October's Paranormal romance characterfest with Stacey Kennedy and giveaway !

Welcome to Characterfest

Characterfest is a month long event where you’ll find a different character interviews written by the author each day. Each interview has a giveaway(s) make sure the giveaway is open to you and if so add a comment or question along with your email. I will close all giveaways at the end of the week and add the winners to the winners post on that Tuesday. Odds are if you won you’ll be hearing from me.

One thing I will ask is if you could please twitter or hit the facebook likes button on the post so that others can see the interview. I want to get these authors out to as much as I can and you’re my go between in this event.

I hope you enjoy each interview and please try to make it here each day to find out whom or what’s next. If this goes as planned I will be hosting this next year. 
List of attending authors here 

Stacey Kennedy's interview with her witch character Bryannna

Hi everyone! I’m Bryanna. I suppose some of you might have met me in Whatnots & Doodads, and I’m still not totally sure how I feel about having my intimate moments out for everyone to read. But I’m here, so I guess it’s okay with me.

*clears throat* Yes, hi, I’m the author who wrote the story, Stacey Kennedy.

Bryanna: Well, you wouldn’t have written it, if I hadn’t appeared.

Stacey: Okay, you got me there. So tell us, what’s it like to be a witch.

Bryanna: I’ve come around to the idea. It was hard for me at first, since my magic comes out in all sorts of Whatnots & Doodads. My coven never accepted me and the other witches shunned me because of my flaws. But coming into Strange Hollow really helped.

Stacey: What’s Strange Hollow and where is it?

Bryanna: Oh, it’s a town located at the base of Mount Mitchell. It’s home to other supernatural creatures like me. We’re all a little different.

Stacey: What do you mean by different?

Bryanna: Take me for an example. I’m a witch who has unruly magic. It never comes out like it should and instead gives me random objects; sometimes they match, sometimes they don’t.

Stacey: That might be amusing to see. Okay, don’t go, giving me the evil eye. So you’ve found a home in Strange Hollow?

Bryanna: *blushes* I love it there. Zeke makes it wonderful for me.

Stacey: Spill! Who’s Zeke and why does he make you blush?

Bryanna: He’s my demon boyfriend. Don’t go judging me. He’s not the soul sucker that you’d think he’d be. He’s so sweet, defies his nature and wants to save souls.

Stacey: Don’t forget the sexy-as-sin part…

Bryanna: Yes, there is that. I do burn with hells fire for him.

Stacey: How’s things going between the two of you?

Bryanna: Things have never been better. It got scary there for a little bit when my past came back to haunt me, but once that was sorted out, life settled. I can’t go sharing all the secrets though, can I? You’ll just have to read the story to see how everything worked out.

Stacey: All right, can you share a memory with us that is one of your favorites?

Bryanna: Since all my intimate moments with my lover are out in the open, I guess sharing one won’t hurt any. Here’s a memory that I’ll never forget.

Zeke trailed his hands from flower to flower with a soft touch to insure no damage. She followed his every step. Her mind captured by thoughts of his hands along her skin, cupping her breasts, caressing her as carefully as he did the flowers.

When he plucked a fuchsia dahlia from the ground her focus came back to his face. With a slowness that nearly pained her to watch, he raised the flower to his nose and sniffed it. His eyes closed, the little furrow in his brow suggested the scent overwhelmed him. She gripped the cushion below her as she gulped deeply. By the elements, she’d never seen anything so sexy in her life, and she’d seen a man smell a flower before. But when Zeke did it, she melted.

His eyes snapped open, bored intently into hers. She did nothing to hide the fact he had completely and utterly aroused her. She wished he enjoyed her as much as he did the scent of the dahlia. He may be a demon, but right now, it didn’t matter. He was too delectable to ignore. Besides, she deserved a little fun after what she’d been through these past days. Using him as an outlet to bring some happiness into her life was nothing she would feel bad about.

He waited only a moment. Something changed in his demeanour, almost an acknowledgment that he’d waited for. In only a few strides, he closed the distance between them, knelt down and held the dahlia up. “You know, I’ve never been one for roses. The way a dahlia feels against your skin is much more pleasing.” He touched the back of her hand with the flower, and that earned him a little shudder. “The petals feel like a hundred fingertips along your skin.” He began to slowly run the flower up her forearm.

Her breath sucked back into her lungs. Unable to stop her eyes from shutting, she revelled in the way he touched her. So gentle, yet intent, done in a way to entice her. Slowly, the petals danced along her skin until the tips tickled her jaw line. He ran the flower from her cheek to her lips, where he slid it in a soft whisper across her mouth.

At that moment, he stopped, the flower no longer touching her. Her eyelids fluttered open, and her breath whooshed out in surprise to find his face so close to hers. He held the flower out, smiling in a way that melted her insides. “Did you enjoy the touch of that?”

“I did.” If she’d been bolder, she would have asked for more. Instead, she took the flower from his hand and raised it to her nose without taking her eyes from his.

His expression turned molten, suggesting where he wanted to take this. And she wouldn’t stop him. She needed him just as much. There was something to him, a way about him that she wanted to lose herself in, even if for only a moment. She wasn’t stupid to the ways of the world. She’d seen how cruel love could be. Zeke wanted her body, nothing more. Something she was all right with. A relationship with no strings attached was just the thing she needed to get over Layton. Her heart couldn’t handle any more pain.

