Thursday, February 28, 2013

CBL Tour: Blood Slave by Travis Luedke

 
• Title: Blood Slave (Book #3 in the series, but considered a stand alone novel)

Author: Travis Luedke

• Release Date: December 23, 2012

Genre: Paranormal Erotic, Adult Romance
       Rating:  3 1/2 Stars.
 
Synopsis:

Her mother named her Esperanza de Salvador - Hope for Salvation. But when a girl works as an escort for Colombian cartel in the ghettos of Spanish Harlem, there wasn’t much hope, or salvation.

Hope’s telepathic ability keeps her a step ahead of ruin, but her unusual gift attracts the attention of a psychotic vampire bitch. Trapped in a Manhattan penthouse with the psycho, she thought she was dead meat.

Her survival lies in the hands of Vampire Master Enrique. He seems to respect her, perhaps even care. As a measure of protection, he makes her his personal Bloodslave. Helplessly addicted to his bite, Enrique rules her every moment. As always, Hope must adapt to survive.

Swept into the decadent nightlife of Manhattan's elite, she falls in love with Enrique and prays someday he may grow to love her, too. But is it simply a relationship of convenience? Is she nothing more than a concubine desperate to satisfy his nightly demands for blood and sex?

And forever in the background is the fear that one day the cartel boss she abandoned will hunt her down to collect on old debts.



My Review:

Blood Slave is a dark story about Hope, a 22 year old woman from Columbia who has been used and abused by both men and women since the age of 14. Having the gift of telepathy, she has always known what people are thinking. Having this gift has made her very good at her job, an escort. She knows just what her customers want without them even telling her. Having this gift also makes her very valuable to her employer, Faustino a drug cartel member, being that she is able to tell when people are lying or deceiving him. On a typical night, Hope is waiting for her next customer to arrive, Lia, who just so happens to be a vampire. At the end of the night when Lia attempts to use impulsion to make Hope forget ever meeting her, she finds that Hope is immune to her powers. Immediately becoming a threat to the vampire race, Lia takes Hope back to her master, Enrique, for help with what to do with Hope. Lia wants permission to kill Hope, needing violence to sate her urges, but Enrique has other plans. Hope becomes a blood slave. Someone who is used for feeding purposes only to a vampire. Becoming a blood slave makes you addicted to their bite, and needing the venom daily to survive. Against her will Hope has become a prisoner, stuck being addicted to a master vampire. Having to live and serve as not only blood slave for Enrique, Hope has also become a sex slave for both Lia and Enrique and his personal assistant using her gifts of telepathy to find deceit in his company. As months go by Hope has become not only more addicted to Enrique but she has come to love him but the love is not returned. When Enrique has to leave on business, Lia has become responsible for taking care of Hope while he is gone. Lia is finally able to do the one thing she has always wanted to do, get rid of Hope for good. After torturing Hope for days by not biting her, Lia turns Hope back over to her former boss, knowing they will kill her. After days of being raped, tortured and beaten, Hope escapes back to Enrique. When she returns Lia is there, and the winner of this fight will determine Hope’s fate and future.

Blood Slave is a dark tale about Vampires, prostitution and survival. This is the third book in Travis’s Nightlife series, but is able to read as a standalone since it does not follow the series. Although this is not the kind of story I normally read, I did enjoy it. Blood Slave is dark, racy, dramatic and raw. It is not a light hearted tale, Twilight lovers beware this is not for you. When I am asked or I tell someone about Travis’s books I describe him as the Steven Soderbergh of writers, this is a compliment. Travis has the ability to write a story that is entertaining and disturbing at the same time. His characters all have some kind of tragic past and is the reason for who they are in the story. I have found that some male authors that write from a female perspective don’t hit the mark as true. Travis did very well, the emotions and descriptions used are very believable and helped you relate and understand the character. I think Travis will do very well with his series with the right target audience.
 
Enter To Win

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Offside

Offside (The Barker Triplets, #1)
Offside (The Barker Triplets #1)
Author: Juliana Stone
Adult Book 18+
Romance
3 1/2 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie's talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their 'men's club.'

Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn't seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.

She's got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?


My Review

This was a cute romance story. The thing I like most is reading about women who are not afraid to go or do what they want. In this story, Billie is/was a pro hockey player who got hurt and had to retire. Coming back home all she wants to do is play hockey in the mens league but being the insecure jerks they are, they shun her and try to push her out. Well Billie doesn't take no as an answer and despite all the awful things they do and say to her, she keeps on going. There is so much hidden history about these sisters that one book just won't cover it. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing where the sisters go from here.

