Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Review : Ivory by FM Sherrill





Title: Ivory
Author: F.M. Sherrill
Series: Ivory Saga
Genre: Fantasy/Action
Publisher: Red Frog Publishing
Release Date: July 7 2013
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis: 

As a child in the desert kingdom of Gryth, Ivory witnessed the brutal murder of her parents at the hands of a sinister race known as the Lecs.

Now Queen of her people, a vengeance-fueled Ivory launches a final battle to annihilate the enemy once and for all. But on the eve of war, betrayed by her own kind and left in the hands of the Lecs, she's forced to learn the shocking truth about their two peoples, and the diabolical curse that's plagued them for centuries.

Armed with newfound knowledge and unexpected allies, Ivory must face the real enemy that's haunted her all her life, and make a choice that will mean the difference between a new beginning and the end of the world.

Ivory is an exercise in duality made reality; an exploration of darkness and light, male and female, sun and moon… seen through the eyes of two cultures ripped apart by an ancient evil whose pain resonates through the ages like the beating of a drum.

Book Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Books A Million 
Book Depository 
Goodreads


AUTHOR BIO


Aren't author's bios boring? I always wanted to read one that went something like this:
F.M. Sherrill: recent citizen of earth. Plans on ruling the planet once she gets over the common cold.

Or, F.M. Sherrill: time traveler. Decided to alter the space-time continuum by writing a novel, thus changing history slightly, which will eventually lead to the rise of a new human species.

But here it is. F.M. Sherrill is a novelist, A.K.A. an avid bullshitter; that's why she lives in L.A.. She's been writing for as long as her ancient mind can remember, devouring tales like an anemic vampire roaming the streets in hot pink heels, always thirsty for more. When she's not writing, she's making steampunk weapons, sewing giant plant-eater Mario plushes, making costumes for some film bloke or cosplayer, and sculpting/casting movie prop replicas while gardening in her urban apartment. Her favorite tools? A soldering iron, a blowtorch, a band saw, a sonic screwdriver, a replicator and an active imagination.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Blog
Blog ~ Girls Writing Coffee
Facebook Page 
Goodreads
Twitter
YouTube


EXCERPT 
"She pants for breath, sweat cascading down her back. It moves over scars and soaks through the white fabric between her flesh and armor. What is he staring at? He waits at the tip of her blade, his eyes green like fields of summer. 

He’s dead and he knows it."



This book wasn't at all what I was expecting and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement.  It was dark, showing just how far the shadowed emotions of human kind can push you.  It was written beautifully, with just the right amount of creep and horror to keep you fascinated, but not disgust you to the point of not being able to finish.  It was dark, but so very well written.  I look forward to reading more from this author.

1/2







Monday, January 27, 2014

Giveaway and Spotlight On: Good Intentions by D N Simmons


GOOD INTENTIONS
The Dead War Series, Book #1
Publisher: Rushmore Publishing
Formats: eBook: $2.99 on sale for 1.99 / Paperback: $8.99
Genre(s): Dark Urban Fantasy/Horror/Suspense/Dystopian
Pages: 191 (EB) 235 (PB)
ISBN: 978-0615887524

SciTech Labs was handsomely commissioned by the United States Military to design a revolutionary serum that would create the ultimate soldier.  They would be stronger and more resilient, they would also be smarter and more alert. Last, but not least, they would be faster with  more endurance. Everything was looking hopeful until an experiment went horribly wrong. The scientists mutated their specimen's DNA, turning into something monstrous. Now life as we know it will never be the same.

Those things are coming for us.  

The entire world is in danger and our governments forces can't stop them. Humanity's only hope lies with...

The Vampires.

Can their supernatural abilities help save the human race, or is it the end? Can the human race survive being caught in a bloody war between two vicious predators? 

AVAILABLE NOW:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I was born in the little, but big bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. I still live there today and I’m loving every second of it ... Except for those harsh cold winters. I started writing short horror stories when I was eleven years old. It wasn't until 2004 that I decided to take the plunge into the professional literary world when I wrote Desires Unleashed.

I love the supernatural world; I've always found it fascinating, especially vampires and shape-shifters. It was my love of the genre that motivated me to create the story I had always wanted to read. I published it, hoping there were other people out there who would be entertained by that same story. I love to entertain people, to offer them that fantasy world they can escape into filled with wonders and good times. I know I appreciate the escapism I've delved into when reading a good book.

Some of the accolades I've won for my writing are: "New Voice of Today" by A Romance Review, "Rising Star" by Love Romance and "Author of the Month" by Warrior of Words. I've been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including "best vampire novel" and "best urban-fantasy" at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

Some of the accolades I've won for my writing are: "New Voice of Today" by A Romance Review, "Rising Star" by Love Romance and "Author of the Month" by Warrior of Words. I've been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including "best vampire novel" and "best urban-fantasy" at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

To find out even more about me, please click on the links below.


