Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Outsider



Outsider
Outsider
Author: Micalea Smeltzer
YA Book
Paranormal Romance
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Everything is about to change for Sophie Beaumont. Sophie has moved her entire life; never staying in one place too long. She didn’t understand why… until now. Sophie is a shifter. A wolf shifter and she has a lot to learn. About being herself, being a wolf, and being what she needs to be to protect her pack. On top of that, her intense feelings for the pack’s Alpha, Caeden, threatens to ruin everything. Especially if the rival pack, the Grimm’s, find out that Sophie is not the human she claims to be.


My Review

This was a cute YA read. It's light with not too much youth to it but enough to keep it clean. This story is like other YA PNR with shape shifters. Boy meets girl, girl is special, boy and girl are meant to be, and so on. It was well written with an enjoyable story line and characters. There is enough action and drama scenes to it that it kept the story moving. For all my "happily ever after" YA PNR fans, I would definitely recommend this book.

Insider (Outsider, #2)

Book 2  Insider  available now..


Monday, January 28, 2013

Crimson Flames (Crimson Groves Sequel)



Title: Crimson Flames (Crimson Groves Sequel)
Author: Ashley Robertson
Reveal Host:
Lady Amber's Tours


Crimson Flames Synopsis:

Half-vampire Abby Tate is determined to learn more about the sorceress powers that were awakened inside her when she was turned into a vampire—making her a whole new hybrid species. There’s a group of rogue vamps banding together and forming a Resistance against the vampire governing body, The Head Council, and Abby’s newly discovered powers are the key to the Council’s victory. Now the Resistance will do anything possible to remove the hybrid threat, and with no other options, Abby is forced to rely on the aid of the Council, yet can she trust the very vampires that hunt for her human lover? And even worse, can she fight the unwelcome attraction that’s growing between her and one of those ancient vampire rulers?

