Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Eternal Service by Regina Morris

3.5 Stars

Vampires exist among us. They can be our neighbor, best friend, our child's teacher ...

They alter their aged appearance based upon the amount of blood they consume. They move to a new area, drink a lot of blood, and appear young. Slowly they limit their intake of blood and age, right in front of our unsuspecting eyes. After decades, they fake their death, move, and do it over and over again.

Most live quiet lives in an effort to blend in.

Some however want power and control.

The Colony is an elite group of vampires sworn to protect the President of the United States from these rogue vampires.

When Raymond Metcalf, vampire coven master of the Colony, teams up with a federal operative of the human female persuasion–who has no idea that vampires even exist–will his mission or his heart be compromised first?

Career military woman, Alex Brennan, is being offered the promotion of a lifetime and with it a romance that she has desperately been seeking. Does she dare accept the position as Director of the Colony, an elite group of deadly creatures of the night and risk a dangerous romance with a man who isn't even human?

Together, can they save the President?


Order Now

Monday, February 25, 2013

Review: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

5+ Stars


Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she's ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she'd do. He shows her what it's really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew's dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

(Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ - Adult Contemporary Women's - New Adult Fiction)





   My Thoughts; I am currently sitting here puffy eyed, recuperating  from a complete and total emotional breakdown. I refuse to say how this book turns out in the end because I feel it is necessary to have the FULL experience.

  Cam is just a girl... a girl fighting everything that life has thrown her way. She isn't RUNNING away, she is moving on. On from the pain of her past, on from the mundane present and she is not even contemplating a future. She is just doing what she wants. Til she meets Andrew, who seems to be doing the same. A chance meeting on a yucky Greyhound bus. Two people who have not showered or brushed their teeth in at least 24 hours slowly become friends. 

   I found myself, midway of this book, thinking, 'I could quite possibly read this book forever.' Just reading along as these two strangers got to know the simplest facts about each others lives. I was content and happy on that bus as long as I had these two characters to keep me company. But eventually they would have to return to 'real life' right? They can't stay on this bus forever. While Cam maybe be going nowhere, Andrew has a destination and once they get there what happens next??

   Traveling the country with Camryn and Andrew will go down as one of the best book experiences I have ever had. It is what comes after that has me completely tied in knots. As I said before, I will not tell how this book ends.  But I will tell you, that no matter how many tears you shed, how many boxes of Kleenex you go through you will be very glad you went along for the ride.....


Order Now

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Review: Skin by Kylie Scott


Skin

5 Stars

Six months since the zombie plague struck, former librarian Roslyn Stewart has been holed up in a school with eight other survivors. But now the shelves in the school canteen are bare. The stranger at the gate has supplies that will ensure the group’s ongoing survival, but at a cost. He wants a woman.

Nick is a man with a plan. He’ll treat Roslyn like a Queen, devoting the rest of his life to protecting and providing for her. In exchange, of course, for sexual favours. It’s the deal of the century given the state of the world. But Roslyn doesn't see it that way. The first chance she gets she attacks the ex-army man and attempts to escape, forcing Nick to contain her. And so begins his awkward courtship of the woman, with her chained to the bed for security reasons.

Chained like a dog and forced to spend her every waking moment with a creep, albeit a good looking one, Ros is determined to escape. When circumstances force them to band together against a common enemy their very survival depends on their ability to learn to trust each other. An uneasy partnership develops, but can a relationship with such a difficult beginning ever have a future?

The hotly anticipated sequel to Flesh, Skin is set in the same universe with a different set of characters.


 My Thoughts; Kylie has done it again! She has once again proven that love can happen during the Zombie apocalypse.

  When I first began reading I was a little bummed because I missed the characters from Flesh (book one) but I quickly became infatuated with the new characters and fell right into the 'new' story. I said after reading Flesh, "Being a woman during the apocalypse is going to be a double edge sword." Females are the most sought after commodity on the planet so depending on the circumstances, this can be both good and bad. When it is bad it is very BAD. Not everyone is nice, not everyone want to treat a female like a queen.

  Ros is so pig headed and strong willed that protecting her is almost impossible. Nick matches her pig headedness and strong will tit for tat and has a determination that outshines Ros on any day. He has vowed to protect her at any cost. And earning her trust it the thing that seems most important to him. Basically BUYING her with a van full of food wasn't exactly the best first step in their crazy relationship. (haha) But it was definitely a start!!

  I really enjoyed this book, I hope to see more like these for Kylie Scott in the future.


If you haven't read book one in this series give it a read, I think you might just like it :-)




check out my review of Flesh






















Monday, February 18, 2013

Review: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

4.5 Stars


   Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her. Can he face her without falling again?

   Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

   When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

   In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning


Release day March 4, 2013
ARC Provided by Inkspell Publishing

   My thoughts;  I am in love. As a huge fan of  Paranormal YA this was everything that I love. Forbidden love, good vs evil and so much more. For anyone who loved Twilight and The Mortal Instruments this just might be a perfect book for you.

