Sunday, December 30, 2012

The Werewolf Prince and I

The Werewolf Prince and I (The Moretti Werewolf, #1)
The Werewolf Prince and I
Author: Marian Tee
Adult Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Broke, nerdy, and self-confessed wimp Misty Wall leads a ho-hum life as a Grammar Nazi intern, which of course earns her feelings of hate-at-first-sight from her colleagues at Ze Morgue, a.ka. Moretti Inc.'s Administration Department.

Misty has always wished for something exciting to spice up her boring-with-a-capital-B existence, but she never thought it would come in the form of a gorgeous six-foot-plus billionaire. The world knows him as Domenico Moretti, the ruthless, cunning, and aloof CEO of Moretti, Inc, a.k.a. her boss.

Gifts of (mis)fortune come in threes, they say, and it’s certainly the case with Misty, whose life is turned upside-down by Domenico Moretti’s three shocking revelations.

One, he’s a werewolf (who’s also a prince).

Two, he wants her in his bed – him, the guy who actually had to file a TRO against an obsessive supermodel.

And three, he has a proposition she never – and she means never – ever sees coming.


My Review

This is one of those reads where you have no expectations from it but at the end hate to finish. When I first started reading The Werewolf Prince and I, immediately I thought "oh no not one of those cheesy books again!".  But being the reader that I am, I kept going. Within the first 2 chapters I was captivated with the characters. The story is not what kept me reading, it's the characters.  Immediately I bonded with Misty. I knew this story was not a happy ending for her. She has such naivety and trust in her boss/husband Domenico that you hope the best happens. There are so many scenes where your heart breaks for her and know that the character is breaking too. Marian has the ability to write such painful emotional scenes and her characters show it in the books.  I am very excited for the next installment, the ending is a jaw dropper!  I hope you enjoy. 

Friday, December 28, 2012

DreamKiller

DreamKiller
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
YA Book/Novella
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

They call her the DreamKiller.

Silent, stealthy, and above all, accurate, as long as she carries out exactly what her dreams predict. Marlena Gormand kills to protect. Herself. Her way of life. The children at Little Hearts Orphanage. Until she learns these are not the reasons she’s been asked to kill. Not at all.

Azura Mkesky is the headmistress of Little Hearts Orphanage and the only parent-figure Marlena remembers. Azura taught Marlena everything she knows, from her combat skills to her unswerving loyalty to their cause. And Azura has always been there for her. But Azura has a secret. One that she’s used and manipulated Marlena and everyone else in order to hide.

Lukas Hristov knows Azura’s heart is dark—from both personal experience and the visions provided by his Sight. For too long, he’s stood aside while Azura’s reach of power and deception expands. When he can take it no longer and emerges from the shadows, he comes face to face with Marlena. For him, she is where it began. And she is where it ends. He is determined to make this right, to make her believe the truth.

And as the story unravels, Marlena begins to question whose secrets her dreams really protect.

 

My Review

Although I don't normally read novella's because I hate the length, I always want more :(  I am extremely glad I did read DreamKiller.  It is such an intense, edge of your seat story that gave you just enough to keep you hooked throughout the entire novella.  The action scenes in the story are so well written with descriptions that you feel like you are put in the middle of fights. The characters in the story are easy likable, and genuine.  Heather creates such soft, intriguing characters that you can easily like.  She has such a great mind for the un-normal (paranormal), and her stories show that genius creativity. 
In DreamKiller, we are introduced to orphans with special abilities that work for a not so nice headmistress, Azura.  One special person is Marlena.  She has the ability to see the future in her dreams.  Using her ability for what she believes will help make the world a safer place for herself and her fellow orphans, Marlena finds that is not what she has been doing.  Lukas, a fellow orphan, shows her the truth about her ability and her past.  Having no one at her side except Lukas, Marlena must take control of the orphanage and take down Azura.  Marlena finds fellow specials in unexpected places, but the cost for their help is high.  In the end, Marlena will look within herself for the strength to make it right for her future and the other specials.
I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone that enjoys fast paced, high action and suspense all wrapped up into one story.  
 
