipulation blog tour by Jolene Perry hosted by YA Bound. Click HERE to see the rest of the blog tour schedule!

Summary: Micah hates her ability to “see” things when she touches people. She’s terrified of relationships, holds on to guilt over the death of her classmate, Lacey, and has no idea what to do with a vision from Landon, a boy from her school. She feels him falling for her, but Micahdoesn’t do friends, much less relationships.

Enter a spooky history project about a tragedy from three hundred years ago, and voodoo dolls that Micah somehow feels has to do with her gift. Suddenly she’s sure the shadows in the woods are following her every move—without Landon’s relaxed attitude about what’s happening in her life, Micah would be sure she’s going crazy.

With no ideas on timing or specifics, the visions of both herself and the people she cares about are turning dark—and it appears the shadows around her house do move on their own. But as Micah and Landon try to prevent Micah’s visions of the future, the shadows close in, and they’re now afraid they’ve become the cause…

Micah's story is the first of three girls, with unique talents, who are part of a 300 year old tragedy that follows them in the shadows.
Goodreads / Amazon / Kindle / Barnes & Noble

Summary: Addison Prince has almost always gotten what she wants.

Dean Courser only wants to find his brother, but it's the one thing he’s failed at... Even with his unusual ability.

Dean and Addison share the gift of Manipulation—a brief touch that forces others to do what they wish. But when they meet and realize their connection, they find more questions than answers. Suddenly Dean is seeing shadows move on their own, and Addison is learning her father’s mysterious group may know more about her abilities than he’s ever let on.

As Dean and Addison second-guess every decision about who they are and why they're wanted, time is running out. With shadows following their every move, they're losing hope they’ll ever get to safety—if such a thing exists.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

My Thoughts: (Manipulation)

I loved the first book in this series and was very happy with this book as well!

You don't necessarily have to have read the first book to be able to follow the second one, but I was really glad I did. So I would recommend to all to read Insight first. You get a better feeling for the backstory with everything.

The best thing about this series is that I feel it is original. I don't mind reading different author's different takes on things, but I love reading ideas and characters that are unlike others. It also helps that the actual writing is fabulous!

It was great to see how the whole book played out. Addison proves that she is so much more than a rich girl and how much she loves her sister. It was also great to see how well Dean and Addison got along. I think it was good for both of them to be able to rely on someone that also faces many of the same challenges.

I can not wait to see what Perry will write next!

I would recommend this book (this series!) to anyone looking for a good read!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

About the Author:

Jolene kissed a boy on her high school graduation night. One she’d wanted to kiss for a long time. They got married two years later, have built two homes together, survived military deployments, law school, student loan debt, and two children.

Jolene plays the guitar, takes pictures, and loves to hike. She doesn’t like rivers, but loves the ocean. She loves to fly, but gets motion sick. Her ultimate vacation would be to sail
through the deserted islands in The Bahamas. Two years ago, she got that wish when her parents retired on a sailboat.

She taught high school French when she was only a few years older than her students, and then taught middle school math with her degree in political science and French.

She spends grocery money on designer fabric, shoes, and books.

Jolene cannot express how many times she wished she could write a whole novel. And now she has. Several times. Life is good.

Website / Blog / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Tumblr

GIVEAWAY!!!

Prize #1: (1) Paperback copies of Insight and Manipulation (International)

Prize #2: (1)Paperback copy of Manipulation (US only)

Prize #3: (3) e-book copies of Manipulation. Kindle or Nook (International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Knight and Play by Kitty French

2013-01-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

Summary:
CEO of Knight Inc. Lucien Knight is catch-your-breath gorgeous and damaged by his troubled past in Norway. All grown up and relocated to London, he's built his empire of adult clubs from the ground up to become the gorgeous patron saint of the sex industry. No one knows the dark childhood secrets that have given Lucien a backbone of steel and a heart encased in ice.

No one until Sophie Black, that is...