1/14 Night Owl Reviews (Spotlight)

1/17  Charlene Blogs

1/18 Paranormal Romance Author Honor James (Guest Post)

1/22  Book Monster Reviews (guest post)

1/23     Paranormal Romance Fans for Life (spotlight)

1/27 Myla Jackson's Blog

1/29 Close Encounters (Spotlight/Review)

1/31 Mad Hatter Reads (Guest Post)
2/01  Offbeat Vagabond (guest post)

2/5 deal sharing aunt (Review)

2/7 Toot’s Book Reviews (Spotlight)

2/11 Sun Mountain Reviews (Spotlight/Review)

2/11 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! (Spotlight/Review)

2/13 I Smell Sheep (Interview)

2/13 Literal Addiction (Guest Post)

2/15 Dalene's Book Reviews (Interview)

2/15 Makayla's Book Reviews (Spotlight/Review)

2/15  Dalene's Book Reviews (interview)


 TOUR GIVEAWAY:
GRAND PRIZE:
$25.00 Amazon card and a Good Intentions Keychain





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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Giveaway and Spotlight On: Divided Loyalties by Lia Davis

Divided Loyalties, Ashwood Falls, #4
By Lia Davis

Blurb:
Trained to hunt rogues and protect the human race from the threat of shifters, Christa Baker is beginning to rethink her career choice. Especially when her niece and nephew—who she’s raised on her own—end up in the crossfire. Now she’s looking for a way out and disappear off Shield’s radar for good. She never thought her out would be a gorgeous wolf who kidnaps her after raiding Shield HQ.

Hayden Raines has always followed the rules. As the Ashwood Fall wolf Marshal, he has to set the example for those working under him. When he sets his sights on the beautiful human hunter things go downhill, fast. Fate has a funny way of turning things inside out—because the woman he kidnaps, the enemy he might need to protect his family from, just happens to be his mate.

Warning: Contains one woman on a path she’s not ready for, a man who thought things would be different, and a heated exchange that turns out to be the best thing ever.

Find it in eBook: Amazon Barnes & Noble | ARe | iTunes
Find it in paperback: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Ashwood Falls reading order:

 EXCERPT:

Hayden walked his mother out to her car. She’d been silent since he returned to the house with Christa. That wasn’t good. His mother had no problem speaking her mind, but something had her holding her tongue.
Luna faced him when they reached the car. “I hope you know what you’re doing. I can’t allow her entry to the den just yet.”
“I know. I wouldn’t ask it of you. Mate or not, Christa’s loyalties could still be with Shield. Or should I say Vance.” He ground his molars together at the thought of the rogue running a human rebel group.
“What if she doesn’t believe you and decides to go back to Shield?”
“I’ll have to make sure she sees the truth and that doesn’t happen.”
She smiled wickedly and tugged him down so she could place a kiss on his cheek. “Be sure you do, dear.”
He opened the door for her, and once she settled in the driver’s seat, he shut the door and stepped back. Christa would see the truth. She’d said she was looking for an out. Still, he couldn’t help, but sense that she was hiding something.
He was going to find out what.
Determined, he turned to go back to the house. When he stepped inside, he saw Christa huddled in front of the fireplace. He grabbed one of the blankets his mom had brought, along with an apple from the box of food and walked over to Christa. He wrapped the blanket around her and sat down so his shoulder touched hers.
“Thanks,” she muttered, but didn’t look at him.
He handed her the apple. “You’re not a prisoner.”
“Then let me go.”
“I can’t do that.”
She snorted. “That makes fucking sense.”
Hayden felt his lips twitch. The female had spirit, that was for sure. He was going to enjoy playing with her. “Have you heard the stories on why Ashwood and MoonRiver merged together as one pack?”
She took a bite out of the apple and chewed before speaking. “I’ve heard several rumors. It depends on the source…” She drifted off as if realizing something.
Hayden remained quiet and let her stew over whatever conclusion swirled around inside her head. Finally, she said softly, “Shield isn’t like it used to be. We were established to protect humans from the rogues. We never went out of our way to attack dens without solid proof.”
He fisted his hand in his lap to keep from touching her any more than he was already. He heard the slight disappointment in her tone, but it was masked by anger. It was as if she’d lost faith in their cause. “Is that why you want out?”
She shrugged and continued to stare into the fire. “I’m thirty-nine and not getting any younger. The new commander of Shield changed everything. He had the Memphis unit ready to go into Ashwood in a full-on attack.”
Hayden tensed at her admission. It sounded too close to the vision his mother had. If what Christa said was true, then Vance may already have a backup plan in place. He’d be sure to tell Blaine and his mother to look into other rebel groups. Maybe Blaine’s mother-in-law’s mate, Damian Archer, had information to share. The puma did work for one of the shifter rebel groups and had contacts all over the U.S. Damian and Sarah had moved to Ashwood Falls a few weeks ago after Sarah was targeted by his right hand.
Of course Christa would have information on the human groups as well, but he’d have to gain her trust first before she’d work with him.
“My father went rogue.” It was the only admission he could think of that would catch her attention.
She peered over at him and frowned. “Did you kill him?”