DreamKiller on Amazon:
DreamKiller on Goodreads:

 

 

 

 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Dark Light By S.L. Jennings

Dark Light (The Dark Light Series, #1)
Dark Light
Author: S.L. Jennings
Adult Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Love. Sex. Magic.

Before her 20th birthday, Gabriella was pretty much clueless about all three. In love with her best guy friend since the age of 14 and too crass and intimidating for most of the male population of Colorado Springs, love and good sex were virtually a myth.

And then there’s magic. Freakin’ magic. There’s no way that legend could have a place in her less than exciting life. So why after twenty years of utter obscurity do her adopted parents hit her with the ton of bricks that is her true identity? And how the heck is she supposed to accept all this and become what she was truly created to be?

Lucky for Gabs, sexy as sin Dorian is more than equipped to help her embrace these new revelations. And while everything about him feels oh so good, she soon learns that there’s more behind his crystal blue eyes, chiseled body and exotic beauty. Something dark, menacing and downright unnatural. Yet Gabs is in way too deep to even try to turn away from him now.

Dark Light, Book 1 of the Dark Light Series, is the raw, emotional story of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery in a world that was not meant for her. And her scorching hot, lip-biting addiction for the man she can’t deny, no matter the cost.
 
*Contains strong adult content

My Review

Dark Light is an intriguing PNR story of beings from Light and Dark. The story concept is original and has enough mystical qualities to keep you wondering.  Gabriella is a complex character.  She has a strong relationship with a group of friends that were her safety net through high school and great parents who have been honest with her about her adoption. Her devotion to her family and friends brings out the protective nature inside her.  When Gabriella finds out the truth about who and what she is, she finds that she is in great danger along with those around her. The same time this revelation is made, Gabriella meets Dorian.  Dorian allows her to let loose and show a side of herself that she didn’t even know she had.  Dorian becomes Gabriella’s escape.  When she is with him, all her worries and fears disappear.  Dorian’s character is the typical bad boy, but with looks, money and power. He is never made out to be the bad guy but always has that mysterious quality that keeps you guessing whether you like him or not.  The relationship between Gabriella and Dorian is a major part of the story. 
 
I gave this book four stars because I loved the creativity of the story, I loved the characters, and the development and growth shown throughout the book.  It was intriguing and romantic.  I was disappointed a bit because I felt that the dark and light part was not given a greater part of the story. I wanted to know more about it. I was also hoping for a little bit of action. Seeing Gabriella actually use those fighting skills she been training for since she was a kid.  I would definitely recommend this book for a mature reader.  Now we wait anxiously for book two.
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Cover Reveal: DreamKiller

Check out Heather Hildenbrand's 
DreamKiller


Available on 12/20!
(this cover is so awesome)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Darkness & Light

Darkness & Light (Holloway Pack, #1)
Darkness & Light (Holloway Pack #1)
Author: J.A. Belfield
Adult Book
3 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Jem Stonehouse, a housewife with a neurotic husband bent on keeping her in line, dreams about werewolves in, what she believes, is a bid to escape boredom.

Sean Holloway is a werewolf, living a charade within the human race, whose mind drifts to a bond he shares with a woman he hasn't met--at least, not in this lifetime.

Apart, the two are safe but live unfulfilled lives.

Together, they'll become prey to rival packs just as they have been for hundreds of years.

When their worlds collide, and not for the first time, instinct takes over. Dreams become reality. Futures are uncertain. To keep history from repeating itself, Sean must teach Jem about his heritage, convince her of her role, and win her love.

Can Jem accept her destiny before it's too late, or is her inner wolf buried too deep to save her future with Sean?


Instinct (Holloway Pack, #0)  Eternal (Holloway Pack, #0.5) Blue Moon (Holloway Pack, #2)
Book #0                      Book #0.5                  Book #2

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Hunt is On

The Hunt is On (The Patroness, #2)
The Hunt is On (The Patroness #2)
Author: Natalie Herzer
Older YA Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Maiwenn Cadic has her hands full.
The Turn is a few weeks ahead and the world seems to be literally coming apart at the seams - natural disasters and weird phenomena keep everyone on edge.
When Maiwenn and Kylian need to work together to investigate an unusually high number of missing persons all fingers point to the Queen of the Undead, and sharp-tongued and sharp-fanged conflicts follow...