From the moment girl-next-door Sophie accepts the job as Lucien Knight's PA, she understands how Alice must have felt when she tumbled down the rabbit hole.
Lucien takes her safe, vanilla life away and plunges her head first into a huge dish of fantasy flavours. Rich, spicy chocolate covered with dark, oozingly lickable sauce? Check. Tutti-frutti with indecently red, glistening cherries on the top? Yes please.

Lucien strips away all of Sophie's inhibitions, and when he instructs her to select three new toys, she soon realises he has more than a game of Monopoly on his mind...

He's opened the door to a whole new pleasure packed world without limits, and Sophie is utterly intoxicated. But how far is she willing to go? And what happens when she has to step back into reality again?

Lucien & Sophie's is a story of star crossed love and forbidden passion, a sexual odyssey that spans the globe and changes both of their lives forever.
Let it change yours, too.

My Thoughts:
It’s best to have a fan nearby or to open a window. This book is H-O-T HOT!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book. I love erotica, but hated 50 SoG, which this is compared to. I’m just glad I read this though. Amazing!

There is a lot going on this book. First you have the beautiful Sophie. She has been running from the idea of what her husband is doing behind her back and is finally ready to take a stand. And that stand just happens to involve the delicious Lucien.

Lucien is yum! But there is way more to Lucien then his hotness factor. This is a complicated man on a kind of warped mission when it comes to Sophie. He doesn’t believe in love and is confused on what he may be starting to feel!

Dan left me torn. There are parts of the book from his POV that left me unable to hate him. I simply pity him now. What he is doing is horrible, poor Sophie, but through hearing it all through his thoughts as he finally realizes what he has done and what he may be giving up there is no doubt in my mind that he is a man that gambled and lost. BIG TIME! He doesn’t deserve Sophie anymore, but I hope Lucien doesn’t kill him ;).

The sex is this book is fabulous. Lucien is a man who knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. He is comfortable with who he is and takes Sophie out of her shell and gets CREATIVE in the bedroom…and the living room…and the forest…I think you get what I’m saying. :)

The cliffhanger was brutal. Let the boxing gloves come out because I can not wait for book 2!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Link to Buy:

Amazon

A Beautiful Struggle by Lilliana Anderson

2012-12-29T10:43:00.005-05:00

Summary:
*** ADULT CONTENT WARNING *** contains sex scenes not suitable for under 18s

Katrina Mahoney has a very full life attending university to study a law degree, training for triathlons and now she is working part time as well. She couldn’t possibly find time for a relationship, especially after her last one ended so catastrophically.

Right now she is content focusing on work, study and training while hanging out with her best friend David Taylor, a womaniser with a heart of gold that would do anything for Katrina – except watch her get hurt again.

That is, until the dashing Elliot Roberts, a junior solicitor from her work, shows an interest in her despite their office’s ‘No Dating’ policy.

Katrina struggles with following her heart or following her mind and has trouble seeing where her heart truly lies.

My Thoughts: ***Mild Spoilers!***

I absolutely loved this book. I loved how strong of a character Katrina was, I loved David and Elliot, and the ending!

I am not one to read books with weak female characters. I hate the wishy-washy or insta-love types so Katrina was right up my alley. Not only was she physically strong, but she was mentally strong. She said what she wanted to, even though at times she probably shouldn't have ;). And even when she was emotional, I felt like it was deserved. :(

David was the ultimate guy best friend. I loved how he saved her in the beginning. It absolutely killed me when thing went south! Elliot is fabulous but David is superb! Every girl should have a David in their lives. :)

The plot was perfect. Even though I kept switching teams (Elliot or David) I was very happy with the end results. Nothing was forced and the book felt like it unfolded in a fashion that was real and not fake. The only thing I would have changed about the book was seeing Beth or Bianca get beat at their own game more. I loved when Katrina would put them in their place!

This is a great short read that I would recommend to anyone over 18!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Amazon

About the Author:

Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien's biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all set within Australia.