With that, she gave him a sultry look to egg him on. His gaze smouldered like the fires in Hell. He leaned forward and cupped the sides of her face. “You must decide now if you want this.” He ran his thumb over her lips and licked his own. “Because once I kiss you I won’t stop.”

She was ready to say “Get on with it.” But there was a smidgen of hesitation that had her worried. “I’ve never … been with a demon.” She looked at the bulge in his pants. “Are … is everything the same?” Who knew what he had in his jeans?

His deep chuckle sent shivers down her spine. “My body is human in every sense–you won’t find a devil’s pitchfork in my pants.”

She laughed nervously. Well, what could he really expect? Her mouth parted to answer him, but she decided action would speak her point well enough. She closed the distance and kissed his mouth. If she’d doubted how much he wanted her, she didn’t now–his kiss couldn’t lie. His hands tightened around her face as his mouth encouraged in sync with hers. Tongues entwined, lips pressed together firmly. Every touch sent tingles straight to her center and caused heat to build between her thighs.

After a final swipe of her tongue, he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit down very gently. He released it, still holding her face in his hands. His eyes bore into hers in a way no man had ever looked at her before. His eyebrow arched up suggestively. “Bryanna, are you ready to play with fire?”

“Holy earthquake, am I ever!”

Stacey: *fans self* Yes, I can see why he’s a keeper. I guess we should let you go, so you can get back to him.

Bryanna: Thanks! It was fun coming here. I hope you all enjoy your visit into Strange Hollow.

A witch with unruly magic, a demon gone good, lava-hot passion and a tornado of emotions–just another night in Strange Hollow.

For Bryanna, a witch from the Asheville Coven, magic is on the fritz. Shunned by her coven and her boyfriend Layton for her unruly magic, she seeks a new life for herself. It just so happens, fate steps in and brings her to Strange Hollow–a place where being different is not only acceptable, but encouraged.


When Bryanna arrives in Strange Hollow, Zeke, a demon gone good, is burning with Hell’s fire over her. Not only has she set his world ablaze, but he’s found one soul he can save. He’s determined to free her from the insecurities that have damaged her soul.


Together they experience lava-hot passion as they weave their way through a tornado of emotions. But when Layton returns for her, will Zeke’s attempts to break the unworthy cage woven around her be enough to keep her in Strange Hollow forever?

Whatnots & Doodads buy link - http://www.staceykennedy.com/whatnots-doodads/

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.


Stacey is giving away a eBook copy of Whatnots and Doodads. So please leave a comment or question along with an email to enter. International giveaway.

Review Lycan Vengeance by S.K. Yule

Title Lycan Vengeance
Author  S.K. Yule
Source Requested review
Genre: Paranormal romance- wolf
Length: Novella

Rose has spent the past ten years hunting lycans, but when she comes across Knox, his gentle, caring nature—something she thought shape shifters incapable of—is mind blowing.

Knox has waited many lonely years for his intended mate, and now that he’s found her, he plans to make her his. Her stunning beauty, strength and passion call to him, but he wonders if he’ll be able to crack the staggering wall of hatred for his kind she’s built around her heart.

Can Rose overcome the past and learn to love the one man who represents everything she despises?

Warning: Sexy, alpha, lycan male paired with vindictive, stunning, beauty may cause intense fantasies and hot flashes.

This is one of the best Novellas I have read by S.K. Yule. I love the way she went about coupling these two. It’s hard to bring two together when one has lost a friend in death by the other race but it made for a better read. See the cover yep, that really does look like Knox, you don’t find that much LOL. I am not going into the story because the blurb says enough. What I will say this is a hot read and a little emotional.

If you like a quick hot adventure you need to add this one on your list

Review of A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels #1) by Sylvia Day

Title: A Touch of Crimson (Renegade Angels #1)
Author: Sylvia Day
Source: Requested Review / NetGallery
Genre: Paranormal Romance - Angels, Vampires and Werewolves
Format: ebook - 368 pages
Release Date: October 4th 2011
Author's Website

Adrian Mitchell is a powerful angel leading an elite Special Ops unit of Seraphim. His task is to punish the Fallen-angels who have become vampires-and command a restless pack of indentured lycans. But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals- losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her-Shadoe-her soul once more inhabiting a new body, with no memory of him. And this time, he won't let her go.

Rating -

Sexual -

My Review -

The concept of angels, vampires and werewolves living among humans and seeing angels as powerful and sexy beings with raw passion had me very excited to read this book. The book had real potential in the beginning, but the more I read the book the more the world began to unravel, fall apart lose its appeal.

The beginning had a beautiful set up with Adrian running into his beloved Shadoe reincarnated in Lindsay at a chance encounter at an airport. The strong physical attraction between them had so much potential in terms of not only providing the reader with some enjoyable moments reading about their physical encounters, but also getting to know the characters and their emotional makeup. Unfortunately the world that the author tried to build up crumbled due to inconsistencies in some key plotlines.

As I read the book I kept finding inconsistencies and hypocritical situations that it made it difficult for me to develop a connection to Adrian and feel sympathetic for him despite his physical appeal. Perhaps what made it difficult to accept were the issues surrounding the nature of angels and the reason behind Adrian's hatred of vampires.