Collide (The Barker Triplets, #2)  Conceal (The Barker Triplets, #3)

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Cover Reveal: Closure By Kim Carmichael

Title: Closure
Author: Kim Carmichael
Genre: Romance, Erotic Romance, Erotica
Publisher: Hot Ink Press
Cover Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Book Description:

There's always the one…

 He's one person throughout life you think about every so often, the one who leaves his unique indelible mark on you, the person with whom you need closure.

For Margaret Collins that person was Mike Taylor.

 After he broke her heart seventeen years ago, she left everything she knew and reinvented herself. With a new home, a new look and a new name, Riley Williams is now an up and coming journalist given the assignment to interview a Mike Taylor. She never suspected he would be her Mike Taylor.

 With Mike having no hint of Riley's true identity, she must decide if she will make him pay for sins he doesn't remember committing, or if she can wipe away the past and be with the one man who she has always wanted?

 Can she finally have closure?
 
Excerpt:
 
 
"Are you worried I'm going to get something wrong?" Without him knowing, they slipped back into their old banter. She reached into her bag, found a pad and pen and held them up. "Do you feel better now?"
"Yes, different." He pressed his back against the chair. "A challenge." His smile let the tooth peek out, while seventeen years caused the little wrinkle at corner of his eye to appear. "You know, I have some meetings here the rest of this week."
 "Should I be writing this down?" She clicked the pen twice, trying to stop herself from reading more into this.
"Not unless you're writing down your address so I know where to pick you up for dinner tomorrow night."
Everything stopped. Even if only in her mind, for that second the world froze. The constant clink of dishes ceased, the bustling wait staff stood motionless.
Back in the school hallway when he had invited her out, he used a similar assumptive close. He turned to her and asked what time he should get her Friday night.
Though the years had diminished the pain, to this day every now and again, she wondered what would have happened if took her out rather than succumbing to the pressure of his friends and parents. She'd been nothing but a project when she wanted to be a girl.
 Here together, they repeated history, but not in his eyes. She couldn't blame him for not knowing her. She'd changed her name, changed her looks, but never managed to change her heart.
She always wondered.
Maybe she always wished.
 Was she handed another chance to get her heart ripped to shreds, or had she just received the ultimate do-over?
 "Excuse me for a moment." She pushed her chair back and walked away.
Though the years had diminished the pain, to this day every now and again, she wondered what would have happened if took her out rather than succumbing to the pressure of his friends and parents. She'd been nothing but a project when she wanted to be a girl.
Here together, they repeated history, but not in his eyes. She couldn't blame him for not knowing her. She'd changed her name, changed her looks, but never managed to change her heart.
 She always wondered.
 Maybe she always wished.
 Was she handed another chance to get her heart ripped to shreds, or had she just received the ultimate do-over?

Author Bio:

Kim Carmichael began writing eight years ago when her need for graphic sex scenes and love of happy endings inspired her to create her own.  She has a weakness for bad boys and techno geeks, and married her own computer whiz after he proved he could keep her all her gadgets running.  When not writing, she can usually be found slathered in sunscreen trolling Los Angeles and helping top doctors build their practices.
 
Links:
Website
Twitter
@kimcarmichael4
Facebook
 
Amazon Page
 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Cover Reveal: Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

 
 
Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing?
My entire life is an imitation.
I am an Imitation.
... I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.
And now I have a letter.
My assignment has begun.
I am a prisoner.
I am not Raven Rogen.
I am here to die.
 
Available March 12, 2013

The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles #1)

The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles, #1)
The Scarlet Dagger (The Red Sector Chronicles #1)
Author: Krystle Jones
YA Book 16+
Paranormal/Romance/Suspense
4 out of 5 Stars


Synopsis

The strength of Sloane’s heart is about to be put to the ultimate test.

After the Eclipse – the night vampires began openly slaughtering human victims – everything changed. Out of fear, the government salvaged what remained of the human population and enclosed them in massive, security-laden cities called White Sectors, while marking the vampire infested territory as Red Sectors.

When seventeen-year-old Sloane McAllister’s twin brother disappears, she seems to be the only one who thinks he isn’t dead, and vows to stop at nothing to find him. Gathering her courage, she braves the Red Sector to search for clues to his whereabouts. By chance, she encounters Aden, a handsome, charismatic vampire with a hidden agenda. He turns Sloane against her will, and whisks her away to his underground city. Enemies quickly become friends as Sloane struggles against her attraction to Aden, and resists her growing loyalties to the creatures that ruined her life. But the vampires themselves are the least of her problems. The city is harboring a devastating secret, one that could change the tide of the war and threaten to destroy everything Sloane has come to believe in.