When she isn't writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.She currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

Blog Tour: Falling from Eternity by Megan Duncan

2012-12-19T12:48:00.002-05:00

Summary:
For William, life was as wicked and malicious as the beast he was trying destroy. Decades spent living a life of extravagance, domination and ravenous hunger haunted him. But when you live forever, the past never stays buried. And that which wishes to control you, will never let you go. William thought he found his escape, his one and only love, but the thing he fears the most could be the only thing that saves them. Or, it could doom them all.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book because of the constant action. There was never a dull moment, but plenty of times I found my self quickly clicking to turn the page!

The beginning was a little slow, but that is understandable with the amount of information that is needed to set the story. It was so easy to fall in love with the characters of this book! There was a definite focus on the romance between William and Autumn in this book, that I think it just made it all the better!

William learning to live with himself seems to also be a key part to the story. He must come to terms with how he used to live, the monster he used to be. I was so not happy the book ended when it did!!!! Oh well. I can't wait to see how the story may continue! A great short read!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Link to Buy:

Amazon

Don't forget to check out the giveaway on Megan Duncan's blog!!!!

About the Author:
Megan Duncan is a lover of all things paranormal, fantasy, sci-fi and anything just out of the ordinary. She is continually fighting her addiction to chocolate and living in her overactive imagination.

Cure for Pain by NM Facile

2012-12-15T05:06:00.001-05:00

Summary:
Ty Jaden isn't what society needs. At twenty-six, he's a charismatic and intense heroin dealer turned user who landed himself in jail. Now he's out, clean and just wants to get away from the city that is still his prison. But it won't happen when powerful men have a vested interest in making sure he continues his trade. So, now he has a plan: keep his head low, do what is expected of him, ignore all distractions and wait for his opportunity to finally get away. What he doesn’t need is to get involved.

Mary Flynn is a doe-eyed small town woman trying to make the world a better place by volunteering at a Minneapolis Safe Works chapter and teaching at-risk youth. Mary, an angel with inner fire and intimidating intelligence, is trying to save the world from people like Ty. He didn’t want to drag her into his world, but like a moth to flame, she was drawn to him.

Like an angel, she might just be his redemption.

My Thoughts:

I loved reading Across the Hall by Facile and was so excited to hear she had a new book out! Cure for pain is another book she should be proud of!

What I like most about Facile's writing is that it feels real. The emotions, the people, and the situations in this book feel like they could actually happen. It makes it so much easier to connect with the characters when you aren't rolling your eyes about how ridiculous something sounds. I loved how she got down to the nitty gritty with the drug use and how it can affect people, but it didn't control the story. The main focus was on Mary and Ty.

Ty may have a record, but you can't help but fall in love with the man. There is so much more to him than what he has done in the past. Mary was a sweetheart and really took a chance when she started a relationship with Ty. I loved how their relationship progressed. There was no insta-love, but two real characters slowly getting to know one another that eventually led to great feelings. To me it almost felt like I was reading a true story and I loved that about this book.

I had no complaints and there was not a darn thing I would change! I can't wait to see what NM Facile will write next!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Links to Buy:

Barnes&Noble

Amazon

Kobo

About the Author:

NM Facile is the youngest of a large Midwestern family. Growing up in a small town, she learned early the quirks and charms of a small town and the lure of big city life. She shares the love of a lifetime with her husband and three children. She spends her free time lost in worlds where all cats are gray in the dark and love is just around the corner. Her everyday life is filled with the excitement of child development and the minutiae of the day-to-day. She colors any monotony with books, movies, crafts, and daydreaming; and leaves no room for downtime.

Feature and Follow #8

2012-12-14T03:13:00.002-05:00

Q: What is the last book that made you cry? Tell us about the scene...

The last book that made me cry was The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski.

Throughout the book you get the sense that Andrew is keeping a secret from Camryn. Some guesses can be made as to what it is after you hear his conversation with his mother, but nothing prepared me for the scene when Camryn realizes that life may not play out the way she wants it to. She has finally found the direction she wants to travel and Andrew may not be able to anymore. I cried. The hospital scene was by far one of the most emotional scenes I have read in a book. I was stunned, but I loved the final ending. I just loved this book in general. :) A must read! I would get into more detail, but then that would just ruin the book for those who have not had the pleasure of reading it yet!

