Renhala Giveaway and Character Interview

Interview with Ladimer, of Renhala

 In preparing for the interview, I take one last look at myself in the mirror, fixing one seemingly unruly piece of hair on my head. Everything has to be perfect… After all, this interview is with LADIMER, a “giver!” How often does one get to meet someone that can control all body data with the touch of a hand! Life, death, the size of your ears! And I’ve also heard he’s quite the looker. OMG, I’m nervous. I wonder if he’ll bring like a whole entourage with him. OMG, it’s almost time!

*Knock at the door*

Yes, come on in! (in my best sing-song voice, trying to cover my ever-increasing anxiety in hopes I don’t vomit all over him).

A young boy enters—on a skateboard—and not who I expected. He looks about eight years old and is dressed in extremely baggy, torn jeans and a plain black t-shirt. “Hey.”

Hey? I look behind him, waiting for any others. Um, are you with Ladimer?

“Yeah.” He flicks his shaggy blond hair to the side and steps on his board, flicking it up into his hands. He takes a seat in the special hot seat: the one with the extra special, squishy, butt-warming pillow cushion—the one for SPECIAL guests.

How ‘bout I give you another chair. This one is for our main attraction. I grab a folding chair and he doesn’t look so enthused as I offer it to him, but he still sits in it, with a loud “humph.” Is Ladimer here, yet?

“Yeah.”

Well all right then. Let me just go over my notes while you wait quietly. Thanks. I look down at my notepad and begin drawing swirlies and hearts around my interview questions as the clock ticks loudly. As I fumble with my papers, looking at the clock, I cut myself with not just one, but two pieces of paper, simultaneously. Damn!

“Here, let me help you with that.” But this voice is not skaterboy’s. It’s adult, and SEXY. It’s HIM.

I look up, and my jaw drops as he lays one hand over, then onto, my cut. How? Ladimer? He has transformed into a gorgeous man with  short silky blond hair and a flawlessly perfect face. His perfect chest conforms to the tight shirt. A warming sensation that starts at my cut slowly travels elsewhere to unmentionable places on my body. I look into his big brown eyes and giggle to myself, then snort. I immediately cover my mouth and my cheeks redden like cherries.

“Shhhh.”

He lifts his hand and my skin is totally healed, leaving behind no trace of a cut whatsoever.

 “Just imagine what two hands could do.” He sits back in his chair and simply stares at me. “I suppose you have questions for me? I haven’t much time.”

Uh, yes. Yeah, right here. I suddenly drop all my papers to the floor. I’m such a clutz. Sorry. I pick them up and notice he has moved his chair closer to me. OMG. Yes, first question for you: Where were you born and how old are you?

*laughing* “Well, I was born in my family’s castle on our family’s island, in Renhala, and let’s just say I’m old enough to know how you’re feeling around me right now.” He smiles, mischievously.

I swallow hard, gathering the courage to continue on with my interview questions, but only end up sweating profusely. He’s staring at me, still smiling. I quickly glance at my questions and suddenly I know I have to hit a sore spot to divert my anxiety. Okay, question two: “What’s up with you and Kailey?”

Suddenly his left eyebrow rises and I see a small shift in his smirk. “I make you that nervous?”

Yes. Now answer my question, please.

“Fine.” His whole demeanor changes as he begins talking. “Kailey and I . . . have a special thing.” He looks out the window, in an almost forlorn manner. “Our relationship is complicated, but it doesn’t mean I love her any less.” He breathes in deeply, then suddenly looks me straight in the eyes and says, in almost a whisper, “I love her like an ocean loves the sunrise; never touching, but appearing as so, and respecting that I am beautiful only because of her reflection.” His eyes are locked on mine.

Holy shit. OOPS, sorry! I just said that out loud, right? That’s . . . beautiful, Ladimer.

He sits up straight. “It’s the truth. I recognize beauty when I see it.” Before I can even move, and as he reaches toward me with those godforsaken hands, I shiver. His hand lands on my shoulder and suddenly I notice that my hair falling down from my shoulders is an entirely different color—my natural color, and the one I haven’t worn in years, because I was too afraid to see my whole head this color.

How on Earth? I look at my reflection in a mirror on the wall. Oooh.

He gets up and walks toward the door. “Even a weed needs sunshine once in awhile.”

I’m still enthralled with the new me and can’t take my eyes off the mirror. Wow, my hair . . . Hey?!? Wait! A weed?!? I hear a skateboard ride down the sidewalk. Guess the interview is over. I’m keeping the hair.