My Review

I really enjoyed this suspenseful story of Sloane. It is a futuristic story about vampires taking over and almost wiping out humanity. Reading about Sloane who has such love for her brother Orion, is just poetic about what siblings would do for each other. Sloane is the exact character I love, strong willed, hard headed and not easily persuaded by love. She's tough and when she sets her mind to something, nothing can stop her. She is no damsel in distress although she is saved often but she goes down fighting every time, never giving up. Her attitude and dedication alone is what makes this book enjoyable. I liked that there are 2 types of vampires, rogues who have no humanity and feed off of humans, and then the "normal vampires" who still have their humanity and live like normal human beings. When Sloan risks her life to go searching for her brother, she believed that all the vampires were like rogues. Then she meets Aden, who is your "normal vampire". Aden realizes she is the daughter of the Sovereign, leader of the Pennsylvania White Sector, and decides to change her. Sloan must now learn how to live as a vampire and somehow get back to her family. Sloan's adventure begins here, finding out that the vampires aren't as bad as she thought they would be and didn't expect to fall in love with one. I would definitely recommend this one to my PNR YA readers. Enjoy.

Books 2 and 3...
Dark Horizons (The Red Sector Chronicles, #2)  Cross My Heart (The Red Sector Chronicles, #3)

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Black Moon: Jessica McQuay Plus Giveaway


Black Moon
Author: Jessica McQuay
YA/NA Paranormal Fantasy Novel


SYNOPSIS:

"Am I losing my mind?"

Paige couldn't help but question her sanity. What other explanation could there be for her hearing a conversation held barely above a whisper in the back of a classroom full of students? What about coming home to find one of those very classmates lying in wait in the darkness of her home, ready to attack her?

Confused, frustrated and feeling every ounce of her social ostracism, Paige confides in the one person she's always been able to count on: her mom. But when her mom reveals a deeply rooted, unbelievable family secret, Paige discovers her world is filled with more than she ever imagined possible. A world where fairytales live alongside nightmares and secrets are the glue that binds them together. Suddenly no one is who they seem and Paige is faced with more questions than answers. Can she survive in a world filled with creatures scarier than anything she could imagine and where deceit runs as thick as blood? Or will the truth send her over the edge?


EXCERPT:
“Matt, Tommy, I am thrilled to know you are finding
the reading so interesting that you’re discussing it amongst
yourselves. Perhaps you’d like to share your fi ndings with the rest
of the class?”
“I seriously doubt Matt wants the class to know that he’s been
cheating on his girlfriend Samantha by hooking up with Rachel.”
Oh no. Oh no no no no no! How had I known THAT?
And why, oh why, did it come from my mouth, out loud, to
the entire class?
I know how I knew. Matt’s voice was the one I’d heard earlier.
How is that even possible?

I didn’t have time to contemplate; I had a classroom full of
people wondering the exact same thing judging by the looks on
some of their faces.
“How did you know that, Tailor?”
I swung around and found myself face to face with Matt. I
didn’t know if the surprise had time to register on my face before
he was leaning down into it, his voice a controlled whisper.
“If I find out that you’ve been spying on me, you little nobody,
you will wish you never let my name touch your lips.”
The hairs on my neck and arms came to life, and chills
pricked along my skin. I couldn’t look away from his eyes. They’d
gone black as night with the exception of the pupils which were
blazing gold. My tongue wouldn’t move my mouth was so dry. I
couldn’t find my voice and I was starting to shiver just as Mr. O
stepped between us.
“Matthew, get back to your seat.”
 
 
About the Author:
 


 
There were only three things Jessica loved to do growing up; reading, writing and playing music. She discovered her love for writing at a young age, when she realized she could create anything she wanted with words. Jessica lives in Sacramento, CA with her husband, four children, goldfish named Sparkle and her cat, Talula. When she isn’t working on the next Paige Tailor novel, taking her children to one activity or another, or folding the never ending laundry of a six person family, Jessica enjoys playing her clarinet in the community band or dancing like there is no tomorrow at Zumba.



Website

www.jessicamcquay.com
Blog

http://paigetailorseries.blogspot.com/
Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-McQuay-Author-of-the-Paige-Tailor-Series/217414364984840
Black Moon On Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16005072-black-moon
Trailer:

http://youtu.be/YapSh2lxRnc

Buy links:

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Moon-Jessica-McQuay/dp/1936185741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357946574&sr=8-1&keywords=black+moon+jessica+mcquay
Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-moon-jessica-mcquay/1113630357?ean=9781936185740
Kobo

http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Black-Moon/book-oHL9OdGP502sRbFtnsvYKA/page1.html?s=pZEOTqIY_EaLfAbYzyCyRw&r=1


Giveaway!
 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Cover Reveal: Caged Heat

Title: Caged Heat (Black Meadow Pack 2)
Author: Milly Taiden
Genre: Erotic
Cover Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Blurb

After five years travelling through third world countries to teach impoverished children, Samira Suarez has returned home to Black Meadows. What Sam didn’t expect was to be instantly overwhelmed by the desire to be with the one man she’s wanted since she was a teen, Riel Karven.