 
Chapter One Sneak Peek
1
The Deal
MY STOMACH CLENCHED as I sensed the vampire’s approach. He was close. So close I could feel the thrum of his power vibrating along my skin. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and I knew if I was going to use my power for defense, then I needed to bring it forth now. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to breathe as deeply as I could—which thankfully had gotten easier with practice. I focused on the energy inside me, willing it to the surface, and as I felt it swelling, building like an approaching storm, I threw out my hand, gripped Stone’s shirtsleeve, and urged him to the floor. “Get down! He’s here!”
Stone raked me with a look that told me he was not too pleased, but then fear swept over his face when he realized just how little time we had.
The wooden door to the pub suddenly burst open—bits of wood and dust raining down from the force. Even though Stone should’ve cowered behind me—since his gift of reading blood wasn’t something he could fight with—somehow he’d found some bravery and boldly stood by my side. Though I appreciated it, I didn’t like it, and desperately wished he had listened to me. But I couldn’t think about that and call forth the fire within me at the same time. So I pushed Stone to the back of my mind with the silent promise of dealing with him later. Then I returned my attention to the power building inside me. One last deep breath and my heart shuddered to life inside my chest, making a rhythmic pattern with my faux breathing. A tingling warmth spread from head to toe, then settled on my awaiting hands. Seconds later, there was a glowing orb of fire (about the size of a basketball) cupped inside my palms. And just as the vampire appeared through the settling fog, I called out, “Not another step, Tristan, or it will be your last!”
“I think you should reconsider your threat,” Tristan shot back. “We are on the same side.”
That I sincerely doubted, but I knew killing a member of the Head Council would definitely put me on the “Most Wanted” list. Which I might already be on, since I’d helped the human this vampire was here to claim escape.
“She’s not bluffing!” Stone said through a snarl. I wanted to glare him into silence, but I refused to take my eyes off of the vampire standing in the broken doorway, wearing a black Armani-looking suit—now lightly covered with dust. It was a custom for all members of the Head Council to wear black suits, but each of them would wear shoes and an undershirt of their own choosing. I guess it was a way to express their individual personalities. Yet this one seemed to express himself through his spiked, platinum blond hair, not the basic black undershirt and matching boots—which were much more boring compared to what I’d seen a few of the other Council members wearing. But this vampire was far from boring. He was a tracker for the Council—one of the best hunters on earth. And he was after my human boyfriend.
“You know why I’m here, Abigail,” Tristan bit out. “The human was here.”
I felt my gaze narrow as I carefully took a step forward, the ball of flames growing hotter in my hands. “Yes, he was. It’s my fault he wasn’t captured.”
“That’s not exactly true,” said Stone as he moved up beside me.
I stole a few deep breaths, fighting the urge to throw my fireball at him instead of the blond vampire in the suit.
“Please explain!” Tristan ordered with impatience. But as Stone attempted a reply, he was cut off. “Not you! I want to hear this directly from Abigail!”
“Abby,” I corrected, feeling sweat forming above my brows and pooling between my breasts.
The blond vampire smirked, folding his arms in front of his chest.
“I did not restrain him because I do not believe he will be kept safe once in your hands,” I went on. “And until I can prove his innocence in all of this, I feel it’s best that he stay far away from you.”
A tinge of red formed a ring around Tristan’s irises as he scowled. “That is not your decision. He must pay for his involvement with those rogue vampires, including Bronx. He cannot get away with helping them try to destroy our stronghold.”
“I made an agreement with the other Council members,” I reminded him. “Doesn’t that count for something? Your word is nothing if your actions do not back up what you say.” My voice was getting louder, my patience thinning. And the angrier I got, the more difficult it became to control the fire in my hands.
“Yes. We have a deal,” Tristan assured. “We will not kill him or harm him—just as we told you—but that does not mean he won’t be punished some other way.”
“I don’t believe you,” I snapped.
Stone put his hand on my shoulder. “Abby, maybe you should—”
In a flash of movement, the vampire closed the distance between us and held Stone in a headlock from behind with his fangs hovering over my friend’s neck. And since it wasn’t to drink Stone’s blood, since Stone was also a vampire, then that meant it was a threat to rip out my friend’s jugular. From there it would be too easy to finish Stone by ripping off his head. And that’s when my patience snapped. There were only two ways to kill a vampire—burning to death or decapitation—and he was about to find out firsthand just how very dangerous I was. Sure, he could threaten to kill my friend, but he’d be burned alive before Stone’s head hit the ground. I placed all my focus on the orb of heat in my hand, willing it to retract to half its size while intensifying, growing hotter, then I thrust it at Tristan’s face. In a blur of motion, he ducked, throwing Stone to the floor as the fireball grazed over his head, singeing the soft tips of his hair. A snarl erupted from his throat as his fiery gaze locked onto mine. There was a brief hesitation, burnt hair and musk filling my senses, then something similar to curiosity flashed over his eyes and he was airborne, plunging straight for me. My body shuddered as heat blasted out of every pore, radiating from me like invisible steam. Throwing his arms over his face, the vampire faltered midair and fell sideways, then jumped back once he landed and retreated by the door from which he’d entered. Satisfied I’d made my point, I pulled all the heat back inside me, then rushed over to Stone and helped him up. “You okay?” I asked.
He nodded by way of an answer, then ran his hand through his coffee-colored hair—which was completely messed up now.
My eyes narrowing, I fixed my gaze on Tristan across the bar by the door. “Do that again and I’ll kill you,” I warned.
Tristan brushed some of the dust off of his pants. “Abigail, I’d rather not have to repeat that again. Hopefully I’ve made my point by now,” he said, his mouth curling into an amused grin that nearly reached his eyes. The hints of crimson were gone—for now anyway. “I would not have harmed your friend, as I’m sure Mr. Rayver here is already aware.” He glanced at my disheveled friend, a smirk still pulling at his lips; then his gaze slid back to me. “Your powers make you far greater than just any other Enforcer. You are an equal with us. We should work side by side, you making the sixth, and final member, of the Council. But you must not argue with our protocol. If rules are broken, there are, and will always be, consequences. There are no exceptions to this. Ever. The rules of our kind are ageless. It’s been that way for centuries and shall remain that way indefinitely.”
Well that was news to me. I knew the Head Council wanted my services, but I’d thought they just wanted me to be one of their many Enforcers. Enforcers were gifted vampires like me. Well, kind of. A few months ago I’d been kidnapped by an evil vampire named Bronx and turned against my will, which awakened the sorceress’s bloodline inside me, unbeknownst to me. But Bronx knew all about it, and he’d planned to use my powers to defeat the Head Council. Only I’d killed him before he got the chance. Later on, I’d learned about my real mother being an all-powerful sorceress and how she’d used her magic to impregnate her vampire lover—my father. So I never really was just another vampire. Or even an Enforcer. I was always more than that. A whole new species altogether, a hybrid, and a hot commodity among the vampire world—since there was no other like me. Yet if the Head Council really wanted my partnership, then I just gained a whole lot of leverage. Anxiety curled through my belly. “If you want me to work with you, and of course the others, then I will need you to be more flexible. Rules are always in place for guidance, but we both know they are not in stone. Especially when I believe innocence is a key component.”
