Showing posts with label New Release. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Release. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

The Guardians III Launch Party

Save the Date: September 16, 2014


YOU ARE ALL BLOODILY INVITED TO:

Facebook Release Day Launch Party, With Me as One of the Host!

Where:  Facebook (therefore, wherever the Hel you want!)
When:  September 16, 2014 5pm - 10pm EST
MY SLOT!!:  8pm - 9:30pmEST
What:  A Party to celebrate the Release of Blood Vengeance, a bloodthirsty romance (violence and sex, yum). Join in on some fun and games and more than a few giveaways. Including books, Amazon Cards and more.
Why:  Hmm...Why not?!
Cost:  Nothing but a good and dirty sense of humor. 

Synopsis -

My name is Gianna Weston. I am Vampire. I was thrust into a world I didn’t know. Given a life I didn’t think I wanted. I have had my world turned upside down and my life shredded before me. All this time holding onto the love of a man who breathes life into me and I into him. His very existence sets fire to my cold skin. He is my maker, my husband and the father to my children. But even love can no longer fight the demons inside of me. Not after all the tragedies. The death, the pain, and the heartache are haunting me with a relentless vengeance. This darkness has me by its nails scraping sinfully at my core. It’s time to stop running and hiding from the darkness. These demons I speak of won’t let me rest until I accept what I am. A nightmare. A killer. A blood thirsty animal.

Are you afraid? You should be. I. AM. A. MONSTER







Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Accidentally...Over? Review

Accidentally...Over? by Mimi Jean Pamflioff (ARC Review)
Accidentally Yours Book 5
Published August 26, 2014 by Forever Yours
4.75 BLOODY FANGS & CELESTIAL STARS!

"Well, the series that accidentally became one my favorites has come to an end, or has it?"

Review -

The time has come for Cimil to pay for all of her crimes. As she sits back and enjoys her incarceration the question remains, will she be enjoying a giant bowl of popcorn while watching the apocalypse begin, or still attempting to prevent it? Or planning a giant hoopla to celebrate it? Her victim of the day is Maax, though it turns out she has been using him for a very long time. Though now he may finally get his reward, after he jumps through a few more fiery hoops.

Cimil sends Max on one final mission; to go back in time to save the only person able to stop the Apocalypse. No problem right? Wrong. There are a few catches; 1) Death has its eyes set on this mystery woman. 2) He must save her in her own time, as a mortal. 3) She has to stay in her own time. Easy simple tasks, if she hadn't turned out to be his. And saving her life seems to be a tasks even harder to accomplish than evading the end of the world. Oh, and he's still invisible. So what's a god to do when faced with such enormous tasks set out by a sister who is one of the craziest beings alive and always has something up her sleeve?

Ashli Rosewood is beginning to think she has lost her ever loving mind. Not only does she keep dreaming of her own demise, but the being she believes to be the god of death. Only instead of fearing him she lusts after him. Ever since losing her parents Ashli has felt not only the guilt of surviving, but that Death was out to get her. So when Maax steps into her life, she is more than sure he is there to end hers. But if/when she decides that may not be what he after, her world is turned beyond upside down.

In this final ride of the Accidentally Yours Series just may blow a gasket from laughing so hard, and be watching the ground closely for banana peels. Every answer to every question will finally be answered, and the full extent to all of Cimil's plans will be revealed. And we finally learn what the hell Jess, Ann and Nichole are!!!! See, I waited so patiently, as I am sure all of you did as well. This is a must read for any and all who have read the series.  Those of you who haven't, what are you waiting for? Full of action, not toooo much drama, laughter, mayhem, love and a whole lot of fun. Sadly, there isn't that much bloodshed in this final book, and I really would have loved one more bloody battle with all of the gods battling it out with the Scabs and Obscuros. But all of the dark humor did indeed make up for that. This series is for all readers, regardless of gender, that love their humor dark, deadly and sinister. And completely unpredictable, a truly unique read, which is a rare find these days. One will not be able to say, 'didn't I just read this same thing happening in a different book?' Really, I haven't heard of many invisible deities who were made in invisible as a punishment to a crime that wasn't even really a crime who could travel through time and do other very manly deeds.

So fans of Krestley Cole, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Kerrelyn Sparks, be sure to make this series your next read. And when you do, be sure to pick up the entire series at once. When reading this series, readers will not want to stop until they get to the very end.




Monday, August 25, 2014

Betting on Julia Review

Betting on Julia by Nina Croft (ARC Review)
Melville Sisters Book 2
Published August 25, 2014 by Entangled: Covet
3.75 Claws

"In looking for what they both wanted, they find what it is they truly need."

Synopsis -

Small, blonde, bubbly, and with a penchant for all things pink, Julia Melville has always considered herself a nice girl – until she was attacked by a werewolf. Months later, and still in total denial, Julia spends the time between full moons fantasizing that her life is normal. And who could be better to help her with that than her new neighbor, handsome accountant, Sebastian Crane.

