Review The Magic of Lavender by Cate Masters

Title: The Magic of Lavender (The Goddess Connection #1)
Author: Cate Masters
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook, 377 pgs
Release Date: May 22, 2011
Author Website




Book One of the Goddess Connection. Every woman should embrace her inner goddess. What’s your connection?
Jocelyn Gibson forgot about the realm of magic. But it never forgot her. Gram always told her: don’t ignore your magical gifts, it will insult the family. But Joss didn’t realize her gifts included channeling the energy of powerful ley lines. Or that her family included a goddess. Family connections come in handy when the Lord of the Underworld kidnaps local vet Eric Hendricks. He’s an amazing lover, but Joss didn’t know she loved him until too late. With a little help from the Goddess Iris, Joss defends the new life she’s forged, and helps save the town of Boiling Springs from destruction. Once Eric escapes Hell, can she stop loving him to keep him safe?


Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:

This is the first in Masters' The Goddess Connection series. With fae, demons, goddesses, a visit to hell, a battle between the "forces of darkness and light", ordinary humans and an undeniable romance and love, this is a paranormal romance that has evil coming to the little town of Boiling Springs.

Jocelyn, a widow, buys an old B&B which unbeknownst to her lays over a ley line. When she hosts a costume Halloween debut party, both she and her aunt feel vibrations radiating up from the ground in the B&B. Her aunt warns, "The energy is palpable... But you must be careful. Others will be drawn here seeking to tap into its force too." When the fae visit the party just before Eric does and he notices them, both Joss and her aunt know he is different. When he locks eyes with Joss "heat twined through her like a wisp of smoke above smoldering embers crackling to life." Her Gran shows up to warn her she is in danger and that her father and husband's death weren't accidents, they were murdered because she is related to a goddess, and the fae are trying to protect her. She has unwittingly broken a truce between darkness and light by buying and running her B&B over the ley line and the battle is on.

Eric, a grieving widower with an veterinary practice down the road, gets caught in the crossfire. Without planning to, finds himself at Joss' party. He finds himself tantalized by her even though it has been 5 yrs since he's even talked to a woman outside of his practice. He is stunned when Joss' aunt does a tarot reading for him at the party and tells him he is about to find his "true soul mate". He can't leave the party fast enough.

Joss develops a major case of martyr syndrome - she can't give into her love and desire for Eric in order to protect him. Bah! While trying to stay away from him, they engage in some Thanksgiving nookie in kitchen, in the vet's waiting room, a few days later in an exam room in his clinic and then later in a field of lavender.

This has a very good plot and the characters are believable. The only thing that kept me from rating this 4 or 5 stars was Joss' overly drawn out, needless angst about protecting Eric. I just wanted to put my hand in the computer and shake her out of her insanity. {Grin} But this also means I was so into the story that I cared enough about the characters to be aggravated.

While this story does have some fantasy elements, I wouldn't classify it as such but I think that fantasy romance fans as well as paranormal romance fans can enjoy this.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!!
Joss finally is able to make it so there can be a HEA ending. Joss is luckly Eric is so persistent because it could have easily turned into a tragic story.

Paranormal erotic reading challenge July 2011 review link up post

There's still time to sign up for this challenge, over half the year left. Sign up here

July 2011 review link up

Please add your reviews below in the Linky. 
Instructions
1. On the top box add the book name you read and your blogs name in ( ) Example Demon Unbound ( your blogs name)
2. Place that ULR of your review in the next box.

Now remember if you dont have a blog to post your reviews you email them to me and you can find my email under contact. 

Paranormal romance reading challenge July 2011 link review post

Sign up click here


July giveaway will be
Paperback copy of

Please add your reviews below in the Linky. 
Instructions
1. On the top box add the book name you read and your blogs name in ( ) Example Demon Unbound ( your blogs name)
2. Place that ULR of your review in the next box.

Now remember if you don't have a blog to post your reviews you email them to me and you can find my email under contact. 

Free Ebooks for the Weekend! July 1

Here are a couple of free romance ebooks for you to enjoy during the upcoming holiday weekend!

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!

I could only find these for free for the Kindle.

"Surrender the Heart" by MaryLu Tyndall

Kindle

"Surrender the Wind" by Rita Gerlach

Kindle

"A Hint of Rapture" by Miriam Minger

Kindle

UPDATE!! Added July 1

Thanks to Gina from Hott Books for the heads up on this one!

