Urban Girl Reader

Urban Girl’s Winner’s Club (5/31/12)

2012-05-31T01:00:00.000-04:00

Time to award some goodies! Only a couple of contests closed over the last week or so, and there are currently four giveaways that are ongoing. A list of them are at the end of this post. So if you haven’t entered you really need to do so quickly! Grin……

Congratulations to all the winners and Happy Reading!!

ReVamped by Ada Adams E-Book (Int) (5/19)

Clare Dooley #70

Clear as Day by Babette James E-book (Int) (5/5)

Calisa Rhose #9

I will be emailing each winner and they will have 72 hours to provide me with their mailing address. If not, I will select another winner.

Current Giveaways at Urban Girl Reader

Click on the Book Cover to be directed to the giveaway

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

Audiobook Giveaway through May 31st (US)

Merlyn’s Kiss by Rose Vanden Eynden

E-Book Giveaway through June 1st (Int)

Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis

Print Book Giveaway through June 8th (US)

The May Committed Commenter Giveaway runs through the end of May. One random commenter will receive their choice of these books. Check this post out if you want to know more!I

Also, if you haven’t entered the May Committed Commenter Contest you have a couple more hours to do so. The contest closes at 11:59 pm EST on May 31st. One lucky random commenter can choose 2 books from the below selections. Due to mailing costs, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

May’s Book Selections are two of the following. Click on the link below to go to Goodreads to view book blurb information. All the books are gently read copies and are in condition, except where noted.

Living Nightmare by Shannon K. Butcher
Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
Bound by Sin by Jenna Maclaine
Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh – back cover has a crease in it. but no rips or tears.
Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
Seduce Me in Dreams by Jacquelyn Frank

Review: The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

2012-05-29T22:42:00.001-04:00

The Rose Garden

by Susanna Kearsley

Published: October 4th, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781402258589
Pages: 441 pages
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Rating: 3 Flowers
Sensuality Rating: 1 Flame

Purchase from: Indiebound | Amazon | Powell’s | B & N | The Book Depository

Book Blurb: When Eva's film star sister Katrina dies, she leaves California and returns to Cornwall, where they spent their childhood summers, to scatter Katrina's ashes and in doing so return her to the place where she belongs.

But Eva must also confront the ghosts from her own past, as well as those from a time long before her own. For the house where she so often stayed as a child is home not only to her old friends the Halletts, but also to the people who had lived there in the eighteenth century. When Eva finally accepts that she is able to slip between centuries and see and talk to the inhabitants from hundreds of years ago, she soon finds herself falling for Daniel Butler, a man who lived--and died--long before she herself was born.

Eva begins to question her place in the present, and in laying her sister to rest, comes to realise that she too must decide where she really belongs, choosing between the life she knows and the past she feels so drawn towards.

Quiana’s Thoughts:

After the death of her sister, Eva Ward returns to Trelowarth, the place where she and her sister spent many happy summers vacationing during their youth. Eva doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to embark on an adventure filled with mystery, intrigue, and danger; all while falling in love with a mysterious stranger who couldn’t possibly belong in her time. Will Eva be able to hold on to a love that’s rooted in the past?

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley was a mostly enjoyable read. Kearsley did a commendable job creating a mysterious world filled with danger, mystery, and romance; a world inhabited by unique and intriguing characters. In the beginning, the story dragged somewhat; therefore, I had a difficult time getting into the story. Thankfully, the pace eventually picked up about halfway through the book. In the end, there were enough twists and turns and revelations to keep me interested and guessing until the very last page.

At the center of the story is the concept of time-travel. I’ve always been a fan of time-travel; from Back to the Future, to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, time-travel in movies and books has always fascinated me. So when I read the synopsis for The Rose Garden, I immediately jumped at the chance to read this book. Throughout the story, Eva slips between centuries. One moment Eva’s in the current century, and the next she’s in the eighteenth century. At times Eva’s ability to slip in and out of time was jarring, but I suppose it worked, because the experience was just as jarring for Eva.

I admit that I found the eighteenth century story and its’ characters much more interesting than the present day story and its’ characters. Eva’s interactions with characters not of her time, and the predicaments she found herself in in the eighteenth century, made for a more entertaining story overall. The present day characters and story while unique just didn’t hold my attention. I never felt an emotional connection to any of them, and found myself impatiently waiting for Eva to return to the eighteenth century. I think I would have enjoyed the book even more if Eva had spent most of the book in the past.

I enjoyed the romance between Eva and Daniel. I felt that Eva fell in love with Daniel a little fast, but they had chemistry, and it was obvious that the two had a genuine connection from the start. They took their time getting to know each other, and therefore, their romance was root worthy and believable in the end. The Rose Garden is not a series, but I wouldn’t mind reading more about Eva and Daniel and their potential adventures in a future book.

Overall, I’m happy that I had the opportunity to read this book. The plot is slow at times, but it’s worth reading as the story and some of the characters are interesting enough to keep the reader invested. I recommend this book to readers who are interested in a historical romance with elements of time-travel.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis

2012-05-28T23:29:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to be a stop on the Lucky in Love tour for Jill Shalvis! I love her books and this one does not disappoint. Make sure to check back later this week for the review.

Lucky in Love

By Jill Shalvis
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Publisher: Forever Romance
ISBN: 9781455503728
Pages: 400 pages
Genre: Contemporary
Series: Lucky Harbor #4

Book Summary:

Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone...

For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't -- including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all...anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

Get Your Own Copy: Amazon | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

About Jill:
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her at www.JillShalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. She also tweets (@jillshalvis) and participates in Man Wars on facebook with Kristan Higgins (I love Jill’s Fantasy Life!).

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Forever Romance, Urban Girl Reader is able to give away one (1) copy of Lucky In Love by Jill Shalvis to a US reader. Here's how to win a copy:

Leave a meaningful comment for Jill about contemporary romance, the “Lucky” series, small town romance or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Fill out the rafflecopter form below. You must leave a comment. All other entries are optional.
Giveaway is open to US residents only
Giveaway Ends June 8th, 2012 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Merlyn’s Raven by Rose Vanden Eynden

2012-05-23T01:00:00.000-04:00

Merlyn’s Raven
by Rose Vanden Eynden

Published: April 17th, 2012
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
ISBN: 9781402262067
Pages: 306 pages
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: 3 Flowers
Sensuality Rating: 1 Flame

Purchase From: Soulmate Publishing | Amazon | B&N

Book Blurb:

Falling in love is the ultimate magic. For Gwendydd, a young woman in 5th century Wales, it seems an unobtainable fantasy. She dreads the day her chieftain grandfather will marry her off to increase his allies among the warring tribes of Britain. When she meets the mysterious and handsome druid apprentice Myrddin, Gwendydd realizes just how difficult falling in love can be. The ire of her disapproving grandfather is not her only obstacle. Myrddin’s clairvoyant visions of a king who will unify the battling tribes and bring peace to the land become a dangerous obsession that threatens to obliterate their union. Can Gwendydd support her beloved, the man destined to become the world’s most powerful enchanter, King Arthur’s legendary Merlyn? Or will her devotion destroy her and everything she holds dear?

Lynn’s Thoughts:
This story was written in the first person. Setting: 5^th Century Wales

To get into the mood when reading this book you may want to find some music that might have been played around the Middle Ages. You may even want to think how you want to read this book. Maybe read outside or have some of the lighting they may have had during that period in time.

We first meet Gwendydd when she was only fifteen autumns old. She comes across a unique young man named Myrddin Emrys. Myrddin is also known as Merlyn. He’s an apprentice to a great master druid named Blaise. Blaise tells Gwendydd’s grandfather what her destiny is.

Her destiny is to be used for doing good. This is a story of a teenager becoming a young woman along with all the feelings and emotions that come along with it. She’s also expected to make some very adult decisions.

Myrddin and Gwendydd speak of love for each other but I just don’t feel it. To me they seem more like really good friends. But don’t let that turn you off from reading this book. I still enjoyed their tale.

Gwendydd is the pupil and Myrddin is the teacher. This is seen a lot in this book. They also teach us how hard things were for teenagers back then. And we get to see how Merlyn may have evolved.

If you are a fan of British history, this would be a good book for you to read. Rose also adds in some mystery and intrigue. There is no “racy” language and there is no sex although it is inferred. I think this would be a good YA read – for those young ladies in high school.

One reason I suggested listening to some music from the Middle Ages is because one of Myrddin’s talents is singing. You may get some idea of what he would have been singing during that period in time.

There is romance in this tale. One thing that makes it romantic is the use of torches for lighting. The torches just seem to set a different tone than if there had been electricity around. It’s also romantic how much Myrddin takes care of Gwendydd. “Merlyn’s Raven” is a good historical romance book to read. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast)

Review: Kiss of the Goblin by Shona Husk

2012-05-22T01:25:00.000-04:00

Kiss of the Goblin Prince by Shona Husk

Series: Shadowlands #2
Pages: 352
Publication Date: May 1st, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN: 9781402262067

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3 Flowers

Sensuality Rating: 1 Flame

Book Blurb:

Trapped for centuries in the bleak Shadowlands, Dai clings to his humanity with a thirst for knowledge. But now he's free of the goblin curse, and some would say he knows too much—he can make nature bend to his will, influence the minds of others, and command magic. Yet love eludes him. Then he meets Amanda, a single mother with a sick daughter whom he feels compelled to protect. But could she possibly place her trust in the kiss of a goblin prince?

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Amanda is seen at a wedding of her sister-in-law, Eliza, and Roan. Walking down the aisle with her is her daughter Brigit. Dai is Roan’s brother and he likes to fix and heal things. He also does things that he probably shouldn’t.

Amanda is a woman whose job it is to help troubled youth. And one of those youth happens to have a connection to Roan’s brother. Dai has some personal materials that are being held by the Birch Trustees. He wants that material and they don’t want to give it up. It will be interesting to see what part they play in this story.

I love how Shona doesn’t make everyone perfect and I also love the interaction between Amanda and her daughter. It reminds me of the interactions I used to have with my mother growing up. It’s like having a personal connection to a couple of Shona’s characters.

We see that Dai dreams of his old life – will his nightmares ever end? At the beginning he is seen living with his brother and his new bride. He then gets his own apartment. I love the descriptions of what Dai sees for the first time from his new place. Shona makes you feel as if you are there looking through Dai’s eyes.

We see that there is an instant connection between Amanda and Dai but neither of them are going to cross that line. Isn’t that one of the reasons you keep reading? You want to know if one or both of them will change that.

I was glad to see that Shona doesn’t have our couple have sex after they first meet. There are obstacles that must be overcome and some things take time. It just wouldn’t feel right if they did – some things just take time. We need to see if Dai can learn to let go of the past and let Amanda in. Can Amanda let go of her past and learn to accept things that you normally wouldn’t see?

This is also a story about reincarnation. Do you believe that that is possible? Do you believe that magic is possible? Have you ever seen anything that you just can’t explain? Isn’t that what we love about paranormals? We read about things that cannot be explained but have the possibility of actually existing.

You can read this story by itself but it may help if you have read the first book in the series, “The Goblin King”. There is also a 21 page short story that you may want to read as well titled “Summons: A Goblin King Prequel” which will gets the series started. Shona also introduces you to Meryn, cousin to Roan and Dai, and get ready to read his story in “For The Love of the Goblin Warrior”. Book three will be out in January 2013. This will give you plenty of time to catch up on the series should you want to find out what you’ve missed. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast)

Purchase from: Amazon | Powell’s | B & N | Indiebound | The Book Depository

VBT: Feature and Giveaway–Straight to Heaven by Michelle Scott

2012-05-20T22:33:00.001-04:00

Straight to Heaven

by Michelle Scott

Urban Fae Publications

ebook, May 1, 2012

ISBN: 9780758266361

Series: Lilith Straight #2

Genre: Paranormal Romance

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

Hell’s newest employee, Lilith Straight, thinks she’s got a handle on her job as the Devil’s temptress until she finds herself going horns-to-halo with a guardian angel who’s determined to rescue Lilith’s next victim. To make matters worse, William Darcy, the hottest demon in hell, is trying to undermine Lilith’s mission with a few temptations of his own.

Available from: Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble

Read an Excerpt:

Chapter One

Worried, I glanced at my watch again. I’d been waiting for twenty minutes under the broiling July sun, and still there was no sign of my client. Ordinarily, my assignments were perfectly timed because being a temptress meant that I had to reach my victim when he was most vulnerable to temptation. The tipping point, as it were. But this morning, the timing was off.

I wondered if maybe I’d gotten the time wrong and missed the entire thing. I started to nibble my cuticle then decided it wasn’t worth ruining a sixty-dollar manicure. Instead, I paced back and forth in front of the post office where the rendezvous with my client was supposed to occur.