For two hundred years, Sebastian, a powerful warlock, has been possessed by a demon. Each day, his soul grows darker, and he knows that soon he will be beyond salvation. But the demon loves to gamble, and he’s made Bastian one final bet—get a good woman to say the words “I love you” and he’ll be free.

Julia wants a normal guy. Bastian needs a good woman. Maybe together they can find something far more valuable…redemption.


Review -

While not being my usual cup of tea, which I'm beginning to see has nothing do with the author (because Nina Croft definitely knows how to bring on the action, mayhem, violence and steam) but more to do with the publisher. Covet is more of a Paranormal Lite.For those readers who would like to try the waters of the Paranormal, but not quite ready to take that full plunge into the darkside. Though most authors fail to grasp what that truly means and write more of a Contemporary Romance where one of  the characters just happens to have fangs or a set of claws. Nina Croft manages to tone the nit, grit blood and gore without losing the full essence of the wolf.

That being said, I like my werewolves strong, dominant, fur flying trying to tear each others throats out, or fucking each others brains out with no compunction or worrying about hurt feelings, at least until they find their soul mates. Not quite the case here. I would not recommend this to die hard werewolf fans looking for that sense of pack life, danger, blood, history, gore and diabolical plots, but, as a good filler while waiting on that next book, like say, Book 4 of The Order or Blood Hunter series, it is a good read. 

Bastien has made a bet against anyone in the Supernatural world knows you should not, a demon. But when the prize is his own freedom, to finally be rid of this demon, how he possibly say no. Especially when the task is so simple, "Get a good woman to say, 'I love you'". There is no such thing as simple when it comes to a demon. The woman in question turns out to be Julia Melville, a werewolf. If there is one faction of creatures Sebastien hates its werewolves, the vial beings who caused him to lose his family and the reason he has been stuck with a demon for two hundred years. 

Julia has been bound and determined since her attack to pretend that it never even happened. Except for during her FMS, Full Moon Syndrome. Any time other than that Thing just doesn't even exist. Well, her mysterious next door neighbor is making it impossible to ignore Thing, at times making her volatile and others wagging her tail in utter content. Things become even more complicated with the attraction she feels brewing between the two of them, though neither are even looking for a relationship. As always though, what we're looking for is not always what we need.What she's looking for is normal, anything to help her forget what she really is now. Sebastien seems to just bring it to the surface. But is that necessarily a bad thing?

Fun, magical and with a little action thrown in for good measure, Betting on Julia is an enjoyable, wonderfully written, lite read. Though it did end with quite a few unanswered questions; what happened to Sebastiens' daughter, while his wife may have been mortal, his daughter did have his...genes. Those readers looking for a Paranormal Lite with werewolves, this is the perfect read for you.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Release Day Blitz/Spotlight

The Evolution of Sam by Cassidy K O'Connor

Self-Published August 23, 2014

Love Protector's Book 1

Synopsis -

Sam Dalton is a confirmed bachelor with few attachments in this world until he meets Keara. New to his building she slowly takes over his every waking thought. Has he finally found the one who can tame him into submission? 

Keara is the newest member of the Laochra Gra, a clan of faery women whose mission is to save mortal men from the Lianhan Shee by uniting them with their Soul Mates. Are her newly acquired powers strong enough to teach him the art of pleasuring a woman and preparing him for his soul mate?


Excerpt -

She lifts one leg up and rests her foot against the spout. I grab the shaving gel and start lathering her leg. This instantly makes my dick start throbbing again…who knew this would be so hot. As I’m shaving her thigh my knuckles brush against her clit. My eyes snap up to her face but she is relaxing with her eyes closed. I decide to get a little braver and brush my knuckles against her clit again.

“Naughty boy…I definitely didn’t give you permission to do that. Finish your job, then get the towel and dry me off.”



About the Author -

I'm a born and raised Floridian who loves to travel. I married my high school sweetheart, we have three awesome kids and one crazy dog. I love all things Ireland and visited twice! Reading is essential to life and writing is an extension of that. If my books can make you laugh or give you that tingly feeling in your belly I've done something right!

Author Links:
GOODREADS     FACEBOOK     TWITTER



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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Midnight Dawn Review

Midnight Dawn by Jocelyn Adams (ARC Review)
Mortal Machine Book 2
Published August 4, 2014 by Entangled Embrace
4 Galactic Stars

"Sometimes your soul knows exactly what it is you need, even if your mind has yet to realize it."

Synopsis -

A new adult title from Entangled’s Embrace imprint…

Her soul remembers his touch, even if she doesn’t.