About the Author:
Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and two very special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, a paranormal romance author, and co-owner to Fated Desires Publishing, LLC. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it’s her home and she loves it!
An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very activity imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing is stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.
Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.



GIVEAWAY!
Lia is hosting a tour-wide giveaway of a $50 gift card to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, OR All Romance eBooks (Winner’s choice), an eBook from her back list (Divided Loyalties not included), and a swage pack. Just leave a comment and follow the Rafflecopter instructions below to enter.
The giveaway is open to international readers.


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Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Giveaway and Review of Symphony of Light and Winter by Renea Mason

Hello and Welcome to the kickoff for Renea's tour!  I have had the pleasure of reading this gripping and completely unique book and can't wait to tell you all about it. But first, I asked the author to pull 10 of her favorite quotes from inside the book.  This will give you a little varied taste from whats inside.
Ten Quotes from Symphony of Light and Winter
“The way you are looking at me right now... Please, always look at me this way. Stare into my eyes and see me for who I am and know that there is nothing more than this. When the world calls things into question, you need not question me because I will always be here for you. The comfort I find in your eyes is new and frightening.” - Cyril
“Strangers? You know my name and I know yours; the formalities have been satisfied.” He smiled, charming and devastating. “Besides, isn’t the best part of friendship the discovery of one another? Friendship doesn’t start once you know all there is to know, it’s the journey we share.”  - Cyril
 
“I’ll never let anyone hurt you. Never! But you will obey me from now on. You will respect that I have more experience, and you will follow my orders. I told you to stay put. You could have been killed and I don’t know if I can bring you back. Do you have any idea what that would do to me? Your reckless behavior must stop. It’s not an option for either of us.” - Cyril 
There is no way to explain to her what I’ve done, how deeply I have bound us. The connection is so strong, I want to climb inside and live within her. If only she would allow me to touch her, to hold her, to make love to her willingly. With no coercion, no distress, no pretense. She’ll never know how deep my need goes, beyond the physical, beyond the soul. I don’t want to possess her, but rather combine myself with her so we are two halves of one whole. She is the end to my beginning and the beginning of my end. My balance. My completion. My salvation. My Light. -Cyril
“Don’t you understand, it’s the intense love I have for you that makes me such an idiot.” - Cyril 
Was it possible he wasn’t the supernatural manifestation of Murphy’s Law after all? - Linden
“Don’t laugh. I won’t pretend I’m not jealous and angry. I am. But if you knew the things they were thinking you’d better understand why I need to do what I’m about to do. Do you see Dominic over there? Let’s just say his tastes run a little dark. Ever spend considerable time naked with your hands bound behind your back and a ball gag in your mouth? He’s picturing you that way, this very instant.” - Cyril 
“Are you telling me you’re the Grim Reaper? Surely you’re not saying you’re Saint Peter?” - Linden
 He cycled through the playlist and stopped on a Sarah McLachlan song. He rolled his eyes. “All the artists on here are women who are either angry, Canadians, or lesbians. Hell, you have a few that fit all three categories on a Venn diagram.” - Clarence
Etopia Press
Symphony of Light and Winter
Symphony of Light Book One
Renea Mason
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Length: Novel
Word Count: 88,375
Page Count: 389
Price: 5.99
ISBN: 978-1-940223-10-0
Heat Level: 4
Release Date: 06/21/2013
One woman. Seven men. All bound by one man’s undying devotion.
Fundraiser Linden Hill has a knack for reading people. She always knows which conversations will put a prospect at ease, which drink will loosen a patron’s lips—or his wallet, and how cleavage will make a donor sweeten the deal. She’s even foreseen her dateless weekends four hundred and sixty-four times in a row.
But ten years after watching life drain from her former mentor’s and first love’s eyes, her skills for divining the predictable are lost. When Cyril returns, he’s still gorgeous, but this time he’s beyond human, far less dead, and pissed. His lack of memory drives him to desperate acts, and his turbulent re-acquaintance with Linden pulls her into his war with a creature hell-bent on his destruction. His group of six supernatural men share a tantalizing secret, but despite the hunger, it’s love that leads her to sacrifice everything to save him…        

Buy the book
Amazon.com (available at most international Amazon sites – Italy, Germany, Japan, Canada, UK etc.)
http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Light-Winter-ebook/dp/B00DI9DMN2/ 
BarnesandNoble.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/symphony-of-light-and-winter-renea-mason/
AllRomanceeBooks.com
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-symphonyoflightandwinter-1223873-340.html
Kobo.com
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Symphony-of-Light-and-Winter/book-tsrzyKC1XkahOlFggCuesA/page1.html?s=5SwqI-eHDECBq4H4ufblnQ&r=1
Bookstrand.com
http://www.bookstrand.com/symphony-of-light-and-winter
Coming soon to Apple iBooks.  
Print edition available January 2014.