   Michael and Mia have a bond that runs as deep as their soul. But how do you love someone when it is forbidden. What do you do when loving someone could cost you everything?

   I am finding it hard to write this review and stick to my NO SPOILER policy. I like for readers to experience every moment in a book as they are reading it.

  When Mia first sees Michael she is drawn to him, and he just seems to be everywhere. She can't escape him. Michael is constantly pushing her away only to pull her right back in again. Enter bad boy extraordinaire, Damiel. Nothing like competition to get a guys attention, right? Well there just may be more to Damiel than meets the eye. Mia isn't interested in Damiel but at the same time she just can't seem to resist. Friendship are made, hearts are broken, demons are slain.

  If you are a fan of paranormal YA you will not be disappointed. 









Friday, February 15, 2013

Lover at Last Countdown Week Four

As you all know I am completely obsessed with J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So... that being said, I am going to be posting a snippet every Friday until release day March 26, 2013 (originally posted on J.R. Ward's facebook page) I hope you enjoy them


 **Pre-Order Now**

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Review: The Education of Caroline by Jane Harvey Berrick


The Education of Caroline

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Waiting on: Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost


 

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but I am looking forward to.......


Twice Tempted: A Night Prince Novel

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Teaser Tuesday: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at should be reading! To participate all you have to do is:

· Grab your current read
· Open to a random page
· Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(make sure you don’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Confession time-- I kinda don't follow the Teaser Tuesday rules. I only post snippets I have read. I am a total freak when reading and I never ever like to look ahead in a book. So most of the time, my teasers have been handpicked from parts I have already read. *blushes*

 The Edge of Never

Monday, February 11, 2013

Review: The Story of Rachel by K.D. McLean


The Story of Rachel (Tales of Pandora)

3.5 Stars


Rachel Collins is praying. And not for world peace. Thirty six years old and single, her prayer is self-centered. "Kill me now, Lord," she pleads during her latest attempt to meet Mr. Right via the internet.

She’s not hoping for a billionaire or even a millionaire, just a guy who can strike a spark to her tinder! Is she asking too much? She's a great gal! Just ask her parents! She might be a bit naive about some things, but capable enough- she's a correspondent for a major magazine, after all. So there!

On assignment she meets Michael, 42 years old, also a writer. The attraction is immediate and intense. Rachel, who sees vanilla as only a baking ingredient, enchants him. Michael can whip up some pretty hot delights himself, outside of the kitchen. He introduces a curious Rachel to powerful experiences of sensuality. Her Ladylike sense of propriety engages in a running battle with her now sparked Tinderbox desires.

Michael is an excellent cook and knows how to turn up the heat. Sampling the flavors offered, Rachel experiences humorous hiccups. On a date, Michael ramps up the risqué, resulting in a memorable skirt swirling salsa dance. Rachel's "What the hell, I ain't getting any younger" attitude spurs Michael to take her to the exclusive, adults only club Pandora's. Here, Rachel witnesses even more variations of earthly delights, and begins a lifelong friendship with another guest.

Michael is a realist, convinced that within 90 days, his affair with Rachel will be but another painful memory of loss. He is neither willing nor able to yell 'Geronimo' and fall for her. He can't, and that's that.

Maybe he should just get a damn dog.

This modern, urban, grown up love story is a recipe –three cups romance and one cup of slapdash humor. Blend in spices of eroticism, and beat until smooth.

    My Thoughts; At first when I started reading this I was on the fence. I couldn't decide if I liked it. I am a little quirky when it comes to reading a book so sometimes I have to push my character flaws aside so I can truly read a book and see it for what it is. ( I will explain momentarily)

    I really enjoyed Rachel's personality. She reminded me of myself a lot of times. She is able to laugh at the serious stuff and make jokes about even the most mundane things. She is a smart, independent woman just looking for a guy to share her time with. Hence the internet dating profile.... Epic fail!

   Michael is also a very successful individual who just wants to find someone to share his spare time with. IF she would like to explore the 'dominate' side of his personality even better. However is never strikes me as a make or break it type of personality trait. 

  He and Rachel hit it off quite nicely and begin and not so whirlwind love affair. Michael has decided to take things slow with Rachel and so the story goes from there. I really did enjoy the story once I got passed the aforementioned quirkiness. Which I will explain now. Rachel seems to have the same sort of 'inner personality disorder' as another young woman we know. Rachel's inner personalities are known as Tinderbox and Ladylike. This little thing, as minor as it is, almost made me want to stop reading. It was WAY too, Inner Goddess for me. Don't get me wrong, I love the inner goddess but she doesn't live in Rachel's story she lives somewhere else entirely. After I took a few minutes to regroup I sat back down and said, 'Ok, we are gonna read this... we are gonna put aside our nit-pickiness... and we are gonna see what this book has going on. After I was able to do those things, I really did enjoy it. The story was quite good. And honestly had it not been for the little issue we just discussed  I may have even given it 4 stars. 



