Saturday, July 23, 2011
Review The Choice by Lorhainne Eckhart
Title: The Choice
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook, 282 pgs
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Author Website
Marcie Hollis is a Wiccan, who’s always played by the rules. That’s until she meets Dan McKenzie, a man who she believes to be the knight in shining armor she’s been searching for all her life. However, Dan’s not who he appears to be. He lures Marcie into his world of lies, greed and high-grade marijuana. But fate intervenes on Marcie's illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she's robbed in a crowded airport. The thug not only makes off with her suspicious backpack, he knocks her down, her head slams on the concrete floor, and she loses her memory right in the path of DEA agent, Sam Carre.
After a six-month investigation into the activities of a big time drug dealer crumbles, the same day damming evidence is found stuffed in Sam’s locker – evidence suggesting he’s the notorious leak on the team, Sam jumps on the first plane home. Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans - his reputation and loyalty are in question. But even though Sam’s tired, disillusioned and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, he stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. Then in an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her. When questions arise about Marcie, and what she’s involved in, the answers lead them to the exact felons Sam investigated in the Pacific Northwest.
When her illusive memory returns, this complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable, and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was she set up, or was this a game she played? Sam’s forced to make a choice, walk away from the attraction that connects them, or risk losing everything.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
A large scale marijuana operation, a drug lord, dirty cops/DEA agents, a tarnished reputation, old letters, ghosts and a dark entity from the past come together in this contemporary romance with some paranormal aspects.
This is a story about a woman who forgets her roots, gets taken in by a man full of and surrounded by dark entities, is manipulated into becoming his drug mule and marijuana cultivator, loses her memory, meets a good man and they, along with some friends, set out to bring this very bad man to justice.
DEA Agent Sam was set up to take the fall by a drug lord. He sees a snatch and grab in the airport and sees Marcie go down. He can't help himself, he has to help her ... and go to the hospital with her ... and invite her to stay with him at his house. He feels a need to protect her. Later he finds he can't "keep his hands off her".
Marcie is being used as a mule by her boyfriend, Dan, who unbeknownst to her is a magic manipulator. She is mugged in the airport and her scalp is ripped open when her head hits the floor. She has a bad concussion and can't remember anything but her first name. She thinks she's crazy when she starts feeling others' emotions. She's seeing dead people and guardians in her dreams. After she regains her memory, she knows she sees dead people while she's awake too. She thought she was in love with Dan until she meets Sam and he helps her.
While this has some paranormal elements in it, a Wiccan in need of getting back to her roots and the Spirit and a man possessed and surrounded by a dark entities, this is not what most would consider a paranormal romance. But it is a good contemporary romance with a little bit of sex in it.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has a HEA ending.
Author: Lorhainne Eckhart
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: eBook, 282 pgs
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Author Website
Marcie Hollis is a Wiccan, who’s always played by the rules. That’s until she meets Dan McKenzie, a man who she believes to be the knight in shining armor she’s been searching for all her life. However, Dan’s not who he appears to be. He lures Marcie into his world of lies, greed and high-grade marijuana. But fate intervenes on Marcie's illicit trip for Dan to New Orleans, when she's robbed in a crowded airport. The thug not only makes off with her suspicious backpack, he knocks her down, her head slams on the concrete floor, and she loses her memory right in the path of DEA agent, Sam Carre.
After a six-month investigation into the activities of a big time drug dealer crumbles, the same day damming evidence is found stuffed in Sam’s locker – evidence suggesting he’s the notorious leak on the team, Sam jumps on the first plane home. Arriving in a crowded airport in New Orleans - his reputation and loyalty are in question. But even though Sam’s tired, disillusioned and haunted by a past that gives him no peace, he stops to help an attractive stranger when she falls in front of him. Then in an act of chivalry, he takes her to his home until the police can identify her. When questions arise about Marcie, and what she’s involved in, the answers lead them to the exact felons Sam investigated in the Pacific Northwest.
When her illusive memory returns, this complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable, and leaves Sam with a haunting question. Was she set up, or was this a game she played? Sam’s forced to make a choice, walk away from the attraction that connects them, or risk losing everything.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
A large scale marijuana operation, a drug lord, dirty cops/DEA agents, a tarnished reputation, old letters, ghosts and a dark entity from the past come together in this contemporary romance with some paranormal aspects.
This is a story about a woman who forgets her roots, gets taken in by a man full of and surrounded by dark entities, is manipulated into becoming his drug mule and marijuana cultivator, loses her memory, meets a good man and they, along with some friends, set out to bring this very bad man to justice.
DEA Agent Sam was set up to take the fall by a drug lord. He sees a snatch and grab in the airport and sees Marcie go down. He can't help himself, he has to help her ... and go to the hospital with her ... and invite her to stay with him at his house. He feels a need to protect her. Later he finds he can't "keep his hands off her".
Marcie is being used as a mule by her boyfriend, Dan, who unbeknownst to her is a magic manipulator. She is mugged in the airport and her scalp is ripped open when her head hits the floor. She has a bad concussion and can't remember anything but her first name. She thinks she's crazy when she starts feeling others' emotions. She's seeing dead people and guardians in her dreams. After she regains her memory, she knows she sees dead people while she's awake too. She thought she was in love with Dan until she meets Sam and he helps her.
While this has some paranormal elements in it, a Wiccan in need of getting back to her roots and the Spirit and a man possessed and surrounded by a dark entities, this is not what most would consider a paranormal romance. But it is a good contemporary romance with a little bit of sex in it.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has a HEA ending.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties #1) by Kendra Leigh Castle
Title:Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties #1)
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Source: publisher request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Format: Mass paperback
Authors website
For centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer-a human woman with a special gift-who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known . . .
Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer-she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces . . . or unleash her dark destiny?
I really want to like this book better. My biggest reasoning for not liking this book that much was the hero and heroine.I did like them both, but I never felt a spark between them and their romance as a couple just wasn’t believable to me. Again it’s because of the world built, it’s just so much of it, it took away from the romance. Yep, you guys know me I look for the romance first, then the world built. I am hoping the next book will be better in the romance now that the world is set up.
I really liked Lily, she’s strong. I liked how all of the connection to Lilith came about and of course, I love a heroine that has awesome powers. I just wish Lily would have been able to control them and know what they were.
Ty, As much as I liked his character I never got to know the real him. I did from Jaden, but I didn’t want to hear it from him. I wanted to know Ty’s POV just it wasn’t there that much. I felt like I was able to know Jaden more and he’s not the hero.
There’s a glossary at the front to help you out. The thing is the world buld is pretty massive, so you may need to take your time reading. To tell you the truth I didn’t want to pick it back up. I would read a little and stop, then dread picking it back up. I have read a lot of massive world builds in PNR books and enjoyed them, but this one was quite difficult to take in.
Anyhoo, I think this book will go over with some PNR readers while others won’t care for it. So, my suggestion is to look at the good and bad reviews before buying. Then there is the other option just jump into it and see what you think.
Author: Kendra Leigh Castle
Source: publisher request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Format: Mass paperback
Authors website
For centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer-a human woman with a special gift-who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known . . .
Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer-she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces . . . or unleash her dark destiny?
I really liked Lily, she’s strong. I liked how all of the connection to Lilith came about and of course, I love a heroine that has awesome powers. I just wish Lily would have been able to control them and know what they were.
Ty, As much as I liked his character I never got to know the real him. I did from Jaden, but I didn’t want to hear it from him. I wanted to know Ty’s POV just it wasn’t there that much. I felt like I was able to know Jaden more and he’s not the hero.
There’s a glossary at the front to help you out. The thing is the world buld is pretty massive, so you may need to take your time reading. To tell you the truth I didn’t want to pick it back up. I would read a little and stop, then dread picking it back up. I have read a lot of massive world builds in PNR books and enjoyed them, but this one was quite difficult to take in.
Anyhoo, I think this book will go over with some PNR readers while others won’t care for it. So, my suggestion is to look at the good and bad reviews before buying. Then there is the other option just jump into it and see what you think.