My Review

Maiwenn is out doing what she does best, killing paranorms that cause havoc in Paris. Book two starts up where book one left off. The characters in this story are very enjoyable and easy to connect with.  The heat between Maiwenn and Kylian is intense in this book. You are hoping at every turn that one of them would just give in and get together.  Pretty much it's a lot of sexual tension between them the entire time :(  New characters are brought in from the shifter pack and the new police unit investigating magical beings. All in all I did enjoy the book, there were some parts that were slow for me, but I really liked the story closer to the end. Maiwenn is shown as a more vulnerable character than in the previous book. You can tell the author takes great pride in her city, Paris. She provides such great detailed descriptions and gives you a lot of history on it. For those who have read book one, this is a great continuation of The Patroness, one that you should definitely read.  Enjoy.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Crescent Bound

Crescent Bound (Crescent Bound, #1)

Crescent Bound
Author: Karli Rush
Mature YA Book
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Alyssa Worthington is the daughter and sole heir to the most prestigious coven in the witch world. Her childhood has been spent in the mundane human world learning to blend in and hide who she truly is, and it is here, during her last year that she meets a striking ex-high school quarterback from a small town in Montana who will turn her world upside down.
Alyssa holds the element of fire, unlike her best friends Lisa and Megan, who are both air elementals. It is the elemental powers that reside inside which require positive thoughts and positive actions in order to maintain this magickal connection. What would happen to a witch that let this get out of control? How can evil become the driving force behind revenge and death?
Dark secrets, dark magick and a desperate desire for revenge will bring Alyssa to the brink of destruction. She is being chased, but this pursuit is a silent one and her chaser has but one goal, Alyssa’s complete and total destruction. Will she overcome this dark threat and begin to live out her destiny? Will she survive and if so, will she lose herself as part of the price for being alive? Or, will her destiny rest on being crescent bound?
With all these dark forces creeping around silently in Alyssa’s life, her coven pushes for answers, some of the answers about an eighth and missing coven, in the witch world, lie with her new interest. Marcus may be the key to unlocking the mystery of the silent darkness threatening the seven remaining covens.

My Review

This was a completely captivating read that was very hard to put down. My initial thought was the book was YA, because of the HS students, but I was wrong.  This was a very mature read with exceptionally mature characters considering their age.  The main character is Alyssa, senior in HS, heir to the most powerful witch coven. She is smart, level headed, brave, a very inspiring female. That was one thing I did like about her.  As I was reading, I was very impressed with the re-actions and the decisions her character made.  She has two side kick best friends, Lisa and Megan, who are pivotal in helping Alyssa through life.  Not to mention adding some great fun and humor to her life.  We are introduced to three male characters plus Alyssa’s father.  David, Dawson and Marc all possess devotion and strength to the female characters. Their support, whether physical or emotional, makes them such attractive characters. Alyssa’s father is the coven leader and therefore gives strength and leadership to everyone. The story is told in Alyssa’s POV which I really enjoyed.  The author did a great job with explaining details that you didn’t miss out on the other characters actions and feelings, so the need was not there to use multiple POVs.  This was a long book, 300+ pages. There were some areas that really didn’t need the extra attention, or didn’t need to be there at all to progress the story but it was still readable. I gave this a 5 Star review for the constant dramatic story line and an enticing love triangle. There was always something happening, changing from one challenging situation to the next which leaves you in great anticipation. I was very sad when I finished Crescent Bound, but I see book 2 is already out!  Happy Reading.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Breaking All The Rules: Dianna Hardy



 Breaking All The Rules
by Dianna Hardy
www.diannahardy.com



My latest publication, Releasing The Wolf, book one of Eye Of The Storm – a brand new series – is very dear to me, because this series is how I envisioned writing a over year ago, but I wasn’t brave enough.
I’ve never been good with genre-writing. I don’t like it. I hate being defined by boxes.