As more time ticked by, my anxiety increased. I dreaded to think what would happen if I messed this up. Helen Spry, my demon overlord, loved to remind me that if I bungled any of my assignments, I’d be fired. And if I was fired, then my eight-year-old daughter, Grace, would become the next succubus because – as the contract signed by my great-great-great-great-great grandmother Sarah Goodswain mandated – one generation must always follow the next in service to the Devil.

I looked at my watch again. Even though it was only nine-thirty in the morning, the humidity was so high that I’d perspired through my silk tank top. I wore my auburn hair up in a sloppy bun, but a few loose strands were glued to my sweaty neck. Heat from the sidewalk burned through the thin soles of my sandals.

Michigan, in summer, bears an uncanny resemblance to Hell.

Not only was it hot out under the blistering sun, this was also not the best part of town. It was a local job for once, but on the wrong side of the tracks from where I lived. The post office itself was okay, a fairly modern structure with plenty of windows all the better to reflect the sun at me, but across the street was a seedy strip mall with a liquor store, a boarded-up nail salon, and a check-cashing place. All of the businesses had bars over the windows. Since I’d been waiting, I’d watched two men piss in the dying bushes, had six or so vagrants hit me up for spare change, and witnessed what had to be a drug deal.

When three teenagers in jeans so baggy that the crotches hung below their knees swaggered by and looked me over, I realized how vulnerable I was. Unfortunately, the closest otherworld doorway was across the street which was too far to run if things got dangerous. True, my demon could get scary when I was angry, but I wasn’t Super Woman. I couldn’t do anything like stop bullets with my bare hands, or fly, or shoot lasers from my eyes. If those teens ganged up on me, or if someone pulled a gun, I’d be in trouble. Despite the demon living inside of me, I was human, and I could get injured. Even die. And if I did die, my sweet daughter – the one who slept with a stuffed dog named Crumbles and still believed in Santa Claus – would automatically go into the family succubus business.

Screw the manicure, I thought, and began nibbling my cuticle.

Ten more minutes went by. Maybe this was Miss Spry’s mistake, I thought. Or perhaps the client had a change of heart en route and had decided not to show up. My assignment might be over before it began! My spirits lifted, and I smiled. Any day that I didn’t have to drag someone to Hell was a really good day.

I’d been keeping a tally of my successful temptations in a diary that I stored in my nightstand. I was up to eighteen. Eighteen poor souls who were a little closer to Hell thanks to me. Each of those red marks grieved me, but until I found a way to wriggle out of my contract, I was condemned to continue my work. Some days, the only thing that kept me moving forward was the promise to myself that my daughter would never be forced to keep a tally of her own.

I had just decided to go home when, to my dismay, I saw that my client had arrived after all. In fact, when he got out of his pickup, I realized that he’d been there the entire time. He simply had been sitting in the cab of his truck, waiting. Damn! Getting my hopes up and then having them dashed was cruelly unfair, but if I wanted to keep Grace safe, I’d be adding tally number nineteen to my diary at the end of the day.

From the looks of things, my victim wasn’t from this part of the city, either. In fact, I didn’t think he was from anywhere nearby. The plastic frame surrounding his license plate read, “Orland Chevrolet,” Orland being a small town about thirty miles north. The truck also had a rebel flag sticker in the rear window, something no urban Detroiter would have ever displayed. Finally, there were about a dozen bales of straw in the bed of his pick-up. It was like he’d made an epic wrong turn and ended up in southeast Detroit instead of the farm where he belonged.

I mulled over this information, letting my inner demon make of it what she would. My succubus was kind of like computer software that ran in the background until it was needed. Then she came to the forefront, ready to give advice and lend a hand. Right then, she told me that it made sense that my client had driven far from home to commit his debauchery. After all, most people don’t like to sin where they live. Yet, we both agreed that the post office was a strange place to pick. Especially since there were three different nudie bars within half a mile of there. If he was going to be naughty, you would have thought that strippers would beat out USPS workers. But to each his own. It wasn’t my job to judge, just to tempt. When my client left the truck and walked into the post office, I quickly followed him into the blessed cool of the air-conditioned building.

~ The Giveaway ~

Michelle is giving away a 2GB iPod Shuffle which will be delivered direct from Amazon (to anyplace that Amazon delivers.) She is also offering four e-copies of Straight to Heaven. The winner will all be chosen randomly.!

You need to leave a comment in order to be able to win – so please leave a comment!! You can also gain additional entries by entering the other Rafflecopter giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

VBT: Guest Post and Giveaway with Rose Vanden Eynden, author of Merlyn’s Raven

2012-05-17T07:24:00.001-04:00

Let’s welcome author Rose Vanden Eynden to Urban Girl Reader. Her debut novel Merlyn’s Raven is a romantic fantasy that if you haven’t guessed from the title harks back to the legends of King Arthur.

Also, one commenter will receive a Free E-Copy of Merlyn’s Raven, so leave a comment for Rose.

The Magic of Romance

by Rose Vanden Eynden

I fell in love when I was sixteen. I remember the exact moment when I realized it. One long summer night, my boyfriend and I drove to the stadium of the high school in the town where he grew up, and we ended up on our backs in a nearby field, gazing up at the stars in between kisses. We had only been dating a little over a month, but when I looked into his eyes that night, I knew: this was the person I wanted in my life every moment of every day. He made me feel valued and important and special, and he treated me with respect. He was funny and handsome and responsible, and I couldn’t imagine going back to a time where I lived without him. I knew this was love, but I was scared to tell him. I wanted to; I opened my mouth several times to do so, but I swallowed the words every time. Weren’t we too young for this intense feeling? Was I really experiencing something so grand?

That’s when the magic happened.

He looked me straight in the eye and whispered, “I love you.” Those three soft, beautiful words confirmed for me what I already knew to be true. At that moment, when I doubted my feelings, the Universe confirmed for me the magic of our connection by having him voice the same love I felt.

When I wrote my new novel, Merlyn’s Raven, I remembered those moments of intense young love and used them to tell the story. My heroine, Gwendydd, falls head-over-heels for Myrddin, the handsome druid’s apprentice who is forbidden to her. She must risk her household, her reputation, and eventually her life to win his heart, but these are sacrifices she makes willingly, giving herself over fully to the rapturous magic that true love weaves. In Merlyn’s Raven, love is timeless, mysterious, and dangerous, just like the dark age and land in which it’s set. I hope you’ll all come along for the adventure and share in Gwendydd’s and Myrddin’s story.

And my story? Well, that boyfriend and I married about five years later. We have twin sons of whom we’re very proud, and we’ll celebrate 27 years together this summer. And yes, it’s still magical.

Merlyn’s Raven

By Rose Vanden Eynden

Soul Mate Publishing

Back Cover Blurb

Falling in love is the ultimate magic. For Gwendydd, a young woman in 5^th century Wales, it seems an unobtainable fantasy. She dreads the day her chieftain grandfather will marry her off to increase his allies among the warring tribes of Britain. When she meets the mysterious and handsome druid apprentice Myrddin, Gwendydd realizes just how difficult falling in love can be. The ire of her disapproving grandfather is not her only obstacle. Myrddin’s clairvoyant visions of a king who will unify the battling tribes and bring peace to the land become a dangerous obsession that threatens to obliterate their union. Can Gwendydd support her beloved, the man destined to become the world’s most powerful enchanter, King Arthur’s legendary Merlyn? Or will her devotion destroy her and everything she holds dear?

Purchase From: Soulmate Publishing | Amazon | B&N

Read an Excerpt:

EXCERPT:

The scream hung in the air like the waxing moon outside my window. I touched my face, expecting to feel the wound there, my skin cut somehow as Myrddin’s had been in the dream. My trembling fingers came away clean. My heart raced as my mind recovered, but I tore from my bedchamber nonetheless, darting through the shadowed hallways of Grandfather’s household, avoiding the guards that stood, dozing, at the ends of corridors. I knew I’d be beaten if I was caught, but nothing was as important as getting to Myrddin.

I reached the familiar door and slipped inside. He lay on his simple pallet beneath the window casement, but his eyes were open in the moonlight. They sparkled like dew on the grass, as did the sweat that dampened his hairline. His hand lay against his cheek, searching for the phantom wound.

“What is it?” I breathed, my heart still pounding as if it had never pumped before. “I had a nightmare about you.”

He sat up, his body shaking, and I pulled the blanket up over his shoulders as tremors wracked him. He gripped the cover with one hand and took mine in his other. It was not a fit, I knew, but an icy chill stole over me. “I had a vision.”

“It was you, was it not?” I forced the words out, even though they pained me to say them. “Trapped? Tortured?”

He nodded. I could bear it no longer, and flung myself into him, burying my face in his chest. He hesitated, but then his arms came around me, and I nearly gasped from relief, from knowing he was with me, warm and alive and safe.

“What does it mean?” I moaned.

“It is the future we see.”

I tilted my chin up to look at him, and he stared down into my face, one brow arched as if puzzling over a new plant he’d found while scavenging. “How is it that we see it together, raven? How is it that we are connected?”

“I love you.” The words, so sacred and yet sounding so simple, tumbled out. I did not care. Here in the dark, where there was no one else, the rest of the world seemed frozen, unimportant, and far, far away. Blaise, sleeping in the next room, was forgotten. I did not think of my grandfather and his plot to find me a husband, or of his threats to kill any man that stood in the way of that.

Only this moment between us mattered. Myrddin had to know that I thought of nothing but him, sought naught but his presence, heard only his voice with the pounding of my heart. It was bold and brash and dangerous, it was everything I wanted to be, my own true self, and I knew he understood that.

“I know,” he whispered. “And you should not.”

He tried to pull his hand away, yet I clung to it, my voice hardening. “Why do you say that? You are everything to me.”

“You speak of love, Gwendydd, and yet you have told me countless times how you long not for a husband, but for freedom.”

“You are my freedom. Do you not see? You, who have taught me healing and storytelling and magick. . .so many things. You are right—I did not know what I longed for until I met you, and then I understood.” I lifted my hand, daring to touch his cheek, and he allowed it. “This must be love, for it to seep so deeply into me, into my very soul.”

Softness settled into his gaze as he stared at me. “You are a poet, raven.” He teased, I knew, to turn the subject, but I would not be abashed.

“It frightened me, Myrddin. The dream. I cannot bear to be without you, or to have you hurt.”

“And yet there is no way to stop it, if it is my fate.” He gathered me against him and pushed us both up to our feet, shaking the blanket from his shoulders. He guided me toward the door but did not pull away, and I savored his closeness. “Come. You must go back to your chambers. If Brychan finds you here, or if someone sees us and informs him, he will kill us both.”

We shuffled in silence along the corridors, slipping past the sleepy guards undetected. When we came to my quarters, Myrddin placed his hands on my shoulders and looked at me sternly, as Betrys sometimes did when she preached her gospel of Jesus.

“Blaise has told me, Gwendydd, that unrest stirs in the land. The Cymry chieftains like your grandsire cannot quell it, and it will come to call here very soon. But these changes, all of them, no matter what they are, must unfold as they are meant to. We may never understand all that happens, but that is our challenge in life. And that includes whatever this vision may portend for me.”

I matched his seriousness with my own. “Whatever happens, we are meant to be together. I understand that much.”

His hand moved underneath my loosened hair, cupping the back of my head like a pillow, and his expression of wonder made me dizzy. “It is foolish and reckless, raven, but yes. I think I understand it as well.”

He left me standing there in a pool of moonlight, my mind spinning as the stars overhead, replaying his words over and over again to seal them permanently in my memory.

A Little Bit About Rose

Rose Vanden Eynden has always believed in magic, which probably explains how she is able to be a writer as well as a wife, mother, medium, massage therapist, minister, and instructor. She resides in a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, twin teenaged sons, and a dachshund named after Rudyard Kipling. In her spare (!) time, she enjoys performing in live theatre, watching films, reading, and walking in the woods. An avid believer in a balanced life, she meditates and eats chocolate daily.

How Best to Follow Rose?

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Rose and Bewitching Blog Tours, I’m able to give a lucky reader an ebook version of Merlyn’s Raven.

Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment for Rose and your email address.

Giveaway is open Internationally

Giveaway Ends June 1, 2012 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

Audiobook Giveaway: Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

2012-05-15T23:19:00.001-04:00

A couple of days ago I posted a review for an audiobook that I had received for review. It was cute and quirky and exactly the kind of book I love to listen to while driving. The narrator is superb, the story light and not too deeply thought provoking and there is nothing too sexually explicit to listen to; kinky sex is just too weird to listen to while driving in my opinion, LOL!

Anyway, I’m always amazed at the number of readers that have expressed to me that they have never “read” an audiobook. So to spread the joy and encourage Urban Girl Readers’ to try an audiobook, UGR will be giving away the copy we received. So scroll on down and enter for a chance to win.