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille Book Tour

2012-12-13T05:53:00.001-05:00

SURRENDER

The Ferryman and The Flame Book 1
Rhiannon Paille

Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

ISBN: 978-1480029859

Number of pages: 402

Word Count: 100k

Cover Artist: Marc Wolfe www.marcwolfeart.com

Review copies available on Netgalley: Netgalley.com

Book Description:

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16049030-surrender

Short Excerpt:

“Sorry I scared you,” he said.

Kaliel pressed her lips to her knees, hoping she could hold in her emotions. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Silence hung between them for awhile. He shifted on the cloak, the black tunic he wore shifting with him. He stretched his legs out, and Kaliel looked at his shin-high boots and breeches. He stole a glance at her turtle shell. “What are you afraid of?”

Kaliel stood. “Happy endings.” She didn’t know how else to explain it. She had contemplated the parable so many times it was exhausting. It didn’t matter which path she took—neither of them seemed very appealing. She let the mist soak her sleeves and stick to her skin. She heard Krishani behind her before he ran his hand down her back making shivers run up her spine. He stayed there, a foot away, and she wished he would move closer, envelope her in his arms. He wasn’t supposed to talk to her. This had to be wrong. What would the brotherhood think?

“Happy endings?” he whispered. He sounded both unsure and nervous. “What do you mean?”

“What if someone comes?” She was worried Lord Istar would burst through the trees and find them in this compromising awkwardness. It seemed more taboo than practically drowning in the lake.

Krishani let out a breath. “Nobody ever comes here.”

Kaliel closed her eyes. “You come here.”

Krishani took a step forward and she could feel the heat radiating off him. “All the time.”

She didn’t answer, instead listening to the sound of the falls. Moonlight glinted off the flecks of water. She thought about the orb of ice he created for her. She hadn’t been able to do anything close to that awesome.

“What are you thinking?” he asked again.

She closed her eyes and felt her energy shift; like it had the day she went to the Great Oak. Heat rushed through her as she leaned back, trying to feel him, but not trying to force it if it wasn’t what he wanted. It was clear to her he cared, but she was so worried about whether or not she should let him.

“My parable,” she whispered.

He went rigid, his hand sliding down her upper forearm. “What did the Oak say to you?”

She shook her head. “Never mind, I have to figure it out. Both paths seem so dreary.”
“You seem too sweet to have a bad parable.”

She didn’t want to talk about the nightmares of the Flames, the parable, the fact the Brotherhood would disapprove of him touching her. It felt so natural; the last few moons had been lonely without him. She couldn’t explain what she felt, but she couldn’t watch him marry the land and leave the island.

“But I do,” she said. She drew her hands instinctively to her chest, her elbows digging into her ribs. He dropped his hand as she turned, and buried her face in his chest. He reluctantly ran his hands through her hair, letting them rest on the small of her back.

“I thought about you every day,” he said as she pressed her cheek into his tunic.

She smiled against his shirt. “And I thought about you.”

“Promise me something?” He wasn’t holding her, not really, their bodies weren’t pressed together and the inches between them made Kaliel feel cold.

“What?”

“You’ll find a happy ending.”

“What if I can’t?”

He pulled back and brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Promise me you will.” His eyes met hers and his jaw dropped. His hand paused, cupping her face in his palm. He held her gaze, her heart beating hard. Before she had time to answer, he pressed his lips against hers. She didn’t expect him to do that and it was better than she imagined. She came to life under him, kissing him back with unyielding passion that made him pull away to seemingly catch his breath.

Kaliel’s sadness drained away as he broke from her lips and then cupped her face with both hands and kissed her again, pressing the length of his body against her. His kisses made her feel light and giddy, like she could float into the sky. She slid her hands up his chest and looped them around his neck. There was swimming in the lake and losing her breath and then there was this. Being out of breath with him was like drowning in a sea of happiness. He could keep her prisoner forever and she’d never complain. He pulled away again, and wound his arms around her waist, trapping her against him. His lips found hers again, rough and inexperienced, but strong and satisfying.