 

 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, a few days prior to watching her first movie, at a drive-in theater. Yes, drive-in theater. And yes, her mother believed she was possessed by the devil after said first movie.

Grew up in the Chicagoland area and graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where she simply became a number, but decided it was a good number.

Loves cooking (mostly candy-cooking), gardening (putting holes in the ground for perennials, DONE!), designing and constructing jewelry (everything from silversmithing to lampworking), and living with her wonderful husband, two children, black Labrador, and frog—and maybe even the chipmunk family that likes to destroy her aforementioned perennials.

Also hopes that you enjoy her writings, and won’t criticize her for her aversion of eating things in multiples of three.


Renhala is an adult book.  All ebook entries should be atleast 17 years or older...

 

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Birth of the Nyxian

Birth of the Nyxian
Author: Amanda Browning
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Harlow Garrington is a twenty-six year old woman left alone in the world when her family perished in a tragic accident. She led a quiet life and lived in her books until a chance meeting brought Aiden into her life. He was smart, sexy, and chivalrous- everything she wanted in a man. There was just one problem; he was also an eight hundred year old vampire.

Nearly a thousand years ago, vampires split into two factions. Those who chose to sacrifice their souls for immortality were pure evil, without a shred of humanity left. They existed to kill and terrify. Those turned by force, like Aiden, were able to retain some of their humanity and did not need to kill to survive.

Harlow found everything she ever wanted from life with Aiden, but his love was not without a price. Aiden has long been coveted by Hades because he stood out from other vampires. When their love is discovered, Harlow's life is in jeopardy. Aiden convinces her to flee with him, hoping to keep her safe until he can come up with a plan. Will Harlow get to live a lifetime with Aiden, or will she be forced to make The Immortal Choice?

Their journey takes them across the world, encountering all kinds of magic and monsters and even a few Greek gods, coming to a stunning conclusion that may change the fate of humanity. Full of action, history, drama, and intrigue, Birth of the Nyxian is a steamy paranormal romance with so much more than romance!

My Review

What a cute read.  I really enjoy the mythology stories, especially ones that inter grain other supernatural creatures within it.  Birth of the Nyxian is first and foremost a love story.  Most of the action/adventure is at the very end but it does not disappoint.  The chemistry between Harlow and Aiden is breathtaking and intense.  There are some points where it begins to be a little cheeky but for me it was easy to overlook.  I like the intelligence that she gives her characters, it's something to look up to.  I would definitely continue to read other stories by Amanda.

Releasing the Wolf (Eye of the Storm #1)

Releasing The Wolf
Author: Dianna Hardy
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Lydia Martin has always had dreams, the weirdest and hottest of them all involving a faceless, muscle-bound man that speaks like sin and smells like sex. Like any sane person, she always put the dreams down to an overactive imagination, coupled with a higher than average libido.

One night, however, instead of their usual, erotic encounters, she finds him in her dream, chained to a wall and screaming in pain. Not only that, but she thinks she recognises the building he's being held captive in as one that's just a few streets away.

Awaking with an irrepressible need to save her fantasy lover, Lydia decides to humour her dream self and head on over to where she thinks he's imprisoned.

What unfolds is beyond even her wildest imaginings, as she's sucked into a dangerous and deadly world she never knew existed ... and it turns out that the man who inhabits her darkest fantasies, isn't the only one that needs releasing.

My Review

Another fantastic story by Dianna Hardy.  She has taken her passion for fantasy and put it into this exciting, sensual and addicting story.  When Dianna first told me about her new book, I was really nervous about reading it.  She told me that it was not a happily ever after story and it was nothing like her previous writings. So jumping into the story blind with both feet, I was blown away.  I loved this story so much I could not stop reading it. I was drawn in to the amount of angst and sorrow in her characters.  The struggles that they have to go through pulls you deeper and deeper into the story.  It is the first true dramatic supernatural story I have read.  I liked that there is no happily ever after, and people actually have to work at making things happen, it's just not given to them.  In her story, being a wolf is not all sunshine and rainbows.  Its struggle, sorrow and life altering.  So let me tell you a little about it.  Dianna has introduces us to Lydia, a normal woman who works hard and keeps to herself.  Not having so much of a relationship due to the fact that she has dreamed of her perfect man every night since she was a teenager.  No man can compete with her dream lover.  When Ryan (dream lover) reaches out in one of their dreams for help, Lydia begins to think she's either crazy or this guy just might be real.  Along with the intense dreams, Lydia has been going through changes.  She can suddenly smell everything intensely, and she can't get rid of the flu she has.  When Taylor walks into her cafe and smells just like Ryan, Lydia realizes she might have just found her answer.  Hoping to get answers, Lydia decides she must find and talk to Taylor, only he finds her first.  Taylor becomes Lydia's only way of surviving the upcoming first night of a full moon. Determined to find Ryan, Lydia sets out on her own to find him.  Not only does she find him, but finds herself in the middle of a battle between supernatural beings.  Lydia finds out that not only is she not human, but a very special wolf and in the middle of the most unusual love triangles.  Releasing the Wolf is an enticing read that I would highly recommend. 