With only three days until the wraith king turns the earth into an all-you-can-eat buffet, Addison Beckett is forced to enlist brooding sentinel Asher Green’s help to unlock the Mortal Machine. According to the founder, all she has to do is find the sanctuary—the same sanctuary she can’t remember because Asher erased her memories.

Trying to save humanity while navigating Asher’s lies is a royal pain. But the more time she and Asher spend together, the harder her soul tries to remind her what else he’s made her forget—that he loves her, wants her, needs her.

When she’s trapped by the wraith king and forced to pick who will stand by her in the coming battle, Addison is faced with an impossible choice: the sentinel she loves who refuses to love her back, or a powerful stranger who insists they’re meant to be together. Her decision will decide the fate of humanity, and once decided, can’t be undone.  (Goodreads)

Review -

Think The Mortal Instruments minus the incest and with a much more complex storyline. Adams brings a brand new world to the page, one that may have readers second guessing their beliefs.  And while Addison may still be viewing everything through lust-filled eyes, she has finally decided to be the Architect she was always meant to be.  Though a lot of her obsessive musings about a man who seemingly wants nothing to do with her, and does his best to drive him away at every turn, do distract from the story and will have readers wanting to slap the stupid out of her.  In the end it will be explained why she has such an infatuation with him, and it goes even deeper than the brief relationship they had in Book 1, Darkside Sun

Addison has no memories of her life before the Machine, which makes it that much easier for her to accept her role as the Architect.  Sadly, not many others trust her enough to follow her lead.  Trying to convince the other Guardians that she is there to help and rebuild the Machine will be an even bigger battle than facing the Wraith King.  Especially after she has killed Marcus, and tells them what she believes each and every one of them to do, have physical contact with one another.  After what happened with Taka's girlfriend decades ago, only a handful of people are willing to take that risk.  The problem is if they do not the Mortal Machine will never reach its true potential, nor will they have enough power to defeat the wraiths and save humanity.  Addison also must deal with the wholes in her memory.  She knows that she asked Asher to erase her past in order to protect her father, but there are even more wholes than there should be.  Memories from after she was already in the Machine, and echoes of those memories are haunting, and taunting her.

Asher has been plagued by what he believes to be premonitions of Addison's death.  So he has convinced himself that taking away her memories of the two of them together, of the love they shared, and staying away from her, he can prevent it.  What he fails to realize is the two of them together are much stronger than either of them are apart.  And when the Wraith King continues to call Addison by the name of Adaline, teasing that the two of them have no clue who they truly are, will he realize those premonitions just may be echoes of his own memories.

Enter a strange new Guardian who comes in just the nick of time to save the day.  One willing to go to any length to get Addison, and the Machine, whole and ready and at the apex of their potential.  Only question is, why is he so determined?  Why has he been exiled from the Machine all this time?  More importantly, do they have yet another trader in their mists?

Midnight Dawn is one of those can't-put-down-until-I-finish type of book, the kind where you tell yourself, 'Just one last chapter...'.  A true must read for PNR and Sci-Fi fans.  There is romance, but not so much that it exceeds the entire plot.  Just ignore some of her inner monologue.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Stolen Dreams Book Blitz




Stolen Dreams – Christine Amsden
Cassie Scot #4
New Adult Romance / Urban Fantasy / Mystery
Date Published: June 25, 2014
Paperback October 14, 2014

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Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood’s grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie’s father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own? Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.



EXCERPT

(From Chapter 7)

            “I–” My cell phone rang, saving me the challenge of coming up with a plausible lie. I answered without checking the caller ID. “Hello?”

            “Cassie, dear, how are you and my grandson getting along?” It was Abigail. I had the volume turned up loud enough that Evan could hear. His eyes widened, and he stepped closer. Too close, but I pretended the proximity didn’t affect me in the slightest.

            “Abigail, where are you? What are you doing?”

            “You know the answer to that question, Cassie. And as much as I’d love to give you and Evan a chance to work through more of your issues, I find I have a selfish last request.”

            My heart squeezed. “What?”

            “I don’t want to die alone.” The words were a bare whisper, but both Evan and I heard.

            “Where are you?”

            “At the overlook around back. Hurry.” The call ended.

            “What did she mean?” Evan asked. “What do you know?”

            I was already on my way out the front door, Evan right on my heals. To simplify matters, and to get to her as soon as possible, I decided to give him as much of the truth as I could. “She says someone has to die, and if it’s not her, then it’s going to be your parents.”

            “What? When did she say that?”

            “In snatches for a week, but most of it earlier tonight, right before I came over.” I was out the door now, heading around back up the paved path wide enough for Abigail’s wheelchair to navigate.

            To my immense relief, Evan didn’t question me further. He followed me for a few paces, then rushed ahead, moving too quickly for me to keep up even when I broke into a run.