She opened her mouth and his tongue grazed hers, warmth spreading from her heart to the rest of her body, making her tingle. She smiled against his lips.

“I missed you.” She tried to steady her breathing.

Krishani shook his head and put his hands on either side of her face. “This is all I want. This and nothing else, ever.” His mouth covered hers again. He pressed himself against her and she sighed. It felt like she had known him her entire life and even longer, if longer even existed.

Images appeared behind her eyelids—the shape of a boy and a girl wearing gaudy crowns on their heads. They were painted into parchment, but they were blurry. She was too elated by Krishani and his lips on hers to record the images, but they seemed familiar.

And then everything changed. Krishani pushed his lips against hers one last time and she felt the shift in her energy dissipate. It was as though all the joy evaporated, replaced by intense fear. She pushed him away and tried to understand the pounding in her heart that made her want to break in half.

Bloom the weed of temptation.

He looked confused and shocked. Without a word, she turned and fled towards the Elmare Castle.

My Thoughts:

This is a great epic fantasy with a wonderful twist of romance thrown in. I loved this book!

This book was original and kept me guessing. There was never a dull moment! My favorite thing about the book was the switching point of views. Books to me are just that much better when the author takes the time to go through and switch the perspective between characters. I feel like I get a more complete look at the story.

I was not prepared for the ending. Oh I had read other reviews that had warned me but it still was not enough to prepare me. :(

I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

About the Author:

Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She’s married to a chef/comic book shop owner and she has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

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Troubles and Treats by Tara Sivec Blog Tour: Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway!

2012-12-09T00:37:00.000-05:00

Summary:

Drew and Jenny have spent years being the envy of their friends with their out of control sex lives - well, not really. Mostly it makes their friends want to throw up in their mouths a little.

With two little kids and two busy lives, for the first time, Drew and Jenny aren't on the same page in the bedroom. Drew will stop at nothing to get his previously amorous wife back in the sack and Jenny will do anything for a full night of sleep.

Carter and Claire, and Jim and Liz are their usual (un)helpful selves and are full of advice for the disconnected duo, wanting nothing more than to help restore order to the usually happy couple's lives.

In the third and final installment of the Chocolate Lovers Series, will Drew and Jenny find the spark that's been missing in their marriage, or will the trouble they're having cause a stickier situation than the time Jenny poured honey all over Drew and he fused himself to a tree.

My Thoughts:
I loved the first two books in this series and Troubles and Treats is by far my favorite!

I loved how we started a couple of years after the second book. Drew and Jenny are busy trying to raise their children, but their marriage is in some serious trouble. Drew being Drew, is a bit out of sync with Jenny on an emotional level. he still is wearing his awesome t-shirts, but has yet to see that Jenny needs help around the house and with the kids.

Jenny is still a sweetheart. Some of the words she mixed up made me laugh out loud. She is in a funk, doesn't know how to communicate with her husband, and her libido has taken a complete nose dive. Think my favorite scene was when Drew put up the sex swing. Jenny made use of it in a completely unique way that is completely Jenny. :)

Luckily they both have a group of great friends (and Claire's father ;) ) who attempt to help in their own way to get the couple back in the fast lane and communicating better.

I read this book at work, which was a huge mistake because just about every other page I was laughing out loud at some of the antics. I can't wait to see what Tara Sivec has up her sleeve next!

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Guest Post: Tara Sivec

How do you go about creating a story?

I’m a hot mess when it comes to creating a story. I never do an outline. Outlines remind me of English class in high school which makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little. When I first get an idea for a story, I jot down the basic premise: major plot and any highlights that are screaming in my brain right at that moment. I don’t immediately start writing at that point. I like to just keep the idea in my head and let it stew. I’ll go back and add chapter ideas every few days. The notepad app on my phone is a lifesaver. I’ll wake up at 2:30 in the morning to pee and think of an awesome idea and add it to my phone while I’m on the toilet. No, seriously. When I sit down to officially start writing chapter one, I know the basics of the story like where I want the main characters to go. I have a general idea of the ending, but more often than not, it will change as I start writing. I have to keep a pad of paper next to me while I write because in the middle of one chapter, I will always get an idea for a future one and I want to make sure I don’t forget it. I’ll also get ideas for completely different stories while I write and in the middle of a chapter, will open up another Word document and quickly type up a paragraph for that other story. See? Hot mess. I always write in order though. I know some authors can bounce all over the place but not me. I have to let the story unfold in its natural order or I’ll completely lose my mind. You know, what’s left of it.