AND it's available for both Kindle and Nook!

"Breathe: A Novel of Colorado" by Lisa T. Bergren

Kindle
Nook

18 & Over Book Blogger Tag Along July 1

<a href="http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq356/homemom1620/blog/bookbloggertagalong.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a>

18 and over book bloggers tag along is for adult book bloggers to get to know each other and hopefully gain more followers. It doesn't matter what sub-genre you read as long as you read and review adult books.  You can have a book blog that reads some teen books, but you have to have more adult books on your blog then YA. I know, I know I am a pain LOL.

How it works
*First make a post on your blog with this picture on top. That lets us know we are in the right place to make a comment so you can follow back. If you don’t do this I will have to take you off the tag along.

*Second place your name or blogs name in the first linky tool.  I want to add here, put in (paranormal romance) beside your blogs name what you mainly review. Then add your URL to the tag along post in the second Linky tool.

*Third visit blogs listed if you like what you see hit the follow button. Remember to leave a comment, so they can tag along back.

If you have a question or problems you can email me, you'll find it under my contact.

Now, if your new don't be shy most of these ladies are here every week and they are very, very friendly (I know because I follow most of them;)


Now, get out there and find some 18 and over bloggers!

Have a good weekend!

Sign up for the 18 and over book blogger giveaway hop for Sept 15th-18th

Author Interview and Giveaway with Loretta Chase

"OH MY AUSTEN! Breath, Rita! Just Breath..."
Okay, so now that you've gotten a peek inside my brain right now, hows about I share with you all WHY I am having one of my 'moments'! Today's special guest is none other than the astounding, incredible, wunderkind herself: Loretta Chase! I've tried to keep it professional long enough, and now that the interview is ready to be shared, I can gush till the cows come home! I'll stop my yammering right now and get to all the EPICNESS now.

Please welcome my amazing special guest:

Loretta Chase

About the Author:

Loretta Chase holds a B.A. from Clark University, where she majored in English and minored unofficially in visual art. Her past lives include clerical, administrative, and part-time teaching at Clark and a Dickensian six-month experience as a meter maid. In the course of moonlighting as a corporate video scriptwriter, she fell under the spell of a producer who lured her into writing novels... and marrying him. The union has resulted in more than a dozen books and a number of awards, including the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award.

Find Loretta Online: Website | Blog | Two Nerdy History Girls  | Facebook

Loretta's Latest Release:

"Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in London; the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her family. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are...not. The prize seems well worth the risk. This time, though, Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . .and a blazing scandal. And now both their futures hang by a thread of silk…"source 

Read an excerpt: here | Read a review at Smexy Books : here

Get Your Copy Today:
Barnes&Noble | Amazon | Borders 

IndieBound | Powell's

The Interview

RJ: Welcome to Not Another Romance Blog, Loretta! Congratulations are definitely in order; I am so excited to have you on and ask you all about your latest release, ‘Silk Is For Seduction’ (The Dressmaker Series-Book 1, Avon Books, June 28, 2011) How does it feel to be publishing another book? Have the feelings changed much since the release of your earlier novels?

LC: Thank you, Rita. I’m glad to be here. I loved embarking on this series and working on this book. As to publishing—there’s only ever one first book, and the incredible thrill of seeing it in print. But each book gives me a jolt, maybe along the lines of, “Ye gods! I wrote another one!”

RJ: Let’s jump right in and discover more about your latest. ‘Silk Is For Seduction’ is the first book in The Dressmaker Series. The title is an obvious clue, but can you tell us a little more about this new series; what’s it about, what makes it unique, and where the inspiration for it came from?

LC: In a nutshell: Three talented, and ambitious sisters will do whatever it takes to make theirs London’s foremost dressmaking shop. The series evolved from my fascination with 19th century ladies’ magazines, discussions with the dressmaker-historians at Colonial Williamsburg, 

and my own ongoing, shallow attachment to fashion in all its forms. One thing that’s different is the setting—the 1830s and the Romantic Era. The fashions are nothing like the Regency-Jane Austen look. As to unique elements—my heroines are descendents of Dreadful DeLuceys: the disreputable aristocrats hovering in the background ofLord Perfect and Last Night’s Scandal.