Review of LINNETTE, THE LIONESS by Lavinia Kent
The Real Duchesses of London
Linnette, The Lioness
Lavinia Kent
Harper Collins
July 12, 2011
ISBN: 9780062115706
Historical Romance
Novella, 100 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Harper Collins Website
Lavinia Kent Website
Regency England just got real(ity)
Episode 2: The One with the Fake Baby
Rumors abound – everyone has heard that Linnette, the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire is pregnant. Beautiful, young, with more freedom than any respectable woman should want, Linnette is no stranger to a little gossip. But her friends can’t help her brave the fallout, because this time Linnette has done something naughty…
My Ratings
Review
THE REAL DUCHESSES OF LONDON is a series of four novellas. Each of the novellas focuses on one of the ladies, and the political cartoon scandal sheets about her that circulate around town. LINNETTE, THE LIONESS is the second book of the series. The maids for the Ladies are the ones we hear talking about the scandal sheets.
Linnette Sharpeton is the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire. Her husband died four years ago. Then, the replacement Duke let her run the place until he died suddenly. Now James Sharpeton has been called back from Canada to take his place as the new Duke of Doveshire. And this is where the story begins.
James and Linnette spent a beautiful night together eight years ago and he asked her to marry him. When she awoke – he was gone – he had left her. Now he is back and she wants answers. In addition, the scandal sheets are causing her problems and she isn’t sure what to do.
When these two get together the sparks fly! There is no doubt James loves Linnette unconditionally. He realizes his past mistakes and asks Linnette what he can do to prove his love for her. The biggest flaw he has is his failure to satisfactorily explain why he didn’t come back to London after Linnette’s husband died. “I was scared,” doesn’t cut the mustard with me. I’m not overly fond of the beta hero, but James is the exception. The scene with Elizabeth sitting on the couch and throwing herself at him is comical.
Linnette couldn’t live without James, but she couldn’t live with him either. She couldn’t trust him. He left her once, he would do it again. They just have to talk; to discuss things. James has to stop changing the subject; distracting her. They eventually do get around to discussing the situation. In the meantime, James distracts Linnette on a table while Linnette distracts James at the Opera. I really enjoyed the way these two would banter in their conversations; get angry with each other, pout, but not give up on love.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a novella like this one. While I didn’t feel I missed anything from not reading the first one, it may have added something (?), but what I don’t know. This is truly a series To Be Continued…… Yes, it does have an HEA, but I didn’t like the way it ended. Even though I know why it ended the way it did. Still….
Linnette, The Lioness
Lavinia Kent
Harper Collins
July 12, 2011
ISBN: 9780062115706
Historical Romance
Novella, 100 pages
Publisher Requested Review
Harper Collins Website
Lavinia Kent Website
Regency England just got real(ity)
Episode 2: The One with the Fake Baby
Rumors abound – everyone has heard that Linnette, the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire is pregnant. Beautiful, young, with more freedom than any respectable woman should want, Linnette is no stranger to a little gossip. But her friends can’t help her brave the fallout, because this time Linnette has done something naughty…
My Ratings
Review
Sexual
THE REAL DUCHESSES OF LONDON is a series of four novellas. Each of the novellas focuses on one of the ladies, and the political cartoon scandal sheets about her that circulate around town. LINNETTE, THE LIONESS is the second book of the series. The maids for the Ladies are the ones we hear talking about the scandal sheets.
Linnette Sharpeton is the Dowager Duchess of Doveshire. Her husband died four years ago. Then, the replacement Duke let her run the place until he died suddenly. Now James Sharpeton has been called back from Canada to take his place as the new Duke of Doveshire. And this is where the story begins.
James and Linnette spent a beautiful night together eight years ago and he asked her to marry him. When she awoke – he was gone – he had left her. Now he is back and she wants answers. In addition, the scandal sheets are causing her problems and she isn’t sure what to do.
When these two get together the sparks fly! There is no doubt James loves Linnette unconditionally. He realizes his past mistakes and asks Linnette what he can do to prove his love for her. The biggest flaw he has is his failure to satisfactorily explain why he didn’t come back to London after Linnette’s husband died. “I was scared,” doesn’t cut the mustard with me. I’m not overly fond of the beta hero, but James is the exception. The scene with Elizabeth sitting on the couch and throwing herself at him is comical.
Linnette couldn’t live without James, but she couldn’t live with him either. She couldn’t trust him. He left her once, he would do it again. They just have to talk; to discuss things. James has to stop changing the subject; distracting her. They eventually do get around to discussing the situation. In the meantime, James distracts Linnette on a table while Linnette distracts James at the Opera. I really enjoyed the way these two would banter in their conversations; get angry with each other, pout, but not give up on love.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a novella like this one. While I didn’t feel I missed anything from not reading the first one, it may have added something (?), but what I don’t know. This is truly a series To Be Continued…… Yes, it does have an HEA, but I didn’t like the way it ended. Even though I know why it ended the way it did. Still….
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Coming in October Paranormal romance characterfest 1-31
October is going to be paranormal romance characterfest month. I have different paranormal romance author who are hosting character interviews and giveaway each day.
I have a week of vampires, shape-shifters, demons and witches/warlocks. And with the three days left over I have something different each day.
This is not to be missed if your an adult paranormal romance lover.
I will be updating you once the dates are full and believe me they are very close, on which author is one which day.
So, come and have fun and see which character is the hottest or sexiest or the funnest or spookiest you'll never know who you'll meet this October.
Review Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian
Title: Deeper Than Midnight (Midnight Breed #9)
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 416 pgs
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Author Website
At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vampire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well—the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.
Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos’s most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he’s hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he’ll go to end Dragos’s reign of evil—even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne’s tender heart.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
In this 9th novel of Adrian's Midnight Breed series, things are heating up as the Order gets closer to finding Dragos, the evil villain intent on ruling the world. Dragos is starting to take things personally and goes on the offensive — he's going after the Order.
Corinne, one of Dragos' former prisoners, was kept for 75 years for the purposes of breeding with the Ancient One to produce Gen Ones. She was kept naked in a small lightless cell. The breedmates were tortured, abused for years and repeatedly raped. If they were lucky enough to survive the encounter with the Ancient One, if they survived the pregnancy, they might still die during the birth. Unbroken by Dragos' cruelty and depravity, she has one thing to do after letting her family know she's alive. And she's going to use Hunter to help her. She doesn't count on her body responding to him.
Hunter is "logical, unemotional", bred by a monster to be a monster, "a killing machine", a Gen One breed —— sired by an Ancient One who was held captive by Dragos in an attempt to create an army of assassins that would serve him. Hunter is stronger, faster and more powerful, up to 10x, than all but the few remaining Gen Ones. He's never experienced anything representing a normal life —— bred, reared and trained in a lab facility where interaction with others like him was kept to a minimum. He had never known warmth, caring or friendship —— only cold, unfeeling keepers who regularly beat him as part of his training and education —— until he met a special little girl with a unique talent while on a mission gone bad. When Hunter sees Corinne in the Order's corridor, he is "utterly transfixed" and can't look away from her. He doesn't understand his reaction to her, why "her presence [is] so arresting". Without realizing it he walks over to her and while we knows he's never met her before, she is "strangely familiar". His body reacts to her, something that has never happened before. Since there was never any intimacy in his upbringing, he is still a virgin and totally unprepared for these feelings.
Since Hunter is a virgin and Corinne has never been made love to, only raped repeatedly, there isn't a lot of sex in this installment of the series. The sexual chemistry is there but it takes a while to get to the "doing" part. However, what is there is sweet. Who knew Hunter could be so tender?
Sterling Chase continues on his path of self destruction that started when his sister-in-law, whom he had loved from afar for many, many years, lost her husband then her son and, thanks to Chase, found her true mate among the Order. Chase spots a female who captures his attention over and over again. Could it be enough to stop and reverse his downward slope to self destruction? Hmmm, foreshadowing for the next book perhaps?
A must read for fans of the series as well as paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans. While this can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order so you'll know why this relationship is such a big deal for Hunter.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has a HEA ending ... kinda, mostly ... Corinne and Hunter become a happy family with Corinne's son BUT they, and the Order, are still pursued by Dragos and Dragos still has his evil world domination plans.