Riel has been patiently waiting for Sam’s return. For five long years he’s backed off and watched her come and go. This is it. His mate is back, and he’s taking a stand.

Sam’s need for Ry grows to unimaginable proportions. It’s almost as if she were in heat. But she’s a human…isn’t she?

There’s more at stake than Sam and Ry’s future relationship when she inherits her grandmother’s estate. One of her many relatives wants her out of the way.

It’s going to take all of Ry’s determination and help from his friends to keep her alive.  And it’s going to take delving into her past to find out why a human is going into mating heat.


 
 
 
 


Author Bio:

Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.

A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter, Cynthia Eden, and Dianne Duvall among others.


Contact Info.

Email: millytaiden@gmail.com

Website: 
http://www.millytaiden.com




 
Book Trailer:
 

 

Hard to Resist

Hard to Resist
Hard to Resist
Author: Shanora Williams
Romance
Adult Book 18+
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

Natalie Carmichael thought that Bryson Daniels would be her world. She planned a bright future with him, cherished four years with him, and couldn't have been any happier, but during graduation night, all of that changes.
Natalie walks in on Bryson cheating on her. One month after catching him in the act, she finally decides to make an escape by leaving for Florida.
She wants to start over, have fun, and be free while also finding a way to mend her broken heart but when she meets Nolan Young, her single-life escapade doesn't last for very long. She tries to stay clear of Nolan and his desires but it's impossible for her. Nolan will do everything that he can to have her as his own, but will Natalie accept Nolan along with the problems of his past? Will she let someone else into her heart that may be even worse than Bryson?
For Natalie, Nolan will be something completely new to her. And for them both, their desires will be completely hard to resist.


My Review

Who hasn't had their heart broken at one point and time? Not many. This story is about love, heartbreak and finding oneself once again. In this wonderful romance story, Natalie has just had her heart broken catching her boyfriend of 4 years cheating on her. Wanting a fresh start away from home, she moves to Florida with her friend Harper. Determined not rid her mind of Bryson and start fresh, Natalie tries to find as many distractions as she can, including a one night stand. When Natalie meets Nolan, he is everything a girl can dream of. Natalie attempts to use him to help get over her ex but Nolan wants more than just one night, he wants a commitment. Never wanting to fall in love ever again, Natalie is determined not to let herself fall for Nolan. When Nolan finally gets a relationship with Natalie, he confesses a secret about himself which just mind end things for them right there. Letting her guard down, Natalie gives Nolan her heart and hopes he just doesn't break it.

Generally in romance stories where there is a love triangle, you normally pick a (guy) team. Hoping the good guy or the bad boy gets the girl. In this case, I was not rooting for the guy, I was rooting for the girl, Natalie. Since having her heart broken, she has allowed herself to become cold hearted and recluse. Even though I knew there had to be something about Nolan, you still want her to just give in and give it a go. Not only is this just a romance story with really nice steamy scenes...but it has an underlying truth to it. Something a reader can actually learn from. There is no perfect man..sorry guys but no..but there is someone that can be everything you need him to be. That is what this story is, Natalie finding someone that is not perfect but everything she needs. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Obsession & Sacrifice: Tiffany Carmouche

Title: Obsession and Sacrifice (Sequel to The Impostor, A Love Story)
Author: Tiffany Carmouche
Genre: New Adult Suspense Romance
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours
Available Now!

Book Description:

Obsession and Sacrifice is the second book in a romantic trilogy about unexpected love and a woman's fight for survival.

When Nichole wakes up in the hospital room from a coma, she has no memory of who she is or how she got there. Only the scars on her body reveal some horrific event took place and she is lucky to be alive…alive…but could she still be in danger?

Her only hope to rediscover her past and avoid a killer's obsession lies in the hands of two men: sexy Dylan, her boyfriend, who used to captivate her and now prays she will remember how much they cared for one another, and Bradley, her charming best friend, who has secretly loved her all along. She feels safe around both men, but to her, they are strangers. Nicole must decide who to trust, not only with her heart, but with her life.

They are rivals--both men want to win her love. But they are allies as well. The two vow to give her a second chance at life and both will sacrifice everything to make sure she survives.
 