“When there is proof of one’s innocence, then we have a trial,” Tristan explained. “But there is no proof of that with this human.”
I thought about that for a moment. Sure, I didn’t have “proof” per se, but I had Tyler’s word. And though he’d lied to me about his alliance with Bronx, and the fact he’d known about my father’s death all along, for some crazy reason I believed him now. “Allow me the time to find the proof you require and I will consider partnering with you.”
Tristan shot me a lasered glare. His face softened but I had absolutely no idea what his thoughts were. Mind reading wasn’t one of my gifts—yet. Since no one could predict what other gifts I’d inherit.
“How can you possibly believe this human didn’t help those rogue vampires?” he asked at last.
Keeping my eyes on Tristan’s, I shook my head. “He was involved. I’m not saying I can prove that differently. He’s innocent of knowing what Bronx’s intentions were, what those rogue vampires’ intentions were.” I paused a moment to suppress some of the heat inside me, though I didn’t completely extinguish it just in case things got hostile again. “He thought he was helping them,” I went on. “He thought they were in trouble. He didn’t realize he was working for the bad guys until…until it was too late.”
Stone snorted in disbelief, but kept his mouth shut. Smart vampire.
Tristan’s eyes widened. “How can you possibly believe that? He must have you brainwashed!”
“That isn’t possible,” I told him.
“What are you speaking of?”—confusion in Tristan’s voice. “Bronx would have claimed you with his mind control had you not killed him first.”
“No, it’s not possible to brainwash me,” I explained. “And that is how I was able to kill Bronx.” Saying that struck a pang inside my chest: I didn’t want to be a murderer any more than I wanted to be a vampire, err hybrid. “I have the ability of blocking powers.”
A wave of surprise flashed over Tristan’s face. “There is so much to learn about you, Abigail,” he said.
“So do we have a deal?” I asked, taking a couple steps toward him.
Tristan raised a brow. “How much time are you asking for?”
“As long as it takes,” I replied instantly. “I have a feeling you and the others will delay me, since we are all curious to learn more about my powers.”
Tristan closed his eyes momentarily, presumably using his telepathic powers to confer with the other members of the Council. I stole a moment to look at Stone. He was shaking his head slowly, azure eyes with hints of red wide with shock. I shrugged my shoulders warily, knowing fully that to keep Tyler safe, I’d break this deal and the neck of anyone who attacked him. Obviously Stone knew that too.
“We have a deal,” Tristan finally announced.
I smiled. Relief flushed through me as the remnant heat within finally extinguished. Moments later, my breathing slowed and my heartbeat completely stopped. Oh the joys of being a vampire hybrid. “I have one more favor to ask,” I said, a whole new confidence exuding in my voice.
Stone called out, “Abby, what are you—”
“Silence, Mr. Rayver,” Tristan stated. “I am very interested in what Abigail will ask for now.”
“I want to speak to Madelaine. Will Elliott do that for me?” My real sorceress mother, Madelaine, had died long ago, and I’d never even had the chance to meet her. My father and one of his female blood donors, all the while believing she was my mother, had raised me. And though I’d love for Elliott to connect me to my father, I simply couldn’t risk giving away the fact he was dead too. Who knew how that little piece of info would affect the deal I’d just made, or the innocence I wanted to prove for Tyler. Bronx killed my father. But it was because of Tyler’s gift of premonition that Bronx was able to find my dad in the first place. So I guess you could say Tyler did carry some of the blame. But he’d sworn that he never thought Bronx would’ve killed him. And I believed him, hopefully not foolishly. So far I was taking the news of my father’s death okay. Maybe my estranged relationship with him was helping me through the mourning process. After all, he’d left me when I was ten. Fifteen years later, I’d finally gotten a phone call from him, warning me I was in danger. I never had a chance to thank him for trying to help me…or see him again.
“Abigail,” Tristan said, bringing me out of those thoughts. “You’re going to make a great addition to our team. You’re already very good at negotiations.” He chuckled lightly. “It will be our pleasure to call upon Madelaine for you and an honor to introduce you to your real mother.” Holding out his hand, he moved closer, giving me a good view of his violet eyes speckled with the deepest of cobalt, not a trace of crimson in them, which calmed me further. “So we have a deal?”
I nodded, taking his hand inside mine. “We have a deal.” Then I asked, “When do we leave?”
His answer was one simple word: “Dusk.”
I felt my chest tighten as he said it, even though I’d somewhat expected that to be his answer. Moving to where Stone was behind me, I threw my arms around his neck and buried my face against the softness of his tee, yet I could feel the ridged lines of muscle just beneath. “I know I just got back here, but I promise we’ll have more time once this is all over. I will miss you,” I told him, my voice muffled.
He gently grabbed my shoulders and pushed me back, just enough for him to look at my face. “What in the hell are you talking about? Do you actually think you can get rid of me that easy?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, feeling confused.
“I’m coming with you.”
“No, you’re not!” Tristan shouted from behind me.
I shrugged as a plan formed in my mind. “Wait a second. I think it’s a great idea for Stone to come.”
“No,” Tristan repeated.
“Actually, sir,” Stone said, “I can be of help to both Abby and the Council. I can help look for the information Abby seeks to clear her human while she is tied up with business affairs with you. It would make her that much more available.”
I felt my eyes widen. That was actually better than my plan. “But you hate Tyler.” And he did—with a passion.
“Oh I still hate him, but I think the world of you.” Stone gently gripped my chin, caressing it between his thumb and forefinger.
A lone tear I hadn’t felt before dripped from my eye as I smiled. Stone let go to wipe it and I glanced over at Tristan. “Please allow Stone to come with us. He would be a true asset. And he is my friend. Please.”
Tristan was quiet for a short moment, face hard, eyes studying us intently. “Very well.”
“Where are we going exactly?” I asked.
“Boston,” Tristan replied. “We have a few stronghold locations, but we are operating out of Boston right now. It’s good to move around. Staying in the same place for centuries can get quite boring. And it’s not as safe.”
I nodded. I’d never been to Boston before, but I’d heard it was an interesting place. A huge part of me was looking forward to seeing it, checking out all the historic monuments, buildings, and the statue of Sam Adams, if there would be any time for sightseeing. With Stone coming, we would certainly accomplish twice as much, twice as fast. I trusted that he would work diligently on finding a way to prove Tyler’s innocence. Though Stone despised Tyler, I was certain that he cared enough about me to do as he said he would. Yet Stone wouldn’t be upset in the slightest if he was unable to find the proof we needed to clear Tyler’s name.
There was also the uncertainty over what kind of situation I’d be getting myself into with the Head Council. Learning vampire politics and more about the new species I’d become when Bronx turned me…well, that could take more time from me than I could ever imagine. Plus meeting my mother for the first time and finding out more about her set my emotions swirling with anxiety.
I closed my eyes and let out a deep, long sigh. Just take one thing at a time, Abby. One thing at a time. Quit worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. Bronx was dead. Tyler was alive and pardoned for the moment. Lily, my closest human friend and old blood donor, was okay. Stone was here with me now and would stay with me at the Head Council’s stronghold. And I’d gotten pretty good control over my amazing, awesome, and insanely strong powers. I’d say my life, afterlife, whatever, was going pretty darn well at the moment. Yet, at the time, I had no idea just how quickly everything was about to change.
 