RJ: Historical fashion is an intriguing topic for many. I always get a sense while reading your books that they’re well-researched and that you are very knowledgeable about the topics used in your stories. You also happen to run the fabulous Two Nerdy History Girls blog where you and fellow author Susan Holloway Scott expound on various historical topics from popular dress to glorious settings. I am a history lover, too! Can you tell us more about your blog and are there any cool tid-bit you’d like to share with us history lovers?
LC: So many people think history is boring because in school they’re made to read about politics and wars. But there’s history that deals with everyday life: from art and architecture to food, clothes, and manners—much more interesting, because we can relate personally. Basically, Susan & I are history magpies, and the blog allows us to share our finds with other sympathetic souls. Currently my blogs are offering an Illustrated Guide to Silk is for Seduction—lots of history tidbits related to the story, and lots of pictures—and even movie clips.

RJ: Your historicals are among some of the freshest and most original that I’ve ever read! With every genre, I am sure, there are tropes and plot devices that are constantly used and predictability is often the #1 gripe from most readers and reviewers. Naturally, we are all invested in the Happily Ever After, but can you give us a little insight as to how you keep your plots so fresh on that road to H.E.A?
LC: That’s a tremendous compliment, and I wish I knew how to explain. But the truth is, my mind just goes that way. It’s absolutely not deliberate—or even conscious.

RJ: Let’s go straight for the jugular. What is ‘Silk Is For Seduction’ all about?
LC: It’s about two people from different worlds—the cutthroat world of high fashion and the even more treacherous world of high society—who can’t help seducing each other, even though it’s a ridiculously dangerous game for them both. Their love story deals with surviving catastrophes, and learning to trust enough to take tremendous risks. OK, that sounds dead serious, but readers who know me know there will be laughs along the way. Yes, and it’s definitely about clothes, too, complete with Project Runway and What Not to Wear moments.

RJ: I am pretty sure that for any reader of romance (and all genres, for that matter) the characters make or break the story. A book can have the most breathtaking settings and original plot, but if the characters have no character, it leaves much to be desired. Tell us more about the Hero and Heroine from ‘Silk Is For Seduction’. Who are they, what are their flaws and redeeming qualities, and what attracts them to each other besides their physical charms?
LC: Marcelline Noirot lost everything in the 1832 cholera epidemic except her daughter and sisters. Age 21, she came to London with a few coins, her dressmaking genius, and her DeLucey card skills, and started rebuilding a life for her family. She’s clever and charming; she’s a card sharp & a liar—but she’s passionate about her family and her work. The Duke of Clevedon is used to getting whatever he wants, and he’s devoted the last three years of his life to pleasure, mainly in Paris. But he’s lost loved ones, too. This and his strict upbringing save him from being completely selfish and shallow. Along with the inborn ducal arrogance and self-centeredness, there’s a core of generosity, loyalty, and protectiveness. Too, he’s as sharp and witty as Marcelline, and they keep each other on their toes.

RJ: Now, I can’t have the lovely Loretta Chase on my blog without bringing up what is considered by most to be one of the greatest historical romances ever written. ‘Lord of Scoundrels’ is revered all over the romance community and has won several awards, including the RITA. Can you just speak on that book a little; where the idea for it came from, how you feel about that story and its characters more than a decade later, and what do you think makes it so adored to this day?

LC: It started with an image in my head of an ugly little unloved boy. Then I’m not sure what happened. The Disney Beauty & the Beast movie definitely got my neurons firing, and I remember wanting to make sure my beast was truly beastly, absolutely awful. Then for some reason it was easy to imagine the sort of woman who’d see right through him to the troubled boy inside. What happened after that—how the story came to together—let’s just call it a gift from the writing gods. I’m still proud of that book—and it’s a constant source of wonder and joy to know it continues to resonate with readers.

RJ: Moving on into preferences- What types of books do you like to read? What sort of plots do you enjoy, what traits do you like to find in the protagonists, and what settings and genres entice you like no other?

LC: Make me laugh and you’ve got me: romantic comedy, for example, and wit in whatever genre. No special preferences in characters—except for wanting them to be fully developed. Much of my reading tends to be outside my genre: many detective novels, some paranormal, 19th century fiction, and a lot of history (mainly social history & biography). While I read about as much contemporary as historical romance, my preference in most genres tends toward historical settings.