About the Author

Renea Mason writes steamy romances to help even out the estrogen to testosterone imbalance caused by living in a house full of men.

When she isn’t putting pen to paper crafting sensual stories filled with supernatural lovers, she spends time with her beyond-supportive husband, two wonderful sons and three loving but needy cats.
Renea is a member of Romance Writers of America, The Paranormal Romance Guild and The Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal subchapter of the Romance Writers of America.

She is also a founding member of the Coffee Talk Writers.  http://coffeetalkwriters.com/

Follow Renea Mason

http://www.ReneaMason.com
http://www.Facebook.com/ReneaMasonAuthor
http://www.Facebook.com/symphonyoflightandwinter
http://www.Pinterest.com/ReneaMason
http://www.goodreads.com/ReneaMason
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/reneamasonauthor
https://twitter.com/ReneaMason1
S.ReneaMason@gmail.com
http://www.amazon.com/Renea-Mason/e/B00DIMOX2S/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


Hashtags

#reneamason, #symphonyoflightandwinter, #eroticromance, #romance, #erotic, #paranormal, #paranormalromance, #cyril, #linden, #overton, #etopiapress, #amazon, #barnesandnoble, #allromanceebooks, #kobo, #coffeetalkwriters, #coffeetalk

Tags for WordPress

Renea Mason, Symphony of Light and Winter, Erotic Romance, Romance, Erotic, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Cyril, Linden, Overton, Etopia Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble,  All Romance ebooks, Kobo, Coffee Talk Writers, Coffee Talk







A short excerpt to whet your appetite. 