 
 
My Links:

 


Friday, January 25, 2013

Focus (The Crescent Chronicles #2)

Focus (The Crescent Chronicles, #2)
Focus (The Crescent Chronicles #2)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Mature YA Book
Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

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

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



My Review

Thank you so much Alyssa for sending me an ARC of Focus. After finishing Flight, I was very anxious to read book 2 and see where Levi and Allie were headed. Although Allie really frustrated me while I was reading this, being the hard headed, stubborn person that she is, I was happy to see that she at least gave in somewhat. Focus picks up when Allie and Hailey head off to college. Here Allie and Hailey form a strong female bond, which of course Allie needs. Along the way she forms new friendships with other females in her dorm but also with the most unlikely person, Jared. I was really happy to see that friendship form. Of all the characters, I believe Jared is the most misunderstood. We get to see Jared's family and learn a lot of why Jared is the way he is. Focus brings in a lot of family dynamics. Not only with Levi's, Hailey and Owen's, and Jared's, you also see a different side of Allie's. In Flight, Alyssa gave us a bit more drama/action, where Focus gives us the blossoming relationship between Allie and Levi. Levi definitely does not disappoint with his charm, wit and arrogance. The patience that man has is admirable.

The story has a great flow to it, so much that even without the action it keeps your attention.  I think the character development is the major piece of this book. Alyssa did so well with keeping all the characters involved and allowed you to learn about each of them. With the way this story ends, it's safe to say book 3 will definitely give us some action. Enjoy.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Love and Relativity

Love and Relativity
Love and Relativity
Author: Rachael Wade
http://www.rachaelwade.com/
Adult Book
Romance/New Adult
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island's infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she's ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

My Review

Rachael does not disappoint with another great story from her Preservation Series.  Although this is not one of the actual books within the series, it is nearly an extension of her side characters. I first became a fan of Rachael's with her Amaranth Trilogy. Being a huge paranormal fan, it was right up my alley and I loved it. As a reader being somewhat new to the Adult Contemporary genre, I was taken through a roller coaster of emotions with Preservation. When I heard from Rachael about book 2, Reservation, my stomach was in knots just thinking about where Kate and Ryan would go in their relationship. I almost talked myself out of reading it just because I could not stand to read about any heartache Kate would endure.

“We could stay. You could sleep it off and we can still go to
Disney with everyone tomorrow. Don’t you want to go to Fantasyland?”
I batted my eyelashes. Jackson ran his thumb and forefinger
over his lip, catching his grin and a speck of dried blood at once.
The second that grin appeared, it was as if the entire evening’s
events evaporated. “Why, Emma Pierce, do you want me to take
you to Fantasyland and make all of your dreams come true?”
He winked with his good eye.