            She had her chair parked at the top of the hill, overlooking the lake below and a spectacular sunset above. Either I had never seen colors so vibrant before, or I had never paid proper attention. It was as if the heavens were saying farewell.

            My father was nowhere in sight. I had half expected to see him there, and managed a sigh of relief when I didn’t. It was short lived, though.

            Evan knelt in front of his grandmother, holding her right hand in his. When I arrived, I sank to the paved earth at her other side, taking her left hand in mine. The skin was papery thin and so frail I feared it would flake away.

            “Thank you.” She didn’t look at either one of us, and her voice was whisper-thin.

            “You don’t have to die,” Evan said. “There has to be another way out. How are you going to die?”

            “I-I don’t know. I can’t see past my own death. It’s made things... difficult these past few months.”

            “Then how do you know you’re doing the right thing?” I asked. Demanded might be a better word. “How do you know your death will prevent anything?”

            “I didn’t have long to live anyway. My heart is weak, and.... I don’t want to talk about it. Please. I don’t have long. Talk to me about something nice.” There was a hitch in her voice that told me no matter how she had prepared for this moment, she wasn’t ready to die. That realization, more than anything else, brought the first tears to my eyes.

            “Don’t cry for me. I’ll be all right. My husband’s been gone these many years now, and I’ve been alone.”

            I felt Evan’s free hand take mine, and I didn’t even think about yanking it away. For once, his touch didn’t feel anything except comforting. He needed it. I needed it. And so it was.

            “Did you like my invitations?” Abigail asked.

            “Why did you send them?” Evan asked.

            “I don’t suppose you two would consider it a dying woman’s last request?” she asked.

            “Nice try,” I said.

            Evan didn’t say anything, although I became more aware of his hand holding mine.

            “Seriously,” Abigail said, “will you at least talk to one another? Really talk?”

            I closed my eyes, swallowed hard, and nodded. The request was at least as manipulative as the first because she knew I couldn’t deny this one. It was too reasonable.

            “Good.” She squeezed my hand.

            That’s when her house exploded.




About the Author


Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Author Links




Buy Links


GIVEAWAY

$100 Amazon GC


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Monday, July 28, 2014

Covet Release Day Blast



Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, LIKE their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's July releases:



So I Married A Werewolf by Kristen Miller

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Carter Griffin, enforcing officer for the Seattle Wolf Pack, has been offered the promotion of his dreams…if he can find a wife to prove he’s over his playboy ways. But Carter’s already been there, done that. Faith Hamilton needs money to put her younger brother through college. Okay, and she totally wants Carter, her sexy next-door neighbor, to look at her as more than a friend. It’s too bad size 12 and plain isn’t his type. At all. When the two friends strike a deal to help one another out, will it spark a love neither anticipated?





Forbidden Kiss by Shannon Leigh

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Rom Montgomery seeks the unobtainable: forgiveness. He wanders across continents and through time searching for salvation and the means to right an ancient wrong. To gain the respect and position she’s desired in the academic world, Jule Casale hopes to discover the unknown artist behind a masterpiece of Renaissance art. When Jule comes knocking on Rom's door, it’s the closest he’s ever come to finally finding redemption. The closer he draws to correcting his past mistakes, the more his secrets threaten to destroy the woman who might hold the key to his future.


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Deep in Death Blog Tour




Deep in Death – Release Blitz
A Shelby Nichols Adventure – Volume 6
Paranormal Mystery
Date Published: July 22, 2014

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Running “errands” for her mob-boss employer, Joey “The Knife” Manetto, often ends with Shelby in trouble, making her cautious about continuing her association with him. Instead, she focuses on a new client who hires Shelby to find her missing mother. What seems like a routine case turns into something more sinister and deadly than she ever imagined. In the meantime, Uncle Joey has summoned Shelby to his office, where she runs into her former nemesis. Shelby inadvertently hears something that makes her fear for the lives of Uncle Joey and his hit-man, Ramos. This time, Uncle Joey is not sure he wants to involve Shelby in something he knows could get her killed. Keeping Shelby’s involvement to a minimum has disastrous results, sending Shelby on a dangerous path. As her investigation unfolds, Shelby finds death at every turn, and soon realizes she is in over her head. Can she escape from danger in time? Or will she find herself deep in death?



EXCERPT

A twinge of pain burned through my arm, and I gently rubbed the spot where I’d been shot nearly three weeks ago. Getting a shot in the arm may sound like a simple thing for most people, but when it’s done by a bullet, it’s a whole different story. At least it was healing nicely, and the scar wasn’t too big, but every once in a while my arm ached like it had happened yesterday, probably because I was overdoing it again. After a few seconds the pain subsided, and I finished pulling on my shirt and got dressed.