Sunday, February 10, 2013

Cover Reveal: Till Death Do Us Part (Lily Drake #2) and Valentine Giveaway


Blurb:

With a doting husband and a new job training a vampire military, Lily Drake was living up to the prophecies of being the best.  Her life was seemingly perfect, until tragedy strikes bringing her a loss she's not sure she can endure.

The hard-working super mom / vampire slayer, Lily Drake, has just learned problems still exist even after you become immortal. 

As everyone knows, even if you find your soul mate, you don't always get a happily-ever-after.  Lily may have found temporary happiness being a newlywed, but the honeymoon is over.  When she finds her husband going out for late night bites with another woman, Lily has to fight to try and regain what she wants most, love and a happy family.

If Lily thought being a single mom was hard, she’ll find being married can be a bloody mess.

~~~

Life and Death of Lily Drake – Have you read the first book yet? You wouldn’t want to miss Lily Drake kicking some serious vampire butt. 

Check out more about this series here! – Life and Death of Lily Drake

~~~




About the author:
T. Michelle Nelson is a native of Benton, Kentucky and a graduate of Murray State University holding a degree in Education.  Currently she resides in picturesque Mount Vernon, Ohio, which
is also the setting of her Lily Drake series.  The first book in the series, Life and Death of Lily Drake, is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Kobo, and your other favorite online book stores in paperback as well as e-reader formats.  The second book, 'Til Death Do Us Part, is being released by Inkspell Publishing in April of 2013 and currently, T. is working hard to finish her third book.
When she isn't writing, you can usually find her singing out of key while playing Rock Band with her husband and son, watching B-Horror movies or wrestling with her two ill-behaved fur babies, Buddy Perro and Bunchie. 
~~~
VALENTINE GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter To Win 





Friday, February 8, 2013

Lover at last Count down week Two and Three



As you all know I am completely obsessed with J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So... that being said, I am going to be posting a snippet every Friday until release day March 26, 2013 (originally posted on J.R. Ward's facebook page) I hope you enjoy them

**Due to technical difficulties (yes I am blaming the computer) Week 2 which should have been posted LAST Friday has been added to this week so YAY two snippets ;-)



Pre-Order NOW -- Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood



Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.






Dec 9

J.R. Ward - And in this book, where upon Layla grows a set:
In the Old Language, she hissed, “If any harm shall befall him, I will come after you, and find you where you sleep. I do not care where you lay your head or who with, my vengeance shall rain upon you until you drown.”
That last word was drawn out, until its syllable was lost in more growling.
Dead silence.
Until Doc Jane said dryly, “Annnnd this is why they say the female of the species is more dangerous than the male.”  
-Lover at Last, MS pg. 251

~~~

 Dec 4

J.R. Ward - I think this is my fav quote from the book, and I have to share:

Straightening up so the full force of that cold blast hit him square in the face, Qhuinn glared into the rush, picturing those pines ahead that he couldn’t see because his eyes were watering from the wind. Opening his mouth, he screamed bloody murder, adding his voice to the maelstrom.
Godd*mn it, he wasn’t going down like a pussy. No ducking, no pathetic oh-please-God-no-saaaaaave-me. F**k that. He was going to meet death with his fangs bared and his body braced and his heart pounding not from fear, but from a whole boatload of . . .
“Bl** me, Grim Reaper!” 
-Lover at Last MS, pg. 148

   

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Cover Reveal: Give Me Something by Elizabeth Lee

Release date March 7, 2013

cover design by Regina at Mae I Design http://www.maeidesign.com/

BLURB:
   Here's the deal... I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at the bar? That's what I thought. 
   Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker – one had my heart and the other one wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that.
   If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.


GOODREADS:


~~~~



About Elizabeth:
  Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

  Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it! My first YA/New Adult novel is out now!

I  f I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny one-year old, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.



Connect with Elizabeth:

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Waiting on: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but I am looking forward to.......

Release Day March 19, 2013






Danger intensifies for the Shadowhunters as the New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy comes to a close.

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy



Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Re-Read continues: Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward


 Order now - Lover Awakened (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 3)

Monday, February 4, 2013

Review: The Education of Sebastian by Jane Harvey-Berrick

4 Stars


A friendship between the lost and lonely Caroline, and the unhappy Sebastian, leads to an illicit love that threatens them both.
Caroline Wilson is trapped in a cold and loveless marriage with an older man. When her husband finally wins a long sought-after promotion, Caroline feels she has little choice but to follow him to a new home in San Diego. There she meets Sebastian, a young man of 17.
For an all too brief summer, their happiness blooms.
But external pressures begin to bear down, not least from the overbearing David, and Sebastian’s parents begin to suspect that their son has a secret. Even Caroline’s new friend, Donna, realizes that dark passions exist below the serene surface.





Order The Education of Sebastian (The Education of...)