When Love and Relativity came out as an extension of the Preservation Series, I thought this will definitely prepare me for Reservation. Well, it did and it didn't. Love and Relativity was more of a romantic roller coaster than Preservation. Rachael, what are you doing to me? I loved this story but had to fight to get through it. The love and loss between Emma and Jackson is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. So many obstacles for both of them to go over to be together makes you wonder if it's really worth it. It brings the cold hard truth about love and relationships to light, love makes you crazy and relationships take a lot of work. Being a fan of the "Bad Boy Club" myself, I cheering for Jackson on page one. This book is just one proof that all bad boys need are to be tamed by the right woman. Rachel's female characters in all her books have a strong backbone and actually use their brain. They are realistic and their actions actually make sense. Her stories are fictional but realistic fiction.  Emma and Jackson will be no strangers in the Preservation Series, it will be interesting to see how they will tie into the story of Kate and Ryan.

Monday, January 21, 2013

When Silver Moons Rise (The Lost Immortals #2)


When Silver Moons Rise
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Release Day: January 20, 2013
Genre: Mature Young Adult
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Book Description:

Facing an unstable future, Chela Prizeon leaves Castle Hayne and crosses over to enemy territory in pursuit of Faris--the boy of royal blood who is cursed by a bitter rival. But soon Chela learns that he has been taken deep into the treacherous frozen prisons--a majestic, but deadly place where people enter and are never seen again. To find the boy she loves, Chela must join forces with one of her greatest enemies. And even though she pulls strength from the good in her powers, she finds herself drawn to the dark side's temptation as well.

Narrated from both Chela's and Faris's point of view, this enchanting sequel to When Copper Suns Fall will take them on a voyage into unknown lands, where the dark, twisted, and revengeful wait to make this their most dangerous journey ever.

**Please Note: This book contains mature content including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.





Author Bio:

I live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. I write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Sometimes they fall for each other and make sacrifices for their friends. Oh, and sometimes they love music and nature too. I live with my two sons,a guinea pig, a cat, and two dogs. Now that I have completed my MFA in creative writing, I find that I have a little extra time to play CLUE more often. I live in an L-shaped house dedicated to my grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

The Lost Immortals: When Copper Suns Fall is my debut novel.


Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/When-Silver-Moons-Immortals-ebook/dp/B00B2G8GFM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358709743&sr=8-1&keywords=when+silver+moons+rise
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12620719-when-silver-moons-rise
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/KaSonndraLeighBooksPage?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KaSonndraLeigh
Blog: http://www.kasonndraleigh.com/

Buy Links for The Lost Immortals:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Immortals-Copper-ebook/dp/B0065QYXQA/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1358461261&sr=1-3#_
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-lost-immortals-when-copper-suns-fall?store=allproducts&keyword=the+lost+immortals+when+copper+suns+fall
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103612



Friday, January 18, 2013

Full Blooded

Full Blooded (Jessica McClain, #1)
Full Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson
Adult Book
Paranormal Romance
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.


My Review

This has been on my Amazon wish list forever. I finally got it and now I wondered why I waited so long to buy it. It is one of my favorite books. I am a sucker for the shape shifter/werewolf stories. Especially ones where the female is a kick ass heroine. Amanda has written a wonderfully intense and action packed story. All of her characters are awesome, even the horribly bad ones. They are all creatively written full of mystery and intrigue. Jessica, is her main character, who is a tough female surrounded by males who don't treat her as fragile. Yes, she is protected but still maintains her freedom and independence. Even the males that she is constantly protected by are not overbearing, obnoxious guys who think they are a know it all. The intensity and constant action keeps you engaged as a reader and makes it terribly hard to put down.

My skin pricked and lust shot to the surface,
hot and fierce. My wolf let out a long agonized
 howl, ending in a series of short, frantic barks
as a dam inside me ruptured. Everything ached
at once. My fingertips gripped the wall tightly so
I didn't fall down as the lust wrapped around me,
tugging at my body, puring through me with it's
urgent craving.  -Jessica, Full Blooded
 
So, in a nutshell, Jessica is the only female werewolf in existence. Not only is she special, and unique, she is seen as an abomination brought to destroy the werewolves. With the help of her alpha father and fellow pack mates, Jessica tries to keep her change hidden until it can be explained by her father. Unfortunately that doesn't happen. Someone already knows about her change and now shes wanted. The one dangerous man who is paid to collect information about her, turns out to be her savior and much more. Just when she thought she only had to worry about her fellow wolves, other supernaturals want her as well. Fast paced and full of action, this book is highly entertaining and well worth the price. Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Flight (The Crescent Chronicles)

Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1)
Flight (The Crescent Chronicles)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
YA Paranormal Romance
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

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

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


My Review

Ok, let me make this clear, I am team Levi all the way even after what happened. There I got that out. This was such addicting YA book. Although it lays on the line of older YA but clean enough to keep the YA title. The story idea alone was so creative that it kept me intrigued. I wished we could have learned a bit more about the species and a little less of Allie's man troubles. That is why I gave it a 4 instead of 5 Stars. I get that Allie had it rough in previous relationship but her man hating attitude got to be tiring after a while. I liked that Allie played a feisty role, but too bad her side kick Jess didn't stick around longer. Levi is a definite drool worthy character worth following around like a puppy dog. The support characters were entertaining and had an appeal to them that kept your interest. The descriptions of the paranormal creatures were good and the relationships between the different species was interesting. I anxiously await the next book Focus.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Queen of Shadows (A Novel of the Shadow World)

Queen of Shadows (Shadow World, #1)
Queen of Shadows (A Novel of the Shadow World)
Author: Dianne Sylvan
Adult Book
Paranormal Romance
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people's emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda's powers may affect the vampire world too...