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

Macmillan Audio, 2012

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Narrated by Lorelei King

Length: 6 hours 37 minutes

Format: Unabridged

Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

Urban Girl Reader’s Review

Book Blurb:

Kate Appleton needs a job. Her husband has left her, she’s been fired from her position as a magazine editor, and the only place she wants to go is to her parents’ summer house, The Nutshell, in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate’s plan is to turn The Nutshell into a Bed and Breakfast. Problem is, she needs cash, and the only job she can land is less than savory.

Matt Culhane wants Kate to spy on his brewery employees. Someone has been sabotaging his company, and Kate is just new enough in town that she can insert herself into Culhane’s business and snoop around for him. If Kate finds the culprit, Matt will pay her a $20,000 bonus. Needless to say, Kate is highly motivated. But several problems present themselves. Kate despises beer. No one seems to trust her. And she is falling hard for her boss.

Can these two smoke out a saboteur, save Kate’s family home, and keep a killer from closing in…all while resisting their undeniable attraction to one another? Filled with humor, heart, and loveable characters, Love in a Nutshell is delicious fun.

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing a review copy of Love in a Nutshell, which UGR is able to giveaway to one lucky US resident.

Giveaway is open to US Residents only

Giveaway Ends May 31, 2012 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Urban Girl’s Winner’s Club (5/15/12)

2012-05-14T23:20:00.001-04:00

time to catch up on a couple of giveaways that have ended over the last week. Also, a reminder that the May’s Committed Commenter Giveaway runs through the end of May. One random commenter will receive their choice of some awesome UF and paranormal books. If you aren’t familiar with Urban Girl Reader’s monthly contest, you should really check this post out!I

Congratulations to all the winners and Happy Reading!!

Untouched by Sara Humphreys (US/Can) (5/1)

Debbie P.*
Maiden V.*

Mariana by Susanna Kearsley (US/Can) (5/5)

Audra H.*

Laura Kaye’s West of Want Preview & Prizes Event! (5/10)

Julianne #27*

Enraptured by Elisabeth Naughton (US/Can) (5/12)

Jasmyn N.*
Chelsea B.*

Each winner has been e-mailed and has 72 hours to provide me with their mailing address. If not, I will select another winner.

VBT: Guest Post and Giveaway with Babette James, author of Clear as Day

2012-05-14T03:30:00.000-04:00

Let’s welcome author Babette author to Urban Girl Reader. Her latest release, Clear as Day, is a contemporary romance that delves into love, commitment and what happens when two lovers explore taking their relationship deeper. Lynn recently reviewed Clear as Day and gave it 4 flowers - Check out her review!

Now onto the fun stuff! Let’s welcome Babette as she dishes and shares some of the details on Clear as Day!

I loved writing Clear As Day, it’s been a story of my heart in many ways, so seeing this story published and being able to hold my book in my hands is a dream come true. I hope you enjoy Nate and Kay’s journey to love as much as I have.

Here’s an interview with my heroine, Kay Browning, talking about Nate and their friends:

What did you think the first time you saw Nate?

Kay: I’d seen pictures of Nate before I met him at Mohave, of course, and if it hadn’t been for a cancelled flight keeping him from JoAnn and Lloyd’s wedding I might have met him sooner. They’d been wanting us to meet for a couple years, but he was always traveling and our paths never crossed. Meeting him finally in person at Mohave, well, it was a little chaotic when he arrived at camp, kind of a major reunion for him and the guys, and they got to talking, and you know how they can talk. I suppose my first cautious thought was, “He has nice eyes.” Things changed later that night. I took a walk and came across him fishing for catfish. We talked. Fished. We hit it off, well, really well. One moment we were talking about fish, the next lost in that first kiss. When we woke up together the next morning onboard his sailboat, after a little panic of “I can’t believe we just did that,” our relationship just slipped into comfortable being.

Was it love at first sight?

Kay: Not for me. Nate says he knew I was the one from the moment we met, and JoAnn and Dave say it was obvious, but what I knew about love just didn’t correlate with the safe feeling I had with Nate. I told myself what was between Nate and me was just physical attraction and simple friendship. I understood friendship. Love was nothing but trouble. If he’d claimed love back then, I would have packed up camp and hit the road running. And, as we painfully discovered, despite years of close friendship, there was just so much we didn’t know about each other and had assumed. We needed to learn to really talk and listen to one another, take risks, and truly trust, if our friendship was to survive and the love Nate said we’d always shared have a future.

What do you like most about Nate?

Kay: How he can make me laugh and remember to play. He’s just got this gentle, easy way about him and has a great offbeat sense of humor.

How would you describe him?

Kay: I love drawing him. He’s got these gray eyes that are so easy to get lost in and a smile that can make you forget your troubles. He jokes around that he’s lazy, but he’s…peaceable. He’s able to relax and cruise through everything. He’s a little—truthfully, a lot less organized than I am. I love listening to him talk about his travels. He’s as good with his words as he is with his camera.

How would Nate describe you?

Kay: He says he loves my freckles and that I’m beautiful. I think he has a great imagination. But him saying that, and meaning it, just—well, I believe him when I’m with him. I know he thinks I’m a little OCD at times, but he doesn’t give me a hard time about my needing order and I’m learning to adapt to his clutter.

You go camping with a large group of friends. Tell us about some of them.

Kay: My friends are my family to me. We may live scattered around the country, but we stay close in heart.

If we could pick your own family (which would fix a few things for many of us) JoAnn Sayer would be my sister. She’s my best friend. We started out as college roommates. She’s been through a lot, and I couldn’t be happier for her awesome news that I recently learned. I wasn’t sure about her husband Lloyd back when they first met, but after everything he’s done for JoAnn, I count him like a brother now. I won’t say anything more here about what happened or what brought them together, that’s JoAnn and Lloyd’s story to tell. If it wasn’t for JoAnn and Lloyd, I wouldn’t know Nate or any of the others. They brought us all together.

Dave Knight is my best guy friend. I met him before I met Nate and we strangely clicked as good friends and nothing more. I think we were both glad to have someone to just be real with. He’s a great guy, he would give you the shirt off his back. I love him like a brother- Yes, I know, I used the “L” word- and I worry about him. It’s such relief when he checks in after a fire. Patti calls him our Peter Pan, and he’ll probably be the last of us to settle down, if he ever does. I just hope he finds someone who can see the deep and talented side of him I’ve seen that he hides under his wisecracks, flirting, and full-speed ahead bachelor lifestyle.

Olivia Harper is my newest friend. I didn’t expect us to become friends when we first met. I doubted we had anything in common and she’d only joined us this summer because her husband was trying to cook up a business venture with Lloyd. She has a way of always looking like she just stepped out of Paris salon, which is astounding since we’re backcountry camping in the July heat of Lake Mohave, and throwing a t-shirt over your bathing suit is dressing up around here, but she can use a filet knife as expertly as Dave and is a great cook. She’s another one that just got broadsided in life’s crossroads, but she’s part of the group now and we won’t let her go it alone.

Do you have a favorite memory of a best friend? Babette will be giving away an ebook copy of Clear As Day to one lucky commenter. Please leave your E-mail address with your comment.

Clear as Day

By Babette James

Blurb:

What’s a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?

Haunted by dark memories of her parents’ volatile marriage, artist Kay Browning keeps her heart locked behind a free-spirit facade and contents herself with the comfortable affair she has every summer with easygoing photographer Nate Quinn.

The only trouble with her plan? This summer Nate’s come to Lake Mohave to claim the lover he can’t let go. He’s done with the endless traveling and settling for temporary homes and temporary loves. Kay’s always been more than just a vacation fling, and now he must convince this woman, who sees love as a course to certain heartbreak, to take that leap of faith and learn how safe love with the right man can be.

Purchase From: Buy from: Amazon | Wild Rose Press

Read an Excerpt:

“Kay!” That male voice was not her imagination.

“Oh, shit!” She twisted and dropped into the water, sinking neck-deep.

Mother always said, among other things, that a lady never goes skinny-dipping and must always wear a proper hat. Kay was only half skinny-dipping, but she fervently wished she’d worn something a bit more substantial than a baseball cap and the bottom half of the quintessential teeny-weenie yellow polka-dot bikini.

Shit, oh, shit, oh, shit. She so hated when Mother was right.

Okay, time to find out who’d just gotten an eyeful. The guy had called her name, so she should know him. Oh boy, if she’d flashed old George…

She wiped water from her face, sucked in a breath against her pounding heart, and peeked around.

Nate.

She must be sun-dazed. Nate? With a beard? Hair curling over his ears? No way.

Just because a familiar slouchy fishing hat topped those unruly, sun-bleached blond curls and just because this guy possessed the same deep-water tan and footloose taste in clothes as Nate with his electric blue Hawaiian shirt, bright orange swim trunks, and beat-up deck shoes didn’t mean—

“Hey, babe. Now that I’ve finally caught your attention, how about a hug from my girl?” He opened his arms. “Am I coming in after you or are you coming out?” Only Nate’s voice held that mellow timbre like chocolate for her ears.

“Nate! What…” Giddy delight flushed over Kay, clearing her shock. She dashed from the water and into strong arms, a wonderful hug, and a better kiss that launched her mind into a blissed-out whirl of oh, yes and why?

The oh, yes won out until the need to breathe forced them apart.

Nate gave her a long look, his usually easy gray eyes holding a new, simmering heat.

Wow. Whoa.

A Little Bit About Babette

Babette James writes contemporary and fantasy romance and loves reading nail-biting tales with a satisfying happily ever after. When not dreaming up stories, she enjoys playing with new bread recipes and dabbling with paints. Babette is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers, where she has served on the Board. She is also a Pro member of Romance Writers of America, and the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, Celtic Hearts, and ESPAN Chapters of RWA, Liberty States Fiction Writers, and Romance Divas. As a teacher, she loves encouraging new readers and writers as they discover their growing abilities. Her class cheers when it’s time for their spelling test! Born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California, she’s had a life-long love of the desert and going down the shore. Babette now lives in New Jersey with her wonderfully patient husband and three extremely spoiled cats.

How Best to Follow Babette?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Babette and Bewitching Blog Tours, I’m able to give a lucky reader an ebook version of Clear as Day.

Enter the giveaway by answering Babette’s question and leaving your email address.

Giveaway is open Internationally

Giveaway Ends May 30, 2012 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

Review: Clear as Day by Babette James

2012-05-13T23:30:00.001-04:00

Clear As Day by Babette James
April 4, 2012, Wild Rose Press
Paperback, 276 pages
ISBN: 9781612170350
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 flowers
Sensuality Rating: 3 flames
FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

What's a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?

Haunted by dark memories of her parents' volatile marriage, artist Kay Browning keeps her heart locked behind a free-spirit facade and contents herself with the comfortable affair she has every summer with easygoing photographer Nate Quinn.

The only trouble with her plan? This summer Nate's come to Lake Mohave to claim the lover he can't let go. He's done with the endless traveling and settling for temporary homes and temporary loves. Kay's always been more than just a vacation fling, and now he must convince this woman, who sees love as a course to certain heartbreak, to take that leap of faith and learn how safe love with the right man can be.

Buy from: Amazon

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Kay Browning is seen swimming in Lake Mohave. She’s known Nate Quinn for six years. She describes what Nate looks like – not half bad. He shows up while she’s lazing in the water. This book may have you wanting to go camping – either by a lake, by the ocean, or to your favorite vacation spot. But make sure to take this story with you.

We find out that Nate likes Jimmy Buffett. If you’re a fan also, you may want to put some of his music on while reading this book. You will want to set the mood as you read about our lovers. Maybe have some chocolate, chocolate covered strawberries, or your beer (or drink) of choice.

Nate has come to a decision and he’s there to share it with Kay. They’re comfortable together and they love to have sex with each other – and we get to see that first hand. But Nate seems to be looking for more. They certainly have a unique way of communing with nature – you have to be a little jealous. With how Babette describes the scene, you almost feel like a voyeur. The sex scenes are very sensual.

Babette does a little role reversal in this story. It’s the female character that has issues with commitment. Kay is a little apprehensive due to her family history. It’s funny to see the lengths that Nate will go to in order to get through to Kay.

They have a great group of friends. This group reminds me of the movie “The Big Chill”. If you’ve never watched it, you will want to rent it. They are there for each other – and those are the best kind of friends.

It’s a story of what men and women know about love and their partners. But do they really know? Do any of us know all the answers? But isn’t finding out half the fun?

There are times that you will want to yell at them. “Don’t be stupid – do something!” You will need to read the story to find out if they listen. Babette gives you a story that will have you wanting to turn the page to see what becomes of Nate and Kay. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next.

