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Saturday, December 6, 2014

A Light in the WildernessA Light in the Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars





A light in the Wilderness is not the usual type of book I read. However, having received it from Netgalley, I gave it a try.

The story follows a freed slave, Letitia, and her journey through life after slavery. Not surprisingly, her new life as a free woman is not much different than her previous life as a owned slave.
The story kept me interested, while tugged at my heart strings. At times I was upset and extremely frustrated -- because whether we accept it or not, population reactions to recent events in our society stem from deep, embedded roots in our history as a country. This book is an example of that.

I feel this is a book everyone should read. the writing itself is plain and direct, telling Letitia's story through a marriage, children, (marrying a white man), and the Oregon trail. Although her story ends in a hopeful tone and she encounters many good people that help her along the way, it doesn't take from the pain and humiliation that Letitia suffers at the hands of others. All because of circumstances beyond her control: gender and skin color.

I strongly recommend this different read, and face the fact that we still have a long way to go not only as Americans, but as human beings.

***ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.



View all my reviews

Monday, December 1, 2014

Hard to Come By by Laura Kaye

Hard to Come By (Hard Ink, #3)Hard to Come By by Laura Kaye

My rating: 4 of 5 stars






This installment of the Hark Ink series was one I was looking forward to,and for one reason: Marz.
Marz Marz Marz!!!

I'm a huge Laura Kaye fan, and absolutely love her writing.
Why not 5 stars? Emilie.
Although Laura is a master at making the impossible plausible, I could not connect with Emilie. For a woman going through the events of this book, her behavior seemed out of character--taking into account what she lived and faced in a short amount of time. No spoilers but, the timeline and her behavior kinda threw me for a loop.
Marz of course, sexy and alpha as his brothers in arms!
I still love the series and still miss Easy (wish he got a whole book).
So if you enjoyed the other Hard Ink books, you will sure love this one. Way to go Laura!

**Arc copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review



View all my reviews

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Hard To Come By, out today!



HTCB RDL Banner


We are beyond thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Laura Kaye's HARD TO COME BY! HARD TO COME BY is the third full length novel in Laura's Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. As a special treat, through December 2, pre-order Hard to Come By or purchase it during release week, and receive exclusive bonus content! Just fill out the quick form here! 


Hard To Come By Cover

Pre-order or purchase before December 2, and get awesome bonus content!

Excerpt: 

Marz was playing with fire. He damn well knew he was. But that didn’t make him want to pull away.

He just wanted more of the heat.

Marz nuzzled the side of Emilie’s face with his nose, his lips. She turned her face toward him and offered her lips. He couldn’t refuse.

Capturing her mouth on a tortured groan, Marz poured every ounce of his longing and confusion and desire into the kiss. They grasped at each other and Emilie turned in his arms. He pinned her against the railing and planted his hands in her hair. She opened to him and accepted his tongue, sucking him in until Marz’s blood ran hot and his hard-on ached. He ground himself against her and devoured every little moan and whimper and gasp she spilled.

Trailing kisses from her mouth to her jaw to her ear, Marz dragged a hand down her body and grasped her breast in his palm. She cried out and her head dropped back, drawing his mouth to her neck, where he licked and sucked and nipped as he kneaded her soft flesh. “You are so damn sexy.”

Her hand flew to his hair and grasped the back of his head. “Touch me,” she said. “Don’t stop touching me.”

Marz pulled away long enough to do a three-sixty scan. The lighthouse cast a dark shadow over them, and the pier was otherwise empty. His heart raced and his pulse hammered. He dove back in, trailing kisses down her neck to her collarbone, which he traced with his tongue. Her nails scratched deliciously at his scalp and her grip urged him down.

Through the thin material of her blouse and bra, he mouthed and flicked at her nipple. He shifted the deep vee of the neckline to reveal a lacy royal blue bra. He tongued her through the lace until she was panting and moaning and writhing against the railing.

“Oh, my God,” she rasped as he shifted her shirt and moved to her other breast. This time, he tugged the lace down to bare the deep pink of her nipple. She tasted and smelled like something fruity and sweet, and it made Marz hunger for more. “Derek,” she gasped. “Yes, yes, yes.”