Today was my first day back at work since the shooting, and I was ready to take on a new project. This time the job was a client from my consulting agency, which suited me just fine. My last job for Uncle Joey, the local mob-boss, had gotten me both arrested for murder and shot by a bullet in the arm, so I was a little nervous about doing anything for him again.

A few months ago I had to tell Uncle Joey my secret that I could read minds so he wouldn’t kill me. We’d worked out a compromise, and over the course of our association, we’d even become close. Crazy as it sounded, I’d started to think of him as my real uncle, even though he wasn’t. Since most of his errands seemed to get me into trouble, he’d also saved my life a few times. Well, to be honest, it was his hit-man, Ramos, doing most of the saving. But it was Uncle Joey who’d told him to watch out for me.

I sighed every time I thought of Ramos. He had a troubled past which only I knew about, and I’d helped him come to terms with it. Besides saving my life several times, there was also a physical attraction that I only dared admit out loud to my best friend, Holly. Of course after seeing him, she had a crush on him too, and since we were both happily married, I had to think it was all right. But with all of that going on, I had to wonder about myself. I mean, Uncle Joey was a big, bad mob-boss who had threatened to do me bodily harm, and Ramos was his hit-man. They were the bad guys and I had a soft spot in my heart for them. Was something wrong with me?

My husband, Chris, had no qualms about severing all ties with Uncle Joey, and it put me in a hard spot trying to please them both. But since the last job, things had changed. After I got shot, Chris had a long talk with Uncle Joey, and I hadn’t heard from him in three weeks. In some ways it was a relief, but in others, I kind of missed him…and Ramos…well…mostly Ramos. Still, I wasn’t about to call and offer my services. Not considering what had happened last time. Nope. I wasn’t ready to get shot again. In fact, I would be pretty happy if I never saw another gun in my life.

I took a deep cleansing breath and checked the time. I had an appointment with my client at ten this morning, and it was time to go. Her name was Tiffany and this was her senior year of college. Since I didn’t have a real office, I’d told her we could meet at the campus library in-between her classes, and with her busy schedule, meeting on campus worked out great for both of us.

I drove through town with my windows down and breathed in the crisp fall air. It was the first part of October and the sky was the perfect color of blue. The trees were just beginning to change into brilliant autumn colors, and framed against the blue sky, the pure beauty and serenity lifted my spirits. With everything I’d gone through lately, I knew I was lucky to be alive.

I parked at the visitor parking meters near the library and headed toward the front of the building. It had been several years since I’d been there last, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I’d only been to one year of college before I’d talked Chris into marrying me. It was love at first sight for me, but it had taken some gentle persuading on my part to help Chris see how perfect we were together. Right after our marriage, we’d gone off to law school in another state. Josh had been born exactly nine months later followed by Savannah two years after that. There were times when I regretted not finishing college back then, but I wouldn’t trade the life I had now for anything.

I loved my family and, as it turned out, I had a pretty good career without a degree, and I was proud of what I’d accomplished. Of course, if I hadn’t gotten shot in the head during a bank robbery, which left me with the ability to read minds, it might be a different story.

It was still hard for me to believe how my life had turned upside down simply because I’d stopped at the grocery store for some carrots. Who would have thought? Now I had my own consulting agency where I could get paid for helping people, and most of the time, all I had to do was read their minds. Not that it was always that easy, but after getting shot, I’d take some simple cases for a while.

A young woman sat on a bench near the fountain where we’d planned to meet. Her gaze caught mine and her eyes widened slightly before she recognized me. As I approached, she smiled and gave me a quick wave. She had long blond hair and a sweet face, but her somber eyes seemed out of place for someone her age, like she’d gone through some hard times.

Since she was a college student, I was a little nervous that she couldn’t afford my one-hundred-and-fifty-dollar-an-hour fee. But we’d talked about that before I agreed to meet her, and she’d seemed fine with it then. She stood to greet me.

“Shelby Nichols? Hi. I’m Tiffany Shaw. Thanks for meeting me.”

“Hi Tiffany, nice to meet you in person,” I answered.

“I know this is kind of informal, but it’s such a beautiful day. Do you mind staying out here in the sunshine?”

“I think that’s a great idea.”

“Good.” She resumed her seat on the bench and I sat beside her. She was thinking that she wasn’t sure how to start. What she needed might not even be possible, but she’d read about me in the paper and figured if anyone could help her, it was me. She’d been saving up for years to hire a private investigator and wanted the best. After a little digging, she’d heard rumors that I had premonitions. It didn’t faze her in the least. In fact, after all this time, she thought it might be the only thing that would solve the case. She just had to make sure her dad didn’t find out, since he was the over-protective sort. He’d tell her she was throwing away her money, and probably accuse me of taking advantage of her.