Audiobook Review: Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

2012-05-08T22:41:00.001-04:00

Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich

Macmillan Audio, 2012

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Narrated by Lorelei King

Length: 6 hours 37 minutes

Format: Unabridged

Rating: 3 Flowers

Sensuality Rating: 2 Flames

Provided by Publisher for Honest Review

Download from: Audible|AudioBook Store

Book Blurb:

Audiobook Review by Sherri

If you have read/listened to any of Janet Evanovich’s previous works, then you will get what you expect; kooky characters, a sweet romance wrapped up in a bit a mystery that draws the two main characters together.

Kate Appleton is a likeable character. She has suddenly become jobless, homeless and her overall better off without her jerk of a husband. She flees to her parents summerhouse hoping to get her life in order; but like her life the house is falling into foreclosure and is need of some tender loving care.

Kate gets a job at a local brewery and meets Matt Culhane the owner. However, all is not I order at the brewery. There has been a rash of mysterious accidents and damages to the brewery and Matt is becoming desperate to find the culprit. Matt is drawn to Kate when he meets her at the brewery and ultimately hires her to be an undercover spy at for him to find the perpetrator.

Kate and Matt’s journey to discovering the culprit’s identity and their attraction is humorous and fun. Kate is one of Evanovich’s more enjoyable heroines, while Matt was a lovable, albeit sometimes geeky hero. I particularly enjoyed how Evanovich wove real places that I have often visited in Michigan into the fictional town of Keene’s Harbor, Michigan.

Lastly, the narration by Lorelei King was enjoyable as ever. Although she is the same narrator for Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, I had no trouble accepting her narration in Love in a Nutshell. Overall, a great audiobook listen for the start of the summer. Light and fun.

Character Interview and Giveaway Goodies: Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn

2012-05-07T02:00:00.000-04:00

Urban Girl Reader is excited to welcome author Amber Kallyn and her hero Shane to the site while they tour the blogosphere dishing about Bloodstorm.

BloodStorm is a novella and the first book in Amber’s Heart of a Vampire Series. Vampires, wolves, magic and sexy heros; what more could a girl want? As part of the tour, Amber is giving away a host of goodies, so scroll to the bottom to read the giveaway rules.

Also, fabulous news for fans that want to read this novella. Bloodstorm will be FREE at Amazon on May 7-9. If you liked Shane’s interview, grab the e-book during this special sale!

Interview with Shane Spencer, the hero of Bloodstorm.

Amber: Hi, everyone. *waves* So glad you could stop by. And thanks to for having me and Shane over today.

Shane: *Swaggers in and takes off his cowboy hat, then sits across the table*

Amber: Hey, Shane. Thanks for swinging by.

Shane: “No problem.” *Shifts uncomfortably*

Amber: Can I ask you a few questions?

Shane: “You can ask.” *raises an eyebrow as if warning me not to get too personal*

Amber: *Shivers* So you’re an Apache Shaman, right? How does that work?

Shane: “The magic comes from the Earth and is passed down from father to son.

Amber: But you have an older brother who was supposed to inherit, right?

Shane: “Yes.” *Scowls*

Amber: Why do you think it skipped him?

Shane: “Everything comes down to the Fates.”

Amber: And you’re a big believer in fate?

Shane: “The Fates. They like to screw with people, but things generally turn out in the end. My brother will find his path.”

Amber: One can hope.

Shane: *Glowers* “You better make sure it does.”

Amber: *swallows as his eyes heat up and glow golden* I-I’ll try.

Shane: *Nods decisively*

Amber: How do you balance your duties between your tribal obligations, being the town sheriff, and an appointed Keeper of the Peace by the Magic Council?

Shane: “It’s not easy, especially when duties conflict. I guess it’s just doing my best. Being the sheriff in such a small town isn’t hard. Keeping the peace between the werewolves and vampires however...”

Amber: I can imagine. Has it changes since you fell in love with a Vampire?

Shane: *smiles* “Not really. Niki knows where my duties lie. Besides, she’s not on anyone’s side either.”

Amber: What it’s like to have a vampiress as your true love.

Shane: “Niki is stubborn and feisty, but I like that about her. We have a normal relationship, the only difference between us and mortals is she likes to have me for dinner.” *eyes twinkle as if thinking about last night*

Amber: *Grins* How does it feel to have her drink your blood?

Shane: “Delicious.” *voice deepens* “It’s a bond, a connection no mortal could feel.”

Amber: Since you’re not a vampire, how does her strength affect your relationship?

Shane: “It doesn’t. She knows the powerful magic I bring to the table. It’s a non-issue.”

Amber: One of your magics is harnessing the spirit of your totem animal, right?

Shane: *Shifts in the chair * “Yes. I can call on brother bear’s power.”

Amber: *Leans forward* What happens when you do?

Shane: “It’s as if his spirit enters my body. It’s not like a shapeshifter, exactly, though some with spirit vision can see his shape just above my own. He allows me to use his strength.”

Amber: Since both you and Niki are long-lived, tell me how you keep the relationship interesting.

Shane: *Raises his brow again* “With a woman like Niki by my side, things never get dull. She wouldn’t allow it.”

Amber: Could you give me an example?

Shane: “No.”

Amber: *Fidgets under the intense stare* Okay, well thanks for answering some of my questions.

Shane: “No problem. Just remember what I said about my brother.” *After a nod, pushes to his feet*

Amber: Will do. *Watches him swagger away trying not to fan self*

UGR: Thanks for visiting today Amber and Shane. I’m sure everyone will be looking forward to reading Hungerstorm this summer.

Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn

Dragon Heart Books

Pages: 420KB/156 pages

ISBN: 9781475090406

Book 1 “Heart of a Vampire” series

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3 flowers

Sensuality Rating: 3 flames

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn’t just burn... it bites.

For two hundred years, Niki DeVeraux has been tracking the monster who murdered her family and made her a vampire. She finally catches up to him in a small Arizona town, only to face more than she bargained for. Amid an imperious vampire King, a shaky truce between the local clan and shifter pack, and a too-sexy sheriff who makes her remember she’s still a woman, Niki’s single-minded purpose is threatened for the first time since her turning.

Between his duties as Keeper of the peace for the Magic Council and heir to his tribe’s shamanistic magic, Sheriff Shane Spencer’s job is to protect humanity and stop the friction between the local Arcaine races before it turns into an all out blood war. To make matters worse, there’s an irresistible rouge vampire in town enflaming his senses.

When wolves start turning up dead, the tension between the paranormal races grows and suspicion falls on Niki. Shane knows she’s not to blame, and it has nothing to do with the primal urges she stirs within him. Working together, they must find a way to stop the hostilities from going over the edge. Trouble is, the desires raging between Niki and Shane might prove more dangerous than the surrounding threats

Purchase from: Amazon | B & N | Indiebound | Powell’s |

The Book Depository

Read Urban Girl Reader’s Review – Visit Here!

A Little Bit About Amber

One of those rare breeds, Amber Kallyn is an Arizona native who can trace her family's history through six generations in the state. She lives with her sexy husband, and their four very active children. Included in the menagerie are two cats (though there's always room for more) and two dogs. We won't count all the fish. She also writes urban fantasy under the name Higley Browne.

Amber loves the paranormal, from dragons to werewolves to vampires. She's currently at work on her next book, probably running around the house acting out a fight scene with her collection of swords and daggers. Or maybe, wishing she had claws to practice the other fight scenes.

A voracious lover of the written word, Amber found at an early age that she could read fast. Really fast. She devours novels by the day, novellas by the hour, and is always looking to get her hands on more.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter Signup

~ Giveaway Goodies ~

Amber is giving away a $5 Amazon gift certificate to one lucky winner at this (and every) stop in the blog tour. Just comment below to be entered.

Amber will also be giving away a $20 Amazon gift certificate to the wonderful host who has the most comments at the end of her tour.

And she will be giving away another $20 Amazon gift certificate to the reader who leaves the most comments on all the blogs she’ll be visiting.

(if there is a tie, she will use Random.org to select the winner).

and remember if you enjoyed Shane’s interview – dash over to Amazon and snag a free copy of Bloodstorm. Free at Amazon on May 7-9.

Review: Bloodstorm (Heart of a Vampire, Bk 1) by Amber Kallyn

2012-05-06T22:35:00.001-04:00

Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn
Dragon Heart Books
Pages: 420KB/156 pages
ISBN: 9781475090406
Book 1 “Heart of a Vampire” series
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: 3 flowers
Sensuality Rating: 3 flames
FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

When duty forces a shaman to stop a vampire from her revenge, love doesn’t just burn... it bites.

For two hundred years, Niki DeVeraux has been tracking the monster who murdered her family and made her a vampire. She finally catches up to him in a small Arizona town, only to face more than she bargained for. Amid an imperious vampire King, a shaky truce between the local clan and shifter pack, and a too-sexy sheriff who makes her remember she’s still a woman, Niki’s single-minded purpose is threatened for the first time since her turning.

Between his duties as Keeper of the peace for the Magic Council and heir to his tribe’s shamanistic magic, Sheriff Shane Spencer’s job is to protect humanity and stop the friction between the local Arcaine races before it turns into an all out blood war. To make matters worse, there’s an irresistible rouge vampire in town enflaming his senses.

When wolves start turning up dead, the tension between the paranormal races grows and suspicion falls on Niki. Shane knows she’s not to blame, and it has nothing to do with the primal urges she stirs within him. Working together, they must find a way to stop the hostilities from going over the edge. Trouble is, the desires raging between Niki and Shane might prove more dangerous than the surrounding threats

Purchase from: Amazon | B & N | Indiebound | Powell’s |

The Book Depository

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Nicola DeVeraux has come to Jezamine. Nicki has a question and hopefully Jezamine has the answer. Niki sees herself as a monster. What’s a woman to do?

Shane Spencer is a sheriff in Moss Creek who’s enjoying some downtime at the local watering hole. We see he has some Indian heritage and he uses some of his unique talent when she walks in the door. Moss Creek is a place where both wolves and vampires exist among us humans.

In doing his job, Shane comes upon a scene that you would find on any crime show. Is Niki involved? Is she being set up? You will have to continue reading to find out those answers.

Just like we have a president, the vampires have a king and his name is Jordan MacDougal. He makes an appearance a few times in the story. I actually would have liked to see more of him. Amber has a second book, “Hungerstorm”, coming out this summer. We will have to wait and see if he makes an appearance in this book. He is a man that you don’t want any dealings with. He has lots of power and will use it to get what he wants. He makes the story interesting.

You have to love a story where opposites attract. What do Shane and Niki have in common? What would draw one to the other? Once they realize the attraction will they do something about it? Amber gives us quite the visual on how Shane looks. I would have loved to seen a picture – got to love a man with tattoos.

Shane and Niki complement each other perfectly. And Amber knows how to heat up the pages. The heat is kicked up at just the right time. There is sex but not for sex sake. It’s making love pure and simple but do our characters realize what is really going on here? You will have to find out for yourselves. And just like a typical male in spoiling a moment – insert foot in mouth.

If you like simple paranormal stories with a little intrigue, you will like Amber’s story. If you like a story where good overcomes evil, again you will like Amber’s story. It was a nice story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.

The only thing we don’t get a hint about is what the plot will be for book 2. Does it take place in the same town? Are any characters from book 1 in book 2? We’ll just have to wait for this summer to get those two questions answered. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast)

VBT: Guest Post and Giveaway with Ada Adams, author of ReVamped

2012-05-03T01:33:00.000-04:00

Please welcome author Ada Adams to Urban Girl Reader. She has an awesome new book out – ReVamped, her debut novel and the first book in the Angel Creek series. Urban Girl Reader’s reviewer Lynn recently finished ReVamped and called it a “Must Read.” Check out her 4 flower review!

When UGR asked Ada to swing by on her tour, we just had to ask her about Blood Cola™; its kinda like TruBlood™, but for the younger generation. So what could this unique ingredient be used for? Join us as Ada shares her favorite summer recipes!

Blood Cola™ Summer Recipes

by Ada Adams

I was invited here today to share some fun Blood Cola™ Summer Recipes with you!

Ethan, over at the Angel Creek diner, can make great drinks, but hopefully my recipes will help give you some idea on how to keep cool during those hot summer days.

First, you need to get a liter of fresh blood. I would suggest AB- for the connoisseurs with fine taste, but O will agree with just about anyone.

…Okay, I’m JUST KIDDING, of course! :)

Let’s leave the bloody drinks to vampires and try to find a more human (and humane!) alternative for some yummy summer recipes.

For Vampire Kids (Non-Alcoholic)

Berry Bloody Smoothie

Prep Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons frozen raspberries, or to taste
1/2 cup orange juice, divided

Directions

Place frozen strawberries and raspberries into a blender, and pulse several times to break up the berries. Pour in half of the orange juice with the blender running, and blend until smooth and thick, about 30 seconds. If smoothie is too thick, blend in remaining orange juice. Serve immediately.