Author: Lara Adrian
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 416 pgs
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Author Website
At eighteen, Corinne Bishop was a beautiful, spirited young woman living a life of privilege as the adopted daughter of a wealthy family. Her world changed in an instant when she was stolen away and held prisoner by the malevolent vampire Dragos. After many years of captivity and torment, Corinne is rescued by the Order, a cadre of vampire warriors embroiled in a war against Dragos and his followers. Her innocence taken, Corinne has lost a piece of her heart as well—the one thing that gave her hope during her imprisonment, and the only thing that matters to her now that she is free.
Assigned to safeguard Corinne on her trip home is a formidable golden-eyed Breed male called Hunter. Once Dragos’s most deadly assassin, Hunter now works for the Order, and he’s hell-bent on making Dragos pay for his manifold sins. Bonded to Corinne by their mutual desire, Hunter will have to decide how far he’ll go to end Dragos’s reign of evil—even if carrying out his mission means shattering Corinne’s tender heart.
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
In this 9th novel of Adrian's Midnight Breed series, things are heating up as the Order gets closer to finding Dragos, the evil villain intent on ruling the world. Dragos is starting to take things personally and goes on the offensive — he's going after the Order.
Corinne, one of Dragos' former prisoners, was kept for 75 years for the purposes of breeding with the Ancient One to produce Gen Ones. She was kept naked in a small lightless cell. The breedmates were tortured, abused for years and repeatedly raped. If they were lucky enough to survive the encounter with the Ancient One, if they survived the pregnancy, they might still die during the birth. Unbroken by Dragos' cruelty and depravity, she has one thing to do after letting her family know she's alive. And she's going to use Hunter to help her. She doesn't count on her body responding to him.
Hunter is "logical, unemotional", bred by a monster to be a monster, "a killing machine", a Gen One breed —— sired by an Ancient One who was held captive by Dragos in an attempt to create an army of assassins that would serve him. Hunter is stronger, faster and more powerful, up to 10x, than all but the few remaining Gen Ones. He's never experienced anything representing a normal life —— bred, reared and trained in a lab facility where interaction with others like him was kept to a minimum. He had never known warmth, caring or friendship —— only cold, unfeeling keepers who regularly beat him as part of his training and education —— until he met a special little girl with a unique talent while on a mission gone bad. When Hunter sees Corinne in the Order's corridor, he is "utterly transfixed" and can't look away from her. He doesn't understand his reaction to her, why "her presence [is] so arresting". Without realizing it he walks over to her and while we knows he's never met her before, she is "strangely familiar". His body reacts to her, something that has never happened before. Since there was never any intimacy in his upbringing, he is still a virgin and totally unprepared for these feelings.
Since Hunter is a virgin and Corinne has never been made love to, only raped repeatedly, there isn't a lot of sex in this installment of the series. The sexual chemistry is there but it takes a while to get to the "doing" part. However, what is there is sweet. Who knew Hunter could be so tender?
Sterling Chase continues on his path of self destruction that started when his sister-in-law, whom he had loved from afar for many, many years, lost her husband then her son and, thanks to Chase, found her true mate among the Order. Chase spots a female who captures his attention over and over again. Could it be enough to stop and reverse his downward slope to self destruction? Hmmm, foreshadowing for the next book perhaps?
A must read for fans of the series as well as paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans. While this can be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the series in order so you'll know why this relationship is such a big deal for Hunter.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has a HEA ending ... kinda, mostly ... Corinne and Hunter become a happy family with Corinne's son BUT they, and the Order, are still pursued by Dragos and Dragos still has his evil world domination plans.
Bitten's She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for July - DARK IS THE NIGHT by Brindle Chase
Book #1 of the Dark Justice Series
Brindle Chase
Published by Forlorn Hope
Date: June 22, 2011
ISBN: 0012872229
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Ebook, 173 pages
Book provided by Author for Review
Brindle Chase Website
Katherine Wells is Cleveland's top homicide detective and she's hot on the trail of the Antoinette killer. The string of burnt and beheaded bodies have little in common, except they keep turning up. In search of clues, she encounters Alexander. His intoxicating old world persona captivates her and she suddenly finds herself in a torrid love affair. The passion is overwhelming and her sense of law falls into blissful chaos.
As an elder vampire, Alexander struggles for anonymity in the modern world. Killing isn't personal; it's to prevent them from becoming the undead. His kind can't be discovered. With Katherine's investigation getting too close to the truth, the other vampires demand he eliminate Detective Wells.
Katherine discovers Alexander's supernatural secret and he learns Katherine's the detective he must silence. The revelations are shocking. He's everything she ever wanted and everything she stood against. Torn between a love like no other and the law she's sworn to uphold, she must choose. Against time, the police and the other vampires, they must destroy the evidence she's collected and join the undead.
Review Ratings
Bitten's She-Wolf Pack's Ratings and Reviews
Laurie’s Ratings:
Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire
I really enjoyed taking a walk on the darker side of paranormal romance with Dark is the Night. This is a darker vampire romance with the added suspense storyline that author Brindle Chase has brought into the paranormal romance world. If you still like your vampires with bite this maybe for you, but be warned Brindle writes vampires that kills. Oh yeah, that’s what I like most about it. Vampires are predators they need to kill for their livelihood and in saying this they also need a darker tale that puts a little fright into someone and I think this book does a good job at doing this. I do hope Brindle will write more of these because they are hard to find in today’s paranormal romance world.
Alexander and Katherine’s connection starts right off and heats the pages up all the way through. Don’t get me wrong these two have a lot of tension between them you see one doesn’t want to turn the other and the other one wants to be turned, so you get a ride with some strain.
I recommend this one to those who likes the darker side with some *fans self* hot sex. One scene has a little F/F. I myself don’t care for the F/F, but it didn’t bother me that much because it was very light.
Cynthia’s Ratings:
Review: 5 – An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire
If you’re looking for the sanitized, romanticized or even (GAH someone slap me) the twinkling day-walking vampire – thank you Mr. Chase, because you won’t find them here. Mr. Chase has created a world that puts the vampire right back where it all began. In the shadows, at the top of the food chain; peering down at us with those mesmerizing eyes, captivating us with their beauty. Harkens back to the day of the vampire as true predator.
Katherine and Alexander are drawn together by an unquenchable need and lust; their passion the only thing they have in common. Little do they know, however, they do hunt each other in a totally different way. Katherine is searching for the killer in a string of horrendous murders, which Alexander has committed, but only in self-preservation. As Katherine’s investigation closes in on a suspect, and she thinks it may be Alexander, her outlook on life changes. Alexander knows he must take action to prevent his kind from being exposed or he forfeits everything.
From Page One, I was hooked by Mr. Chase’s writing style and world building. Nothing ho-hum, tedious, or lagging. On the contrary, at times I was a smidgeon overwhelmed. DARK IS THE NIGHT will satisfy readers of the paranormal, suspense, and erotic romance genres. There is one short f/f/m scene, but don’t get your panties in a wad Girls.
I would be remiss if I did not caution you of the graphic sex and violence in DARK IS THE NIGHT. Well, the sex you expected, but the violence you may not; this is not for the faint of heart. I feel the violence (and sex, of course) is warranted. They play a very large part in the development of not only the relationship of Katherine and Alexander, but of how Katherine sees herself and to what lengths Alexander will go to protect her.
Some of you may find Katherine’s actions unbelievable (it is fiction), but ask yourself this question: What would you do for love? Where is the fine line? The real, true, ever-lasting, can’t live without, he/she completes me, love. What Mr. Chase has penned is a bit reminiscent of Etta Place and Bonnie Parker (just two examples that come to mind). Except that Mr. Chase has delivered it to us wrapped via an uber-sensual vampire in the delicious tale of two souls colliding with each other, overcoming the frightening odds, and having their HEA. BRAVO! After all, this is romance!
Ollie's Ratings:
Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire
DARK IS THE NIGHT not only delivers some very hot and intense passionate scenes, but also returns to the concept that vampires are predatory killer driven by the instinct to hunt and feed from their victims. Though I enjoyed the concept and the hot sex scenes, there were elements that threw me off and made it difficult for to connect with the characters.
At the beginning of the book I felt as if I was transported to a 1940's detective movie by how Katherine “spoke”. At first I tried to ignore the imagery that kept popping in my head that I was watching a Humphrey Bogart movie with the Katherine saying (not the exact words but the same feeling) “I was standing in the corner watching the blood slide down the wall while I lit a cigarette” or how she would say something and then say en it with “I said”. It became hard to put myself into the scene and feel as if I was standing on the sideline watching in as I do with other books.