There were several contradictions that were mentioned in various parts of the book that made the world confusing to follow. At one point in the book Adrian states that angels are not to experience mortal love, but then later states that they can have sex. This leads to the confusing nature of what is happening with Adrian. He is angel who fell in love with a mortal and had sex with her and as his punishment his love is reincarnated over and over again throughout the centuries. Yet the fact has been stated that the consequence for an angel falling in love and having sex with a mortal is having their wings taken and turned into a vampire. Later on one of his closest angels confesses to him that she has fallen in love with a lycan which results in the angel and her love being hunted down. However, Adrian makes the other angels know, without a doubt, that he is having sex with Lindsay. It is these contractions that made my head spin at times and made it difficult to feel for Adrian because I felt he was being hypocritical.

Despite the flaws in the world building the book will appeal to both paranormal romance and urban fantasy fans. The series has the formula for some amazing interactions to develop between the characters and action that will please urban fantasy fans. I can see that the series has the potential to keep the readers on the edge of their seats, but the inconsistencies need to be cleaned up so they don't throw off the flow and interest in the books.

Review Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

Title:Dreams of a Dark Warrior (Immortals After Dark #11)
Author: Kresley Cole
Source:  purchased
Genre Paranormal romance
Format: Mass paperback

HE VOWED HE’D COME FOR HER . . .
Murdered before he could wed Regin the Radiant, warlord Aidan the Fierce seeks his beloved through eternity, reborn again and again into new identities, yet with no memory of his past lives.

SHE AWAITS HIS RETURN . . .

When Regin encounters Declan Chase, a brutal Celtic soldier, she recognizes her proud warlord reincarnated. But Declan takes her captive, intending retribution against all immortals—unaware that he belongs to their world.

TO SATE A DESIRE MORE POWERFUL THAN DEATH . . .

Yet every reincarnation comes with a price, for Aidan is doomed to die when he remembers his past. To save herself from Declan’s torments, will Regin rekindle memories of the passion they once shared—even if it means once again losing the only man she could ever love?

I really enjoy this series, but I just couldn’t for the likes of me get it to this book. So, yet again I am the odd ball in the bunch of 4 and 5 star reviews with my sad 3 stars and that’s being generous. I’m not going to get it to the story, I’m just going to tell what I did and didn’t like about the book.

What I didn’t like:
I felt the story dragged way too much. Then just when the story was about over things were way to rushed.

I am so tired of books that parallels with older books in a series. It seems like all the bigger author now are doing this and I am tired of it.

The torture was outrageous! I can see some of way Regin had to go through it. I either missed it, but I never caught why Chase had to go through his torture. Still I just didn’t care for Reign as a Valkrie going through all of this just for her mate. I guess I would have rather her fight for her mate another way.

So my overall problem is. I don’t like to read my romance where the hero is betting the crap out of the heroine (even though he doesn’t know her), along with all the other violence she went though. So needless to say, I didn’t find this book one bit romantic.

I have always enjoyed the humor Ragin had and I missed it in this book. I was hoping to have a good fun read with her and her hero.

What I liked about this book
Natalya the dark fey, she was really interesting and I hope to read about her more.

I liked reading more on Lothaire, he is really growing one me, I can’t wait for his story.

Book promo giveaway! MARK OF THE SYLPH by Rosalie Lario

Blurb:

Half-demon Taeg is desperate to free his pregnant sister-in-law, who is spellbound to an indestructible book that will create an army of the undead. He is convinced that an ancient sword can destroy the book and the spell forever, but this relic has been hidden for a millennia by a powerful glamour. The clock begins to run out on his search when an old rival goes after the book and Taeg’s family in his quest for revenge.

Librarian Maya Flores has a secret: she’s immune to magic and is well aware of the supernatural beings prowling the streets of New York City. Haunted by a brutal demon attack that took her family, she is on a one-woman mission to destroy the evil demons who did it—and any others who get in her way.
Maya is Taeg’s best hope for uncovering the sword. Unfortunately, she wants nothing more than to kill him. As he fights for her trust and to save his family, she is forced to face the truth that not all demons are evil. And the worst part? She might be falling in love with one, too.

Excerpt:


Taeg tightened his hold on her wrist until she dropped the dagger. He grabbed her other wrist and pinned it back. “Look at me.”
Yeah, apparently she wasn’t in an accommodating mood. Because instead of listening she jerked her knee up, catching him square in the junk.
“Ooof.” That freaking hurt.
He let go, hands automatically lowering to protect his goods, and she shoved hard on his chest. As he staggered several feet back, she spun and delivered a stunning roundhouse kick that almost had him admiring her form, right before it caught him in the side and sent him sprawling.
“What’s the deal, lady?”
She grabbed the knife and flew at him faster than he would’ve expected from a human.
Taeg shoved off the ground and sidestepped her attack, and recaptured her wrist. He yanked her arm up behind her as he maneuvered behind her back.
“Shit,” Maya cried. The knife clanged to the ground, and he loosened his hold a fraction.
“Stop. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Yeah. Right.” Her tone made it clear what she thought of that.
Pushing her to the nearest wall, Taeg turned her to face him. He kept one hand on her shoulder and the other on her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
“Calm down, Maya.” The familiar hum of energy in his ears told him his charm was doing its thing. “I’m not going to hurt you. I only want to ask you a few questions.”
Her scowl softened long enough for him to assume his power had worked. He let her go and backed up a few steps. “How do you know what I am? Can you see the real me?”
Rather than answering, she lifted a knee and slid one of her dainty hands into her boot. When she withdrew it, she clutched another dagger, a match to the one on the ground. Suddenly the reason for her boots became quite clear. The woman was a freakin’ walking arsenal.
“Oh, shit.”
She kicked off the wall and leapt into the air in a flying move that Jackie Chan would have envied, adjusting the grip on her dagger.