That certainly put a lot of pressure on me, and my stomach tightened with dread that her father would disapprove. But since she was thinking about not telling him, maybe he’d never need to find out. Considering her age and circumstances, I had hoped she’d hired me for something easy, like finding out if her roommate was after her boyfriend. But no, she was thinking about her mother, and that she was probably dead, and I knew nothing was ever as easy as I wished.

“I’d like to hire you to find my mother.” Her lips tightened and pain flashed through her eyes. “You see…I’m getting married in a few weeks and I really want her to be there.” She didn’t add ‘if she’s still alive’ like she was thinking.

She’d always imagined her mother would be at her wedding, and now that it was actually happening, she couldn’t stop wondering where her mom was and what had happened to her. The day her mother had gone missing was the worst day of her life, and thinking about it brought all the horror back, but she knew she would never move on unless she had some answers.

“Tell me what happened,” I said gently.

She took a deep breath. “It’s been nearly six years, and I know that’s a long time, but just hear me out before you decide if you can take the job or not.”

“Okay.” I encouraged her with a smile. “Go on.”

“Like I said…it will be six years on the twenty-eighth of October since she went missing. That night, she drove to the office where she worked to drop something off and never came back. They found her car parked in the parking structure with the keys in the ignition. Her purse was on the passenger seat. Nothing was taken, and there was no sign of a struggle. It was like she just disappeared off the face of the earth.”

“What did the police tell you?”

“Well…they dusted for prints, checked her office, put out a missing person’s report, questioned her colleagues at work, and brought my father in for questioning.” She hated that they had suspected him. He was innocent. He had nothing to do with it. He loved her mom. It still made her angry. It was part of what had made the day so bad. She not only lost her mother, but her father was never the same after that.

“What happened to your father? Did they charge him with anything?”

Tiffany shook her head. “No. They had no evidence that he was involved, but the police always suspect the husband first. So it was bad enough that my mom disappeared, but the fact that they thought my dad had something to do with it made it ten times worse.”

She sighed, wondering for the thousandth time what kind of person she would be right now if she still had her mom. She’d probably be a lot happier, that was for sure. “My dad’s doing better now. He even got married a couple of months ago.”

“That’s good,” I said.

“Yeah.” She was glad he had finally moved on, and wished it was something she could do. But the ache just wouldn’t go away, especially with her upcoming wedding. This was the most important day of her life, and her mother should be there. So where was she? What had happened? Who had taken her? Why hadn’t she come home?

In her heart, she knew her mother never would have left unless she was forced into it. Speculation from the police and others of affairs, with her mom running off with another man, only deepened the wound, and she wouldn’t believe any of it. That’s why a small part of her had to believe her mom was dead, but what if she wasn’t? What if someone was holding her captive? It could happen, and she just couldn’t give up until she knew for sure.

“What did the police decide about the case?” I asked.

“Officially, she’s missing and presumed dead. At least that’s what they declared so my dad could re-marry. I don’t know what happened to the case files. But I’m hoping you can dig them up and maybe find something that got passed over. I know it’s a long shot, but I’ve never had the resources to hire a private investigator until now. Do you think you could look into it for me?”

I bit my bottom lip. The chances of finding out what happened at this point were pretty slim. My mind-reading ability wouldn’t be of much use, although I could still question her dad. Even though she didn’t think it was him, I’d learned that some people were really good at keeping secrets, and I wasn’t about to rule him out. I could probably get my hands on the police file and talk to the detectives who handled the case, but beyond that, I didn’t have much hope.





About The Author - Colleen Helme


As the author of the Shelby Nichols Adventure Series, Colleen is often asked if Shelby Nichols is her alter-ego. “Definitely,” she says. “Shelby is the epitome of everything I wish I dared to be.” Known for her laugh since she was a kid, Colleen has always tried to find the humor in every situation and continues to enjoy writing about Shelby’s adventures. “I love getting Shelby into trouble…I just don’t always know how to get her out of it!” Colleen lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family. Besides writing, she loves a good book, biking, hiking, and playing board and card games with family and friends. She loves to connect with readers and admits that fans of the series keep her writing.








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Thursday, April 10, 2014

The King Review

The King by J. R. Ward
Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 12
Published April 1, 2014
4 Bloody Fangs


"Sometimes you don't know what it is you really want, until its taken away from you."




Synopsis -

J.R. Ward's # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.

Long live the King… 

After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle--with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything--and everyone--at risk.

Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response--or the distance it creates between them.

The question is, will true love win out... or tortured legacy take over?  (Goodreads)


Review -

After an attempt on his life, the last thing Wrath expects is to lose his throne to the pen as apposed to the sword.  The Band of Bastards may be merciless when it comes to violence and mayhem, but the Glymera are relentless with their conniving, and cowardice.  What truly comes as a surprise to the Blind King is when he realizes though he despises being trapped behind that desk, he truly does value the crown that was forced upon his head.  That realization just may be too little too late.  Unfortunately for him, that may not be his only loss.  With his Queen and Shellan, Beth, obsessing over having a child, which he is adamantly opposed to, trying to bring about her needing, he comes to a crossroads.  Wrath's decision on whether to service her or drug her when her needing does come about just may be null and void when destiny decides to take control and throw them both a curve-ball.  