What I did enjoy was the development of Alexander and how he was both a powerful force not only physically but also emotionally. His determination not to draw Katherine into his world was endearing, at the same time it did not take away from his strong persona.
Katherine on the other hand, I had a harder time understanding her personality. Her tough as nail demeanor did not settle well with me. I found that there didn't seem to be a natural progression from Katherine's original persona to accepting and giving herself completely so quickly to Alexander. If the author provided more glimpses into the tender side of Katherine emotional make up then it would have been easier to accept her transition.
Now for times that Alexander and Katherine got it on were hot and intense, but sex scenes alone can't make up for the lack of connection for the characters. During the first half of the book I had to struggle to read through, but by the second half it became easier due to the increase in action. Though there were parts I didn't connect with I still enjoyed the overall storyline and of course Alexander. Now he is vampire I would love to spend my nights with.
WildAboutBones Ratings:
Review: 3 – One Good Howl
Sexual: 4 – Four Alarm Fire
Chase combines vampires, murder, torture and undeniable, irresistible, insatiable arousal in this dark paranormal romance. The story is told in first person from Alexander's and Katherine's points of view.
Usually the domain of the antagonists, the romantic male lead in this story is a vampire in the more traditional vein: cold blooded predator, kills when feeding, turns a victim simply by feeding upon, must behead and burn to kill to make sure victim doesn't turn, to kill must behead and/or remove the heart to kill, no sunlight, etc.
Alexander, a 1000 year old vamp and the male lead, is full of contradictions. He insists he has no morals and yet he feels remorse when killing, feels it is wrong to kill when not hungry or indiscriminately, has a sense of fair play/honor and laments the fact that humans have no chance against the superior vamps. He talks as if he belongs in centuries past ... hasn't bothered to keep up with modern slang or speech patterns (which can make for some difficult reading at times -- like trying to read one of the literary classics from 19th century). Alexander is stunned by the beauty of the goddess who is Katherine. He is aroused by her on so many different levels -- he is afraid. Afraid of what he'll do to her. "But to not kill her went against my very nature .... To kill her I could not. But to drink of her, I must. She would turn if I did." He finally admits she is his soulmate. He can't be all bad if he makes Kat think of things like "those "I love you and I’m going to make love to you for all eternity' kisses." Wow.
Chase incorporates some really dry and dark twisted humor in the story which had me chuckling:
"One cannot have their fun and expect someone else to clean up after them."
"Killing is our nature; it’s nothing personal."
"A smart jock. There’s an oxymoron for you. Rare, but not impossible."
"I had a vibrator and a bottle of vodka waiting at home with my name on them."
Katherine, "Kat", is 33, 5'7", a size 6 and relatively good looking. All of which can make her job as the top homicide detective in the city hard. She wears a ring to discourage the come-ons, "A lot of guys have trouble with the notion of being told no and I was tired of saying it." She avoids romance, she doesn't have time for it. "If you can imagine the day when a semi-attractive woman can walk into a bar and say loudly ‘I need to get laid. Any takers?’ and strike out, then I’ll mark that day as the end of the world." Kat literally bumps into Alexander and is "mesmerized" as he "was more beautiful than any man I could have ever imagined". She "stood there gawking like an idiot as he smiled down on [her]. Worse, [she] openly swooned, damn it all to hell." She is humiliated to find she has turned into a stuttering idiot.
Chase can write some seriously hot scenes. Like the scene in hotel, when Alex gets Kat naked, kissing the heck out of her but then has the nerve to back out saying he has no control. And leaves! Excuse me! In that case, why did he take her to the hotel? In the beginning of their relationship, he is such a tease and not in a good way. Another smoking hot scene up on the roof in the snow. A steamy scene in the kitchen in front of the stove while she's cooking - yep, while she's cooking. There is the couch scene while he feeds her mac 'n cheese. Alexander is apparently so good, she blacks out almost every time she comes.
So even though it can be somewhat hard getting used to the way Alexander thinks and speaks, putting aside the dark nature of the plot, this is a very good story. I give it a 3.5 of 5 for content and 3.5 of 4 on the sexy scale. Perhaps a story urban fantasy, horror and vampire fans will enjoy more so than paranormal romance fans who don't care for the dark side.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
There is a HEA ending ... kinda ... they are together now in immortality loving each other and she's having the best sex of her life ... well ... unlife. But, she's now a murderer with a beast inside her who needs to be fed and controlled.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Interview and Giveaway with Author Annabelle Weston
Please join me, WildAboutBones, in welcoming author Anabelle Weston as we talk about her recent book Hunting Tucker and other goodies.
Would you tell us a little about yourself?
For Hunting Tucker, I wrote the short story and Eliza worked on the characterizations and developing the romance. I think she did a great job. For our other projects, I write a chapter, she writes the next and we revise each others chapters.
What makes writing as a team different from writing solo?
Two creative people putting a plot together can come up with some amazing (and strange) ideas.
Why write under a pseudonym?
We decided to use another name, Annabelle Weston, because AW has a definite style and voice separate from the kinds of books Eliza and I write. Hunting Tucker is unique, funny and on the wilder side of paranormal romance. I hope you'll agree.
How did you come up with the idea for “Hunting Tucker”? And was it different from how you come up with your other wild and sexy ideas?
The idea for the story was hatched in an on-line UCLA extension service class called: "Creating Villains." The instructor was horror writer Don Webb. Did I learn a lot! The odd little man in Hunting Tucker came out of my homework for the class and I ended up with a fifteen page story. I submitted the story to several SciFi and Fantasy magazines. The rejections were kind and helpful but all felt the story was more of a romance. So I asked my writing partner, Eliza Knight, if she'd like to work on the project and make the odd man story into a book. Eliza tarted up the story. Did she ever. Blush. Hunting Tucker became a paranormal romance with a happy ending.
Any plans for more stories in the paranormal romance/erotica genre?
Sure. I’d like to do a werewolf story that doesn’t have a gothic setting.
How did you come up with and create a video for your books?
This spring I attended the Romantic Times convention in Los Angeles. All the buzz was about the self-published selling so well on Amazon. Eliza is computer savvy and she did the cover and formatted Hunting Tucker according to the Amazon guidelines. She also developed a trailer and put it on YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MVKDWTJPgI
Now we are doing our own publicity including a Blog Tour. Being featured at Bitten By Paranormal Romance is such a great opportunity for us.
Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books you’ve read?
My new favorite is Helen Simonson (Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand). Also, I like Phillipa Gregory (Other Boleyn Girl), Anne Perry (Monk series) and Marion Chesney (Snobbery with Violence).
Is there something you’d like to tell your fans that no one ever asks you in an interview?
Thank you for being readers.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on next?
Eliza and I have finished three projects—one historical and two contemporaries. The manuscripts are at publishers for consideration.
More about our journey can be found at www.ElizaKnight.com
My website for historical romance is www.SarahRichmond.com
Now for some Fun Questions:
I’ll answer for me but Annabelle is more hip and fun than I am.
Spoilers or no spoilers? If you like birds, you’ll like Hunting Tucker.
eBooks or print? eBook for now.
Boxers, briefs or commando? Briefs if they’re snug. No baggy briefs, please.
What are you currently reading? Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson which I love, love, love. Also The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson which readers of paranormal might like. It’s scary.
Do you have any pets? I had a dachshund who died of kidney failure. Too soon to get another.
What is your favorite movie and TV show? I’m a fan of Justified. Great characters. I like historical movies, costume dramas, and movies set in England but just saw a contemporary called The First Grader which made me cry.
Do you have a favorite food or place to eat? Here in Pasadena we eat at The Hat. Pastrami and more onion rings than you can fit on a plate.
Thanks so much, Annabelle Weston, for taking the time for this interview.