BLOOD OF THE DEMON -- Available Now from Entangled Publishing

MARK OF THE SYLPH -- Available Now from Entangled Publishing

Email: rosalielario@gmail.com

Twitter: twitter.com/rosalielario

Website & Blog: www.rosalielario.com 

This giveaway is for an Ecopy of Mark of the Sylph. International. Please leave you email in the comment below.

Giveaway rules

Review of ENEMY MINE by Karin Harlow

ENEMY MINE (L.O.S.T #2)

Karin Harlow

Publisher:  Pocket Star 

Date:  August 30, 2011

ISBN13: 9781439177877

Genre:  Paranormal Romantic Suspense

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

My personal stash

Lovers from opposite worlds reunite in Karin Harlow’s explosive, erotic new L.O.S.T. adventure. . . .

While tracking a hijacked cask of enriched uranium in Kyrgyzstan, L.O.S.T. operative Nikko Cruz is ambushed and left for dead. Which means he must be hallucinating when the only woman he ever loved—the woman he was sentenced to death for killing—comes to his rescue. Half-daemon Selena Guererro has secrets she’d kill for. The most important one, she’s already died to protect. Now she’ll do anything to keep her daughter safe. But she can’t just leave her lost love to perish. She injects Nikko with immortal blood serum, putting herself in grave danger.

When Nikko comes to, he is superhuman and super pissed. The mother of his daughter—the one he thought killed their child—is alive. He wants answers. He wants blood. And despite his best intentions, he wants Selena. He traces her to a mysterious terrorist cell where the cask has surfaced. First, he must retrieve the deadly material. Then he’ll take revenge on his beautiful ex. But when nothing goes as planned, Nikko and Selena find themselves burning with desire . . . and blowing the roof off their separate worlds, human and daemon alike.

 

My Ratings:

Review

Sexual

Non-stop action, kick-ass heroine with an equally alpha hero; who just happens to be a not-vampire. Yep, you heard that right: Not-vampire. That's the best way for me to describe L.O.S.T. Operative, Nikko (aka Johnny) Cruz.

Selena Guererro is a half-daemon who is involved with a couple of bad-ass guys in the Miami area. Of course, serving her own purposes while trying to placate them. It's enough to make your head spin, but stay with it because it one helluva ride! While on a mission for one of the bad- ass dudes, she runs across her old flame, Nikko (aka Johnny) and saves his life with "Rev".

All of the operatives from L.O.S.T. are back, including the ever elusive Mr. Black *sigh*. Rurik makes a brief, very brief appearance - want more of this vamp! And we are introduced to Rurik's cousin, Joran - HAWT! Okay, how long till the next book?

ARC Review of Angel’s Desire (Fallen Warriors #2) by Rosalie Lario

Title: Angel’s Desire
Author: Rosalie Lario
Source: Author Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: ebook – 113 Pages
Release Date: 9/30/2011
Author's Website

In a world where angels rule over humans, twelve outcasts dare to defy expectation, warring with their angel brethren to prevent the extinction of humankind.
They are The Fallen.
Fallen angel Ethan has been outcast due to his love of humankind. In order to preserve his immortality, he must find a mate with angel blood…but the one woman he desires blames him for her father’s death. As a teenager, Tayla had a fierce crush on Ethan, her angel father’s best friend. She was humiliated when he rejected her, claiming she was too young for him. Her love turned to hate when he failed to save her father from being killed by the other angels.
Battle looms on the horizon, and Ethan can no longer afford to waste time. He must claim Tayla as his…but convincing her she’s his mate won’t be so easy.

I was really looking forward to the second installment in this series, and I was not disappointed! Sweet, romantic, and extremely steamy, this story moved the overall plot of the series along but kept the main story centered around the relationship between Ethan and Tayla. The author did a great job of subtlety reminding us of prior events so you can follow the continuing storyline. I liked both of the characters, and I enjoyed watching Ethan try to convince Tayla that she was his mate. I also liked that they actually went on a real “date” during the story which I rarely see in PNR.

Guest post with romance author Caridad Pineiro

Sex

Now that I’ve got your attention, is it truly sex that draws us into our romances or is it something more?

I was recently part of a discussion where an author insisted that romances for women were the equivalent of what porn was to men.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t normally read my romances one-handed.

Sure the sex scenes make a story interesting, but in a way, I almost hate calling them that because for me they’re not just sex scenes. They are love scenes, expressions of the emotions that the characters feel for one another. Without the emotion, the scenes are somehow flat for me.