Bloody Vampire Punch

Prep Time

5 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups of all-natural cranberry-raspberry juice (or pomegranate juice), chilled
2 cups all-natural pineapple juice, chilled
2 cups seltzer water (or ginger ale), chilled
grenadine (optional)
ice cubes

Directions

Combine ice cubes and juice (cranberry-raspberry and pineapple ) into punch bowl. Stir. Pour in seltzer water. Stir lightly. Add in splash of grenadine. Do not stir. (The grenadine will look like blood).

For Vampire Adults (Contains Alcohol)

Bloody Sangria

Prep Time

1 hr and 15 minutes

Ingredients

1 orange (ends cut off), thinly sliced
1 red apple, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 cup raspberries
2 bottles dry red wine, chilled
1 cup brandy
1 cup club soda or seltzer
3/4 cup fresh orange juice

Directions

In a large pitcher stir together brandy, raspberries, orange and apple slices. Let sit for 15 minutes. Add wine, club soda, and orange juice. Refrigerate for 1 hour so the flavor seeps in. Pour over ice. Serves 8.

Fun Drink Decorations

Vampire Fang Ice Cubes
Red Rimming Sugar
Honey dyed with Red Food Coloring (for blood dripping down the glass)

I hope you enjoy these bloody drink ideas!

*Please drink responsibly.

*Recipes from www.allrecipes.com and www.foodnetwork.com

UGR: I think I’m going to try the Sangria recipe. It sounds yummy and a perfect way to enjoy the summer. Thanks Ada!

ReVamped

By Ada Adams

Blurb:

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.
When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

Purchase From: Kindle | Print

Read an Excerpt:

FROM CHAPTER TWO

I ordered Seth to wait in the car and slowly made my way up the dirt path in the direction of what I had hoped was Sebastian’s residence. The longer I walked, the darker and more daunting the clouds above became. Finally, with a booming crash of thunder, the sky tore open, releasing a fresh downpour of cool rain. This time it was faster and heavier, pummeling against Hannah’s note and drenching her small, neat writing. I considered turning back and meeting with Sebastian another time, but my curiosity got the best of me.

I examined Hannah’s note, squinting to make out some of the smudged words.

Sebastian York is a twenty-one year-old Scorpio. He has gorgeous light gray eyes, the color of sparkling glaciers. His midnight-black hair is slightly curly and just long enough to make you daydream about running your fingers through his locks. He’s super tall and really, really hot. Just try to peel your eyes away from all those lean muscles! Yum! He’s brooding, mysterious, strong, and self-deprecating (or at least he seems like the type)—the perfect vampire!

I had to stop myself from reading the rest. Hannah’s report on Sebastian was a little over-the-top for my taste. Not to mention, much too unbelievable. I scrunched up the soaked paper and tucked it into the pocket of my jeans. I smiled to myself, thinking that the bubbly redhead had a promising career ahead of her as a writer of cheesy romance novels.

The hike through the forest led to a secluded clearing. The trees parted, revealing a striking building more akin to a grand mansion, than a house in the woods. While made in the same style as the buildings in town, the three-storey structure had a stately, regal air about it. Clad in white stone with Grecian temple-inspired columns towering across its entire façade, it very much resembled the majestic inn on the grounds of the Angel Creek Park.

The driveway finally came to an end and I found myself next to a luxury antique car. Its cherry-red hood was propped wide open, so it took a moment before I noticed that there was a figure tinkering with the machinery underneath. He wore a pair of loose, black pants, the muscles on his bare back flexing as he strained to tighten something with a metal wrench.

Hannah’s words flashed through my mind as I stood frozen in place, observing Sebastian’s profile. My gaze traveled along his tall, lean body, to his face, gliding over his sharp angular jaw and high cheekbones, and, finally, finding a resting place on his dark locks. Embarrassed by my unexpected attraction to the vampire in front of me, I sharply looked away, thankful for the cooling sensation of the wet raindrops against my skin.

Suddenly, Sebastian sensed my presence. His entire body tensed as he spun around, the wrench firmly grasped in his hand, ready and poised for an attack. The moment his eyes fixed on me, he froze, a look of sheer terror seizing his face. The metal tool fell out of his hand, hitting the cobblestone with a loud clank. The noise seemed to break the spell he was under. As his gaze connected with mine, the look of horror that came over him just moments before, immediately vanished.

“Sebastian?” I asked breathlessly, unnerved by his startling reaction.

He didn’t reply. Instead, he continued to examine every inch of me with his cool, gray eyes. My entire body blazed under his scrutinizing stare, but despite the uneasiness, I couldn’t bring myself to look away from him. The strong wind frantically tugged at my hair, as if trying to snap me out of my trance. In spite of nature’s best efforts, I simply stood there, locked in an unnerving staring contest with the mysterious vampire. A deafening clap of thunder shook the earth, causing me to jump, and startling Sebastian back to his senses.

“Who wants to know?” he finally responded. There was a sharp edge to his smooth voice.

“My name is Dawn,” I said, attempting a smile. “I’m here on an assignment from the Vampire President to train the new guardians of Angel Creek. Since you’re one of the five vampire residents, I thought you’d want to know about the mission and take part—” I paused abruptly, distracted by the angry scowl forming across his face.

Another earsplitting roar of thunder sounded before he spoke. “Not interested.” he said curtly, his eyes still intent on me. He was boldly exploring my face, his gaze slowly traveling down my body.

“Dawn, did you say?” he asked curiously, his voice a little less brisk.

I nodded, crossing my arms in a self-conscious effort to shield myself from his gaze. “So can we count you in?” I asked hopefully.

“No.”

“What do you mean no?” I asked in disbelief. I was quickly becoming annoyed with the shirtless, ill-mannered vampire.

“No. Nope. Not interested. Is that clear enough for you?”

“Really?”

“Yes, really—no.” He turned away, waving his hand in my direction as if to let me know I was dismissed.

“Why?” I asked, stretching out to grab his arm. Thankfully, he had moved just before I could reach him, as mid-grab, I realized that touching Sebastian was a bold move that I had not fully thought out.

He turned around to face me, the feverish look in his eyes causing me to take a slight step back. “I don’t really embrace this whole vampire fad. I’m not interested in anything related to vampires, being a vampire or serving the Vampire President. Got it?”

“What about your obligation to protect humans?” I questioned.

“I’m not interested in humans either, not even the sad, vulnerable ones so many vampire idiots fall for. You could say, I'm only interested in myself.” He smirked, his tone once again reaching sub-zero temperatures. “So, if you wouldn’t mind leaving, I’d love to get back to work.”

“But, but…you can’t do that. When I tell the President that you’re here, he’ll order you to join the group.” I was grasping at straws.

All of a sudden, Sebastian charged toward me, thrusting his face into mine. He was so close our noses almost touched. As I raised my eyes to meet his, the raindrops from his glistening locks dripped onto my forehead. I resisted the temptation to blink as droplets of water fell onto my eyelashes, not wanting to show him any weakness.

“For the past century I’ve been doing exactly what I want, when I want. I don’t owe anything to any human or vampire—especially not the President. Now, leave before I make you leave!” he said through clenched teeth.

“Fine!” I yelled, pressing my fists tightly against my legs in an effort to prevent myself from striking him. “But, just so you know, you’re a really sucky vampire.” I mentally kicked myself for the lame retort, also chastising myself for having wanted this aggravating snob to join the group.

“Please don’t come around here anymore.” With those final words, Sebastian stormed off into the house, slamming the heavy door behind him. I was left alone on the wet driveway; feeling confused, angry, and somewhat excited by our meeting.

That evening, nestled in the small, cozy cottage in the depths of the Angel Creek forest, I glumly surveyed the vampires gathered around the dining room table. Hunter was resting his head on the linen tablecloth, struggling to stay awake. Every so often, he would succeed in lifting his heavy lids and focusing his eyes on me, only to instantly retreat into his intoxicated coma. Sophie sat to Hunter’s right, her forehead scrunched tightly as she squinted at the tiny print of her historical fiction novel. Her pupils moved at lightning speed as her eyes traversed the pages of the book, hungrily devouring the story. Across from them, Brooke was polishing her nails with a sharp, pink file. She paused after each stroke to carefully inspect her nails and ensure that she was creating the perfect shape. Seth sat at the foot of the table, a large head of garlic in his hand. He peeled off a clove and popped it into his mouth, wincing as the bitter flavor reached his taste buds. All the while, he shot dirty looks in Brooke’s direction.

Drawing in a deep, calming breath, I launched into a short speech I had prepared earlier in the day. “Congratulations new vampire recruits! The four of you are now the official guardians of Angel Creek. This is both a great honor and an important task. Are you ready to band together and work with me?” I asked with as much excitement as I could muster.

“Hmm?” Hunter murmured, raising his head.

“Y-Yes.” Sophie whispered.

“Okay,” Brooke said. “But it better make me super popular.”

Seth narrowed his eyes at Brooke. “As long as I don’t have to work too closely with her.”

It was the best I was going to get, I realized.

“Tomorrow morning we begin our train—” Before I had a chance to finish my sentence, a sudden blur of movement in the woods caught my attention. I only saw it for a split second, but it was enough to convince me that someone was lurking outside. Someone had found our secret location.

Not wanting to panic the recruits, I casually made my way to one of the dining room windows. Wiping away layers of dust that clouded the glass pane, I pressed my forehead against its cool surface, scanning the horizon for the origin of the activity. It was difficult to make out through the thick sheets of rain, but right at the edge of the forest, concealed by the shadowy trees, stood a tall, dark silhouette. From its frame alone, I could not tell if it belonged to a human, a vampire, or some other being altogether. I was only sure of one thing—it was watching us. I rushed outside to investigate, but by the time I had reached its hiding spot, the stranger had vanished into the darkness.

A Little Bit About Ada

"Many people sing in the shower. I, on the other hand, write scenes in my head and act them out."

At age five, Ada read her first chapter book - Pippi Longstocking. Ever since that moment, she developed an intense passion for the stories and characters found within the pages of literature.

In her career as an actress and a writer, Ada currently spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning, and has attained Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Master's of Science in Education.

Ada strives to bring a fresh voice and perspective to fiction. She has been writing creatively for many years. "ReVamped" is her debut novel.

She lives in Toronto, Canada, and enjoys adventurous nature hikes with her adorable puppies Cara and Oreo.

How Best to Follow Ada?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Ada and Bewitching Blog Tours, I’m able to give a lucky reader a kindle version of ReVamped. Enter the giveaway via the widget below. Everyone gets one entry an the other entries are optional and just increase your odds of winning!!

Giveaway is open Internationally

Giveaway Ends May 19, 2012 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: ReVamped by Ada Adams

2012-05-02T23:05:00.001-04:00

ReVamped by Ada Adams

CreateSpace

ISBN: 9781470068982 (paperback)
ISBN: 1470068982 (e-book)
Pages: 298 pages (paperback)
File Size: 526KB (e-book)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Young Adult
Series: Angel Creek #1
Rating: 4 flowers
Sensuality Rating: 1 flame

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

Purchase From: Kindle | Print

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Dawn is seen doing some kick-ass fighting with some vampires. Then we see the scene was staged to impress the President. Dawn’s father is the President of the vampires. This book could give “Twilight” a run for its money.

Dawn’s father has given her a tough assignment. The assignment will take her to the small town of Angel Creek. When she gets into town, she stops at the town diner and meets the bartender, Ethan.

Her assignment is to meet and train 4 vampires: Brooke Mason, a total girlie-girl; Sophie Reed, librarian at the town’s library; Hunter Woods stared in a band called the “Blood Vultures”; and Seth Lee a young man that is still going to school. Then Dawn meets Sebastian – can we say attitude.

This is a story that anyone would love to read – a story for all ages. It also has its quirky moments. They seem to be a group of vampire misfits. And Dawn doesn’t seem to be very feminine. She’s a take charge young woman who knows how to take care of herself but she has a dilemma – she likes two guys. What’s a girl to do?

Ada has made Dawn wise beyond her “human” years; after all she’s only nineteen. She’s given responsibilities that normally an adult would do. Ada reminds us that young adults can do anything given the chance. We just don’t give them enough credit. If they are taught the right way, they can achieve anything.

There was one point in the story that I got a little confused. But I read through it and then it made sense. It added a new spin to the story. If you read the story again, parts that may seem confusing the first time around may make more sense.

Ada also shows her readers that people who have different backgrounds, and talents, can end up as friends. And friends can help each other overcome their personal demons. I love how Ada weaves some life lessons around a story of a group of teenage vampires growing up and learning to protect each other as well as the townsfolk of Angel Creek. This is a must read book. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast)

May’s Commenter Contest

2012-05-01T13:39:00.000-04:00

It’s the fifth month for this popular giveaway.