 
Excerpt:
 
The light danced off the snow and it sparkled almost like diamonds. I stood for a moment almost fascinated. And then it kissed me, my first snowflake, then another. The tiny cold droplets caressed my face, one at a time decorating my eyelashes. I giggled.
 I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, leaning on the two of them, and I opened my mouth, letting the tiny cotton flakes melt onto my tongue. I opened my eyes and watched the white flakes descend on me. Learning back, I squinted. The porch light illuminated Brad and Dylan’s silhouettes as if they were angels--almost as if I were experiencing heaven. God sent them to me. These beautiful angels, who knew me by name and appeared in my life to protect me and make everything wonderful. Maybe I had died. Maybe this was heaven.  I stared up at their images looking down at me.
“My angels.” I sighed.
 ~Sneak peak Obsession and Sacrifice©2012 Tiffany Carmouche


Author Bio:

When Tiffany Carmouché is not writing Romance novels, you can find her sculpting, traveling, teaching, singing, dancing, escaping in music or enjoying her family.
She loves to travel. Sky diving in Alaska, riding camels in Africa, working with orphans in Argentina, dancing salsa in Ecuador, scuba diving in Hawaii, traveling throughout Spain, swimming under the stars in Puerto Rico and walking the cobblestone roads of Assisi, Italy are a few of her adventures. Her most cherished moments, however, have been watching her two beautiful daughters strive to accomplish their dreams.
For many years, she put her passions on hold. She lost sight of who she was and the things that made her truly happy. She says she felt almost defeated, but now she is recommitted to savoring experiences both in the novels she writes and in the life she lives each day. And her secret hope is anyone who is struggling will realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard the fight, no matter how many times you have been knocked down, it is always worth staggering up to your feet and learning to breathe again.
 
 
Book 1 The Imposter, A Love Story
The Impostor, A Love Story
 


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Slow Burn (The Fitzgerald Family #1)

Slow Burn (The Fitzgerald Family, #1)
Slow Burn
Author: Ednah Walters
Adult Book
Romance/Suspense
4 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

She doesn’t want to deal with the past...Ten years ago, Ashley Fitzgerald witnessed the death of her parents in a tragic fire and blocked the memory. She pretends to have moved on, is a successful artist and photographer, until the morning she opens her door to a stranger she assumes is a model and asks him to strip to his briefs .

He wants to expose the truth....

Wealthy businessman Ron Noble has the body, the jet, the fast cars and the women, but he hides a deadly secret. His father started the fire that killed Ashley’s parents. Now someone is leaving him clues that could exonerate his father and they lead to Ashley’s door. Blindsided by the blazing attraction between them and a merciless killer silencing anyone who was there the night of the fire, Ron dare not tell Ashley the truth. Yet the answer he seeks may very well tear them apart.

While a demented arsonist...SLOW BURN(s)...and plots his ultimate revenge.

My Review

Who doesn't love a good romance every once and a while. How about one that has a little murder mystery/suspense to it. If that is what you are looking for then here is your book. Slow Burn is the first book of The Fitzgerald Series. Here is a story of love and betrayal involving the rich and the mob. Ashley is a character that has a tragic past which cost her the lives of her parents. All she wants to do is paint and end the nightmares that plague her of the night her parents died. Having no memory of that terrible night, Ashley thinks her mind is trying to tell her what happened. When Ron Noble, son of the man who caused the fire that killed her parents, contacts her for help regarding that night, Ashley wants nothing to do with him. Not taking no for an answer, Ron shows up on her door step with no intention of leaving until she says yes, even if he has to seduce her to do so. That shouldn't be hard since Ashley can't keep her eyes or hands off him. Ron has no interest in a relationship but something about Ashley changes his mind, no only if he can get her to agree. When Ron and Ashley start working together to find out the truth of that night, they put many friends and family in danger from someone who just wants the past forgotten. Danger lurks around every corner in this romantically intense story that will have you turning pages until the very end.

Under A Painted Sky


Synopsis

Isabella Reed is a fast-track twenty one year old from a small Florida town. She flees to the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque, NM, where the beautiful painted skies go on forever and hold hope for a fresh start.

She meets Logan Hayes, a sexy guide who has been hired to show her all the sights of her new city. He shows her much more than that. Something Paranormal happens to Isabella that she is unaware of when touring the Petroglyphs and her life takes a downward spiral into a supernatural captivity that no one will believe except for Logan. He vows to protect her with his life after seeing for himself. 