My Review

This book was awesome. It had just the right amount of action, suspense and romance that all came together in this wonderful package called Queen of Shadows. One of the most enjoyable things about this book was the author never really let you know what was going to happen. It was all surprise down to who the villain was, to if the main characters would end up together, and where the story would go after the first book. I liked that Dianne has her main female character, Miranda, who started off weak and unable to fend or take care of herself, to this tough female without the help or guidance of a male. Very inspirational that women can overcome and better themselves on their own. Powerful. This is a great beginning to what looks to be a potentially addictive series.

Shadowflame (Shadow World, #2)  Shadow's Fall (Shadow World, #3)  Of Shadow Born (Shadow World, #4)

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Shiver

Shiver
Shiver
Author: Karen Robards
Adult Book
Romance/Suspense
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

When she swore off love, he was the last man she imagined would steal her heart. If driving a piece-of-crap tow truck through the seediest part of town with a Smith & Wesson beside her means putting a roof over her son’s head, then Samantha Jones is going to be the best damn repo woman on the books. The streetwalkers, the drug pushers, the bands of looking-for-trouble punks haunting the mean streets at midnight don’t intimidate her. These are her people. The guy she finds bound and bloodied in the trunk of her latest conquest, a flashy new BMW, is a different breed entirely.

Daniel Panterro was certain he was going to die. Instead, by a stroke of luck, he was beaten to within an inch of his life and left for dead. But if he’s having a bad day, Sam’s day is about to get way worse. Danny knows he hasn’t seen the last of the vicious drug runners who kidnapped him from protective custody. His only recourse is to take his pretty savior hostage and force her to help him. There’s no going back for Sam and her four-year old son, Tyler. They’re in way too deep.

With ruthless killers stalking their trail, Sam’s only choice is to trust this handsome, menacing stranger. But as she relinquishes control, Sam feels an unmistakable desire. Could she be tempted by Danny, who seems intent on protecting her and Tyler from even his own darkest secrets? And what is the price of falling in love with a man who operates on the edge of danger—her heart, her life . . . or both?


My Review

I received this book from the giveaways on Goodreads.  I had not heard of the author or the book before. I am so glad I won because I have became a big fan of Karen Robard.  Shiver was a wonderfully romantic/suspenseful story.  It was so well written from two points of view.  The characters are easily likable and had great chemistry. The knowledge of the FBI/CIA/US Marshall's from the author was astounding. The scenes in the story involving any law enforcement was believable and realistic.  Sam is the female main character in Shiver. She is a firecracker, plain and simple.  Sam proves that single mothers (all mothers) are willing to do anything to protect their family.  Hard working, defiant till the end are only a couple of descriptions I could use for her. Danny (aka Marco, Trey) is known by so many names that you have to keep a list handy. Being a undercover FBI agent playing a dirty agent in the custody of the witness protection program, Danny shows he is not only an Alpha male, but loyal. His character was so entertaining especially when Tyler, Sam's son, starts interacting with him. This book was a great read for me, after not being able to put it down once I started. Enjoy.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Imposter, A Love Story

The Impostor, A Love Story
The Impostor, A Love Story
Author: Tiffany Carmouche
Adult Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

“Alaska? Who goes to Alaska?” Escaping an abusive ex boyfriend, Nicole, a struggling young single-mother, convinces her best friend to travel to a place she knows little about, in search of better life.
Nicole is scared of getting hurt again, but Dylan’s chiseled body and chocolate brown eyes captivate her. And soon she finds herself in the arms of the sexy lead singer.
In Alaska, she discovers the power of friendship
and true love and begins to let down her guard.
But is her security a facade?
Soon Nicole’s innocent beauty taunts a sinister man,
and she is caught in a web of deception and danger.
She realizes someone she trusts has been stalking her.
Petrified, she wonders, how can she escape? Miles of wilderness surround her.
She hears something. Someone is there.
Should she cry for help or stay silent?
Will she be saved or will she be hunted?