It’s that time of the month again! Time for a new commenter contest. To be entered into the monthly giveaway you just need to comment on any blog post anytime during the month of May (excluding blog giveaway hops).

So if you have already left a comment on a review, guest blog or interview, then you are already entered. No need to be a GFC follower or any other type of follower, just leave a meaningful comment!

So what is up for grabs? Books of course! For May, I have a big box of books that I have been dying to get to but just haven’t done so. I’ve also missed my paranormal romances and urban fantasy books; so there is nothing but the paranormal.

One lucky random commenter can choose 2 books from the below selections. Due to mailing costs, this giveaway is open to US residents only.

Also, I’m thinking I need a cool graphic for this monthly feature. Does anyone have any awesome ideas?

Living Nightmare by Shannon K. Butcher
Fate’s Edge by Ilona Andrews
Bound by Sin by Jenna Maclaine
Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh – back cover has a crease in it. but no rips or tears.
Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep
Seduce Me in Dreams by Jacquelyn Frank

So what would be your selections if you won?

April’s Random Commenter Winner

2012-04-30T22:59:00.001-04:00

The winning post for the random commenter contest was Early Review: Kiss of Pride by Sandra Hill and of those 2 commenter’s entry #2 was the winner. She has her choice of two of the books in this POST.

CONGRATULATIONS to Di

Since Di did not leave an email address or have her email address in her blogger profile, I have no means to directly contact her. So hopefully Di will see this and respond back. She has 72 hours to provide me with her mailing address. If not, I will select another winner.

Blogging Joy

2012-04-30T20:51:00.001-04:00

There are often things that happen while blogging that are out of one’s control and I had one happen to me yesterday, and not in the good way where you end up jumping up and down. I logged in from work to post something and received the following message:

WTF!!

I AM BEING BLOCKED FROM MY SITE DUE TO SEX CONTENT! - WELL CRAP.

I was so shocked I sat at the desk staring at this message for a whole 10 minutes, not believing what I was seeing. I mean seriously; this blog?? Yea, I’ve had a couple of more adult type books, but I think the content on UGR is pretty tame and not too racy. I’m still am a bit flustered about the whole thing and don’t exactly know what I’m going to do. It really cuts down my ability to access the site and reply to messages and take care of things, since I usually do check in on my lunch and breaks.

So, I’m asking for Urban Girl Reader’s followers for some help. Does anyone use the mobile blogger program to keep up with their blog? Is it user friendly? Easy to use? Pain in the behind? Any feedback would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance for anything you guys can tell me.

VBT Interview with Cheryl Douglas, author of Fearless

2012-04-27T05:00:00.000-04:00

Please welcome author Cheryl Douglas to Urban Girl Reader. She’s been kind enough to let UGR quiz her about her newest release, Fearless, her characters and what is in store for her.

If you have a moment, check out Lynn’s review of both Shameless and Fearless, both books in the Nashville Nights Series.

Hi Cheryl!

Thank you for taking the time to visit us here at Urban Girl Reader. We’re looking forward to talking a bit about your new release, Fearless. It sounds both sexy and romantic. Can you tell us more about it?

Cheryl: Fearless, like most of the books in the Nashville Nights series, is a story about redemption. The hero, Josh, has a lot of guilt and remorse about the failure of his first marriage, and he wants the opportunity to get it right the second time around. The heroine, Lexi, is also trying to come to terms with a troubled past, but her instinct is to run away, while Josh believes in facing his problems head on. The two are good friends, and there is great chemistry between them, but they’re convinced their lives are moving in two different directions.

UGR: What do you think readers will love about this book? Is there something specific you hope readers take with them and/or feel after they finish reading Fearless?

Cheryl: I hope readers fall in love with Josh. I know I did. He’s tough as nails, but he’s also sweet and fiercely protective of those he loves. Fearless is a story about working through the fear associated with a troubled past and trying to come out better and stronger on the other side. Lexi is tough, but we learn that she uses that as a shield because she’s been hurt in the past and fears being hurt again. Her journey is about learning to trust again and having faith that she doesn’t have to go it alone.

UGR: Which character did you have the most fun writing about? Do you have a favorite?

Cheryl: I loved writing Josh’s character. He’s a great dad who would do anything for his kids, and the relationship between him and his teenage sons was anything but superficial. He had some deep conversations about love and life with his sons throughout the book, and I felt those poignant moments added another dimension to Josh’s character.

UGR: What influenced you to get published? How long did it take for your first book to get published?

Cheryl: I’ve been writing forever. Seriously, I was the student editor of my school newspaper and yearbook by the time I was in the fifth grade, and I would write most of the articles and conduct most of the interviews myself. I took various writing courses throughout my life, but ultimately, I wound up following a different career path. After earning degrees in psychology and nutrition, I worked as a nutritionist for 13 years. The lease on my commercial space was set to expire, and I had to decide whether I wanted to renew for another five years. I didn’t. I was finally ready to pursue my dream of writing full-time, and I’m so glad I did. That decision changed the course of my life.

In terms of how long it took to publish my first book… forever. Seriously, most writers, myself included, go through the submission and rejection process for years before their book finally lands in the hands of readers. I think I finished my first full manuscript about seven years ago, and the first book in the Nashville Nights series was just published late last year.

UGR: Is music a factor for you while you are writing? Do certain songs put you in the right frame of mind to write certain stories?

Cheryl: I’m a huge country music fan, which probably isn’t a surprise given the theme of the Nashville Nights series. I can’t listen to music while I’m writing; any outside distractions would drive me crazy. I need total silence to get in the right frame of mind for writing. I’m constantly inspired by songs, though. I always listen to my favorite country station when I’m driving, and by the end of a long drive I usually have another story percolating.

UGR: What books are currently on your nightstand?

Cheryl: I’m a fan of ebook readers, so I don’t have print books on my nightstand and I don’t load up my Kindle. I usually buy ten or twelve books at a time, read and delete them, and then go back for more. I’m getting ready to start Fifty Shades of Grey. I have to find out what all the hype is about!

UGR: What upcoming projects are you working on and when can your fans expect to look for them? Any secrets you can spill?

Cheryl: I just finished the fifth book in the Nashville Nights series, Relentless. Ruthless, the third book in this series will be released in May. Reckless, book four in the NN series will be released in June, and the fifth book will be released in July. The first two books, Shameless and Fearless, are already available. As I mentioned, I’ve finished writing all of them and they are at various stages of editing.

I can tell you there was a dramatic event toward the end of that book that even I didn’t see coming!

I also write novellas under another pen name, and I am currently working on my fifth novella.

Quickfire Questions

UGR: Hardcover, paperback or E-books?

Cheryl: Ebook

UGR: Bookmark or dog ear page turner?

Cheryl: Bookmark.

UGR: Early bird or night owl

Cheryl: Early bird

UGR: Coffee or tea

Cheryl: Coffee

UGR: Chocolate or vanilla

Cheryl: Chocolate

UGR: Plotter or pantser

Elisabeth: A bit of both.

UGR: Thank you for joining us today Cheryl, we look forward to reading more of your works in the future.

Cheryl: Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me!

A Little Bit About Cheryl

It took me thirty-seven years to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I thought I'd found my calling. In fact, I worked as a nutritionist for twelve years before I finally admitted to myself that while I enjoyed my work, I couldn't imagine doing it for the next thirty years.

My sub-conscious knew that I wanted to be a writer long before the conscious part of my mind decided to get with the program. While my sub-conscious was hard at work creating character profiles, plots and storylines, my conscious mind was telling me it was crazy to give up a successful business on the off-chance one of my manuscripts might rise to the top of someone's never-ending slush pile. After years of listening to that negative voice, I was finally ready to stop making excuses, face the fear and follow my dream of becoming a full-time writer, no matter the outcome. I'm so thankful I did.

I love bringing my characters to life and I am so grateful to have readers who love those characters as much as I do.

When I take a break from writing it's to spend time with my husband (a.k.a. my real life hero), my son, and my writing partner, Tia, a spirited Havanese who enjoys tapping her paw on my keyboard whenever I need a little comic relief.

How Best to Follow Cheryl?

Website

Review: Fearless by Cheryl Douglas

2012-04-26T23:12:00.000-04:00

“Fearless” by Cheryl Douglas
Series: Nashville Nights #2
Published By: Douglas Publishing
Published: Mar 25, 2012
ISBN # DGLPBL0000004
Pages: 370KB (e-book)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3 flowers
Sensuality Rating of 2 flames

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Author for honest review

Book Summary:

Lexi Brooks has overcome adversity to build a successful real estate business that will enable her live life on her terms. The life she envisions includes travel, fun, and excitement, not marriage, kids or commitment. But will Trey’s sexy bodyguard throw a wrench into her plans?

Being a cop taught Josh Cooper to take calculated risks, but he’s tired of living with the daily threat of danger. He’s ready to settle down with someone who wants to be a step-mother to his two teenage sons. Too bad Lexi isn’t that woman. She’s smart, sexy, and head-strong, and they’re totally in sync in the bedroom, but she isn’t willing to ‘settle’ for a life of domestic bliss. Or is she?

Buy from: Amazon | All Romance

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Lexi Brooks knows what she wants and it’s Josh Cooper. But she has stipulations to their relationship. Can Josh agree with those stipulations? Josh works for her brother-in-law. She’s wanted him since forever and she’s going to go after what she wants.

She’s a temptation too hard to resist. He’s a single father trying to raise two teenage boys. They always seem to misunderstand the other. Will they find a way to be together or are they destined to be apart.

This is another story that I found was predictable. But this time there is a twist. It also comes with some suspense. I did find that I liked this story better than the first. It also left me wanting to read the third book.

This story is about commitment and what the love interests have to go through to get there. And just like “Shameless” it’s not all about the sex. If you’re a fan of Cheryl’s, you will probably want to read this. For the newbies, I would read this story and then make your own decision as to whether or not you want to continue on to book 3. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast).

Review: Shameless by Cheryl Douglas

2012-04-26T22:36:00.001-04:00

“Shameless” by Cheryl Douglas
Series: Nashville Nights #1
Published By: Douglas Publishing
Published: Mar 08, 2012
ISBN # DGLPBL0000002
Pages: 385KB (e-book)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3 flowers
Sensuality Rating of 2 flames

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Author for honest review

Book Summary:

Trey Turner may be topping the country music charts, but his life has been going downhill since his wife left him five years ago. He's desperate to make amends for the mistakes he's made, and convince Sierra their love deserves a second chance.

Sierra Brooks is happy for the first time since her divorce. She has a career she loves and a man who loves her. Unfortunately, the man she intends to marry isn't the only one professing his love for her. He may be able to offer her safety and security, but will she decide to risk everything for another chance with the man who broke her heart?

Buy from: Amazon | All Romance

Lynn’s Thoughts:

Trey Turner is an award winning country music star. We see him giving an interview to a Nashville radio station. He’s a very troubled man. Something we see a lot of with the superstars. He’s a man who doesn’t care anymore. His past has shaped who he is today.

Sierra Brooks used to be married to Trey. She’s decided to let the past go and get on with her life. Then fate steps in and puts them in the same place at the same time. Will it be life’s little joke or will they learn from their mistakes.

This story seems to be one of redemption and setting things right. Eric Cortright, who’s a judge and Sierra’s fiancé, is Sierra’s second chance. Or is he? Then we have the typical jealous girl, Megan.

I found that the story was predictable. It’s a story of an ex-wife who may or may not be back in the picture with her ex-husband. I was hoping to be surprised but then I read the typical scene of what happens when the jealous girl wants to keep the guy.

I did like Cheryl’s story but I was hoping that Cheryl would put a new spin on an old story. Cheryl does give us a look into what a celebrity must go through in their private lives and how it affects those around them. And it’s not all about the sex. If you’re a fan of Cheryl’s, you will probably want to read this. For the newbies, I would read this story and then make your own decision as to whether or not you want to continue with the series. (Reviewed by Lynn from Romance Reader Enthusiast).

Urban Girl’s Winner’s Club (4/25/12)

2012-04-25T22:43:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to all the winners and Happy Reading!!

Western Blog Tour (US/Can) (4/14)

Entry #57 – Arianne (Confirmed Winner)

~~Entry #83 – Shannon (Previous Winner)~~

~~Entry #48 – Joanne B. (Previous Winner)~~
Entry #78 – Lexi (Confirmed Winner)
Winners info sent to publisher – 4/26

Each winner has been e-mailed and has 72 hours to provide me with their mailing address. If not, I will select another winner.