When I wrote The Witching Pen, I kept to the box, and that series will always hold a special place in my heart, because it is truly the first series I have ever written. But I did keep to the “rules” – certainly in the first book – because romance has rules, and if you want people to come back and read your other stuff, you need to stick to them.


With Eye Of The Storm, I was finally brave enough to say “sod the rules”. I wanted to write something the way I want to write it, and give my characters freedom to move. It isn’t quite erotica, it isn’t quite romance, it is definitely paranormal, but different from what paranormal fantasy readers might be used to. Fantasy readers are likely to think the series is romance or erotica. Romance readers will not find the “romantic connection” they are looking for, and erotica readers will most likely not consider to be erotica. It truly does cross genres, not fitting into any one comfortably.

I braced myself for the bad reviews and low ratings, and went ahead and wrote exactly what I wanted: a series about werewolves that is raw and primal, that instils a sense of chaos in the reader … because when you deal with paranormal life and death stuff, it is chaotic – it ain’t all gonna get nicely wrapped up in one book.


Releasing The Wolf (Eye Of The Storm, #1)

My focus when I write is on my characters and on the plot. All else that comes from it (any romance or erotic elements) are an aside in my mind.

When I write a series, I see it as each book being like an episode of a TV series – it’s fast-paced, big on the action, several things are going on at once, and yes, you’re likely to have the cliffhanger ending too. Maybe it’s my background in Acting and Drama, but this is the feel I want for my books, and damn well knowing not everyone would like it, I went and did it anyway.

It was a scary step for me. The results remain to be seen – some people will love it, and others will hate it. I had to steel myself to do it, and I can’t wait to continue. It’s exhilarating, being able to write whatever I want now that I’ve let the restraints go. There’s no way I could have kept a leash on my werewolves – it’s like caging in a wild beast for real. Fiction is not fiction to me when I write it – it’s very real to me when I’m typing out the scenes, and I couldn’t do the story justice thinking, “I must make sure this all leads to a happy ending,” or “I must make sure there’s enough romantic interaction for the romance readers.” It’s not really a series about romance – it’s a series about lust and control – our animal nature – and how that affects our human nature.

For those of you who enjoy this new book and series to come, welcome to my very, very small group of readers who also do :)

 For those of you that don’t, I thank you for taking a chance on it, and hope you’ll give one of my other books a chance – not all of my books are the same as the other ;)

 Huge thanks to Amy at The Book Diaries for taking a chance on Releasing The Wolf, without knowing what she was going to be in for! I’m thrilled she enjoyed it, and you can her review here: http://the-book-diaries.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/releasing-wolf-eye-of-storm-1.html

 Releasing The Wolf is available in digital and paperback format. All info and buy links can be found here on my website. You can also find the book on Amazon.





Dianna Hardy is a multi-genre author of paranormal things, dark things, poetic things, sexy things, taboo things, and sometimes funny things. She writes about witches, demons and angels. All info about her books can be found on her website DiannaHardy.com





Dare to Believe (The Gray Court #1)


Dare to Believe (Gray Court, #1)

Dare to Believe
Author: Dana Marie Bell
Adult Book
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

He'll fulfill her wildest fantasies- but only if she believes.

Leo Dunne has been searching his entire life for the one person born just for him. He finds her working in his own company, but the shy little Ruby Halloway constantly hides from him. He hatches a devilish plot with her best friend to bring her out of her shell, and the result proves her desire is more than a match for his own.

Ruby has had the hots for her boss for some time now, but she knows business and pleasure shouldn't mix. While that can't stop a girl from dreaming, she sticks by her guns and does her best never to be alone with the handsome CEO. Until the company masquerade party, where she discovers a passion with him that leaves a mark on her soul.

A family emergency calls Leo away, and rather than spend one night out of Ruby's arms, he convinces her to go with him. With his brother's life on the line, it's vital she learn how to deal with who, and what, her new lover really is--before it's too late.