That’s the essential difference between women’s romances and men’s porn contrary to the assertions of some. Women get wrapped up in the development of the relationship between the hero and heroine and reading about the physical fulfillment of that love is icing on the proverbial cake. But without the love…

Is there any proof of my theory? Well, I know many romance readers who skim past the love scenes or have started young adult or inspirationals because for them it’s all about the relationship and not the physical intimacy.

Part of the proof to my theory in my mind.

What I find somewhat ironic in that “romance is porn” statement is that since the 60s feminists have been imploring that women explore their sexuality without guilt and take control of their love lives. Despite that, reading novels about empowered women who do just that is equated by some with pornography for men.

A puzzlement for sure. Here is what I know for myself: Exploring relationships of both the emotional and sexual kind in the world of romance is truly an interesting thing for me as a writer and as a woman and as a feminist. It requires really delving into the motivation of the characters and understanding their psychological wounds and needs. It’s about the romance and if there are some love scenes involved, that’s good, but if there aren’t, that’s good, too.

That’s the nice thing about romance and romance readers: They are quite an open and accepting lot of women and men.

ARC review Visions of Skyfire by Regan Hastings

Title: Visions of Skyfire (The Awakening #2)
Title:Regan Hastings
Source: Author request
Genre: Dark Paranormal romance- Witch
Format: Mass paperback
Release Date: October 4, 2011

Teresa Santiago has awakened her abilities to summon lightning but is unable to control her power-or her attraction to Rune, her Eternal protector and destined partner. Now, Teresa and Rune must locate a missing artifact of unimaginable power before it unleashes the forces of darkness on the world. But with enemies both mortal and magical on their trail, Teresa and Rune discover that only through sacrifice will love conquer all...

Regan Hastings didn’t miss a beat in the sequel of her The Awaking series. I couldn’t get enough of Teresa, Rune or the awesome storyline. As in the first book you get a sizzling action pack romance story. This book goes deeper into the story on how these witches came into their current predicament. I really enjoyed the surprises that came about during the adventure Rune and Teresa had in getting to Teresa’s Artifact piece. That also reminds me I loved the addition on the mystery, darkness and magic around each witch’s Artifact and I can’t wait to see what Reagan will add in the next book.

Teresa is one tuff and powerful witch. I loved her power and how she took to her Eternal Rune. Rune is also very powerful with his magic. When these two get together nothing will stop them. Rune and Teresa romance start out with a bang and they sizzle the pages all the way to the finish.

I simply loved this book. I haven’t had too many books this year that gave me that WOW! Affect, but this one gave me just that. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves some sizzling magic.

I am give this one the scorcher award also because of the connection and the heat between the couple. I love it when it feels more real. 

Book promo giveaway of Stephanie Julian Spell Bound

www.stephaniejulian.com
Release day is Sept 27, 2011

Magic has always fascinated me.

That’s not a revelation to anyone who reads my stories. Magic infuses all of my Etruscan series. Werewolves, fairies, deities—magic is integral to their lives. The lucani wouldn’t be able to transform into wolves without it. The folletti couldn’t fly. And the deities wouldn’t exist without it.

Magic, in my world, is power, and power can be a dangerous thing. It can be used for good or for evil and sometimes the lines blur.

What would you do to keep your beloved brother safe from an evil that would turn him into a monster? Who would you use to avenge the death of your father? How do you keep yourself from going crazy through a seemingly eternal life?

Do you hold to your convictions? Or do you let the darkness overtake you?

The Malandante are born bad and use their magic to gain power and wealth and to make sure they keep it through any means possible. For centuries, they’ve been the bane of the Etruscan community and the rest of the world, though they keep their exposure to the rest of the world to a minimum.

And 500 years ago, a Malandante, furious with grief over the death of his son, placed a curse on a group of Etruscan streghe (witches). He cursed them to outlive their loved ones and to never again bear a daughter.

Curses are tricky things. The wording, in particular.  And in SPELL BOUND, the first book in the Darkly Enchanted series, you’ll get to see the consequences of a poorly worded curse.

SPELL BOUND takes place within the same Etruscan community as the Magical Seduction, Lucani Lovers and Forgotten Goddesses series. Only, SPELL BOUND was written first.

It takes place before the events of SEDUCED BY MAGIC, the first published story about the Etruscans. It has a set of characters you’ve not yet met…but who’ll you’ll be seeing a lot more of.

She’s running from fate…

Shea Tedaldi is the only thing standing between her six-year-old brother and the men who killed their parents. Descendants of the ancient Etruscan magical race, Shea and her brother keep powerful secrets that make them the targets of the evil Malandante. They’ve been looking for a safe haven but the bad guys are gaining on them and Shea needs a hero, a guardian who won’t falter in the face of danger…

He’s looking for the key to break the spell…

Gabriel Borelli is a warrior born to protect the Etruscan witches living under a curse. He’s dedicated to breaking the spell and avenging the murder of his father by the Malandante. He won’t let anything—or anyone—get in his way. Not even the one woman who may hold the key to his quest…and his heart.

Stephanie is giving away one ecopy of Spell Bound. Please leave a comment and email.