Symphony of Light and Winter - 18 + Mature content

My amusement was interrupted by the absolute last thing I needed. Cyril. As if being in a room with a bunch of men who wanted me but didn’t know why and hated me for it wasn’t bad enough. In his black custom suit, he radiated power. He pulled at his cuff links as he stopped to survey the room.
Instead of trying to make my escape, I seized an opportunity to antagonize him. I was really starting to enjoy tormenting him.
“Good morning, Grim, it is nice of you to join us.”
“Grim. Ha! She called him Grim.” Rhys clapped his hands as he laughed.
Cyril didn’t acknowledge me or Rhys’s comment. He stood there for a very long time and looked around the room at each man. Nobody met his gaze but me. Cyril’s fists clenched at his side, jaw tight, and face furious.
“I warned all of you,” he addressed the room. He didn’t growl but rather wrapped his words with a subtle menace.
“Leave them alone. You know this is entirely your fault. If you would just think things through, you’d stop fucking everything up. I do have to say, of
all your fuckups, this one is certainly the most impressive and entertaining from my perspective.” I winked at Overton, who managed to glare at me even with his head practically bowed. Why were they so fucking subservient to him?
The next thing I knew, I was yanked from my seat and hoisted onto the counter. Cyril grabbed my ass and pulled me to the edge, forced my legs open, and stepped between them. He wrapped his arms around me and placed his head against mine. It wasn’t his voice I heard but rather his mind. It felt like when I talked to myself but somehow I knew it was him. Strange, he had tone and inflection while communicating.
“You need to stop showing off in front of my men. Yes, I fucked up, but do you really want them to give in to their urges? Do you think you can fend them off? I could toss you to them and see how far you get. Is that what you want? Maybe I should let them have their way with you and pull up a chair to watch. I want you to think about something before you start to defy me. I’m the only one who can keep you safe. So it’s best you stop being a smart-ass for five seconds and listen to me. I’m going to do something that will piss you off. I’m warning you now it’s for your own good. You need to go along with it, no matter how angry you are at me. Don’t fight me. I’ll try to fix this but until then, I need to take a few precautions.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond. If I thought something, could he hear me? Was this two-way communication? I tried to push him away.
He tightened his grip and his voice was in my head again.
“Stop it! Let me remind you that I have a special connection with these men. Not only can I read their thoughts but I can’t block them. I don’t have to try to receive them. I know exactly what each person in this room, besides you of course, is thinking right now.”
So that’s what Overton meant when he said Cyril had ways of finding out.
“The thoughts that assaulted me when I entered this room would make a porn star blush; every one of their little fantasies featured you.”
I giggled.
The voice growled. “Don’t laugh. I won’t pretend I’m not jealous and angry. I am. But if you knew the things they were thinking you’d better understand why I need to do what I’m about to do. Do you see Dominic over there? Let’s just say his tastes run a little dark. Ever spend considerable time naked with your hands bound behind your back and a ball gag in your mouth? He’s picturing you that way, this very instant.”
I stiffened. That didn’t at all appeal to me.
“Thor seems to think that you’d enjoy all of us taking you at the same time.”
And he seemed so quiet and sweet.
“Sinclair wants to shove his cock down your throat until you choke, all the while telling you how it’s your entire fault. Rhys is thinking of how you would look sprawled out on the hood of his new sports car, and Overton...”
“NO!” I yelled.
It seemed like a violation of privacy with Overton. Unlike the others, I considered him a friend. I respected him too much.
“See, like it or not, I’m going to tell you what he’s thinking since it pisses me off the most. He thinks I’m going to fuck you right here on this counter, to lay my claim. Once he gets past the fantasies of watching me fuck you, which he finds exceptionally arousing...”
There was a momentary pause to the voice and when he started again, he was angry.
“He then knocks on your bedroom door after you run crying from the room. You invite him in and he holds you in his arms while you cry about how I violated and humiliated you. He wants to comfort you. He wants to be your savior. He wants to save you from me. But he knows he can’t.”
I felt the moment he left my head, because a sudden wave of dizziness came over me.
With no more words, he tilted his head and placed his lips against mine. I fought the rigidity that tried to seize my body. I knew it was best to give in. I wouldn’t fight him, but I knew every time he got close, I ran the risk of losing myself. I was still way too angry to just give up.
His lips danced with mine as he nestled himself between my open thighs.
Was Overton right? How far would he take it? If it did go too far, would I be able to stop him? He was such a fucking weakness for me I honestly didn’t think I would.
He was gentle and softly stroked my back as his tongue made love to my mouth. With one hand he cupped my ass and pulled me flush against him, and with the other he reached up, cupped my breast, and squeezed hard. His kiss grew frantic and I became caught up in the sensation, forgot where I was, and that I had an audience. He pushed me hard against his erection as he rubbed himself rhythmically against my core. “You are mine. You belong to me. Now say it! Let them all know who you belong to.”
Was he kidding? I hesitated.
He ran his fangs up the side of my neck in warning. He whispered in my ear, “Say it. You need to say it. Let them hear it come from your lips.” His hand drifted from my breast to the hem of my nightgown and pulled up one side so it rested in the crease where my leg met my hip.
Somehow the part of me that knew he was right surfaced, and the stubborn part of me took a momentary vacation. If I was his, they wouldn’t dare defy him. It would keep me safe.
His fingers toyed with the edge of my panties before tugging the fabric to the side to allow him to stroke my moist skin. He positioned himself at the juncture between my legs, allowing my naked flesh to gather friction from his cloth-covered cock.
“Yes, Cyril, I’m yours.”
With that, he struck. His fangs pierced my neck. The second of pain from his bite passed and the pleasure grew, igniting my veins with liquid desire. One arm tightened around me, pulling me harder
against his cock. The other held my head while he sucked harder. Each pull he took was linked to the sensitive place between my legs. He ground his hips into mine and I moaned. The first wave of climax hit, tensing muscles and pushing my breath out in a rush. This was new. He could do this just by biting me?
I shook in his arms as he drank. Tremor after tremor seized me as he took his fill. I was so caught up in the sensation I only vaguely noticed the moans and growls that escaped from behind his teeth. With one final pull, and a thrust of his hips, he finished with a crushing embrace as he removed his teeth from my neck.
“Mine!” he roared. He enveloped me in his arms and held me close. He dipped his head to lick closed the small punctures on my throat.
I threw my head back. My breathing slowed as the cloud that had invaded my head receded.
Son of a bitch! I just came in front of everyone while sitting on the kitchen counter!
I was afraid to open my eyes but when I did, he stared back.
He nuzzled my cheek. “I’m sorry. I only want to protect you. If you’re mine, no one will dare touch you. I needed to lay my claim but I didn’t want to take anything you hadn’t already offered. Since you’ve replenished me before I thought this might be more acceptable.”
I was angrier with myself than him.
He caressed my arms and back. When I mustered enough courage to look around, we were the only
people in the kitchen, with the exception of Overton, who stood in the doorway holding the keys to my car.
Cyril softly lifted my chin so that my eyes would meet his. “Again, I’m sorry. I know I end up saying that far too often. But I need you to know, hearing those words from your lips...ah, hell. I can’t even explain it. Perhaps someday, you’ll utter them in truth.”

He placed his forehead against mine, took a deep breath. “Fuck. Maybe Overton is right. Maybe someone should save you from me.”