WildAboutBones' Review of Hunting Tucker
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MVKDWTJPgI
For more info:
Annabelle Weston Website: http://elizaknight.com/AnnabelleWeston.aspx
Author Blog for extras: http://annabellewestonromance.blogspot.com
Eliza Knight: www.ElizaKnight.com
Sarah Richmond: www.SarahRichmond.com
Hunting Tucker Purchase Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hunting-tucker-annabelle-weston/1031245274
Amazon.com (US): http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Contemporary-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B004XWC26G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311060850&sr=1-1
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Contemporary-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B004XWC26G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311060938&sr=1-1
Would you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you so much for the opportunity to promote our paranormal romance, Hunti
ng Tucker. Annabelle Weston is a writing team—Eliza Knight and Sarah Richmond. Eliza lives on the East Coast and is twenty-somethingish and Sarah Richmond (moi) lives on the West Coast and is a bit older. We have never met.
Do you have a process or any special rituals in your writing routine? ng Tucker. Annabelle Weston is a writing team—Eliza Knight and Sarah Richmond. Eliza lives on the East Coast and is twenty-somethingish and Sarah Richmond (moi) lives on the West Coast and is a bit older. We have never met.For Hunting Tucker, I wrote the short story and Eliza worked on the characterizations and developing the romance. I think she did a great job. For our other projects, I write a chapter, she writes the next and we revise each others chapters.
What makes writing as a team different from writing solo?
Two creative people putting a plot together can come up with some amazing (and strange) ideas.
Why write under a pseudonym?
We decided to use another name, Annabelle Weston, because AW has a definite style and voice separate from the kinds of books Eliza and I write. Hunting Tucker is unique, funny and on the wilder side of paranormal romance. I hope you'll agree.
How did you come up with the idea for “Hunting Tucker”? And was it different from how you come up with your other wild and sexy ideas?
The idea for the story was hatched in an on-line UCLA extension service class called: "Creating Villains." The instructor was horror writer Don Webb. Did I learn a lot! The odd little man in Hunting Tucker came out of my homework for the class and I ended up with a fifteen page story. I submitted the story to several SciFi and Fantasy magazines. The rejections were kind and helpful but all felt the story was more of a romance. So I asked my writing partner, Eliza Knight, if she'd like to work on the project and make the odd man story into a book. Eliza tarted up the story. Did she ever. Blush. Hunting Tucker became a paranormal romance with a happy ending.
Any plans for more stories in the paranormal romance/erotica genre?
Sure. I’d like to do a werewolf story that doesn’t have a gothic setting.
How did you come up with and create a video for your books?
This spring I attended the Romantic Times convention in Los Angeles. All the buzz was about the self-published selling so well on Amazon. Eliza is computer savvy and she did the cover and formatted Hunting Tucker according to the Amazon guidelines. She also developed a trailer and put it on YouTube. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MVKDWTJPgI
Now we are doing our own publicity including a Blog Tour. Being featured at Bitten By Paranormal Romance is such a great opportunity for us.
Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite books you’ve read?
My new favorite is Helen Simonson (Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand). Also, I like Phillipa Gregory (Other Boleyn Girl), Anne Perry (Monk series) and Marion Chesney (Snobbery with Violence).
Is there something you’d like to tell your fans that no one ever asks you in an interview?
Thank you for being readers.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on next?
Eliza and I have finished three projects—one historical and two contemporaries. The manuscripts are at publishers for consideration.
More about our journey can be found at www.ElizaKnight.com
My website for historical romance is www.SarahRichmond.com
Now for some Fun Questions:
I’ll answer for me but Annabelle is more hip and fun than I am.
Spoilers or no spoilers? If you like birds, you’ll like Hunting Tucker.
eBooks or print? eBook for now.
Boxers, briefs or commando? Briefs if they’re snug. No baggy briefs, please.
What are you currently reading? Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson which I love, love, love. Also The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson which readers of paranormal might like. It’s scary.
Do you have any pets? I had a dachshund who died of kidney failure. Too soon to get another.
What is your favorite movie and TV show? I’m a fan of Justified. Great characters. I like historical movies, costume dramas, and movies set in England but just saw a contemporary called The First Grader which made me cry.
Do you have a favorite food or place to eat? Here in Pasadena we eat at The Hat. Pastrami and more onion rings than you can fit on a plate.
Thanks so much, Annabelle Weston, for taking the time for this interview.
WildAboutBones' Review of Hunting Tucker
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MVKDWTJPgI
For more info:
Annabelle Weston Website: http://elizaknight.com/AnnabelleWeston.aspx
Author Blog for extras: http://annabellewestonromance.blogspot.com
Eliza Knight: www.ElizaKnight.com
Sarah Richmond: www.SarahRichmond.com
Hunting Tucker Purchase Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hunting-tucker-annabelle-weston/1031245274
Amazon.com (US): http://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Contemporary-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B004XWC26G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311060850&sr=1-1
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Contemporary-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B004XWC26G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311060938&sr=1-1
GIVEAWAY
Giveaway and Contest Policy
Giveaway open July 20 - 22, 2011 (midnight)
Giveaway open July 20 - 22, 2011 (midnight)
Annabelle Weston will be giving away a copy of her Hunting Tucker eBook to a lucky winner. This is an International giveaway.
To enter, be a follower and make a comment and/or ask Annabelle Weston a question, along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.
Good luck, everyone!
To enter, be a follower and make a comment and/or ask Annabelle Weston a question, along with your email address so we can contact you if you win.
Good luck, everyone!
Guest Post with author KH LeMoyne + Giveaway closed
Guest Post KH LeMoyne: What to Write?
Blurb:
They are the Guardians of Eden—each created with a unique supernatural talent.
Having successfully hidden her abilities from humans for two hundred years, Briet quietly applies the gifts of cellular-level vision to help patients in need. Until she meets her human soul-mate, Jason Ballard.
Jason holds the reigns to the protocol Briet’s patients’ need for recovery. But can she trust a man all too human and grounded in his world to understand hers, much less believe her? When a deadly threat targets her patients, he is the only one she trusts to help stop an evil only the two of them can fight.
Jason has a perfect success rate for delivering of new drugs from test-to-market. Used to influencing people, rules and guidelines delineate every facet of his professional and personal life. The last thing he expects is to be tempted to waiver by the new spitfire doctor on his latest test team. Especially as she starts stirring up issues. Dangerous issues. Issues flagging jeopardy for the lives of the children in the test. Issues the drug manufacturer, his employer, would prefer be ignored. An unacceptable outcome, forcing Jason to walk a dangerous line between job and conscience as he plunges with Briet to ferret out the twisted scheme in time to save her patients.
***
Let’s face it, it would be hard to write a hundred thousand words about characters you don’t like. Much less struggle through writing a nine-book series. Not impossible, I suppose, but who would want to slog through that exercise? Add on the complexity of genre details, and for urban fantasy to be interesting to me, a story also needs depth and layers. If I can see the reasons why everything is happening as the story unfolds then I’m less entertained. I like surprises. I want them to make sense but still, surprise me!
That’s why I spent a lot of time with all my characters, especially Briet and Jason in Warrior Reborn. First figuring out what makes them tick, what are their primary goals, how they intersect, where they deviate, and, if possible, how something that can be a taboo could turn into a lifeline. These two didn’t launch the Guardians of Eden series and in some ways that makes their story harder. They have to be more compelling, struggle harder, and make their choices for better reasons than their predecessors. A tough milestone.
Because these two meet in a work environment, the supernatural has to be woven around their circumstances. Their actions need to be believable and their outcome incredible. But their character development has to make sense.
Actually, relationships and bonds, what priorities people assign in their lives during a desperate situation is an underlying theme in this series. A secretive Guardian race and a human existence offer little middle ground on which to relate. Especially if the choice seems one-sided. Yet, add in physical threat to children, the fragile chance for long-discarded hopes, and death, and suddenly, our hero and heroine develop strong motivations to set aside their reservations and fight for what they believe is right.
Situations drive goals and a person’s internal character will determine the choices they make. Not to mention that it takes time and experiences for people to trust each other. Solid friendships and true long lasting commitment, doesn’t sprout overnight. It takes a little nurture and the right mix of dangerous circumstances.
Don’t get me wrong. I still love that ‘love at first sight’ storyline. Just make me believe it. One of the things I loved about the TV series, Beauty and the Beast with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton, was how they grew to love and trust each other, whether they could have each other forever or not. That’s the type of relationship I tried to portray in this second book of the Guardians of Eden. That storyline keeps me interested through every edit. And that type of love will keep me motivated until the series ends. I hope readers will like it as well.