My Review

Ok, how hard is it to write a review on a book that you loved but really made you frustrated?  Really hard.  I enjoyed this story immensely but I really didn't like the main character Nicole.  Ugh, she was so smack worthy to me.  So I can deal with the helpless, always needing to be saved female characters but Nicole was the most naive, hard headed character ever for me.  Tiffany is a great writer, her story The Impostor, is so well written.  She has the ability to keep the reader engaged in the story with such mystery and suspense.  I never knew what was coming, or where she was going to go with the story.  So my two favorite things that got this it's 4 Star review, was the originality of the story and the actual story itself.  Tiffany really brings to light what a young single mother will do for their child, even though their determination might make them partially blind.  I have admiration for anyone who is willing to sacrifice everything to make the life for their child(ren) better.  The second book, Obsession and Sacrifice, will be available soon.  Enjoy.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Phoenix Angel (Shardwell Series #1)

Phoenix Angel
Phoenix Angel
Author(s): Amanda Gerry, Christy Hall 
YA Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Maggie is a normal teenager, trudging her way through senior year with her best friend, Lily. Then a boy named Kyle Spencer came to Idaho Falls, and since then everything has fallen apart. Something mysterious has passed among the three friends. They are developing terrifying abilities--strange powers that separate them from normal people.

Even worse, someone--or something--has taken a deadly interest in them. They never know when they are going to strike, or how to protect themselves, or even who they are. All friends know is that they want one alive and the others they want dead. Which one will Maggie be?


My Review

Wow, this is a hard review for me to write.  I enjoyed this book immensely but it also frustrated me at the same time. With that being said, great job authors!  This YA book has such mystery to it that it was hard to put it down. Not to mention the normal high school drama along with it, great for the  younger readers. The romance part to the story is long awaited, and not overbearing.  I think the greatest thing that the reader gets from this is the friendship between the main characters, Maggie and Lily. Speaking of Maggie, who is probably one of the most hard-headed, wanna smack someone, characters I have ever read. Stubborn, that is the best word to define her. Lily is your typical golden girl, caring and motherly, one the everyone wants to be, character.  The male characters, Kyle and Carter, are your typical boys. Always making wrong choices, overbearing and possessive, ask for forgiveness later.  I have to admit, they did make me laugh.  The mystery and suspense in this story goes to the very end. Along with a very intense and emotional fight scene, which was well written and easy to follow along, you don't get much time to breathe during the story. I only wished that you learned a little more about their history before the very end. It got confusing to me with the amount of information given so late in the story, making it overwhelming. This would be my one reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating.  Book 2, Guardian of Time, from what I have read so far about it, gives you a back story of how they came to be in Phoenix Angel.  This will give the readers the understanding of what was left out in the first book. I would recommend this book to my YA Fantasy readers, and look forward to learning more about the characters. Enjoy.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Night Visions

Night Visions (Night Series)
Night Visions
Author: Elena Gray
Adult Book/Paranormal Romance
4 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Plagued by visions and voices, Samantha Cade must be losing her mind. Until she realizes there's a hidden, urgent message wanting to be revealed. Just how, she'll have to figure out.

When Ian Behr reappears in her life after six long years without so much as a goodbye, dormant longing awakens. To survive this turmoil, she'll need to guard her heart.

Will Ian be her doom...or her salvation?


My Review

Ok, first off the book cover alone is awesome, and perfect for the story.  When you first start reading Night Visions, you have no idea where this is going to go.  It has so much mystery surrounding it and it keeps you reading.  As little bits and pieces are given about the characters, their background, and reason for their actions, you begin a love hate relationship with them.  I went back and forth constantly with feelings about them.  I love that in a story, plus the unpredictability to it.  You are not overwhelmed with too many characters in the story, but as it advances you are introduced to additional characters that will play an important role with story development.  The main focus of Night Visions is the relationship rebuilding of Sam and Ian which is all over the place. To be together, not be together, will it work out, do I want to be with him again, can I trust him, the list goes on.  I liked that you never knew whether they would be together or not in the end.  This is not just a love/romance story by any means.  There is much mystery, action, and suspense to it that the romance is just an added bonus :) I am anxiously awaiting the next book.  I hope you enjoy! 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Night-Visions-Series-ebook/dp/B00AQBMDV2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357220344&sr=1-1&keywords=night+visions+elena+gray
   

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Skin Game

Skin Game (Skin, #1)
Skin Game
Author: Ava Gray
Adult Book
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.

A hit man who never misses the mark.
Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.


Skin Tight (Skin, #2)   Skin Heat (Skin, #3)  Skin Dive (Skin, #4)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Dracian Legacy Giveaway

Giveaway ends tomorrow!!!
 


The Dracian Legacy - Book 1 (Dracian Legacy Trilogy)
YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Ren and Axel are caught between two powerful magical races: one destined to end the bloodshed, the other out for vengeance.

Seventeen-year-old Ren Pernell is prophesied to end the war between the Dracians and the Telalians. So when a Dracian, Axel Knight, is sent to find and bring back the prophesied one before she turns eighteen and Telalians discover of her existence, unexpected sparks start to fly between the two. Once Ren finds the truth behind Axel’s arrival, she wants everything to do with him and nothing to do with his mission.