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, graphic language, some violence, a bit of bondage, and a Sidhe Lord determined to claim and protect what is his.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Fey Fall Down (Immortals of Orion Series #2)


 Fey Fall Down (Immortals Of Orion Series Book Two)

Fey Fall Down
Author: Tabitha Summers
YA Book 17+
4 out of 5 Stars
  
Synopsis

Statia finds herself torn between two powerful males: The alluring Master King who vows he will never let her go, and the irresistible god of war whose love for her is wholly forbidden. Forced to live within an ethereal society where power topples power, Statia finally discovers her shocking birthright. However, whom can she trust when the weight of the world literally lies on her shoulders?

My Review


I was so excited when Fey Fall Down came out. Stories with mythology, Zeus, Olympus, added to them are so enticing to me. This story was well written, great plot, great character development, and the story line flows nicely so that there are not down spots.

For those who have read the first book Dreams Fall Down, the story picks up right from where you left off.  Statia is adamantly trying to figure out the visions/dreams she is having and drags Tyler along with her to places that put them both in extreme danger.  While searching the Underworld for answers, she attracts the attention of an unwanted admirer.  Kotiyk wants Statia as his own and will do everything in his power to get her.  When Ayden returns (YEA!), Rayne’s patience for Statia’s affection is almost at its end. The connection between Ayden and Statia is powerful, powerful enough that Rayne might lose her. 

The love connections between Statia, Tyler, Rayne, and Ayden can be a bit overwhelming. Rayne and Statia are meant to be together to save the humans but Ayden is her soul mate.  Hard choices because they are both very delectable.  With the introduction of new characters in this book, keeping up with who is who and what their motive is in this story was confusing for me.  It took a lot of re-reading certain points and returning to previous areas in the book to keep track.  There is also a side piece that takes you back to Kentucky where Statia is from.  I honestly felt that the side part wasn’t needed as there is already so much going on but I’m sure Tabitha will bring things full circle with this added piece.  I would definitely recommend this book to my followers and I am excited to see what happens next.



 



 





 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Simmer (Midnight Fire #2)

Simmer (Midnight Fire, #2)
Simmer (Midnight Fire #2)
Author:Kaitlyn Davis
YA Book
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

"Slowly, like a whisper almost blown away in the wind, two words streaked across her mind: 'Kiss me.'"

Kira may have survived the eclipse, but her troubles are far from over. She's headed to Sonnyville with one goal in mind: to learn more about her parents. But with Luke and Tristan competing for her heart and Diana gunning for her head, time is running out on the search for her mother. And the closer Kira gets to answers, the more terrified she becomes. The conduits fear her, the vampires fear her, and Kira is starting to wonder if maybe they're right...

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Giveaway Winners!

Renhala



The winners have been picked!
 
Congratulations to Donna Wharton for winning the Renhala ebook
and
Danielle Smiley for winning the Renhala necklace.
 
 


Thank you everyone who participated!  For those that didn't win, make sure you check out Amy's website for other chances to win!
http://www.renhala.com/

 
 
 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Hells Angel

Hells Angel (The No Angel Series, #1)
Hells Angel (The No Angel Series)
Author: Kim Faulks
Adult Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Let's see how you like them after a few hundred years, her father The Accuser had said as he cast Kellah Slater from her home, into a land of unemployment, mortgages and a declining stock market… welcome to Earth.

To survive Kellah does what she does best, steal, lie and cheat. So, when she forces a human male in an alley to part with his wallet, she thinks no more about it… But the human male does.

Detective Darrion Hunter has lost everything his wife, his daughter, his soul… and now his wallet. Kellah is everything he despises, everything he hates and he will sacrifice all to see her where she belongs, behind bars.

In this world that she calls Hell, Kellah will begin to learn the true nature of her demonic self, while also uncovering her unearthly connection to her greatest enemy, Darrion Hunter.

Is Darrion Hunter her own personal demon… or is he her path to her salvation?