Bio:KH LeMoyne was born into a naval family, experiencing total emersion in Spanish kindergarten in Rota, Spain. Her childhood of migrating up and down the eastern US seaboard, with hops from California to Arizona to Virginia, inspired her love of stories and myth. After fifteen years as an Information Systems professional, she now writes full time in romance: fantasy, futuristic and paranormal and straight urban fantasy under another pseudonym. She lives in Maryland with her wonderful husband and a pair of corgis. Much to her dismay, she rarely encounters supernatural beings other than on paper.
KH Lemoyne’s current series books Betrayal’s Shadow, Warrior Reborn, XX and Return of the Legacyare available in eBook, with paperback editions coming late summer. She is currently finishing the second in the Phoenix series, Shepherd, (due for release in August). You can find out more about her books at http://www.khlemoyne.com/ and her blog: http://khlemoyne.wordpress.com/
July 21 - Just Another Book Addict http://justanotherbookaddict.
Giveaway will be one ecopy of Warrior Reborn. Please leave a comment below along with email if its not on your profile.
Giveaway rule and policy
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Stolen Destiny by Gabrielle Bisset
Title: Stolen Destiny
Author: Gabrielle Bisset
Source: Authors request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel
Authors website
Author: Gabrielle Bisset
Source: Authors request
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel
Authors website
Released from Nil to find a murderer, a prison-hardened Varek Leale is convinced no woman deserves the man he’s become, but his Aeveren destiny makes him succumb to sweet and sexy Callia Reynolds. To catch the murderer, they turn to Amon Kalins, an ancient Aeveren with the power to control time. But Amon isn’t a man to trifle with and when he wants something, he’ll use his considerable powers, devastating charm, and good looks to get it.
What Amon wants is Callia. When he manipulates time and seduces Callia away, Varek must turn to the people who set him free for help to get her back. But the Council doesn’t do anything without requiring something in return, and what they want is Amon Kalins, one of the most powerful Aeveren ever. Varek will do what he must to capture him and find Callia because if he doesn’t, she’ll be lost to him for untold lifetimes.
What Amon wants is Callia. When he manipulates time and seduces Callia away, Varek must turn to the people who set him free for help to get her back. But the Council doesn’t do anything without requiring something in return, and what they want is Amon Kalins, one of the most powerful Aeveren ever. Varek will do what he must to capture him and find Callia because if he doesn’t, she’ll be lost to him for untold lifetimes.
Rating-
Sexual-
Every once in a while I get a review request that comes through that really stirs my emotions, like this one. I read it got kind of pissed and rated it three stars. Then I wrote the review and the story kept rolling in my head.. Yep, it’s a story that has a lot going on and one that you have to pay close attention. So as it rolled in my head the more I found that this is a brilliant piece of writing. Time can be something we should fool with and in this story these three characters are in this middle of this time battle. One is the master mind of it Amon and the other two Varek and Carilla are the ones in the cross fire. Now, what you may not like at least I didn’t at first until I had to think it though. I need to warn spoiler here. Amon takes Carilla away from Varek and Carilla and Amon they have a good life together until Varek come back, so this is where the book really has a lot of emotions going on. Even though Amon is the villain I felt so sorry for him and I felt sorry for Varek and Carilla because they lost this time together. This book is definitely worth a try because you get a great time travel story, emotions, great characters and some really hot sex.
Carilla is really a great heroine. She is strong and is willing to do anything to make her mate love her.
Varek maybe ruff around the edges, but once he accepts love he will stop at nothing to get her back.
Amon he plays his roll really well. Let’s just say he is one sneaky cat out to get what he wants. Hint here, the way Amon got under my skin I ended up liking him more then Varek.. But most of us love the bad guys more LOL.
I know some of you are like me don’t get into the two different men thing, but this one is really different.
So after 3 days of debating this book I have to change my 3 to a 5. Why? When you find an author that can stir your emotions and make you debate it out in your head for 3 days how in the world can I not. Anyone should enjoy a book that make you brain an emotions stirred.
Blogfest 2011 giveaway hop winner
Blogfest winner is skyla11377. Congrats!
Since I have so many giveaways I don't post giveaway winners unless it's a giveaway hop. If your new you can check the giveaway winners post and anytime you like. I usually add the winners a few days after the giveaway ends and I know the winner accepted.
Review of DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND
DEL FANTASMA: TOASTED ALMOND
Sharon Maria Bidwell
Aspen Mountain Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-301-4
Genre: Erotic Paranormal M/M Romance
E-book, 54 pages
Review Requested by Publisher
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Sharon Maria Bidwell Website
Dressed for far colder weather, Armand makes a strange spectacle in Del Fantasma. Krakow cannot believe Cody sends the man over to his corner, especially when he told the vampire he wanted to be alone. His disgruntlement soon changes when he realises there's something different about Armand. Has Cody done the impossible and found someone Krakow can finally share intimacy with? Krakow has the answers to Armand's lonely existence...and a cure so Armand no longer has to feel cold.
Sexual
Little did Armand know what he was walking into when he strolled into Del Fantasma. He was searching for a brief respite from the unrelenting chill running through his body and the loneliness that was his constant companion. Krakow sat alone in the dark of the corner. He needed to be in the company of these beings, but couldn’t risk the pain again and so kept to himself. Enter matchmaker extraordinaire: the owner of Del Fantasma and bartender, Cody Warren.
Cody sets a Toasted Almond (yes, it’s a cocktail) in front of Armand and tells him to go sit over in the corner where it’s warmer. Krakow wonders what exactly Cody is up to, sending someone over to his corner; knowing good and well the guy will move as soon as he finds the corner too warm. Relaxing, Armand finds the warmth comfortable and even starts to sweat. He is startled when he realizes he is not alone in that corner. Krakow is amazed as he watches Armand’s reactions to Krakow’s heat.
As Krakow takes Armand under his wing to gingerly guide Armand to his true nature, the power of these two magnificent beings ignite the pages. Careful….or you may get singed! Armand’s insistent eagerness is tempered by Krakow’s methodical and deliberate development of Armand’s nature. Whoa! And it is hot – scorching - hot!
The paranormal features are well developed for a short story. A time or three I would re-read just to be sure I was clear on what I had read. Okay, I admit - I am a virgin when it comes to this creature and I’ve just had my cherry popped. (But now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. Yes, Laurie, you told me so.) Krakow and Armand are sincere but cautious when moving forward, but they are more fearful of saying “No” and not finding out at all.
Overall, a blistering man love, paranormal romance that will leave you breathless. Hmm, I think it’s time for a Toasted Almond.
Sharon Maria Bidwell
Aspen Mountain Press
July 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60168-301-4
Genre: Erotic Paranormal M/M Romance
E-book, 54 pages
Review Requested by Publisher
Aspen Mountain Press Website
Sharon Maria Bidwell Website
Dressed for far colder weather, Armand makes a strange spectacle in Del Fantasma. Krakow cannot believe Cody sends the man over to his corner, especially when he told the vampire he wanted to be alone. His disgruntlement soon changes when he realises there's something different about Armand. Has Cody done the impossible and found someone Krakow can finally share intimacy with? Krakow has the answers to Armand's lonely existence...and a cure so Armand no longer has to feel cold.
My Ratings
Review
Sexual
Little did Armand know what he was walking into when he strolled into Del Fantasma. He was searching for a brief respite from the unrelenting chill running through his body and the loneliness that was his constant companion. Krakow sat alone in the dark of the corner. He needed to be in the company of these beings, but couldn’t risk the pain again and so kept to himself. Enter matchmaker extraordinaire: the owner of Del Fantasma and bartender, Cody Warren.
Cody sets a Toasted Almond (yes, it’s a cocktail) in front of Armand and tells him to go sit over in the corner where it’s warmer. Krakow wonders what exactly Cody is up to, sending someone over to his corner; knowing good and well the guy will move as soon as he finds the corner too warm. Relaxing, Armand finds the warmth comfortable and even starts to sweat. He is startled when he realizes he is not alone in that corner. Krakow is amazed as he watches Armand’s reactions to Krakow’s heat.
“What’s happening here?” Armand gasped out, breaking into Krakow’s contemplation. “Who are you?”
Could it be? Was it possible? Does he have any idea?
No. If there were one thing Krakow felt sure of it was that the man beside him truly had no clue as to his nature.