Her palm cupped and squeezed the bulge of his erection through his jeans. His hips jerked into the touch, craving more of her, all of her. He groaned and it seemed to egg her on, because she pressed and rubbed her hand against his trapped cock until he was panting and imagining taking her down to the ground.

“Jesus, Emilie, you’re driving me fucking crazy,” he said as he worked kisses back up her body to her mouth.

“I know just what you mean,” she said. Her molten hot gaze met his. Eyes hooded, lips shiny and swollen, cheeks flushed, she was a freaking goddess standing under the moonlit sky. He felt the force of her beauty every bit as much in his chest as in his cock.

“You sure about that, babe?” he asked as he took her mouth in a deep, wet kiss. “Because my imagination has me stripping you of those fuck-hot jeans.”

“Yeah?” She rubbed his cock in a long stroke with the heel of her hand. “Mine has us getting a room at the hotel back there. So I’m sure,” she said with a smile.

Marz’s heart hammered against his breastbone and his cock jerked, clearly liking her idea, too. Except, if he took her up on it, he was going to end up buried inside her for as long as she’d have him. And so long as this clusterfuck of a situation defined their relationship, he couldn’t take things that far. Could he?



HTCB Available Now

About HARD TO COME BY:

Caught between desire and loyalty...

Derek DiMarzio would do anything for the members of his disgraced Special Forces team--sacrifice his body, help a former teammate with a covert operation to restore their honor, and even go behind enemy lines. He just never expected to want the beautiful woman he found there.

When a sexy stranger asks questions about her brother, Emilie Garza is torn between loyalty to the brother she once idolized and fear of the war-changed man he's become. Derek's easy smile and quiet strength tempt Emilie to open up, igniting the desire between them and leading Derek to crave a woman he shouldn't trust.

As the team's investigation reveals how powerful their enemies are, Derek and Emilie must prove where their loyalties lie before hearts are broken and lives are lost. Because love is too hard to come by to let slip away...
HTCB Teaser 1

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Praise for Hard to Come By:

"Rough sex and explosive fights power Kaye's third Hard Ink novel, a thrilling adventure that feels more like an action movie with a romantic subplot than a typical contemporary romance. New readers will head straight for Kaye's backlist after powering through this installment." ~Publishers Weekly Starred Review
"TOP PICK! If you're looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you." ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

HTCB Teaser 2



Author Photo 
About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.






Thursday, November 20, 2014

My Review of Taken: A Laird for All Time Novel

Taken: A Laird for All Time NovelTaken: A Laird for All Time Novel by Angeline Fortin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars





Holy Hot amazing highlander Batman!!!
Angeline Fortin's Taken reminded me the reason why I love highlanders and time-travel stories.
Loves scenes that make my toes curl. Just the right amount of heat, bringing romance back! And that Scottish Brogue....swoon....
If you love Karen Marie Moning highlander books, Outlander, or even the old Maya banks highlander love stories, or any highlander love story - you will fall in love with this book. I sure as hell did.
Scarlett, a well-known actress, travels back 500 years and runs into Laird, a highlander on the brink of war. Laird takes her prisoner, believing her a possible spy. I won't spoil the rest. I enjoyed Scarlett's spirit, spunk and absolutely adored her sense of humor.
Laird made me weak at the knees...tall, dark, brooding..(thud).
aaaaaaahhh yeaaaah. But with a kilt. Pictured it? Good...
I also adored Laird's brother, Rhys. By far, next to the main characters, I loved the connection that Rhys and Scarlett developed, and I look forward to Rhys story-- yes, I love him so!!
I cannot wait to hear more from Donnell, which surprised me at the end. Yes!! I can't wait! This one? A must READ ;).
Angeline Fortin, you outdid yourself with this one! Please, keep them coming!!



View all my reviews

Friday, November 14, 2014

What to read when waiting for Iniquity

If like me, you're an Amy A. Bartol die-hard fan, you are patiently waiting for Inquity. Yes, It's been a while since we heard what is going on with Reed, Russell, Xavier, my Breenus, and her -- the woman they all want. Evie. Lucky girl!