Giveaway rules

Fine Cooking Cookies: 200 Best-Ever Recipes for Cookies, Brownies, Bars & More by Fine Cooking Magazine

Title: Fine Cooking Cookies

Author: Fine Cooking Magazine 

Source Netgalley 

Genre: Cookbook

Name your cookie! Shaped, drop, bar, roll and bake, or slice and bake, they all get professional treatment and triple testing from Fine Cookingmagazine, the most trusted name in cooking. This fresh batch of more than 200 amazing recipes will inspire great baking. From classic favorites like snickerdoodles and chocolate chunk to more sophisticated treats like biscotti and fruit bars, there’s something for every occasion. Bakers will roll out these sweets for the holidays, for dessert, or just to fill up the cookie jar. Also includes Fine Cooking’s signature style of tips and secrets from the pros, step-by-step photos to help master techniques, ingredient profiles, and shortcuts. For anyone who wants to bake like the best, Fine Cooking Cookies has all the right ingredients. 

Contributors include Deborah Madison, Abby Dodge, Molly Stevens, Susie Middleton, Alice Medrich, Rose Levy Beranbaum, Nicole Rees, and Flo Braker

It doesn’t matter if you a baker for the holidays or just someone who bakes from time to time this is a great addition for you cookbook shelf. I really enjoyed the recipes I tried and I loved how easy they are explained. I also like the tips and little make ahead help, which this cookbook offers. The only downside for me was I wish they had more pictures but you can’t have it all sad to say LOL..

You get everything from classic cookies to shortbread, bars, fudge and biscotti, just to name a few. You also get a little of nutrition facts about each recipe so you know what you’re eating. A little note for new bakers, some of these recipe are not quick but if you take your time the end result is great and you’d pound that you did it.

My overall impression of this book is it will be on my cookbook bookshelf as soon as it comes out.

Book promo and giveaway of A Scent of Greek by Tina Folsom

When the god of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus, callously dumps his latest conquest, the mortal Ariadne, the goddess Hera has had enough. She robs Dionysus of his memory to teach him a lesson in humility.

Ariadne is deeply hurt after Dionysus dismisses their night of passion as “just sex” and doesn’t want to see her anymore. When she finds him bloodied and beaten and suffering from amnesia, she quickly forms a plan to get back at him. As she pretends to be his fiancée, Ariadne makes Dionysus believe he loves her. But the longer the charade continues, the more difficult it becomes to really see who teaches whom a lesson.

And what if Dionysus gains his memory back? Will there be hell to pay for her deception, or can a mortal woman truly win a god’s love?

Chapter One

 “You may kiss the bride!”

Dionysus watched as his best friend, Triton, the God of Seafarers and Sailors, drew the lovely Sophia into his embrace and kissed her for longer than was decent at a wedding, particularly one at which half of Olympus was assembled. If he held her any tighter, her white flowing gown of pure silk would wrinkle beyond repair and be ruined forever, but neither of the two newlyweds seemed to care or even notice.

Even Dio was taken in by the picture: Triton’s blond hair and sun-kissed skin contrasted against Sophia’s long, dark hair, and while the two lovers looked like opposites, Dio knew they complemented each other perfectly.

More than one throat cleared before Triton—rather reluctantly—removed his lips from his wife’s and winked at Dio. It appeared that despite the fact that his once philandering friend was now one-hundred-percent monogamous, he hadn’t lost his sense of humor and his passion.

At least Dionysus could be sure that his friend would be happy albeit the golden cage he’d just allowed the mortal priest to lock him into. By the looks of it, Triton didn’t mind one bit. Dio shook his head and glanced at the guests who now filed past the couple one by one to express their well-wishes. As Best Man, he remained standing next to Triton, in equal parts happy and sad—happy to know that his friend had found true love, yet sad for himself to have lost his position as best friend. Sophia was Triton’s best friend now.

Sophia’s mansion had been decked out for the wedding; no expense had been spared. Not even on Olympus, the event could have been any more extravagant. The opulent house she’d inherited from her aunt and turned into a B&B to pay the inheritance taxes lent itself to affairs like this. The dining room with its fourteen foot ceiling had been cleared to accommodate the many guests present for the ceremony. The adjoining living area, which was as large as a ballroom, stood waiting with a most sumptuous buffet of the finest delicacies and some even more enticing waitresses. Flowers adorned the entire house inside and out, and the scent of roses and jasmine permeated throughout the building.

Dio watched patiently as Poseidon and Amphitrite, Triton’s parents, hugged their son and new daughter-in-law, both of them fairly beaming with pride. Even Orion, Triton’s half-brother behaved in a civil way, shaking hands rather amicably. It appeared that now that Triton didn’t represent competition for female attention anymore, Orion felt no animosity toward his sibling.

When Zeus approached, Dionysus stiffened in concert with Triton. In his designer tuxedo, diamond-studded cufflinks, and Italian dress shoes, Zeus looked like a playboy ripped from the pages of GQ Magazine: smoldering hot, powerful, and looking not a day over thirty-five. His five o’clock shadow added an air of danger, one every woman of the wedding party should head, but wouldn’t because of Zeus’ overwhelming charm.