Two more couples are on the forefront in this one as well; Sophia and Assail, Xcor and Layla.  At the end of Quinn and Blay's book, Lover at Last, Sophia was being kidnapped by Benloise's men.  Thinking she is on her own, she does whatever it takes to ensure her survival.  Helpless damsel she is not.  And even though she is only human, she is by no means weak and knows how to work with whatever she needs to.  All the while she is planning her own rescue, Assail, with the help of his twins, is out desperately and bloodily trying to find her.  Which would probably be easier is he wasn't so quick to kill everyone of Benloise men seeing how dead men can't speak, and if could stop snuffing powder up his nose.  

Meanwhile, Layla still cannot bring herself to stop thinking of the male with the grotesque scar upon his face, Xcor, only to her, it is not grotesque at all.  The only she disapproves of when it comes to him is his ambitions to gain the crown.  And she is more than willing to use his feelings for her, as well as her body, to thwart his plans.  Xcor just may have found a foe he cannot defeat, his heart.  And while Layla may not fear for herself around Xcor, she does not feel that way around his right hand man, Throe.  Throe just may be even uglier on the inside than Xcor is on the outside.

There also seems to be another couple in the making; Trez and Selena.  Though both of their times just may be up, one may not have much longer until they join the Fade while the other may be forced to live up to a fate they have running from for a very long time.

Interactions with long time favorites, as a lot of what's going on hits to home with them, and they are more than willing to open up to their brother, Wrath, in his time of need; Tohrment and Zsadist.  John Matthew (offnote: if they don't hurry up and figure he is indeed Darious I just may shoot somebody!!!) also plays a part, after-all Beth is his "sister" (I swear, that is probably the only thing keeping from giving this a full 5, it is driving me insane!).  iAm not only looking after his brother, but also helping with the Brothers and the Queen.  Rhev gets the opportunity to smack the Glymera in the face.  And a new character is introduced, s'Ex, the executioner of the s'Hibe, well, if you as the women at the Iron Mask, the Love god.  

The King has been long awaited by fans of The Black Dagger Brotherhood for a very long time.  Though some aspects may disappoint, sorry I am just hung up on the John Matthew/Darious bit, to me it has gone on long enough and when he had that first seizure in this book I thought for sure... Anyway, it was still well worth the wait.  This book, and series, is a true Must Read, though definitely not as a stand alone. 

Monday, March 24, 2014

Sex and the Single Vamp Review


3.5 Fangs

"Perfect book for Contemporary Romance readers who would like to take a dip into PNR."



Review - 

Robin Covington, usually a Contemporary Romance author, dips her hands into the ever-growing pool of the Vampire world.  Many authors have tried to venture off into unknown territory and failed miserably.  Covington didn't do too bad, a little more blood, gore and violence, and a little more believe-ability, and she'll be right there hitting the mark.   So true vampire fans, this is a great quick read for when in between reads, when impatiently awaiting for that next book in a series to come out, it's an excellent filler.  As long as you look past the slights and miscalculations, and aren't too much of a stickler for detail, like me.  Contemporary readers, especially those who are virgin's to all things vampire, this is a great read to tip-toe you in.


Felicity "Cici" Trenton has always believed in and longed for true love.  Since she hasn't been able to find it for herself, she has done the next best thing, in her own eyes anyway.  Opening up a Match Maker business, "Your 'Other' Half", where Others, such as Were's, Vampire's, Shapeshifters', are paired up with humans.  Not just for a casual hook up, but for holy matrimony.  Something I am in full agreement with Deacon, her Maker/Fling/First Love on, that has got to be the most insane thing she could have come up with.  Its one thing for an 'Other' to inadvertently fall in love with a human.  But to actively seek one out, not knowing if their body/blood would be compatible to change them over to what you are, and you would only have one lifetime with him/her and continue to live a dozen more...  So it should come as to no surprise that other people think that way as well, and it puts under the scrutinizing gaze of fanatics than would like nothing more than to see her business in ruins, but to see her completely dead.  Well, her dead and vengeance on Deacon, and killing Cici would be like getting two birds with the same stone.  What is a surprise is who the killer turns out to be.



Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Death Defying Review

Death Defying by Nina Croft  (ARC Review)
Blood Hunter Book 3
Published February 24, 2014 by Entangled: Select
4 Bloody Fangs!


"Well, this book has cinched it, Nina Croft is definitely now one of my favorite authors."