Interview and Giveaway with Elisabeth Naughton, author of Enraptured

2012-04-24T23:02:00.000-04:00

We are super excited to welcome author Elisabeth Naughton for the first time to Urban Girl Reader. We fell in love with the cover for Enraptured the moment we saw it and couldn’t wait to get our greedy little hands on it and it did not disappoint; UGR gave it 4 flowers!! (Check out DaVinciKittie’s REVIEW you are visiting).

Thanks to Elisabeth for taking the time to come and visit with us today and to Sourcebooks Casablanca, for giving UGR the opportunity to give two lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Enraptured. So now onto the fun stuff!!!

Hi Elisabeth!

Thank you for taking the time to visit us at Urban Girl Reading. We’re looking forward to dishing a bit about Enraptured, your fourth book in the Eternal Guardian series. Please tell us about the story and what inspired it?

Elisabeth: For those who are new to the Eternal Guardians series, the Eternal Guardians are seven warriors descended from the seven strongest heroes in all of ancient Greece. They defend both their world—Argolea—and the human realm from threats born of the Underworld—specifically, one evil goddess by the name of Atalanta who was herself once a hero but who made a deal with Hades for immortality and the chance to command an army of daemons for a shot at revenge.

Book four, Enraptured, is Orpheus’s story. He’s not a guardian by birth, but he finds himself immersed with the guardians in an attempt to rescue his brother (who is a guardian) from the Underworld. And along the way he meets a Siren—one of Zeus’s elite female assassins—sent to destroy him. But she isn’t exactly what he expects and vice versa….

UGR: Was there any specific inspiration or event that inspired the Eternal Guardians?

Elisabeth: I actually came up with the idea for Marked, the first book in the Eternal Guardians series, while I was writing Stolen Fury, my debut romantic suspense novel. The main characters in Stolen Fury were searching for three ancient Greek relics, and I did so much research on Greek mythology for that book, I knew about halfway through that I wanted to write a new series linked to Greek mythology. One day while perusing a writer’s blog, someone commented that they’d love to see more about the heroes from Greek mythology, and bam, the idea for Marked hit me out of the blue.

UGR: Which character have you had the most fun writing about? Do you have a favorite (even though as an author you shouldn’t)?

Elisabeth: The PC answer is “I love all my characters!” And it’s true. I have to really love a character to want to write about them. But I have to admit that Orpheus—the hero in Enraptured—holds a special place in my heart. I think it’s because he’s so snarky. I tend to have a snarky personality myself so I easily relate to him.

UGR: What upcoming projects are you working on and when can your fans expect to look for them?

Elisabeth: Starting in May I have a new paranormal novella series releasing about three djinn warriors imprisoned by an evil sorceress. The first book, Bound to Seduction, is set to release in late May. After that I’m hard at work on the 6th Eternal Guardians book (as yet untitled). Book five in the Eternal Guardians series—Enslaved—releases November 6, 2012.

UGR: Could you tell us a couple of favorite books that inspired you to write?

Elisabeth: There are so many! The first were the choose-your-own-adventure books I read back as a kid. Remember those? You’d get to the end of a scene and you’d get to choose between two options for where the story went next. I should have realized back then I wanted to be a writer. I could have started at a younger age!

But the books that really inspired me were Perfect by Judith McNaught – I fell in love with the idea of creating my own stories while reading this book. Scarlett: The Sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind – I didn’t even know what romance was until I read this one. And JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings – my love for adventure and magic and mythology really grew out of these books.

UGR: When you're not writing, what do you like to do to just kick back and have fun?

Elisabeth: I’m a homebody so given the choice between going out and staying home, I’ll stay home. I love to relax with a good book or great movie. I like to travel too, though, so for pure relaxation I’m the first one to raise my hand for a beach vacation.

UGR: What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

Elisabeth: Parasailing off a boat in Mexico. I have a huge fear of heights so just the fact I agreed to do this was a major feat.

Quickfire Questions

UGR: Hardcover, paperback or E-books?

Elisabeth: I read most of my books via eBook these days. I have a Nook and love it. I still will always love paper books, so I can’t rule those out completely!

UGR: Bookmark or dog ear page turner?

Elisabeth: Bookmark.

UGR: Early bird or night owl

Elisabeth: Night owl. By far.

UGR: Coffee or tea

Elisabeth: Tea. My favorite right now is a cranberry pomegranate green tea.

UGR: Chocolate or vanilla

Elisabeth: Both. Depends on my mood.

UGR: Plotter or pantser

Elisabeth: Both? I’m actually a combo of the two. I plot about 3 chapters ahead but usually know the end point. My critique partner calls it “plotting into the mist” and it drives her nuts.

UGR: Thank you for joining us today Elisabeth, we look forward to reading more of your works in the future.

Elisabeth: Thanks so much for having me here today!

Enraptured by Elisabeth Naughton

Sourcebooks Casablanca

April 3, 2012

Paperback, 402 pages

ISBN: 9781402262128

Series: Eternal Guardians #4

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4.0 flowers

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

Orpheus may have joined the elite protectors known as Eternal Guardians, but they've never trusted whose side he's really on. And the half-daemon couldn't care less. Orpheus has only one goal: rescue his brother from the Underworld. He's not expecting a woman to get in the way, especially not one sent by Zeus to seduce, entrap, and then ultimately destroy him. A woman who will dredge up a past he doesn't remember, a love that once condemned him, and a dark and deadly secret as old as the Eternal Guardians themselves.

Purchase from: Powell’s | Amazon | Indiebound | B & N | The Book Depository

A Little Bit About Elisabeth

A former junior high science teacher, Elisabeth Naughton traded in her red pen and test-tube set for a laptop and research books. She now writes sexy romantic adventure and paranormal novels full-time from her home in western Oregon, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA Awards of Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, the Golden Leaf, and the Golden Heart. Her recent release, Enraptured, was recently named one of Publisher Weekly’s Top Ten Romances of Spring 2012. When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ballpark, or dreaming up new and exciting adventures. Visit her at www.elisabethnaughton.com to learn more about her and her books. Her next book in the Eternal Guardians series, Enslaved, will be in stores in November 2012.

How Best to Follow Elisabeth?

Website | Facebook | Twitter

~ The Giveaway ~

Thanks to Elisabeth and Sourcebooks Casablanca, I’m able to give two lucky readers a copy of Enraptured. Enter the giveaway via the widget below. Everyone gets one entry an the other entries are optional and just increase your odds of winning!!

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only

Giveaway Ends May 12, 2011 @ 12:01 am EST. Winner will be notified by e-mail and have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway with Theresa Meyers, author of The Slayer

2012-04-23T08:03:00.000-04:00

Today?s special guest at Urban Girl Reader is author Theresa Meyers who has been one busy lady lately! Today she joins us to talk a bit about The Slayer the second book in The Legends Chronicles.

Also, be sure to enter the Giveaway for the chance to win an awesome gift package that includes an Advanced Reader Copy of THE SLAYER, along with an autographed cover flat and an antique china cup (cups will vary )accompanied by an assortment of teas and decadent Bliss chocolate.

Hi Theresa!

Thank you for taking the time to visit us at Urban Girl Reading. We?re looking forward to dishing a bit about your new release, The Slayer. Please tell us about the story and what inspired it?

Theresa: I actually came up with the idea for the Jackson brothers in 1998. I was brainstorming after finishing a Scottish historical and thought of three brothers all named after their father?s favorite guns ? Winchester, Remington and Colt. I knew it was a western-set story and that the eldest brother was a lawman (a very different occupation than his father), the youngest and outlaw just like dear old dad and the middle brother was, well, in the middle, as an attorney. I knew they were involved with supernaturals, but I didn?t quite have all the story down yet. The concept was too different at the time when historicals were on the downhill slide in the market, so it got put away in the computer idea trunk I keep until a few years ago. When I took it out to look it over again, I realized the reason it didn?t fit with anything at the time was because I didn?t know it was steampunk. I?ve been a bit of a Victoriana nut my entire life. I just didn?t know that my fiddling with sewing my own outfits, being mesmerized by Victorian society and science, and my obsession with tea and hats had a name! The Slayer is about the eldest brother, Winchester, and his efforts to balance his desire to get away from being a supernatural Hunter with his duty to help protect the world. It doesn?t help that he falls for a vampire noblewoman.

UGR: Why do you think readers are drawn to the steampunk genre and did you drawn from ?real world? for The Slayer?

Theresa: Steampunk is fascinating because it blends the best of historicals set in the Victorian era with the fantastic elements of fantasy and science fiction. But unlike a lot of historicals, steampunk doesn?t have to be entirely accurate to history. We can play with it, make things happen that didn?t because of the use of science and invention. Things like time machines, mechanical horses, robotic servants, means of communication or travel that weren?t truly available in the Victorian era, are made possible. There?s also a big spirit of adventure and a bit of dystopian idealism blended in to steampunk, so not only are most characters in steampunk facing terrific odds and outrageous situations, they are also the underdogs, fighting against the bigger powers to save others. That?s classic hero material!

For The Slayer itself there were elements I drew from in the ?real world?. Things like the old west towns of Bodie and Tombstone that were very active in 1883 when the story is set. Another element was the catacombs in Paris. Those are very real and still a big tourist attraction to this day. I looked at maps of railroad lines in Arizona at the time and of Paris. I looked at pictures of Bodie and Tombstone, as well as read accounts of people who lived there. There?s plenty of real world information hidden in the details of the story. But then research was always one of my favorite parts of writing in historical settings.

UGR: What was your favorite scene to write in The Slayer?

Theresa: That?s a good question. I?d have to say the scene in the French bar where they are negotiating with the pirate Le Renaud to hire the airship to get to London. I found it funny because everyone in the scene is so totally sure of what they think is happening until it isn?t what they think at all.

UGR: What is your writing process? Do you outline, fly by the seat of your pants or a combination of both?

Theresa: I know a lot of authors identify themselves as either a ?plotter? or a ?pantser?. I?m neither. I?m both. I identify my writing process as a ?planter?. See I have this general plot and story structure I come up with using a plotting board sectioned off into grids with handfuls of colored sticky notes representing different parts of my story. Once I get it down on the grid I create a bullet-pointed list of scenes I know have to happen. That becomes my trellis for my story to grow on. Now the more organic part of my process happens when my story grows on that trellis. I don?t always know if it?s going to twist back upon itself, zig left or zag right, but I do know the story will grow from the bottom of the trellis toward the top every time. So that?s why I?m a planter. It?s a mix.

UGR: What upcoming projects are you working on and when can your fans expect to look for them?

Theresa: I just turned in Her Big, Bad Wolf, another book for the Sons of Midnight vampire/werewolf series for Harlequin Nocturne. Currently I?m writing on two novellas, one for the Holiday with a Vampire anthology out for Harlequin Nocturne this winter, and a super secret steampunk novella also for release this winter that features the inventor in the Legend Chronicles, Marley Turlock. I?m also writing the third book in the series, The Chosen, Remington?s story, which will be out in April 2013. Once I wrap that up in June, then I?ll shift to writing the next three books in the Shadow Sisters series for Entangled Publishing, Shadow Hunter, Shadow Hunter and Shadow Lover which will all be out in 2013.

UGR: If you could be a paranormal creature, what would you be and why?

Theresa: Probably a fairy. I know it?s not a vampire, but really, to be honest, anybody?s blood but my own makes me feel kind of woozy, so I?m pretty sure I?d make a lousy vampire. Besides Fairies get to be powerful in their own way.

UGR: What have you always wanted to do but never tried?

Theresa: Um, be a size 6. LOL.

Quickfire Questions

UGR: Windows or Mac User?

Theresa: Windows

UGR: Television or Music?

Theresa: Music, cause television is too hard to write to! LOL.

UGR: Beach or mountain vacation?

Theresa: Both! That?s why I live in Washington.

UGR: Sunrise or sunset?

Theresa: Sunrise, just as the birds begin to sing and the sky turns apricot streaked with gold.

UGR: Roses or daisies?

Theresa: Roses! My fav is my Arizona rose from Jackson & Perkins.

UGR: Beer, wine or cocktails?

Theresa: Cocktails. I like sweet stuff!

UGR: Thank you for joining us today Theresa, I look forward to the next novel.

Theresa: Thanks so much for having me! It?s always fun to visit Urban Girl Reader.

THE SLAYER

The Legend Chronicles #2

By Theresa Meyers

Kensington Publishing

Paperback, April 3, 2012

ISBN: 9781420121254

Genre: Steampunk Romance

FTC Disclaimer: Provided by Publisher for honest review

Book Summary:

Brothers Winchester, Remington and Colt know the legends?they were trained from childhood to destroy demon predators, wielding the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It?s a devil of a job. But sometimes your fate chooses you...

CHASING TROUBLE

Winn Jackson isn?t interested in hunting nightmares across the Wild West?even if it?s the family business. Unlike his rakehell brothers, Winn believes in rules. As sheriff of Bodie, California, he only shoots actual law breakers. That?s what he?s doing when he rescues the Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter, a lady with all the elegance of the Old World?grace, beauty and class. And then he sees her fangs.