The God of Gods congratulated the young couple and kissed Sophia on the cheek. Triton’s tension radiated outward like an ocean wave, making Dio physically aware of his friend’s possessiveness. It could be endearing at times, but at this moment, it wouldn’t be prudent to act on it. Dio put a hand on his friend’s arm, cautioning him not to do anything rash, even though he understood his friend only too well: Dio’s no-good father was well known for his love of beautiful women, and not even the presence of Hera, his head-strong wife, assured that Zeus kept his paws to himself. But hopefully he had enough sense not to make a pass at a new bride.

However, just to make sure, Dio felt the need to steer Zeus’ attention into another direction. “Father.” He nodded curtly when he caught his father’s eye. “I see you brought your wife. How nice of you.”

The narrowing of Zeus’ eyes confirmed that he didn’t like to be reminded of Hera. “Your stepmother has a way of wringing invitations out of unsuspecting people.” He shot a glance at Sophia, who had the good sense to smile, a charming, sweet smile not even Zeus seemed to be able to have any protection against.

“I thought it only appropriate to invite her. She seems such a nice woman. And after all, we’re all related,” Sophia chirped good-naturedly.

Dio refrained from rolling his eyes and noticed that the cords in his father’s neck bulged, attesting to the restraint it took him not to blow up and unleash his vile temper.

“Indeed, my dear Sophia,” Zeus ground out instead.

The knowledge that Hera’s presence at the wedding cramped Zeus’ style made Dio feel almost giddy. Anything or anybody who pissed his father off was welcome. And that included his wicked stepmother.

“One big, happy family!” Dio grinned back at Sophia before he caught a movement in the corner of his eye and turned. “Ah, if that’s not the person we’re talking about.” Just because he was glad that Hera’s presence annoyed Zeus, however, didn’t mean that he wanted to spend any time with her. Because if anybody had a chance at ranking higher on Dio’s shit-o-meter than his father, Hera sure put a good run in at that race, fighting for first place with her incorrigible husband.

Dressed in a figure-hugging long, red dress, her long dark hair draped high on her head, Hera arched an eyebrow before she nudged Zeus aside and hugged Sophia. She was beautiful, he had to grant his father that concession. But even Dio, who was no more interested in love and affection than a street vendor enjoyed a thunderstorm raining down on his goods, liked beauty with a hint of warmth. Yet, Hera’s beauty was all ice: cold—with a chance of hail.

“Congratulations, my dear. You could have done much worse than Triton.” Hera made a pause, tossing Dio a sideways glance, a sure indication that a wicked remark was in the making. “Be glad you didn’t fall for Dionysus.”

Before Dio could muster a comeback, Triton took Hera’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I’m pleased you approve.” The twinkle in his eyes couldn’t be denied, proving that his friend was too deliriously happy to have noticed Hera’s backhanded stab at Dio.

“Of your bride, I approve,” she answered pointedly. “Your choice of Best Man leaves much to be desired. Defeats the purpose of best man, doesn’t it? Best at philandering maybe, even though I believe that title belongs to his father.”

“Ouch, you wound me, Hera,” Dio countered, clutching his hand to his chest as if suffering a heart attack. Not that she was too far off the mark. He wasn’t any better when it came to relationships than Zeus. Cut from the same bone, thigh bone to be precise. But he needed no reminder of who or what he was. “Will you excuse me? It appears I need to practice since my qualifications as the number one philanderer are being put into question.”

He ignored Hera’s thinned lips and wasn’t even remotely interested in Zeus’ reaction. He simply shrugged when Triton shook his head.

Yet Sophia gave him a charming smile. “The bar is open,” she hinted.

Bless her for her understanding, because as sure as the sun rose every day, two minutes in the presence of his father and his stepmother dried out his throat like a sandstorm in the Sahara.

Dio headed for the living room, where a bar had been set up at one end, and ignored the buffet tables on which deliciously looking hors d’oeuvres played neighbor to lavish flower arrangements. Soon, the guests would descend on the food like locusts onto a field of corn albeit with less grace and manners. He gestured to the bartender to pour him a glass of Zin. He wasn’t the God of Wine for nothing. Because if Dio knew one thing, it was his wine.

He took the proffered glass and swallowed away the remnants of his conversation with Hera and his father.

“Who’s pissed into your wine?” Eros asked, slapping him on the back of his expensive three-piece Armani suit, most likely imprinting a permanent crease with his powerful hand.

Dionysus swiveled and glared at the God of Love—just the person he wanted to see right now—not! At least Eros had had the decency to leave his bow and quiver at home and looked almost at ease in his elegant grey suit. Zeus had warned that whoever gave any indication to the assembled mortals that half the guests were Gods and other immortal creatures, would be punished severely. And his father knew something about punishment.

“Piss off!”

Another slap on his shoulder announced the arrival of Hermes, the Messenger God. “Envious?” he prompted, motioning his head into Triton’s direction.

Dio jerked his gaze toward Hermes. “Of a golden cage? Think again.”

“Triton doesn’t see it as a cage.” Eros had the audacity to exchange a smirk with Hermes.

“He looks positively happy,” Hermes added. “Whereas you look like you’re drinking vinegar.” He waved to the bartender. “A glass of red, just not the same he’s having.”

“The wine is perfectly fine. It’s the company that stinks.”