Things prove to be difficult as Ren’s life is constantly threatened by forces that are beyond her control, including the leader of the Telalians.
With the clock ticking and Ren’s life in jeopardy, it is no longer just a mission for Axel. It becomes a personal endeavor to save the only one he’s ever loved. In a heart racing ending, they must find a way to evade the preordained war that won’t also end Ren’s life.


Release Date: February 14th, 2013
Availability: E-book and print format through self-publish
Count Word: 85,000


Priya Kanaparti was born in India, grew up in Detroit, and is now living in Boise, ID. She attended Wayne State University for her undergrad degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, and University of Phoenix for her Masters in Business Administration. Priya works as a project manager in software field during the day and lives in the world of her characters during the nights and weekends. She had found the love for reading and writing early this year, when she stayed home with her year old and needed something to occupy those 'downtime' hours.
She loves playing tennis on a good summer day and chess during the cold winters, but reading and writing has become a year round hobby.
She lives in Boise with her husband, son and a Yorkie. Dracian Legacy is her debut novel.

Contact information:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pkanaparti
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpriyakanaparti
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526707.Priya_Kanaparti
Goodreads Dracian Legacy: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16007175-dracian-legacy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/103131167289314491102
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pkanaparti/

Black Knights Inc. #1 & #2

Black Knights Inc. Series
Author: Julie Ann Walker
Adult Book(s)
4 out of 5 Stars (both books)

Hell on Wheels (Black Knights, Inc., #1)Synopsis Hell On Wheels #1

Black Knights Inc.--Behind the facade of their tricked-out motorcycle shop is an elite special ops team assigned the jobs too hot for anyone else to handle.

Hold On Tight...

Ex-Marine Nate "Ghost" Weller is an expert at keeping his cool--and his distance--which makes him one hell of a sniper. It's also how he keeps his feelings for Ali Morgan in check. Sweet, sexy Ali has always revved his engine, but she's his best friend's baby sister...and totally off limits.

Rough Road Ahead

Ali's never seen anything sexier than Nate Weller straddling his custom Harley--or the flash of danger in his eyes when she tells him she's in trouble. First something happened to her brother, and now she's become the target of a nasty international organization. With Nate, her life is in the most capable hands possible--but her heart is another story altogether.


In Rides Trouble (Black Knights, Inc., #2)Synopsis In Rides Trouble #2

Rebel with a Cause

Becky "Rebel" Reichert never actually goes looking for trouble. It just has a tendency to find her. Like the day Frank Knight showed up at her door, wanting to use her motorcycle shop as a cover for his elite special ops team. But Becky prides herself on being able to hang with the big boys-she can weld, drive, and shoot just as well as any of them.

Man with a Mission

Munitions, missiles, and mayhem are Frank's way of life. The last thing the ex-SEAL wants is for one brash blonde to come within fifty feet of anything that goes boom. Yet it's just his rotten luck when she ends up in a hostage situation at sea. Come hell or high water, he will get her back-whether she says she needs him or not.


My Review

I read both books back to back so I decided to run a review combined. Both of these books were awesome. Action packed with romance and mystery. Plus I love that military bad boy persona Julie writes her male characters with.  Each book is about a different character but I like how they all tie together and bring them together.  I have a love hate relationship with stories like this because I hate to leave the initial characters, but you never really lose them with these, they continue to be apart of the story.  I definitely recommend these to my readers who love those bad boys :)  Enjoy!

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5342916.Julie_Ann_Walker

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The Mighty Storm

The Mighty Storm (The Storm, #1)
The Mighty Storm
Author: Samatha Towle
Adult Book
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

It's been twelve years since Tru Bennett last saw Jake Wethers, her former best friend and boy she once loved.

Jake Wethers, sexy, tattooed and deliciously bad lead singer, and brains behind The Mighty Storm, one of biggest bands in the world, left Tru with a broken heart when he moved from England to America with his family when they were both fourteen.

Sent to interview Jake for her music column by the magazine she works for, they are both unprepared for the sparks that fly the instant they reconnect. Only, there’s a complication to their instant feelings for one another – Will, Tru’s boyfriend of two years.

Then Jake makes Tru a job offer she can't refuse - travelling the world with him and his band. But taking the job means leaving Will behind, and being on the road with the band means spending an inordinate amount of time with Jake.

Is Tru strong enough to resist the delectable bad boy who once held her heart so completely, or will she willingly risk it all for one night with the worlds most notorious womanizer?
 

My Review

There are so many reviews of this fantastic book that my one measly review won't give it justice.  It is a great read and I would recommend it to everyone.  I don't give a five star rating out easily but this one deserves it hands down.  Book two is on its way and I can't wait.  I hope you enjoy! 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15724654-the-mighty-storm

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mighty-Storm-ebook/dp/B0091W6XQI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357141291&sr=1-1&keywords=the+mighty+storm