Alexandra isn?t just some bloodsucking damsel in distress, though. She?s on a mission to save her people?and she?s dead certain that Winn?s family legacy is the only way. Luckily, aside from grace and class, she also has a stubborn streak a mile wide. So like it or not, Winn is going to come back with her to the mountains of Transylvania, and while he?s at it, change his opinions about vampires, demon-hunting, and who exactly deserves shooting. And if she has her way, he?s going to do his darnedest to save the world.

Print: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Ebook: Kindle

Read an Excerpt:

Branches cracked and snapped as Alexa tore through them on her way to the forest floor. Fortunately the drop wasn't too great. She landed in a crouch on the ground, letting her knees absorb the shock of her fall. She slowly rose and glanced up at Winchester, still suspended in the ruined glider. From this distance he reminded her of a Christmas ornament in a very tall tree.

"Are you going to join me?" she shouted up at him, enjoying the opportunity to dig at him.

"Not like that, I'm not," he replied as he carefully maneuvered his way out of the pod, loading his pack and the holstered rifle onto his back. Hunters. They were nothing without their toys.

She sniffed the wind, trying to scent out their distance from the Castle Barranoch where the captain had adjusted their course. It lay on the edge of the border with France. The moldering smell of ancient stone and fresh blood reached her, but it was tainted with the feral scent of wet wolf. The castle was fifteen miles to the northeast, and the wolves were no more than a few miles away, between them and the protection of the castle. She swore heartily in Russian under her breath. For herself she wasn't afraid. She was stringer and smarter than any were. But the Hunter was merely human, with all the frailties that entailed.

"Insufferable creatures," she muttered to herself. When they later retrieved the wreckage of the airship, she had no doubt that it would be Sidhe bolts recovered. No one else but the dark fae who lingered in the Black Forest could shoot that distance accurately, which was bad news. It meant the Sidhe and the Russian werewolves had formed an alliance in her absence. While the werewolves were brute strength, the Sidhe had more powers. It was a formidable combination. Now that the Sidhe had brought down their airship, the werewolves were closing in for the kill.

Where are you? Are you harmed? Enric's insistent voice, edged with worry penetrated her mind.

The Hunter and I are fine, for the moment. How far are you from Castle Barranoch?

We transported there, per your instructions.

Excellent. Inform Count Vernay that we have landed and need an escort through the forest. There are werewolves on the ground and I suspect Sidhe in the forests. We shall be arriving shortly.

His majesty is not going to be please his airship was wrecked.

Pfft. He can have another built. He'll be more worried if we allow these werewolves to kill the Chosen.

She kept a close eye on Winn's progress down the tree. A crackle in the underbrush caused her to tense. Alexa sniffed the air, her gumline beginning to throb. The wolves were still a few miles away; this was a different scent altogether. Gun powder, oil and leather.

From the bushes sprang five men, all armed and pointing their weapons at her. Helsing crossbows, loaded with silver tipped arrows that could pin her to a tree in less time than it would take to transport herself away from the clearing. Each of them had a scabbard at his side, the handgrip of their swords easy for her to see even in the gathering gloom.

"I think we have us a lone vampire, men, and one worth ransoming from the look of it," said the blonde man, German by the sound of him, a glitter of avarice in his eyes.

Alexa hissed at them. Damn Hunters. "Where is your honor? Do you not have treaties with his vampiric imperial majesty?"

"What that old vamp doesn't know won't bother him," the blond Hunter sneered. "Take her." Two of his comrades lowered their crossbows, shifting them to their backs, then pulled out their swords and started forward.

There was a crack just above her and Winn dropped from the tree between her and the Hunters. He sprang up, armed and ready to fight, the Amanarath stretched and loaded.

"Not so fast, boys. This vampire happens to be off limits."

The blonde Hunter stepped forward, brandishing a blade with a twist and flourish of his wrist, making the metal flash.

"Drop it." Winn held the Amanarath poised and pointed right at the Hunter's chest.

"Identify yourself," the Hunter demanded.

"You first. I'm gettin' a mighty itchy trigger finger. Takes a lot of thought to control it. Might hit everyone of you before I get my control back."

"I'm Lieutenant Victor Van der Hoff, a Hunter with Saxe-Coburg regiment of the Legion. And this vampire is in our custody."

"Is she now? How do I know you aren't just making that up?"

Van der Hoff quickly unfastened the buttons of his shirt, pulling it aside. A tattoo of the triple cross bracketed by a lion, palm tree and raven at the points was inscribed over his heart. He was definitely a Hunter. No one else would want a tattoo that ugly. "Satisfied?"

Winn nodded and lowered the crossbow slightly from his shoulder. "I'm Winchester Jackson, part of the Legion out in the western territories of America."

"A Slayer?" One of the others behind Van der Hoff said, a note of derision in his tone. Two of the others snickered as if it were some kind of a joke.

Winchester frowned. He didn't know what they meant, but he knew he didn't like it. Choosing to ignore them, he locked gazes with Van der Hoff. "Our airship went down. We're trying to get to Castle Barranoch."

Van der Hoff jerked his chin in the Contessa's direction. "What about the vampire?"

Winn's hands tensed on the Amanarath, ready to aim and fire in an instant if it became necessary. "She's my guide."

One of the Hunters in Van der Hoff's party gave Alexa a lewd appraisal. "To what?" he interjected.

Van der Hoff glared at the other member of his hunting party. "Hold your tongue, Werner. I'll ask the questions." He turned back to Winn. "What are you looking for? Perhaps we can help you and you can give her to us in exchange."

Winn raised the barrel of the Amanarath an inch from Van der Hoff's face. "No deal."

Van der Hoff smiled, but it didn't reach his pale green eyes. They remained as unyielding and cold as deep lake ice. "Alright. No harm, no foul, Slayer. But you can't possibly want to protect that Darkin."

For a moment the irony did sink in. Here he was protecting a Darkin, and a vampire at that, from other Hunters. Pa would have risen out of the grave and kicked his ass if he'd known. But this wasn't a normal situation. He needed her help. "My bow begs to differ with you."

A blood curdling howl tore through the night and all of them turned to peer at the dark maw of the forest. "Werewolves!" Alexa shouted as she ran up and grabbed Winn's arm, almost causing him to misfire the bow. "We're running out of time!"

"Correction," Winn said as the shadows burst from the trees. "We're outta time."

The twenty or so wolves were far larger than any Winn had seen before. They were the size of grizzly bears, and while most of them were gray, there were a few brown, white and black wolves among them as well. With coordinated movement they circled him, the Contessa and the small band of German hunters.

"Insufferable Weres," the Contessa muttered, her voice turning more guttural and growl-like as her face shifted and changed.

By now it didn't shock Winn as much, even thought the sight of her in her fighting mode still disturbed him. She hissed, and the wolves came to a stop. They were close enough in their formation that Winn could see no easy gap for him and the Contessa to get through.

He changed his target for the crossbow, grateful Marley had offered it. Winn's mind quickly calculated his options. With only fifteen shots in his rifle he would have been out of ammo before dispatching all of the wolves. He had that pathetic water shooter, but he didn't trust it to do more than slow the wolves down. And it wouldn't do anything to the Hunters. If he ran out of bolts, he could likely take out the other Hunters with his rifle butt first, backed up by his fists if necessary.

"Kill only if necessary," the Contessa warned under her breath.

Winn nestled the crossbow against his shoulder ready to let it release. "They attack, then it's all necessary.?

"Hold your bloodthirst, Slayer." Van der Hoff's voice itself was irritating right now.

Winn wanted to tell the Hunter to go screw himself. This was no time for being some pasty yellow-bellied mama's boy. It was kill or be killed. That's how it always went in these kinds of situations. Negotiation was done by who had the least dead. Period. "This ain't bloodthirst. It's survival, and I swear I'll kill every damn one of them if I have to."

The wolves glanced at one another, ears twitching as if they talked to one another the way the Contessa did with the other vampires. The hair on the back of Winn's neck prickled up like an agitated porcupine.

A few of the wolves growled low and belly-deep, their black lips curling up to reveal razor sharp yellowed teeth. It was a veritable Mexican standoff with the furries on one side and the Hunters, and vampire on the other. "They don't look like they're here for a tea party, Van der Hoff. What do you wanna do here?" Winn prompted. His finger was getting itchy to pull the trigger on the bow as tension pulled at the muscles in his neck and shoulders.

"Hold," Van der Hoff ordered.

"You don't even know what they want." Winn's thigh burned with the tension of the muscles beneath his skin.

"Does it matter? They're Darkin."

Winn's mood darkened further. He didn't see a good way out of this. He edged closer to the Contessa. "I thought you said there were treaties for this sort of thing."

"That's the problem with treaties. They get broken all the time, and usually when it's most inconvenient," she said with annoyance.

"What the hell do they want?" Winn asked. "They're just holding back."

"Why don't you ask them?" the Contessa growled through her fangs.

A loud howl broke the standoff. Winn didn't wait another second. His Hunter training kicked into gear, taking over both his body and his mind, making his movements as automatic as breathing. He shot down three of the Werewolves in quick succession. The thwang of the crossbow jolted up his arm with each rapid release of the bolts. Thunk. Thunk, thunk. Three of them fell. The others kept coming, a blur of movement.

Winn cranked the bolts into place and shot off three more. The Contessa leaped forward into the fray, fangs at the ready. For an instant Winn's heart forgot to beat as he watched a bolt graze past her, shearing off a lock of her hair. An inch closer and he would have hit her square in the head. She tore every Were within reach with her bare hands, sending fur, muscle and skin flying as she ripped away limbs.

His heartbeat returned twice as hard and Winn turned away from the grisly sight to glance in the direction of Van der Hoff and his men. The Hunter hacked and slashed at anything with fur that came within striking distance. Winn's chest burned. His blood was pumping hard. The fighting had turned hand to hand now, wolves and men in mixed battle. Winn swung his crossbow to his back and pulled the bowie knife from his boot.

A great gray wolf coiled his back legs a split second before he launched into the air, seeming to sail toward Winn in slow motion. The dinner-plate sized paws connected like a solid punch to the solar plexus, knocking the wind from him and leaving him gasping as he fell backward into the fir needles of the forest floor. But he didn't need to breathe to act. Winn pulled hard and fast, slashing the blade of his Bowie across the exposed throat of the wolf, looming over him.

Hot blood splattered his face and the weight of the enormous dead wolf crushed down, smothering him. Winn's lungs burned as he scrabbled to lift the huge beast off of himself. Cries of anguish and pain from Van der Hoff's men were followed by the sickening crunching sounds and abrupt silence.

"Winchester!"

Winn managed to shift the weight enough to crawl out from beneath the wolf carcass. The Contessa was surrounded. He scrambled up, hacking a bloody path to her. He and the Contessa stood back-to-back against the ten remaining werewolves.

The growls of the largest wolf shifted and warped into words Winn could comprehend, stunning him. "Slayer, cease your resistance. Rathe wants you taken alive, but he didn't say unharmed. Put down your weapons. Come with us now and we will let the vampire live."

Winn twisted the handle of the Bowie in his extended hand, still brandishing it against the werewolves. Tessa was snugged up tight against his back, her derri�re brushing the backs of his thighs. "Let me get this straight. You expect me to just give in and come quietly?"

"Yes."

Winn let out a brittle, caustic bark of laughter. "Clearly you've never met an American Hunter before. We don't quit, and we sure as hell don't give in."

A Little Bit About Theresa

Raised by a bibliophile who made the dining room into a library, Theresa has always been a lover of books and stories. First a writer for newspapers, then for national magazines, she started her first novel in high school, eventually enrolling in a Writer's Digest course and putting the book under the bed until she joined Romance Writers of America in 1993. In 2005 she was selected as one of eleven finalists for the American Title II contest, the American Idol of books. She is married to the first man she ever went on a real date with (to their high school prom), who she knew was hero material when he suffered through having to let her parents drive, and
her brother sit between them in the backseat of the car. They currently live in a Victorian house on a mini farm in the Pacific Northwest with their two children, three cats, an old chestnut Arabian gelding, an energetic mini?Aussie shepherd puppy, several rabbits, a dozen chickens and an out?of?control herb garden.

How Best to Follow Theresa?

You can find her online on Twitter, Facebook, at her website or blogging with the other Lolitas of STEAMED!.

The Giveaway

Enter to win an Advanced Reader Copy of Theresa Meyers' second book in her Legend Chronicles steampunk romance series, THE SLAYER, along with an autographed cover flat and an antique china cup (cups will vary) accompanied by an assortment of teas and decadent Bliss chocolate.

a Rafflecopter giveaway