As true fans, we know you can't rush greatness. I mean, look at Diana Gabaldon or Karen Marie Moning. I'll wait until the cows come home for their next book. So what to do in the meantime? Keep myself busy reading other books that remind me of those characters, those worlds, those stories that make the wait worth while.

So, as promised, I'm featuring a book I read last month that reminds me of The Premonition Series. You want to hear the best part?

IT's a FREEBIE From November 13-17!!!!
http://www.amazon.com/

This week: WINGS OF DARKNESS by Sherri A. Wingler


http://sherriwingler.com/

Synopsis:

Death comes for everyone eventually, but Izzy Maitland plans to live forever. At nearly eighteen years old, it's not an unreasonable goal, but Fate has other plans. Izzy has a car accident. A bad one. Suddenly, strange things start happening and her ordinary life is turned upside down. She wakes up tasting blood, more often than not, and her injuries heal at an alarming rate. Her friends and family weaken, and everyday, Izzy grows stronger. Strangest of all, she seems to have acquired a stalker, and he might be the Angel of Death.


My Review:
 Wings of Darkness (The Immortal Sorrows, #1)Wings of Darkness by Sherri A. Wingler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


All I can say is that if you enjoyed Amy Bartol's premonition series, this book is up your alley. The angel of death falls for a human he accidentally turns into a reaper. Fate intervenes, the vindictive Harpy she is, and leaves our protagonist in quite a pickle!
Great job for first time author. I loved Asher; connected with him right away, and enjoyed his POV immensely. Can't wait t hear more from him. :)



View all my reviews

Thursday, November 13, 2014

TAKEN: A laird of all time Novel by Angeline Fortin


Synopsis:

Second chances are only helpful if you recognize them for what they are.

Celebrated actress Scarlett Thomas never wanted fame -- that was her parent’s dream.Now shes ready to make big changes, but she could never have imagined how big those changes might turn out to be. Returning to the medieval Dunskirk Castle, where she filmed The Puppet War trilogy, she encounters an old Scotsman named Donell who directs her to an ancient claymore that sends Scarlett slipping back 500 years to a time when her modern struggles are dwarfed by a far more dangerous conflict brewing between Scotland and England.

Scottish Border lord, James Hepburn, Laird of Achenmeade, is a man at loose ends. The illegitimate son of the auld King's illegitimate daughter, he has no place in his father’s home and no freedom to forge a future of his own. When war with England is again looming on Scotland’s horizon, James must not only fight for his country but do so while trying to battle his growing attraction for a slender, sassy lass who tempts him to defy his sire and his King.

As the days pass, bringing them closer to war and to each other, Scarlett and James discover that their differences are not so profound as their similarities and that the 16th century and the 21st century do not diverge so much in what truly matters most. They try to fight against their growing attraction, but when they are confronted with the opportunity to live their lives freely, as they choose, will they seize their second chance before the Battle of Flodden separates them forever?

Before it’s too late, will Scarlett realize how lucky she was to be taken by a Laird?

Amazon/Kobo/Nook/IBooks links: http://www.angelinefortin.com/

Monday, November 3, 2014

Queen City Indie Con, Premonition Series, and what to read while waiting for Iniquity!

If you are a hardcore Amy A. Bartol fan, you are patiently waiting for Iniquity to come out. If you haven't read this series, you're missing out! Check out Amy Bartol's website because people, this series is a MUST READ!
We all love Reed, Russell, Xavier, and my favorite undead faerie of all time, Breenus. Let's be clear about something ladies, Breenus is Moin. And anyone that thinks he should perish? Let's just say...
Last weekend I got to attend Queen City Indie Con in Cincinnati, OH. There, I met and discovered a ton of new authors, as well as sit through great panels discussing all things writer-mania. I was in Heaven. But the best was yet to come.
The following day, I got to attend the book signing, assisting none other than AMY A. BARTOL, genius extraordinare, the one and only Premonition creator herself!!!!!!!!! ***cue freakout in 3, 2, 1......***