Breaking Dawn Movie

I had to post my thoughts on this only because I have never written a review of any Twilight book or movie.  Twilight has such a huge fan following that I felt my review was unnecessary.  Now I saw the movie this weekend, finally.  I delayed as long as possible only because lets face it, I hate sitting in a crowed theatre, bumping elbows and listening to the screams of seeing Robert or Taylor with no shirt on.  Yea, I sound old :)  Within the first 5 minutes of BD#2 I knew I would be let down.  Just from changing that first scene where Bella wakes up as a vampire and Edward was the only one there completely disappointed me.  It only got worse from there.   I understand that BD is such a large detailed book that it would be impossible to put every little detail into the movie but for me this one had huge holes.  Bella had the same expression throughout the whole movie, um hello did we stop acting for the last one?  The new vampires were fantastic.  They did a great job of casting.  I only wish that part wasn't as rushed. The digitally created Renesmee was stupid, plain and simple.  Maybe they saved money by not using a real person but what a turn off.  Now the ending which seemed to come very quickly was awesome.  That was the best part of the whole movie.  What a blind side.  No spoiler here but the ending made the movie.  So there is my rant, if someone told me it was bad I still would have gone.  Will I buy the movie on DVD, of course.  Will I watch it again after I buy it, yes.  Will I go back to the theatre and see it again?  No, I'm not that crazy. 

Mortal Sentry

Mortal Sentry
Author: Diana Graves
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

“Go straight into the heart of danger, for there you will find safety.” Living vampire and all around supernatural mutt, Raina Kirkland hides in her aunt’s enchanted house from a demon that wants her dead. That is until she makes a deal with him. She has seven days to comply with his demands…but a lot can happen in a week.
~~*
Saturday: two master vampires ask for her undead loyalty, and two family crisis’s fall on her door step. Sunday: she dodges shady characters, discovers that she’s part muse, and rescues her brother from the torturous clutches of a demented man with connections to the monster mafia. Monday: makes the previous two days look like walks on the beach in comparison. A lot can happen in a week, indeed; people to save, lessons to learn, wars to fight, revelations to be had, and demons to sate.

My Review

I cannot say enough how much I am enjoying this series. Diana did not disappoint with her second book Mortal Sentry. You pretty much pick right back up where we left off in Fatal Retribution. Raina is still trying to deal with becoming a living vampire, being extricated from her mother and brother, and now being hunted by a Demon. Life is never dull for Raina. In Mortal Sentry, Raphael has made a deal with Raina in exchange for her life. She must take care of his relative Thomas, the child who was saved in the battle against Admetus. Raina doesn’t even have a home but now she must become the parent to a six year old. In addition, she is being sought after to hunt down a family member for the Gianes. Only this family member is someone she knows, Nenet. While trying to dodge the Gianes, Rania’s half-sister Katie, comes to her for help from her abusive step-father Jed. When the time comes, Raina will need help, but this help comes from the most unexpected person, Alistair. When the Gianes finally reveal what they really want from Raina, it will take all of Alistair’s people including Damon to destroy them.

Rania has grown as character since book 1. She seems to become more independent and self-reliant. She also finally steps up to a relationship which shocked the hell out of me. It’s not who you think people! I see such growth and creativity from Diana in book 2, and as a writer she impresses me with her ability to keep you guessing throughout the story. When I’m reading her books, I often compare them to the series Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs. Trouble always seems to find these two women. I hope you enjoy reading more of Rania’s adventures in Mortal Sentry because I definitely did. I can’t wait for book 3. Enjoy.

Oath Of Servitude

Oath of Servitude
Author: C.E. Wilson
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
3 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

This is the story of Teague and Cailin, two teenagers who have been brought together by fate. Teague, a human, struggles to come to terms with the consequences of a recent accident that has destroyed the happy life that he had once enjoyed. Cailin, a pixi, is trying to stay true to herself while fighting against forces beyond her control that have exiled her from her home into this strange world of humans. She fears the darkness. He cannot escape it. But when the two of them are thrown together, they begin to discover the light inside of themselves.