My Review

This is going to be short and sweet and straight to the point.  I really liked this book. It was dark and edgy and exciting all at the same time. Not to mention the cover is awesome!  This is one I would recommend.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Stilettos INC

Stilettos, Inc. (Stiletto Girls, Book 1)

Stilettos INC
Author: Lexi Ryan
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Humans with special abilities are vanishing, and empath Paige Sykes and her Stiletto Girls are on the case. Paige hopes the investigation will bring the Specials home and provide answers about her mother’s long-ago disappearance, but sexy government agent Darian Lorring wants her off the case and he continues to get in her way—and in her bed. How can she trust what she feels around Darian when his ability allows him to project emotions and physical sensations? How can she trust any man when her ex appears tied to attempts on the president’s life?

My Review

This book was so awesome. Move over Charlie's Angels, here come the Stilettos. This was one of the most entertaining reads I have read in a while.  It is so light, and easy that it makes it almost impossible to put down. There are so many different things happening in the story which would normally make it confusing and hard to keep up with but Lexi does is perfectly. I cannot wait until book 2.  
Book 1 is about Paige, who seems to be the main girl, leader of the group.  Although each female brings her own power and strength to the group, Paige has a magnetism that brings them all to her. Right off the bat in the first chapter we have action and a bit of steam. Love it! and it only continues. Paige has been recently dumped by the man who literally pulled her off the streets and saved her, Collin.  In a time of revenge and weakness, she found herself in the arms of Darian, a fellow agent. Specials, people with some special abilities, have been disappearing without a trace.  Paige and her girls have been tasked with solving the disappearances and the conspiracy against the president.  When Paige's ex becomes the number one suspect, she must put her feelings aside to solve the case.  Darian and his team are also trying to solve the disappearances while keeping an eye on the girls, especially Paige.  When Darius keeps information about the case from the girls, Paige refuses to be sidelined because of Darius's need to protect her.  The girls need to work extra hard to keep a step ahead of these guys, and when the bottom drops Paige might lose more than her heart. 
 

Enigma


Enigma

Enigma
Author: Aimee Ash
Older 17+ Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

 When KATE HARRIS moves to Long Beach California, she hopes to finally settle in her new home. She longs to have friends and fantasizes about meeting the guy of her dreams. But after one dangerous night, Kate finds herself obsessing over a mysterious stranger who saves her life, and she embarks on a quest to uncover his identity. But her journey ends when she discovers her gorgeous neighbor, JACK JONES, who proves to be the welcoming distraction she needs.
Kate is deeply intrigued by Jack, and begins to feel differently when she’s in his company. She is flattered by the attention he showers her with and enjoys her newfound confidence. And even though their relationship symbolizes young love, Kate soon realizes that Jack is anything but normal.
When Jack is forced to reveal his many secrets, including the curse inflicted upon him by his twin brother, Sebastian, Kate begins questioning what is real and what is just a mere illusion.
Jack refuses to make peace with his brother, and warns Kate to stay away from him. But Kate is drawn to Sebastian, and if she betrays Jack, the consequences of her actions will lead to devastation for them all.

My Review

I was completely surprised while reading this story how addicting it can be.  Aimee has written a story so crafty that it can put you in a reading trance.  Enigma is definitely a story like none other.  I love the unexpected feel to it and not knowing what it going to happen.  So to sum this up without giving anything away will be hard.  Kate, somewhat humbled spoiled rich girl, moves to CA with her family during her first year of college.  I actually really like her character, a bit needy but definitely one to admire.  She meets Jack, her neighbor.  Jack is too a college student, but he is different.  Kate doesn’t have the most loving family.  Actually they don’t love at all except to themselves, which is why Kate falls so hard for Jack.  He shows and gives her all the love and affection a person should have.  Falling for Jack proves to give more than just heart ache.  It is deadly.  Seb, Jacks brother is tied to Jack’s fate, which now falls into Kate’s hands.  No pressure.  When Kate finds that there is a reason for her attraction to Jack, she realizes that she might have fallen for the wrong brother.  That’s all I can say without ruining the story.  If you like adventure, mystery, suspense and drama, then you need to read this.