Excerpt

I opened my laptop and went to Facebook. I went through my usual like, like, and updated my status. Up, up, and away in my beautiful balloon through the ‘Land of Enchantment’ today! I turned the computer off and gathered my things, placing them on the table by the door.
I sat back down to finish my coffee and heard Logan at the door. I went to open it and he said, “Good morning, Isabella. Are you ready?”
“Morning. Yes, all set,” I replied.
I locked up and we pulled out of the drive and past the security gates and we were on our way.
Logan said, “We are leaving from our business parking lot.”
“Cool, how did you arrange that?” I asked.
“Well, I have connections with the pilot,” he replied.
“How’s that?” I asked.
“He’s my uncle. His name is Joe Hayes and he is my father’s brother. You’ll like him; he’s pretty cool,” Logan said.
“That’s neat. You have your own balloon pilot,” I said.
“It does have it perks for sure, but on the downside, I have had to play balloon chaser on several occasions,” Logan said.
We arrived at Logan’s office and sure enough, there was the balloon being filled with air.
We got out and Logan inquired, “Do you want to go watch it filling?”
“Yes,” I answered.
We walked over to the balloon.
I watched in childlike amazement as our balloon was made ready for us. Logan’s uncle came up to me and said, “I don’t believe we’ve met, because I certainly would have remembered it.”
Logan said, “Uncle Joe, this is Isabella Reed.”
“Glad to meet you,” Uncle Joe said.
“You, too,” I replied.
Joe said, “We will be off in just a few minutes.”
“Great,” I replied.
The balloon was on the ground and the basket was on its’ side on the ground. A fan was blowing into the balloons’ envelope and the material opened up and was flooded with color all of a sudden. It started to almost straighten up and it was beautiful with turquoise, purple and green. Each color looked like a cloud around the balloon with turquoise on top then purple and last was green. It had a nice basket with leather trim.
Joe got in and fired up the burner that seemed to breathe life into it. It had that same heavy breathing sound I heard on the first morning in the land of enchantment. They told me to get in the balloon as well. Logan straightened and untied the ropes while he kept us there and then jumped into the balloon. There were two more guys who were taking our pictures and then they jumped in their trucks.
Logan looked at me and said, “They are balloon chasers for us. They follow us around in case we need their assistance and help us with the landing later on.”
I nodded my head as we started our adventure ascending higher and higher until we were drifting on a peaceful breeze. It was very close quarters in the balloon basket and Logan was touching my arms and legs. I caught a breeze and I smelled Hugo Boss cologne. The day just got better. I couldn’t believe it. My first balloon ride ever and I was up in the clouds with the most handsome guy I had ever seen who was touching my whole body on one side, making gentle pulsations flow through me like electricity. What has this guy done to me? I looked up at him and he had a smile that would melt even the coldest heart. He looked down at me with a look that seemed to
say I was the most beautiful girl in the whole world. How did he make me feel that way?
Logan pointed to a river as we approached. “That is the Rio Grande Valley.”
We went across it in the cool, crisp morning air. We were at the top of the trees. Logan reached out, picked a couple leaves and handed them to me. I couldn’t believe we could touch the treetops. We were floating through the sky weightless like the clouds and it was so wonderful.
Logan’s uncle told me about some of the history of the area. He was also a jokester and was very funny. We dropped down to lightly splash the basket in the river and then went back up again. I sputtered with squeals of joy and Logan laughed. We continued to float across the sky and headed toward the clouds. Logan turned me around with his strong arm around my shoulder to show me the Sandia Mountains. I could really get used to that arm around me. Oh, there I go again, I scolded myself. The mountains were breathtakingly beautiful. It was so serene and tranquil. The rising sun with other balloons around it painted the sky with a silhouette that was major eye candy.
We continued on our magical journey with a view like no other. We crossed over peoples’ homes with them looking up awestruck, waving to us. This is a real friendly place to start with, but in
that moment, I felt like a movie star. Logan reached in his pocket and pulled out these cards and threw them down to the kids. They looked like credit cards.
Logan explained, “These are balloon cards that tell all about this balloon and about the pilot with a picture of the balloon on the front. They are collected by young and old, sort-of like baseball cards. Have one, Isabella.”
Wow, this ride has been full of excitement and surprises. This was an unforgettable memory.
After more time with Joe telling me about this mysterious and wondrous place while drifting through time, we started going down toward land. Our balloon chasers were waiting for us on the ground and after a bump, we landed. It was a piece of cake. We climbed out and my feet touched the ground, but I was already dreaming about my next balloon ride. I knew I would do this again without a doubt.
“What did you think, Isabella?” Logan asked.
“I think I am totally in love,” I replied.
Everyone turned and looked at me and I said, “With this ballooning activity.”
My face instantly flushed at how my original words sounded.
Joe said, “I’m glad you clarified that because I am happily married.” He flashed me a wink.
“It was incredible beyond words. I am really mesmerized by this place,” I said.
Joe said, “You would be surprised at how many people come here to vacation and never leave.”
“I can certainly see why,” I enthused.