About the Author:

Tara Sivec is a best selling author, wife, mom, chauffeur, cheerleading coach, soccer coach, babysitter, short-order cook, genius and albino squirrel hunter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. In her spare time she likes to read, write and cover things in chocolate. Most of her material comes from real life experiences with family and friends. Lucky for them, the names have been changed to protect the innocent (aka, drunk).

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Giveaway!!!

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Cover Reveal: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

2012-11-30T01:18:00.000-05:00

Summary:
On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

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About the Author:

Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.

Feature and Follow #8

2012-11-30T01:07:00.002-05:00

Q: Activity! Who is your to-die-for book crush? What do you think they look like? Add an image to make us all happy.

There are so many good choices for good book boyfriends! It's hard to choose, but I can narrow it down to two. The obvious choice is Daemon from the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Or course we all know what he looks like. yum!

The other one that I just can not eliminate comes from The Proposition by Katie Ashley. Aiden may have made some mistakes, but he is yumtastic as well! :) Of course, all Katie Ashley fans know that Jensen Ackles is the perfect Aiden!!

Who is your book crush? :)

Review: Flawed by Kate Avelynn

2012-11-29T00:05:00.003-05:00

Summary:
Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’ best friend — and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on — for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realizes James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact.

***I received this book in exchange for my honest review.***

My Thoughts:
This is the type of book that is not necessarily for the faint of heart. This is the first YA book that I have read that deals with possible incest, but Avelynn tackles this subject beautifully.

Sarah and James have had a hard life. It's not even possible to comprehend the extent the abuse has had on them in the beginning of the book. When we meet Sarah, she is convinced that the best course of action for her is to be invisible in all areas of her life. James is her brother, her protector, and the one person she trusts. She is perfectly fine with letting him make decisions for her and to do what he thinks is best, that is until Sam finally works up the nerve to talk to her.

Sam melts my heart. He is so caring, gentle, and kind. He is everything Sarah needs in life, even if she isn't at a point where she can recognize that yet. He has an understanding of what is happening with their father, but he quickly becomes suspicious of how possessive James is of Sarah. Try as he might and as much as he loves Sarah, she is determined to stay with James no matter what. James has seen to it that Sarah feels extreme guilt whenever she even thinks about a life of her own.

James is very complex. I think it is important to remember while reading the book that he is also a victim. He has been putting himself in front of the abuse to save Sarah for most of his life. While I admire all he did to protect his little sister, somehow he went from protecting her and loving her life a brother should, to trying to cross a line that will only hurt himself and Sarah. He quickly starts barreling down a dark path filled with violence and makes some horrible decisions.

Sarah is a total sweetheart and my heart goes out for all she has suffered. I just kept wishing that she could see what was going on with James. His idea of what Sarah was to him was quickly becoming warped, but I don't think she could have stopped it from happening. James was beginning to unravel and only professional help could have stopped his downward decent. Sam was so right and it isn't until the end of everything that she begins to understand that she can be strong without her brother, she should be allowed to follow her own dreams, and that she has placed her trust in the hands of the wrong person.

I understand why the book ended the way it did. It needed to happen. It made the book more complete, but how I wished it could have ended differently. Needless to say I was shocked. It was such an emotional ending that it stuck with me the rest of the day. I will not be forgetting about this book for a long time to come.

My Rating: 5 Stars!

About the Author:

Kate Avelynn lives in Central Oregon with her husband, whom she fell in love with at eighteen after realizing he shared her obsession with music, sports, and psychoanalysis. When not devouring Stephanie Perkins and Jennifer Echols novels, holding down her editing gig, or attempting to coax life out of the weed patch she calls a "garden," Kate writes dark, young adult romance that blends first love, betrayal, and danger. Flawed is her debut novel.