Eros took a step closer. “You wouldn’t be talking about your two best friends here, would you now? Or are you in the mood for a fight?”

Maybe that was what he needed, a good bar brawl to feel like himself again. The last few weeks, helping Triton and Sophia with the arrangements for their wedding, had taken their toll. But as Best Man, he’d felt obligated to chip in and take certain errands off Triton’s hands—such as handling the guest list for the Immortals and smoothing over bruised egos. But not even he had been able to prevent Sophia’s invitation from reaching Hera.

“If I knew you’d be fighting fair, I’d love a quick hand-to-hand.”

Eros lifted his hands in a show of surrender. “Moi? Not fighting fair?” Then he looked at Hermes. “Have you ever heard of such a thing?”

Despite himself, Dio had to grin. Hermes joined in laughter a second later. And just like that, Dio’s bad mood was gone. His friends could do that to him. That’s why he loved them. It was just a shame that they’d see so much less of Triton now that he resided in the—admittedly very charming—city of Charleston. Even Dio had a little bachelor pad here that he used on occasion, that’s how much he liked the city and the many bars. It wouldn’t be too much of a hardship to visit Triton from time to time. So, maybe very little would change after all.

“Did you notice the lovely redhead in the crowd?” Hermes asked.

“Francesca? She’s Sophia’s best friend. But don’t bother.” Dio took a big gulp of his wine.

“You think I have no chance?”

“Depends on the competition.” Dio loved needling his half-brother.

Hermes grinned. “If you’re the competition, then I’m home free.”

Eros laughed. “I’m happy to play umpire.”

Dio waved his friends off. “I’m not interested in her, but you go right ahead and compete with Zeus.”

Hermes deflated as if somebody had stuck a pin into a balloon. “That’s just so unfair. Why does he always get first dibs?”

“He doesn’t always,” Dio interrupted and smiled to himself. The delectable morsel he’d chosen for himself hadn’t entered Zeus periphery yet, and if Dio could help it, his father would never set eyes on her, at least not until Dio was done with her.

“Which means exactly what?” Hermes challenged.

Eros graced him with a knowing glance. “It appears our dear friend has found a victim that has so far escaped Zeus’ eye.”

Dio winked at the God of Love. “And that’s all I’m saying.”

“Who is she? Is she here?” Hermes asked, eagerly craning his neck to survey the crowd that had already poured into the living room and was now jostling for position in line for the buffet.

“Do I look stupid enough to choose somebody from the wedding party when I know for certain Zeus will lay claim to her as soon as he sees her?”

“Ah, so maybe one of the waitresses?” Eros interjected.

“Same difference. Once Zeus lays eyes on her, not even Francesca’s beauty can keep him from going for my girl.” Not that she was his girl yet. The lovely Ariadne had so far resisted his advances and only allowed a few chaste kisses, claiming she wanted to get to know him first. Just like Dio wanted to know her—in a biblical kind of way.

“Your girl? Dio, you wouldn’t by any chance have given up your one-night-only rule?” Hermes gave him a you’re-shitting-me look.

Dio instantly shook off the thought. “Don’t be ridiculous! Do you see me walking down the aisle anytime soon? As soon as I’ve had her, I’ll let her loose. My weeks of wining and dining her will pay off tonight.”

Eros laid his hand on Dio’s forearm. “Hold it. Are you telling me that you haven’t fucked her yet?”

Dio swallowed hard. Admitting to his friends that he hadn’t gotten a woman into his bed on the first try was like admitting to a monumental defeat. “I’m enjoying the chase.” Which wasn’t entirely untrue. Seducing Ariadne slowly had its charm.

Hermes broke out in hearty laughter. “Finally a woman who doesn’t drop her panties the moment you crook your finger.”

Anger churned up in Dio. “Believe me, she will drop her panties tonight, or I’m through with her.”

“Sounds like a dare.” Eros lifted his glass in mock-toast.

“It’s a fact!” Tonight, Ariadne would surrender to him. He’d sink into her sweet heat and finally unleash his passion on her, take her to heights she’d never known before, and make her beg for more. And then he’d do it again until the sun rose. Because once the night was over, he’d leave, sated and done with the inexplicable draw she had on him. It was that draw that had compelled him to start dating her when he never dated. All he usually had were one-night-stands. It was different with Ariadne. For two weeks now, they’d played their little game, gone out for dinners and dances, yet she’d always stopped him when he wanted to go further. With any other woman, he’d have stopped his pursuit and moved onto the next, not willing to waste his time any longer. But Ariadne held his attention.

He stared at his two friends. “Tonight she’ll be mine. And tomorrow I’ll be moving on to the next one.” He raised his glass. “Mark my words.”

As he toasted to his friends, his gaze strayed into the distance and collided with Hera’s. The glower in her icy-blue eyes confirmed that she’d heard each and every word of his conversation with his friends. The Mother Goddess wasn’t pleased.

End of Excerpt.

Copyright 2011 Tina Folsom

Tina Folsom, Author

www.tinawritesromance.com

http://authortinafolsom.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorTinaFolsom

Giveaway rules

Tina is giving away an autographed copy of  A Sent of Greek. Here's what you have to do to enter. Go here and friend Tina's facebook page and leave a comment below with an email.

 This giveaway is open to international.