1/2

GIVEAWAY!!!!!










Monday, January 20, 2014

Review: Die For Love by Caridad Pineiro




Loving a dead man can be brutal. Diana Reye’s pregnancy is draining her of life. Now she and vampire Ryder Latimer are faced with the most difficult choice of all. Turn Diana, or lose her and the baby. If Ryder chooses to save them, he risks the wrath of the Slayer Council and will be marked for his own death by their friend Michaela. Chasing a vampire can be consuming.
FBI agent Michaela Ramirez has been searching for the vampire who raped and killed her mother while acting as an enforcer for the Slayer Council. Since meeting FBI Director Jesus Hernandez , however, Michaela is losing a bit of her edge as she imagines the possibility of a life full of happiness and passion with her handsome boss by her side…and in her bed.
Living without the one they love isn’t an option.
But soon trouble comes calling as the vampire she hunts makes Michaela his prey. Now Michaela finds herself in a battle not only for her own life, but for her friends lives as well, as she and Ryder both make the difficult decision to break all the rules for love.

My Review:

This was a great edition to another wonderful series by Caridad.  The best part about it?  You can pick up any of the books and feel right at home...even though you may wonder about how the couples got together, and some of the back drama, it is an amazing book to start with!

This book is mainly about Michaela and Jesus.  You watch how their relationship is tested in just about every way possible.  The decisions Michaela is forced to make result in how the flow of their relationship, and the relationship with their friends will continue.  Its not easy for Michaela because she has been alone for so long, she has no idea how to rely on someone and take others considerations before her own.  She believes that friendship and love will make you weak.  But she is a well of compassion.....and secretly hates killing.  Such a charming contradiction our Michaela, and even though it is amazing obvious that she is totally in love with Jesus, she is struggling so hard to come to terms with it.

Jesus or J as she refers to him, is a power all on his own.  Totally human, but a solid support system, and all the man Michaela(and might I say any of us?) can handle.  He is loyal, loving, caring, all wrapped up in a deadly exterior package.

So there are a few surprises that pop up if you have read the series...quite a few actually.   I truly hope that Ryder wasn't permanently damaged during his fight with the villain in this book.  He seemed changed and lost in a darkness.  Overall?  It was an incredible adventure and I can't wait for book 5!!!

1/2
 



Sunday, January 19, 2014

Cover Reveal: Seth by Eve Langlais Book 5 in the Cyborg Series



Blurb:
His mission: Blend in with the humans. Save the cyborgs. And seduce the only woman he ever loved, without getting killed.

Cybernetic spy models are different from other humans turned machine.
For one thing, they never completely lost touch with their humanity, or their memories. But retaining their identity doesn’t mean the military didn’t mess with their lives. Seth lost the woman he loved because of their web of lies. When the chance arises to make things right, he relies on his superior intellect—and irresistible charm—to prove his innocence, and make Anastasia his again.

Anastasia might possess upgraded parts and programming, but the scientists never could cure her of her biggest weakness, jealousy. The volatile emotion made her walk away from love once. Can she overcome it and recognize the truth? Or will she continue to let the military manipulate her emotional strings?


Here's the link for the future excerpt, the blurb and cover.
http://evelanglais.com/wordpress/books/seth

Check out the rest of the series as well!!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Review and Spotlight On Andrew Grey and his new book: Dumped in Oz




Dumped in Oz
by Andrew Grey
from Dreamspinner Press
Tales from Kansas #1
Release Date January 15th 2014
Buy link Dreamspinner http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4577
Cover Artist is L.C. Chase
Length Novella / 164 pages
Genre M/M Contemporary Romance
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19541868-dumped-in-oz

Because of an opportunity he’d be a fool to turn down, Lyle Powers transfers to his company’s warehouse in central Kansas. The last thing he expects is to meet another gay man in the small town, let alone one who captures his interest. 

Roger Kypers is a recovering alcoholic with a twelve-year-old daughter he only gets to see for part of the summer. Neither Lyle nor Roger is looking for a relationship, and they fumble at the start, yet emotions build as Roger shows Lyle the landmarks of Oz. 

But when Roger’s wicked witch of an ex-wife threatens to take his daughter away for good if he doesn’t act “normally,” he’s faced with the challenge of letting her get away with it, or fighting to accept himself and standing up for what he knows is right.

EXCERPT:
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“Can I get you something to drink?” she asked. After Lyle asked for a diet soda, she added apologetically, “We’re out of our brunch special for the day.”

“That’s all right,” Lyle said as he looked over the menu. “Can you tell me what a bierock is?” He pointed to one of the items listed at the bottom of the menu.

“It’s white-bread dough with egg filling. We only have the three-meat one left,” she told him with a smile.