Summary-

Part snake, part human, and—some would say all bitch—Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador has one goal in life—to earn enough credits to pay for the Meridian treatment to achieve the immortality she craves. And one last job will get her there. The assignment: protecting the most powerful man in the Universe.

Being leader of the known universe isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks big time. And after five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. But as things are changing, he’s changing—into what, though, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, and he’s employed the crew of El Cazador to help him do it.

Not everyone agrees with his plan, though. His own people will stop at nothing to prevent the truth coming out, the Church is taking advantage of the confusion and attempting a coup, and even the crew of El Cazador seem close to tossing him out the airlock without a space suit. But defying death has never been more dangerous, sexier, or more fun.  (Goodreads)


Review -

I love Nina Croft.  Unlike most of today's authors', she does not shy away from sensitive topics or afraid to off a few characters if/when the story-line calls for it.  Granted, when a character dies, it has the ability to bring readers to tears and cause them pause to continue on with the book.  But it is a sure sign of that authors' ability in storytelling when a reader truly mourns the loss of a fictional character as if they were a full flesh and blood human in which the reader had vested interest in him/her.  That being said, be sure to pick a box of Kleenex before you read.

Another subject that I admire her handle on is love; fated vs. true has been one of the biggest controversies in the PNR world for a very long time.  Croft takes on the True Love aspect more often than not.  And watching Callum and Captain Tannis fall first in lust then develop into love was a wonderful thing indeed.  Especially when both are leading figureheads in their own right, neither using taking orders only giving them, its a constant battle figuring out who is in charge.  Afterall, while Tannis may be captain of the ship, Callum is the ruler of the entire Universe.  But when Callum employs the El Cazador's services, well, you know how the old saying goes...."my house, my rules".  Callum is desperate, and determined to learn the truth about what he and his fellow Collective are becoming.  The only way to do that is to travel to Trakis Seven, the planet where very few will travel to willingly when going there is no more than a death sentence.  So, he has no choice but to ask the Renegade crew aboard the El Cazador, since they will take on pretty much any mission, at the right price.  Little do they know that in the end, that price will not be worth what they lose in the end.

All Captain Tannis has ever dreamed of was getting enough money to purchase herself the Meridian treatment.  Seeing as how her greatest fear her entire life has been death, of course she would long for immortality.  After living a life from the tender age of four until seventeen of being experimented on and watching all of her friends and loved ones die since they were not considered human, when she finally escapes her captivity, she can think of nothing more, besides seeking revenge.  And the idea of sex appalls her rightfully so, considering some of those experiments were on a very personal level.  So when her libido finally awakens and her heart begins to unthaw for none other than Callum Meridian, let's just say shes not a very happy camper when she begins putting puzzle pieces together, one being an emblem from the guard's uniform, the initials C.M.  Coincidence??

Full of action, fire power, technology in the future at its best, Croft truly knows her Sci-Fi.  That delicacy where fantasy meets possible reality.  Science at this point can viably put both eggs and sperm in chryo, who's to say a thousand years from now they won't be able to do the same with people?  Or that they aren't already....  And no matter how advanced civilizations ever becomes, you will always have your Zealots believing only one race should be allowed to live.  Enters the Church, its  not a race issue with them but a humanity one.  Those not one hundred human do not deserve to live.  While Callum is away looking for answers, the Church is at bay plotting a galactic takeover.  

The only thing stopping this from being a full 5 Fang review is my own fault.  This book CAN be read as a stand-alone, the prologue provide plenty of background information on Tannis, where the reader will understand her ploy.  But....without having read the first two books in the Blood Hunter series' certain aspects will not have the same impact as they were truly meant too.  So readers I deplore you to not deprive yourself the way I did, and begin from the beginning.  Its' like starting Star Wars in the middle of an episode, while you may be able to enjoy it you wouldn't realize why you should care who Anikan Skywalker is.

All in all, Death Defying is truly a great read.


Monday, February 24, 2014

Covet Release Day Blast



Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, Like their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's February releases:



Hot Rock by Annie Seaton

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!


Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can't she stop thinking about him?

Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done.

Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?




Pan's Conquest by Aubrie Dionne

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Syrinx pulled a fast one on Pan to escape his raging lust. The God of Chastity wasn't about to break her vows and succumb to his temptations. Transported to the twenty-first century, she runs a florist shop—fulfilling her fake, mortal life. Until the breathtaking Parker Thomas hires her to decorate his grand estate for a gala. Five hundred roses? Easy enough. Except Parker makes her feel things she can't ignore...

As the God of Fertility, Pan is used to maidens flocking in droves to his pastures. So when Syrinx denies him, he's determined to win the one that got away. He poses as a mortal to get close to her, but he doesn't count on falling hard for his conquest—hard enough to make a life and stay.

But Syrinx is falling in love with a man that doesn't exist. Can Pan hide his identity forever, or will the truth tear them apart?



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