Author Bio 

YA/ New Adult Paranormal Romance Author 
I am a Registered Nurse who is now devoting my time to writing fiction, reading, making scrapbooks, taking pictures, traveling and enjoying family and friends. I am a mother of two. When I'm not writing, I'm dreaming up characters for my next book. I love cotton nighties and comfortable shoes. My dream is to one day have an island of my very own where I can hold up there and write until my hearts content. 

Author Links 

Book links
amazon
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Sunday, February 17, 2013

Dracian Legacy (Dracian #1)

Dracian Legacy (Dracian, # 1)
Dracian Legacy
Author: Priya Kanaparti
Older YA Book
Paranormal Romance
5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis

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 become difficult as Ren’s life is constantly threatened by the Goarders, humans who sold their souls, a Proxy Succubi, and the leader of the Telalians, who has been searching for her as well.

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.


My Review

Where to begin?  Ok, this book was awesome. I loved the story idea. It was so creative and original and refreshing to read about something new and exciting The Dracians. Priya has outdone herself with her first book. In no way does this book speak "new author". Priya writes with experience and it shows with her story of Dracian Legacy. Priya's characters are so loveable, and entertaining. The way she writes brings a realness about them, and its easy to become attacted to a character. My favorite thing about this book is the thoughts Ren has, she is hilarious. Everyone can relate to the things to what she is thinking. To describe Ren as a character would be loyal, courageous, self-sacrificing, and headstrong. Dean I believe is the most misunderstood character. He surprised me at every corner even with his stupid male ego. Axel is a mystery. Just when you think you've got him figured out, we find another secret. I think we will learn a lot more about him in Dracian Legacy #2.

"You look super cute when you get all worked up.
If it weren't for that razor-sharp tongue of yours,
I'd suck that cuteness right out of you."  -Dean

 In her book we meet Temperence, aka Ren, who is an ordinary teenage girl, so it seems. Having lost her parents a year ago, we see the rebuilding of Ren's life without them. Her brother, Joshua, is her guardian and to me is the example of the brother we all want or wished we had. Ren meets Alexander, aka Axel, while visiting her parents gravesite. That night is when Ren's world is knocked of its axis. Creatures called Goarders, aka bad monsters, attack Ren and Axel, leaving Axel to make a big decision, tell Ren about who he really is and his world called Dracia. From that day on, Axel is all Ren can think about, and realizes she has an intense pull for him. Dean, one of Ren's best friends and certified "asshat", sees Ren's attraction towards Axel and decides now is time to make a move. Thus creating our love triangle. Both guys pull feelings from Ren and has to choose. Just when Ren gets her man, revealtions come out. Ren is not what she thinks she is and neither are the people she loves and cares about most. Ren has to learn to protect herself from the evils of Dracia and now become the savior they all need her to be, oh and graduate high school as well. When the battle comes, Ren will have to survive ultimate love and loss and say goodbye to her old life.


Giveaway Alert:
  • 3 Winners - each get an E-book (in PDF, Kindle or epub format) of Dracian Legacy
  • $15 GC to Amazon or Barnes and Noble
  • Additional $20 GC winner ONCE 150 copies of Dracian Legacy are sold

  • a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Dracian Legacy Blogger Tour Dates:
     