As Krakow takes Armand under his wing to gingerly guide Armand to his true nature, the power of these two magnificent beings ignite the pages. Careful….or you may get singed! Armand’s insistent eagerness is tempered by Krakow’s methodical and deliberate development of Armand’s nature. Whoa! And it is hot – scorching - hot!
The paranormal features are well developed for a short story. A time or three I would re-read just to be sure I was clear on what I had read. Okay, I admit - I am a virgin when it comes to this creature and I’ve just had my cherry popped. (But now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. Yes, Laurie, you told me so.) Krakow and Armand are sincere but cautious when moving forward, but they are more fearful of saying “No” and not finding out at all.
Overall, a blistering man love, paranormal romance that will leave you breathless. Hmm, I think it’s time for a Toasted Almond.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Guest author Marguerite Kaye and giveaway!
The Magic of Romance
When I first starting writing romance, it was straight Regency. Then Harlequin introduced their Undone! imprint, and my editor encouraged me to experiment. As a child, I was utterly fascinated by my sea captain grandfather’s tales of mermaids. The creatures he described, lying naked on the rocks combing their seaweed hair with fish bones, were nothing like the Hans Christian Andersen version. They weren’t pretty, but they were so fatally attractive even the most experienced sailor would risk shipwreck just to get close to them. My first venture into the world of historical paranormal romance, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, had a selkie heroine, and it’s told like a fairy tale, directly inspired by those childhood tales.
The next step down the paranormal route for me was, rather bizarrely, a Regency sheikh, Innocent in the Sheikh’s Harem, and what I learned from writing this was the magic of world-building. My 19th Century Arabia had its foundations in fact, but the invented kingdom’s customs, the descriptions of the desert and its cities, the harem itself, came straight out of my head. I let my imagination run riot writing that story, and I loved it, so when my editor suggested a paranormal Undone! trilogy, I was more than ready to create a totally fantastical world of Highland shape-shifters which had absolutely no grounding in reality at all.
Writing the Legend of the Faol trilogy was, truly, a magical experience, not just because I could make up pretty much everything, but because it gave me the opportunity to have a heroine who was sexually experienced without worrying about historical convention. I’ve always loved strong female characters - my favourite fairy tale was The Snow Queen – and it makes for a very, very hot romance, I discovered, finding a human hero who is alpha enough to compensate for a heroine’s magical powers. Sorcha, the shape-shifter wolf princess who is the heroine of the third book in the series, was my favourite to write. I love that she’s defined by her powers, and yet also emotionally constrained by them. She’s not cruel like the Snow Queen, of course, but she has the same irresistible allure, the compelling strength that enchants and beguiles and fascinates.
I’m just finishing a Christmas Undone! which has a Scottish witch struggling with a two-hundred-year-old curse. Like Sorcha, Jura’s magic is powerful, and she believes it makes her invulnerable, even though she’s emotionally isolated. And like Sorcha, she discovers that there is something even more powerful than magic. Love.
Excerpt from The Highlander and the Wolf Princess
It had been so long, so very long, since Conall had lain next to any woman, far less a captivating creature like this. She was so close he could feel the soft feathering of her breath on his cheek, count the thick dark lashes which framed those mesmerising eyes, which were locked on his. “I should – you should rest,” he said roughly. But he couldn’t seem to move. He didn’t want to move.
“I’m not tired,” Sorcha replied. Though the Faol were an innately sensual race, she had always instinctively guarded against intimacy of this sort. Seeing others’ innermost thoughts, their lives and futures laid bare, made her reluctant to be revealed herself. Knowing all, she had no wish to be known. Until now. Now, all she could think about was being closer still to this forbidding, powerful Highlander. Her body yearned for it. He made her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time. She edged a little towards him. Her toes brushed his legs. .
Conall’s erection hardened. He should move. He meant to move, and he did move, but in quite the opposite direction from that he intended, pulling her to him, so that they lay breast to breast, thigh to thigh. Her nipples were hard. His shaft was harder. Her breath was a whisper on his skin. Some irrevocable internal command compelled him to kiss her. So he did.
Sorcha had never allowed any man to kiss her, but as Conall’s lips touched hers, resistance was the furthest thing from her mind. His mouth was warm, every bit as sensuous as it looked. He tasted dark and dangerous. A rush of heat flushed her, from her neck down, her belly up, as his tongue touched hers. He pulled her hard to him and kissed her more deeply. It felt as intense as her shifting did. Her nipples peaked against the rough expanse of his chest. Her pulses began to flutter unevenly.
She was lying on top of him, the hard length of his erection pressing into her belly, his hand cupping her bottom. His breathing was as ragged and harsh as his appearance. His stubble rasped her delicate skin, yet his mouth was a delight. As he rolled her onto her back, she could almost taste the scent of their arousal, a bittersweet blend of salt and spice. Running her fingers across the span of his shoulders, she marvelled at the power in his bunched muscles. So this was what a man felt like? So different from what she had expected.
She tried to tug his shirt free from his belt, wanting to test the feel of his skin. His firm hand on her wrist halted her. His lips deserted hers. For a long moment he gazed at her in bewilderment. She had a fleeting glimpse of it then, his essence. Dark, hard, glittering like the rocks which formed Kentarra’s citadel. Then, as he rolled himself off the bed with an exclamation which sounded horribly like disgust, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
©2011 Marguerite Kaye
The Legend of the Faol novellas along with my Regency vampire, Bitten by Desire, and my Selkie fairy tale, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, are all published in the Harlequin/Mills&Boon Undone! available in ebook now.
My Christmas Undone will be out in November this year. You can read excerpts and background and more on my website at www.margueritekaye.com
Marguerite is giving away a set of three download coupons as a giveaway, for one winner, for the complete Legend of the Faol trilogy. Restriction follows
When I first starting writing romance, it was straight Regency. Then Harlequin introduced their Undone! imprint, and my editor encouraged me to experiment. As a child, I was utterly fascinated by my sea captain grandfather’s tales of mermaids. The creatures he described, lying naked on the rocks combing their seaweed hair with fish bones, were nothing like the Hans Christian Andersen version. They weren’t pretty, but they were so fatally attractive even the most experienced sailor would risk shipwreck just to get close to them. My first venture into the world of historical paranormal romance, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, had a selkie heroine, and it’s told like a fairy tale, directly inspired by those childhood tales.
The next step down the paranormal route for me was, rather bizarrely, a Regency sheikh, Innocent in the Sheikh’s Harem, and what I learned from writing this was the magic of world-building. My 19th Century Arabia had its foundations in fact, but the invented kingdom’s customs, the descriptions of the desert and its cities, the harem itself, came straight out of my head. I let my imagination run riot writing that story, and I loved it, so when my editor suggested a paranormal Undone! trilogy, I was more than ready to create a totally fantastical world of Highland shape-shifters which had absolutely no grounding in reality at all.
Writing the Legend of the Faol trilogy was, truly, a magical experience, not just because I could make up pretty much everything, but because it gave me the opportunity to have a heroine who was sexually experienced without worrying about historical convention. I’ve always loved strong female characters - my favourite fairy tale was The Snow Queen – and it makes for a very, very hot romance, I discovered, finding a human hero who is alpha enough to compensate for a heroine’s magical powers. Sorcha, the shape-shifter wolf princess who is the heroine of the third book in the series, was my favourite to write. I love that she’s defined by her powers, and yet also emotionally constrained by them. She’s not cruel like the Snow Queen, of course, but she has the same irresistible allure, the compelling strength that enchants and beguiles and fascinates.
I’m just finishing a Christmas Undone! which has a Scottish witch struggling with a two-hundred-year-old curse. Like Sorcha, Jura’s magic is powerful, and she believes it makes her invulnerable, even though she’s emotionally isolated. And like Sorcha, she discovers that there is something even more powerful than magic. Love.
Excerpt from The Highlander and the Wolf Princess
It had been so long, so very long, since Conall had lain next to any woman, far less a captivating creature like this. She was so close he could feel the soft feathering of her breath on his cheek, count the thick dark lashes which framed those mesmerising eyes, which were locked on his. “I should – you should rest,” he said roughly. But he couldn’t seem to move. He didn’t want to move.