It was absolutely surreal!!!! I got to assist one of my All-Time favorite authors, sitting right across from Samantha Young, Denise Grover Swank, and Abbi Glines! Oh, did I mention Tara Sivec was right around the corner from us?! (pinch me now.) It was amazing. I got to watch Amy in Action. Got to meet other uber-fans like myself, drive hours -- hours! to come see Amy exclusively. Brave traffic, car break-ins (yup) all to meet their favorite story teller. Fan after fan, Amy was absolutely fantastic, sharing her experiences and listening to the fans as they gushed - along with me - about their feelings for Reed, Breenus, and Xavier: which one will end with Evie's heart??
After the signing, the award ceremony took place. Among the winners were Tara Sivec, Samantha Young, and of course, Amy Bartol for Under Different Stars!
Amy's books on Amazon
My review of Under Different Stars
Overall, it was a dream come true not only as an avid reader, but as a writer as well. I'm still think that maybe I imagined it all...but just in case, here are some pics I took during the event. Enjoy!
 






 **Yes, that's me and Courtney Houston getting photobombed by Tara freakin' Sivec!!! (meep!)
 The Winners Circle! Tonya Kappes, Tara Sivec, Aleatha Romig, Amy Bartol, Samantha Young, Georgia Cates, and Abbi Glines.
If like me, you're missing Amy's unique writing style and incredible characters, check her short story The Divided on the Take me to your Reader anthology, now available.
Upcoming weeks:

For those Amy Bartol fans, never fear. We can wait for Iniquity. Yes,
 We Can! Take your time Amy, because in the next few weeks, I'll be sharing what I call 'books to read while waiting for Iniquity'. The idea came after seeing an Outlander group giving each other moral support and giving each other reading ideas while they wait for the next book in the Outlander installment. Yes, Amy Bartol is as good as Diana Gabaldon, and her characters are equally memorable.
We Love you Amy!!!!!
So stay tuned. We can wait together. In the meantime, If you read the premonition series, check out Under Different Stars and The Divided!

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Hard to Hold on to -- Beautiful story that everyone should read!!!

Hard to Hold on To (Hard Ink, #2.5)Hard to Hold on To by Laura Kaye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Laura, as always has done it again. Every Time I think she can't get any better, she does. Easy stole a big piece of my heart. As a mother of an afghan vet, I'm well aware of the struggles our vets go through on a day to day basis. Suicides among veterans are at an all-time high. We need to get educated. Need to be aware. And we need to help our men and women cope, offer help, serve them as they have served us. I'm so glad Laura Kaye had the courage to tell his story, and take action by donating proceeds of her first two weeks of sales to veterans causes. She's an amazing author, and a beautiful person.
We can all help. I'm enrolled in Amazon smile myself, which means every time I make a purchase, Amazon donates to the charity of my choice: Wounded Warriors. I talk to my son often. He matters. I tell him every time how much I love him. Call a vet. Tell them how much they matter. How Victorious they really are. Thank you Laura, for honoring our vets through your writing.
The only complaint I have with this book and story: it was TOO SHORT! I'm in desperate need to read more on Jenna and Easy, their beautiful wedding, and their gorgeous babies!! ❤️❤️

View all my reviews

Friday, September 19, 2014

Facebook Giveaway!


 My little Book-Obsessed Facebook page has reached 300 likes! Woohoo!!


I couldn't have done it without the help of everyone of you out there. Thank you for sharing my love of books and great authors. In honor of the milestone, as promised, I'm doing a little celebrating!


Actually, ah, this isn't really my speed; it goes more like this:


Not really. I'm lying. Truthfully, it is more like this...


Fine! it's MORE like this, Oookay?? Are you happy now?
 *I need a drink...

Thank you soooo much for all the love, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!!! Muah!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tall, Dark and Paranormal Release day!




We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for the TALL, DARK, AND PARANORMAL Box Set with 10 full-length Paranormal Romances by 10 bestselling authors! This box set is only $.99 for a limited time! Go grab your copy NOW!