    2/12/2013           
    Finding Bliss @ http://laurahoward78.blogspot.com/ - Blog Tour Opening - Being a full time mom
    Brit Reads Indie                @ http://brittreadsindie.blogspot.com - AXEL POV
    2/13/2013           
    Ever and Ever Sight @ http://everandeversight.blogspot.com/ - Book Review  
    Mythical Books @ http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/ - Book Review
    2/14/2013           
    Fuonlyknew @ http://fuonlyknew.wordpress.com - Book Review & Character Interview w/ Ren /Axel /Dean
    A Diary Of A Book Addict @ http://www.adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com - Book
    2/15/2013           
    Crazy Book Chicks @ http://CrazyBookchicks.blogspot.com - Teaser, Character Interview - Tyler, 2 Book Reviews
    2/16/2013
    Just a booklover @  http://justabooklover.blogspot.com – Review and Character Interview - Dean
    2/17/2013           
    Say it with Books @ http://nuzsaysitwithbooks.blogspot.com/ - Review/Character Interview – WHO?
    The Book Diaries @ www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com - Book Review
    2/18/2013           
    Writefully So… @ http://adventures-in-word.blogspot.com/  - Author Interview            
    Books Forget me Knot @ http://emzsnow.wordpress.com - Book Review
    2/19/2013           
    Kidbits @ http://www.tonjadrecker.blogspot.com – Songs that inspired the story- Playlist
    Fantasy Books @ www.justfantasybooksadis.blogspot.com - Prologue
    2/20/2013           
    I read Indie @   http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/ - Author Interview - Top 10
    The Library Haunt @ http://thelibraryhaunt.blogspot.in/ - Book Review
    2/21/2013           
    The Book Goddess @ http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    Read 2 Review @ http://read2review.com/ - Promo Post
    2/22/2013           
    Little Hyuts @   http://www.littlehyuts.blogspot.com - Book Review and Teaser              
    Page Turner Book Tours @ http://pageturnerbooktours.blogspot.co.uk/ - Promo Post
    2/23/2013           
    Gathering Leaves @ http://www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com/ - Book Review             
    GMTA UK @ http://gmtauk.blogspot.co.uk/ - Promo Post
    2/24/2013           
    Micalea Smeltzer @ http://micaleasmeltzer.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    GMTA Paranormal/Young Adult/New Adult http://gmtaparanormalyanewadult.blogspot.co.uk/ - Promo Post
    2/25/2013           
    K-Books @ http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    Ramblings of a Book Junkie @ http://ramblingsofabookjunkie.blogspot.com/ - Chapter 1 Part 1
    2/26/2013           
    Passionate Book Divas @ http://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/ - C.I by C Interview – Axel Interviews Dean and Book review
    Books Over Boys @ http://www.booksoverboys.blogspot.com/ - Deleted Scene - Axel and Ren before wedding
    2/27/2013           
    Words Escape Me @ http://www.kristonjohnson.blogspot.com - Rotten Eggs - Excerpt
    Belle of the Literati @ http://belleoftheliterati.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    2/28/2013           
    Books, Books, & More Books @ http://theshortone08.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    Official Author Blog of Elisabeth Wheatley @ http://elisabethwheatley.wordpress.com/ - Book Review
    3/1/2013             
    A Life Among the Pages @ http://alifeamongthepages.wordpress.com/ - Action - Excerpt
    Lucky Books @  http://luckybooks12.wordpress.com/ - Teaser, Promo Post, and Maybe fan art
    3/2/2013
    Books Over Boys @ http://www.booksoverboys.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    The writerly Exploits of Mara Valderran @ http://maravalderran.blogspot.com - Author Interview
    3/3/2013             
    My Pathway to Books @ http://tessmw.blogspot.com - Book Review
    Emma Hart's Blog @ http://emmahart93.blogspot.com – Deleted Scene Chapter 21
    3/4/2013             
    Tiffany Loves Books @  http://Tiffanylovesbooks.wordpress.com - Book Review
    Active Amateur Chef @                http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com/ - Book Review
    3/5/2013             
    Beth Ann Masarik @ http://www.bethannmasarik.com - Romance – Excerpt
    The Book Goddess @ http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.com/ - Character Interview – WHO?
    3/6/2013             
    My Guilty Obsession @ http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/ - Chapter 1- Part 2
    3/7/2013             
    Musings of a Writing Reader @                http://triciakristufek.com/ - Guest Post - Making of 3 main characters
    Just a booklover @ http://justabooklover.blogspot.com - DEAN POV
    3/8/2013             
    The Journal Jabber Radio @ http://www.journaljabberradio.blogspot.com - Author Interview
    Whispers at Moonlight @ http://whispersatmoonlight.wordpress.com/ - Book Review
    3/9/2013             
    Cece's Reading and Writing Safari @ http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com/ - Character Interview – Ren, Axel, and Dean
    3/10/2013           
    Sab The Book Eater @ http://sabthebookeater.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    3/11/2013           
    Young Adult and Teen Readers @ http://www.facebook.com/YaTeenReaders - Book Review
    Joie De Lire @   http://joie-joiedelire.blogspot.com/ - Deleted Scene – Chapter 25
    3/12/2013           
    Reviewing What I read @ http://reviewingwhatimreading.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    Book Reviews and More @ http://theramblingsofabook-a-holic.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    3/13/2013           
    Devyn's Thoughts About Books @ http://devyn-dawson.blogspot.com - Author Interview
    3/14/2013           
    Juliana Haygert @ http://www.julianahaygert.com/blognews/ - Author Interview
    3/15/2013           
    Bookwyrming Thoughts @ http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com/ - Book Review
    K-Books @  http://k-booksxo.blogspot.com/ - Blog Tour Closing, Deleted Scene - Chapter 18