My Review

Oath of Servitude was a different read for me.  I haven’t read much on Pixis.  The story was a very creative one.  I’m not sure how to classify this book, it has more drama/love inspiring tones.  It focuses on Cailin, a very special Pixi.  Cailin is so opinionated and curious that it gets her in trouble.  As an alternative punishment, Cailin has been sent to fulfill an obligation her father has with a human.  Scared is not the word to describe Cailin’s feelings about staying with humans, terrified is the correct word.  Humans are monsters to Pixis, they are only read about in books.  While staying there, Cailin not only learns that humans might not be so bad, but now has emotional feelings for one.  At the same time in Cailin’s home, her sister is secretly planning a trip to check up on her.  This is a major no no for Pixis, especially when her father has forbid it.  When her sister gets caught and now put in front of the Portune for punishment, Cailin breaks the oath and returns home.  Cailin’s action no only put her in even more trouble, but puts her family in danger.  Her father must take the punishment which just might take his life.  I did enjoy this book and liked the creativity of the story.  The characters were intriguing, although those Pixi names were challenging.  There were many secrets in the book that were left unrevealed which was disappointing to me. I really enjoy books with more action throughout the story, and with Oath of Servitude, the main conflict of the story happens at the very end. I appreciate the opportunity the author gave me with reading her book. 

Dracula Coming To NBC

This is so not book related but I am freaking excited about this!!!! 

 

The father of all vampires rises in this provocative new drama starring Golden Globe® winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("The Tudors") as one of the world's most iconic characters.
It's the late 19th century, and the mysterious Dracula has arrived in London, posing as an American entrepreneur who wants to bring modern science to Victorian society. He's especially interested in the new technology of electricity, which promises to brighten the night - useful for someone who avoids the sun. But he has another reason for his travels: he hopes to take revenge on those who crossed him centuries earlier. Everything seems to be going according to plan... until he becomes infatuated with a woman who appears to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.
From the producers of the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning hit "Downton Abbey" comes DRACULA, a twisted, sophisticated and provocative take on Bram Stoker's classic novel, proving that some stories are truly eternal.



Fatal Retribution

Fatal Retribution
Author: Diana Graves
Adult Book
(Amy's Review)
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Someone is selling vampirism on the streets of Seattle as a miracle cure to the desperate and dying.
Why is that bad? Because baby vamps are uncontrollable things, more monster than man, and dumber than rocks. They’re capable of slaughtering their entire family, or running out into the sun because it’s shiny. When one such vampire stumbles across campers in the thick forest of Mount Rainer, Raina Kirkland and her siblings must fight the mindless feign until dawn. Raina and two of her brothers become infected, but only she remains, for lack of a better word, human.

With Raina’s family torn apart by tragedy and secrets, the young witch finds solace in the hunt for the man behind it all. But, she is not alone. She is aided by Sherriff Mato, a Native American vampire from the once hidden mountain town, Darkness. Her relentless pursuit for the truth about her past and revenge for her brother’s lost humanity will pin her up against a sadistic master vampire, a spiteful detective, a demon, and a coldblooded tyrant of legendary proportions.

My Review

What a unique fantasy story with so many unhuman creatures.  I really enjoyed this story due to the fact that you never know what Rania is getting herself into.  This girls drama never stops, and for a 22 year old she has got some major issues bearing down on her shoulders.  Coming from a family where both of the parents are so self centered, Rania depends on her brothers for the fulfillment of love.  In this world, vampires, elves, witches, demons and other unhuman beings are a part of life.  Rania and her brothers are a mix of elf and witch but their father is human.  So that means mom carries all the unhuman genes.  When Rania and her siblings are attacked by a vampire during a camping trip, Rania and her 2 brothers are now turned to vampires.  Unfortunately for Rania, she doesn't turn normally, actually she doesn't turn at all.  She becomes a living vampire.  Something so uncommon that the vampire families all want her to join them.  Becoming a living vampire means there is something else to Rania, but her mother who is the key to the answer is not so forthcoming.  Rania helps the sheriff of the town of Darkness to try to stop the spread of vampire blood being handed out on the streets.  During this pursuit of justices, Rania will find that she has more power than she knows and that just might hurt the fragile relationship she has with her family.  If you enjoy a good adventure with mystery, romance and action then you will definitely enjoy this series.