“I’ll try that and a cinnamon roll, please.” Lyle handed her back the menu.

“Would you like the cinnamon roll warm?”

Lyle’s stomach rumbled. “Please.”

The waitress left the table, and Lyle looked around the room. It was meticulously clean, with freshly painted walls, spotless floors, and nice curtains that weren’t too fussy. But what really captured his attention were the scents that wafted from the kitchen. Lyle closed his eyes, and he could almost imagine he was a small child sitting in his grandmother’s kitchen. Memories wafted over him, things he hadn’t thought about in years—like her baking and the way she’d always had a kind word and never raised her voice. He smiled as he remembered her tucking him in one of the big beds she’d had upstairs.

Lyle opened his eyes, still smiling. His mother’s mother had passed away when he was seven, and he hadn’t thought about her in years. He sighed as he realized he missed her.

The scent of cinnamon intensified, and the server placed a plate in front of him. “Enjoy.”

“I’m sure I will,” Lyle told her and tucked right in. The frosting flowed over the roll as he cut into it, and Lyle took a bite, closing his eyes to enjoy the savory combination of flavors.

“That’s what every cook likes to see—someone loving their food,” a rich voice said. Lyle opened his eyes and saw a man about his own age with black hair, a touch of gray at the temples.

“It’s delicious,” Lyle said after swallowing. He wiped his mouth and smiled. “Did you make these?”

“Yes. I do almost all of our baking,” the man told him. “I’m Roger Kyper, the owner and baker.” He extended his hand.

“Lyle,” he said, shaking it. “I’m staying at the inn next door for a couple of weeks.” Roger held his hand a few seconds longer than necessary and then released it, not breaking eye contact. “I’ll be working at the Shoebox warehouse near the highway,” Lyle continued. He figured being friendly was the way things were done here, and he wanted to fit in. “Sorry I got here so close to closing.”

“It’s no problem,” Roger said, moving out of the way when the server returned with Lyle’s bierock. “I’ll let you finish your brunch.” He moved away, and Lyle watched him go out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t want to be seen watching another guy, not in a small town like this, but he couldn’t help it. Roger was hot, and he moved like a dancer. Lyle swallowed hard as his mouth went dry. He turned away and went back to his cinnamon roll. As he ate, the restaurant employees wiped down the chairs, swept the floor, and gathered the flower vases from the tables.

When he finished the cinnamon roll, he ate the bierock, humming softly to himself at the savory taste of bacon, sausage, egg, and ham all mixed together, combined with the bread. Dang—it had to be a local delicacy, and it was amazing. Lyle finished eating and sat back. He realized he was the only person in the room. The servers had finished their work, and he now sat alone.

“I see you liked it,” Roger said as he came back in.

“It was great,” Lyle said with a smile. “Am I keeping you from going home?” He stood up and looked for his check, then picked it up off the corner of the table.

“Not really. It’s Sunday afternoon, so take your time.” Roger didn’t leave right away, and Lyle stared at him for a few seconds. Then Lyle moved to the side and walked toward the back of the house. He stepped into a tiny bakery with a single case, now empty, but delicious scents lingered in the air. Roger went to stand at the register, and Lyle handed him the check and money.

“Please give the change to the server,” Lyle said.

“She’ll appreciate that,” Roger told him
.
Lyle said good-bye and left by the back door, stepping out into the heat. He looked around and walked up toward the street, deciding he’d take a walk through the park. As he headed to the sidewalk, he saw Roger lock the door before jogging down the stairs. Lyle waved and continued across the street into the park.
It was gorgeous, with shade trees, paths, and playgrounds, like most parks. He also passed a fountain, and a cannon set in concrete, continuing his stroll down a footpath that led over to a bridge where a small pond narrowed. People fished off the bank, and Lyle saw a small wooden model boat landing near shore where a father and son operated a remote-controlled boat. Lyle stood on the bridge, leaning against the rail, just watching.

“Nice, isn’t it?” a familiar voice said.

Lyle turned as Roger joined him on the bridge
.
“It is,” Lyle agreed. “What is it about this town?”

“What do you mean?” Roger asked.

“It seems so perfect,” Lyle said, and Roger chuckled lightly.

“Most folks who live here grew up here. And we believe in taking care of what we have. Everyone pitches in to take care of the park and keep the town clean. There isn’t a lot, but we do okay. A lot of people in town work either at the feed mill or at Caterpillar. Some work at the Shoebox warehouse too. And there are lots of farmers and farm support.”

“It’s like stepping back in time,” Lyle told him.

“That it is. Since we don’t have a lot, we want to preserve what we have. Years ago, when folks started tearing down the old buildings to create new, some folks got together to try to rescue what was still around,” he explained, motioning toward a cluster of small buildings. “So we started the Wamego museum. We moved the old buildings to one location, just like we moved the windmill into the park. Folks here are proud of their town.”