RJ: Your books have been in publication since the late 80’s. I always love to read a debuting author, but nothing beats reading a classic by a veteran like you (veteran in the career sense). I am just curious to know: Over the years, what sort of changes have you witnessed in the historical romance genre in terms of publishing and the writing in general? Do you read books by new authors frequently, or have you stuck to certain authors? Also, are you a Kindle/Nook e-book convert, or will you be a paperback diva till the end?

LC: I saw the change in historical romance from what I think of as Gone With the Wind romances—with their casts of thousands, endless trials & tribulations, extended separation of h/h, and so on—to more intimate books, focused much more on h/h. Other than that—and the drastic decrease in publishers and publishing lines—I’m clueless about trends. You’ll always see new authors on my TBR pile. Since it’s a couple of miles high, though, they’re not new anymore by the time I get to them. But I have steady favorites, too. Likewise, it’s not either-or regarding Kindle and print books. Each has its wonderful qualities, and I think it’s great that we have two ways to read.

RJ: Have you ever written a book outside of the historical romance genre and do you have any plans or would you like to try publishing in another genre?
LC: I tried a paranormal at one point, but that, apparently, was just a way of working out some personal demons. Literally. It was not good.

RJ: What projects are you currently working on and what can we expect on the shelves by you next?
LC: The Dressmaker Series is planned as a trilogy, so the next book will feature Noirot Sister #2, Sophia, the saleswoman nonpareil.

RJ: You are so respected in the romance community by so many readers and author; can you pass along a little pearl of wisdom to some of the aspiring authors out there?
LC: Considering how slowly I write, my advice may not be so pearly. I had a lot of practice writing—in academe and for business as well as for myself and the friends I inflicted it on—before I undertook a novel. Practice, and working on one’s craft is really important, I think. The big secret to my writing is rewriting—and researching the daylights out of everything—and having people around me who are extremely supportive but also help me not take myself too seriously.

--

RJ: Thank you so very much for stopping by and indulging my curiosity, Loretta! You are a fan favorite and I am sure the readers can’t wait to devour ‘Silk Is For Seduction’ (as I plan to)! All the best!

LC:Thank you for having me! And—don’t want to be greedy or anything— but I do hope everyone completely loves the book!

Loretta has generously offered to giveaway a copy of 'Silk is for Seduction' to (1) one lucky commenter! All you have to do to be eligible to win is comment on this interview post! Leave a comment, gush nonsensically, ask Loretta a question (she'll check back through out the day to answer!) The giveaway will end on July 14th and the winner will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter.

*Please leave your email address in your comment so you can be contacted if you win

*Restricted to US

**If you have any problems commenting, select Name/URL option in the drop down menu next to "comment as:" and just write in your name (and website if you have one). If that doesn't work, email me your name and comment to NotAnotherRomanceBlog(AT)gmail(DOT)com and I'll manually put it in the comments. Sorry for any inconvenience. **

Bitten's She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for June - SAMSON'S LOVELY MORTAL (Scanguards Vampires, #1) by Tina Folsom

Samson's Lovely Mortal (Scanguards Vampires, #1)
Tina Folsom
Originally published May 25, 2010
Novel length; Erotic Paranormal Romance
Available in paperback and digital forms
Book was purchased or available as free download
Tina Folsom Website

Vampire bachelor Samson can't get it up anymore. Not even his shrink can help him. That changes when the lovely mortal auditor Delilah tumbles into his arms. Suddenly there's nothing wrong with his hydraulics ... However, trying to hide the fact he's a vampire is all of a sudden not his only problem, because when compromising documents are found in Delilah's possession, Samson wonders whether she's the one who has more to hide than he does.

REVIEW AND RATING SYSTEM

OUR REVIEWS

WildAboutBones' Review:

Rating:  4  - A Pack Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire


This first in Folsom's Scanguards Vampires series is set in San Francisco and has an opening line that certainly grabs your attention: "Let me suck your cock." This paranormal romance comes complete with vampires, embezzling, betrayal, a mortal love, romance, a little humor and a precious gift.

Folsom has created some very believable characters - both primary and secondary ones, even if she uses much of the traditional vampire lore with only a few twists. The story line is somewhat inventive although it is fairly similar to Lynsay Sands' A Bite To Remember Argeneau series story.