“I’m not tired,” Sorcha replied. Though the Faol were an innately sensual race, she had always instinctively guarded against intimacy of this sort. Seeing others’ innermost thoughts, their lives and futures laid bare, made her reluctant to be revealed herself. Knowing all, she had no wish to be known. Until now. Now, all she could think about was being closer still to this forbidding, powerful Highlander. Her body yearned for it. He made her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time. She edged a little towards him. Her toes brushed his legs. .
Conall’s erection hardened. He should move. He meant to move, and he did move, but in quite the opposite direction from that he intended, pulling her to him, so that they lay breast to breast, thigh to thigh. Her nipples were hard. His shaft was harder. Her breath was a whisper on his skin. Some irrevocable internal command compelled him to kiss her. So he did.
Sorcha had never allowed any man to kiss her, but as Conall’s lips touched hers, resistance was the furthest thing from her mind. His mouth was warm, every bit as sensuous as it looked. He tasted dark and dangerous. A rush of heat flushed her, from her neck down, her belly up, as his tongue touched hers. He pulled her hard to him and kissed her more deeply. It felt as intense as her shifting did. Her nipples peaked against the rough expanse of his chest. Her pulses began to flutter unevenly.
She was lying on top of him, the hard length of his erection pressing into her belly, his hand cupping her bottom. His breathing was as ragged and harsh as his appearance. His stubble rasped her delicate skin, yet his mouth was a delight. As he rolled her onto her back, she could almost taste the scent of their arousal, a bittersweet blend of salt and spice. Running her fingers across the span of his shoulders, she marvelled at the power in his bunched muscles. So this was what a man felt like? So different from what she had expected.
She tried to tug his shirt free from his belt, wanting to test the feel of his skin. His firm hand on her wrist halted her. His lips deserted hers. For a long moment he gazed at her in bewilderment. She had a fleeting glimpse of it then, his essence. Dark, hard, glittering like the rocks which formed Kentarra’s citadel. Then, as he rolled himself off the bed with an exclamation which sounded horribly like disgust, it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
©2011 Marguerite Kaye
The Legend of the Faol novellas along with my Regency vampire, Bitten by Desire, and my Selkie fairy tale, The Highlander and the Sea Siren, are all published in the Harlequin/Mills&Boon Undone! available in ebook now.
My Christmas Undone will be out in November this year. You can read excerpts and background and more on my website at www.margueritekaye.com
Marguerite is giving away a set of three download coupons as a giveaway, for one winner, for the complete Legend of the Faol trilogy. Restriction follows
- The coupons are valid from 1-31 August only
- They can only be used on the eHarlequin site
- They can only be used by people in North America.
Review Witches Anonymous by Misty Evans
Title: Witches Anonymous
Author: Misty Evans
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 105 pgs
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Author Website
Publisher Website
Can a bad witch go good in thirteen steps? Not if Lucifer has his way with her!
Amy Atwood is a witch. Not the harm-none kind…the Satan-worshipping, devil-made-me-do-it kind. But after catching Lucifer in a particularly wicked hex act with her goodie-two-shoes Wiccan sister, Amy does what every self-respecting witch would do. She pops a Dove chocolate in her mouth, ends her affair with the devil, and swears an oath never to use magic again.
She wants to be normal. Human. Even if it means no more fun—and she’s looking for a nice, normal guy to complement her new lifestyle. And ice-cream-loving firefighter Adam Foster looks like perfect hero material.
Lucifer, however, isn’t about to be nice about letting her go. Stalked by Satan, manipulated by the angel Gabriel—and surprised by Adam’s true identity—Amy finds herself up to her black hat in trouble of Biblical proportions…
Product Warnings!
Welcome to temptation. Sexy Lucifer is going to enchant you. The original Adam is going to charm you. And the angel Gabriel is going to scare your socks off!
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
A very cute and funny paranormal romance short story which features Lucifer and a very small part for the Archangel Gabriel. It was originally published as part of the Tickle My Fantasy anthology. At 88 pages, it is a very quick read; I read it in about an hour.
Amy, "Not one of those goodie-two-shoes Wiccans. No, I’m a Satan-worshiping, Devil-made-me-do-it witch" type witch, is now attending WA (Witches Anonymous) because Lucifer has betrayed her with her sister. She's being good now, normal, hmmm who'd of thought it possible? But she'll do almost anything for a Dove chocolate. She only has 3 weaknesses — "sinful men, dark chocolate and designer shoes".
Luc — Satan, Lucifer, the Devil and a host of other names — is trying to seduce Amy back into his arms and the dark side. He tells her he loves her. But he's the most famous tempter and liar of all ... right? He doesn't really ... nah. She's doing a good job of resisting him. Especially once Adam comes into her life.
Adam, Captain of the firefighter squad, hmm ... good looking and a fireman too. He really likes Amy but a) he doesn't know she's a witch and b) he doesn't want to be 'rebound guy'. Could he be the original Adam of Adam and Eve fame? No wonder Luc warned her away from a date with him to the fire station Halloween costume party.
A sampling of the humor:
"Just so you know … the Devil does not wear Prada. For business, he wears an Armani suit The Donald would kill for."
"...in my experience, men would believe anything you told them if it meant they’d get laid."
At the end there is an excerpt from ParaMatch.com by MK Mancos, The Ghost Shrink, the Accidental Gigolo & the Poltergeist Accountant by Vivi Andrews and Carolina Wolf by Sela Carsen.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has an implied "relationship continues" ending instead of a true HEA ending. Sorta like a couple walking off into the sunset, you assume but it is not stated.
Author: Misty Evans
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 105 pgs
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Author Website
Publisher Website
Can a bad witch go good in thirteen steps? Not if Lucifer has his way with her!
Amy Atwood is a witch. Not the harm-none kind…the Satan-worshipping, devil-made-me-do-it kind. But after catching Lucifer in a particularly wicked hex act with her goodie-two-shoes Wiccan sister, Amy does what every self-respecting witch would do. She pops a Dove chocolate in her mouth, ends her affair with the devil, and swears an oath never to use magic again.
She wants to be normal. Human. Even if it means no more fun—and she’s looking for a nice, normal guy to complement her new lifestyle. And ice-cream-loving firefighter Adam Foster looks like perfect hero material.
Lucifer, however, isn’t about to be nice about letting her go. Stalked by Satan, manipulated by the angel Gabriel—and surprised by Adam’s true identity—Amy finds herself up to her black hat in trouble of Biblical proportions…
Product Warnings!
Welcome to temptation. Sexy Lucifer is going to enchant you. The original Adam is going to charm you. And the angel Gabriel is going to scare your socks off!
Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:
A very cute and funny paranormal romance short story which features Lucifer and a very small part for the Archangel Gabriel. It was originally published as part of the Tickle My Fantasy anthology. At 88 pages, it is a very quick read; I read it in about an hour.
Amy, "Not one of those goodie-two-shoes Wiccans. No, I’m a Satan-worshiping, Devil-made-me-do-it witch" type witch, is now attending WA (Witches Anonymous) because Lucifer has betrayed her with her sister. She's being good now, normal, hmmm who'd of thought it possible? But she'll do almost anything for a Dove chocolate. She only has 3 weaknesses — "sinful men, dark chocolate and designer shoes".
Luc — Satan, Lucifer, the Devil and a host of other names — is trying to seduce Amy back into his arms and the dark side. He tells her he loves her. But he's the most famous tempter and liar of all ... right? He doesn't really ... nah. She's doing a good job of resisting him. Especially once Adam comes into her life.
Adam, Captain of the firefighter squad, hmm ... good looking and a fireman too. He really likes Amy but a) he doesn't know she's a witch and b) he doesn't want to be 'rebound guy'. Could he be the original Adam of Adam and Eve fame? No wonder Luc warned her away from a date with him to the fire station Halloween costume party.
A sampling of the humor:
"Just so you know … the Devil does not wear Prada. For business, he wears an Armani suit The Donald would kill for."
"...in my experience, men would believe anything you told them if it meant they’d get laid."
At the end there is an excerpt from ParaMatch.com by MK Mancos, The Ghost Shrink, the Accidental Gigolo & the Poltergeist Accountant by Vivi Andrews and Carolina Wolf by Sela Carsen.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This has an implied "relationship continues" ending instead of a true HEA ending. Sorta like a couple walking off into the sunset, you assume but it is not stated.
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