“That’s obvious,” Lyle said. “Do you get a lot of visitors?”

“The Oz stuff brings in a few tourists and curiosity seekers, but mostly it’s just us. Except for during Oztoberfest—then the town fills up with people wearing green everything. It’s a real emerald city, and the characters come out all over the place. People dress as their favorite characters from the movie. Basically, everyone has a great time.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Lyle said.

“Then you’ll be here a while,” Roger said.

Lyle nodded. “About a year. They’ve put me up in the inn for a couple of weeks, but I need to find a place to live. I figured I’d ask around at work to see if anyone knows of anything. I understand a lot of them live in Manhattan.” Lyle looked around. “But this is so nice.”

“It’s too quiet for some folks,” Roger said, leaning on the railing next to him.

“I think quiet is nice. Harrisburg isn’t big as cities go, but it’s noisy and fast.” His condo building always had people coming and going. Lyle turned to look at Roger and saw him looking back. Lyle’s belly did a little flip as he recognized the interest in Roger’s eyes. Then it vanished and Roger turned. Lyle stifled a sigh as he watched the remote-controlled boat glide under the bridge. He turned and watched as it floated out the other side and made a lazy circle on the water before starting its return trip. “I could use some quiet.”

Lyle heard the kid laugh as the father handed the controls to the boat to him. From the bridge, Lyle saw the kid smile as he took the controls. The boat glided back to the center of the pond and then began making all kinds of circles and loops. Lyle turned back toward Roger, and he could have sworn Roger turned away just as Lyle began looking. Lyle opened his mouth to say something, but Roger pushed away from the railing. 

“I’m sure I’ll see you around,” he said. Before Lyle could open his mouth, Roger had turned and started striding back along the path through the park.

Lyle watched him go, wondering what had happened. He shrugged and pushed away from the rail himself, continuing across the bridge and on closer to the stone windmill. Lyle looked around the stone structure and saw Roger coming up the other way. He watched him for a few moments and realized he was being watched in return. Lyle walked over to where Roger stood. As he approached, Lyle once again saw a quick flash of desire, and then, just like before, it was gone and Roger turned away. This time Lyle watched him walk all the way across the park and back to the restaurant. He had no idea what was going on, so he pushed it from his mind. He wasn’t here to hook up, or even to meet anyone. He had a job to do, and he planned on doing it to the best of his ability, and taking some time to think and contemplate what he wanted. He certainly wouldn’t get caught up with a small-town closet case too afraid of what the neighbors would say to even be seen speaking to him in broad daylight.

He ambled back through the park, then stopped by the community pool to listen to the kids as they screamed with watery delight before continuing on and back to the hotel.

“Did you have a nice walk?” the hotelier asked as Lyle approached the stairs.

“I did. Thanks for the restaurant recommendation—the food was amazing,” Lyle said, and then smiled before continuing up the stairs.

“Did you meet Roger?”

Lyle paused. “Yes. He seemed very nice. We talked a little while I ate, and then I saw him in the park.”
The proprietor nodded slowly. “He’s a very nice man. Tragic, but very nice.” Lyle paused to see if he’d go on, but the older man simply turned and went back through the private doorway, leaving Lyle to wonder if people in town were crazy or just out to raise his curiosity. As he climbed the stairs, Lyle pushed all of it from his mind. He was starting a new position in the morning, and that was more than enough for him to worry about. He didn’t need to add the crazy cast of local characters.
------------



Andrew Grey grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived all over the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew's hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing). He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Website:  http://andrewgreybooks.com/

Dreamspinner Press Author Page:  http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=106

Blog:  http://andrewgreybooks.com/blog/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/andrewgreybooks?fref=ts

Facebook Author:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Grey/321057969619

Twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewgreybooks

eMail:  andrewgrey@comcast.net


We have a big city boy, not quite happy with his life, but at the same time not realizing he is in a rut. He has distancing himself from friends and rarely leaves the house.  He gets a wake up call not only with a new job offer, but from a friend who has been concerned for a long time about his lifestyle.  Lyle decided to take q chance in a new city and try to start over.  He needs something more in his life

In walks Roger.  Roger is not only in the closet but a bit ashamed of what he is.  He has a horrid ex-wife, but also a daughter who is the love of his life.   He is unhappy in his small town routine and longs to return to his nights of crawling inside a bottle to forget his pain.  The author painted a wonderful picture of both of these men, both lonely in different ways, and both wanting to change their lives but unsure as to how to do it.

I enjoyed this story.  It was very realistic, and I really could see this actually happening in real life.  I loved Lyle's friends.  They were a very happy couple and a world of good advice.  This was a very good contemporary m/m.  I can't wait for more from this author!! 




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