TD&P Box Set -Side
ABOUT Tall, Dark & Paranormal Box Set:

***Ten Thrilling Tales of Sexy Alpha Bad Boys – from some of the hottest names in paranormal romance, this $.99 limited-time boxed set has something for everyone, from werewolves to vampires, ghosts to demons, and witches to wizards. With over 825,000 words in these ten full-length novels, you’ll spend hours falling in love with each of these wickedly hot heroes.***

CRESCENT MOON by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling AuthorLori Handeland…

A cryptozoologist travels to New Orleans to investigate whispers of a wolf in the Honey Island Swamp.

FOREVER FREED by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling AuthorLaura Kaye…

A reclusive, empathic vampire falls in love with a woman he planned to kill, and must fight his ancient guilt, bloodlust, and an old vampire rival who threatens everything he holds dear.

SINS OF THE FLESH by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling AuthorCaridadPineiro…

Mick Carrera is a mercenary hired to eliminate problems, but the genetically engineered woman with the superhuman powers is nothing like what he expected.

SPELLBOUND by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Opal Carew…

What is Lucinda, a tenth level wizard, to do when Destiny pairs her with a man who is utterly domineering, overwhelmingly masculine, incredibly irresistible and, according to her most trusted friend, extremely dangerous?

SPELL BOUND by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling AuthorStephanie Julian…

A warrior born to defend. A young witch in need of protection. A dangerous desire neither of them expected.

HAUNTING A COWBOY - Brand New from USA Today Bestselling AuthorRandi Alexander…

When a ranch foreman hires a ghost whisperer to handle the spirit that’s haunting him, the attraction between them is…supernatural

HUNTRESS FOR HIRE by USA Today Bestselling Author Terry Spear…

He's bound to get her killed, so why does the huntress desire the vampire-turned hunter more than life itself?

DEAD SEXY by USA Today Bestselling AuthorPaige Tyler…

Can her love save him from a curse worse than death?

ASMODEUS: DEMON OF LUST by Bestselling AuthorSara Humphreys…

When Kai Kelly discovers an unusual ring in the attic it leads to much more than she bargained for. She may not realize what she has in her possession, but the boys in Hell sure got the message.

BEAUTY AND THE BEST by Bestselling AuthorJudi Fennell…

Reclusive artist Todd Best hasn't produced anything since the death of his wife…until aspiring romance novelist Jolie Gardener enters his life and turns it upside down.

TD&P Front Cover

About The Authors:

Handeland 
Lori Handeland is a two time RITA Award winner and the New York Times bestselling author of the paranormal romance series, The Nightcreature Novels, as well as the urban fantasy series, The Phoenix Chronicles and the historical fantasy series, Shakespeare Undead.  She also writes western historical romance under the name Lori Austin.


Author Photo 
Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series.




Pineiro 
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Caridad Pineiro is a Jersey Girl who just wants to write, travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Caridad is the author of over 40 novels/novellas and loves romance novels, super heroes, TV and cooking.


Opal Carew 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Opal Carew is the author of erotic romance stories in which she makes offerings of hope, success, and love to her readers. As Amber Carew, she writes futuristic, urban fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and contemporary romance.




Julian 
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Julian writes sophisticated, sultry romance for adventurous readers. She is happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and the mother of two sons who introduced her to the joys of Slipknot, Warped Tour and never-ending headaches.



Randi Alexander author pic 
USA Today bestselling author Randi Alexander writes smokin' hot romance with heroes who'll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them. Her emotional love stories sweep you off your feet, so prepare yourself to be rode hard and put up satisfied on the sexier side of happily ever-after!



Spear 
USA Today bestselling Terry Spear has written over fifty paranormal romance novels and a medieval Highland romances series. Heart of the Wolf was named a 2008 Publishers Weekly's Best Book of the Year.



Tyler 
Paige Tyler is a USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty books, including the new action-packed paranormal/romantic-suspense X-OPS and SWAT (Special Wolf Alpha Team) Series, both from Sourcebooks.



Sara Humphreys 
Sara Humphreys is an award-winning bestselling novelist of paranormal and contemporary romance. The mother of four teenage boys, Sara has been married to her college sweetie for twenty years. She believes in true love, great sex, and happily ever afters.



Fanell 
Award-winning, best-selling author Judi Fennell loves to laugh and loves love, so it's no surprise there's a little bit of each in every book she writes. Check out her fairy tales with a twist.