Author Website

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Book Tour: Toying with Temptation by Madison Martin

2012-11-28T06:48:00.003-05:00

Toying With Temptation
Madison Martin

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Chances Press, LLC

ISBN: 978-0981718644

ASIN: B005TWZQFS

Number of pages: 188

Word Count: 45,000

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Book Description:

Driven, business savvy Hailey Burton, Vice President of Tryton Financial Institute, has been put in charge of running what could be her first ever failure: the company's Christmas Eve toy drive. Toys and Christmas are beyond Hailey's expertise, but when she's offered the chance for the promotion she's been waiting for if she succeeds, her competitive spirit kicks into high gear.

When every company in Los Angeles turns her down, desperation leads her to Quinn Matheson. Ten years ago, Hailey chose a prosperous career over Quinn, but as she falls for him all over again, she can't deny that they make a good team in business...and more. This second time around, is she finally ready to make the leap and become his partner in love?

Short Excerpt

She couldn’t wait any longer. She unzipped his pants and pulled them down with such force that she almost knocked both of them to the floor. He pulled her down along with him until they landed together in a heap on the carpet.
He gave out a deep laugh.

Years and years of seamless business deals, and somehow she was managing to screw this up. Always with the personal stuff, she was there to make a mess of it. “You’re laughing at my ravaging you?” she asked sheepishly, feeling her cheeks burning. “I know, I know…being with me is kind of like being in a French farce, right?”

“I’m not complaining.” Still seeming to be enjoying himself, he drew her up beside him on the carpet and kissed her.

“You gotta admit that was kind of funny. It’s okay to laugh at yourself sometimes.”

Instead of taking offense, she lightened up. “Help me, then.”

Together they managed to get his pants all the way off.

Pushing him flat onto his back, she settled herself on top and pressed her hands against the delineated muscles of his chest. He was all hers. She raised up onto her knees, and a little jab of pain made her wince.

With a harsh breath, he leaned up, a worried look on his face. “Your knee…”

“No, it’s all right.” She adjusted her astride position, settling comfortably. “There. That’s better.”

“No, this won’t work. We’ll hurt it.”

“It’s fine,” she insisted.

Unconvinced, he leaned up and grasped her thigh with one hand. “That scab still looks bad.”

“It’s all right. I promise.”

He leaned back, giving in. With a gruff sigh, he said through gritted teeth, “I should have known you’d want to be on top.”

She grinned, shifting her silky underwear along the hard length covered by his boxers. “You used to like it.”
He gritted his teeth and grasped her hips. “Sure. Use and abuse me,” he croaked out.

She examined the look on his face and bit her lower lip. Was she really torturing him? “You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“I’m not going to be able to handle much of your teasing tonight.”

All right, so she admitted she liked teasing him. He was too fun to tease, only because he took it so well. “Are you mad about—?”

In a split second, he had her flat on her back. She laughed as Quinn moved on top of her, pressing his body against hers.

“How about we do it like this?” he asked with a triumphant smile, his dark eyes exploring her face.

My Thoughts:
This was a short but wonderful read. I was worried in the beginning that Hailey and Quinn wouldn't be able to work out their differences, but I was so happy to be proven wrong!

Hailey made a choice ten years ago, and I think she really regrets it. Sure she has an awesome career, but as the story progresses she finally sees that there is so much more to life then how much money you make or what your social status is. Love is worth so much more.

Quinn was a sweetheart. He had a right to be hurt, and it was entertaining to see him attempt to get his revenge.

I loved this book and can't wait to read more by this author!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

About the Author:

Madison Martin is currently seeking help for her life-long addiction to movies, books, and anything else in which she can lose herself in a good story. Madison lives in the Washington, DC area. She is the author of The Deep End: Erotic Stories For Women, The Deep End 2, Briefly Yours: An Erotic Romance Novel, Nights on Catalina, and Toying With Temptations.

Please visit the author's website at www.madisonmartinbooks.com