Sexy, 6 ft. tall Samson, the male lead, is a vampire having an impotence issue (which is virtually unheard of in a vampire) until he mistakes Delilah for the vamp stripper his friends hired for his birthday party. When she leaves so does his erection.

Delilah, a human forensic accountant and the female lead, is having the nightmares again and then suddenly finds herself in the nightmare in reality. When Samson mistakes her for the stripper and kisses her, she has a "severe attack of lust" and she hasn't felt aroused in a long time.

The story has some great humorous lines in it such as:
"Great, a shrink operating from a dungeon and a Barbie doll as the gatekeeper!"
"Coffins were out. Tempur-Pedic mattresses were in."

Sexually, I rate this as a 3.5 out of 4. There is sensual teasing in a theater and lobby, hot petting in a limo, sexy lovemaking on the rug in front of a fireplace and a very provocative shower scene, not to mention an entire night spent having sex in bed. There is also an angry spanking and anal sex scene that takes place on the couch between secondary characters which is the reason this doesn't have a 3 rating.

This was a very quick read for me - a single afternoon - which I enjoyed. I look forward to reading the other books in this series to see what mischief the secondary characters get into. Paranormal romance and vampire fans should thoroughly enjoy this book.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This comes complete with an HEA.

Cynthia’s Review:

Ratings:  4 - A Pack Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire

A love story of Samson and Delilah. I know, it sounds corny, but it works.

Samson believes the woman in distress that shows up on his doorstep is his “surprise” birthday gift stripper from his friends. This case of mistaken identity leads to a passion that can’t be denied, secrets revealed and deception from unexpected sources. An original storyline that includes a powerful vampire with ED and several vampires who visit a psychiatrist on a regular basis. If the opening sentence of this novel doesn’t grab your attention, then someone needs to check your pulse – STAT! Oh, and yeah, it’s a dead giveaway of more to come…..

Although the plotline was thin and I could see where the story was going, it was fun getting there. Samson was a bit “over-the-top” at times and it took Delilah F-O-R-E-V-E-R to grow a backbone. The cast of characters are intriguing and the humor sprinkled throughout the story didn’t detract from it. I sure would like to be a fly on the wall when Amaury has his sessions with Dr. Drake. *giggle* (Sorry, Girls, I keep thinking of Rick Springfield!) Ms. Folsom puts a different spin on her vampire lore; it’s a breath of fresh air.

Laurie (Bitten By Paranormal Romance) Review:

Rating:  5 - An Alpha Howl
Sexual:  4 - Four Alarm Fire

Date Read: August 30 to September 01, 2010

I do believe I have found my favorite erotic book for this year and it also has my favorite genre paranormal. This book is romantic, witty and pure down right hot. The author does a wonderful job in how she brings this erotic romance together. I was floored as I keep reading and the story keeps getting deeper. It has humor, twist and turns, surprise’s danger, villains, an excellent cast of vampire male characters the author can run on and OMG the sex is amazing there is a little spanking and rear door. This is not a short Novella it has over 300 pgs.

Samson is owner of Scanguards, (in other words he is filthy rich) he has a mishap that leaves him impotent. He tries everything even goes to a shrink. When his birthday come his friends let him know there is a stripper on the way. So his day is getting worse he can’t get it up and now he has to have a stripper there needless to say he is not a happy camper. Until someone comes crashing in his door.

Delilah lives in New York and works for Scanguards and is sent to California to help audit at the office there. Little does she know on her way home one night after getting take out she is walking in the pouring down rain and some man tries to hurt her. She runs to the closet house and asks for help. Little did she know the owner would think she is the stripper.

Things I loved.
I loved how the author takes you into the hero and heroine past and helps them overcome their issues together; it just makes for a better romance for me. I also loved how the author introduces you to the next character in this book, so you already know him and what he’s like. The book reads more like a paranormal romance added with the erotic, it’s something I've been looking for.

Ollie’s Review:

Rating:  5 - An Alpha Howl
Sexual: 4 - Four Alarm Fire

Date Read: December 25, 2010 to January 07, 2011

Paranormal Romance/Erotica writer Tina Folsom has the reader panting and craving more with Samsom's Lovely Mortal. If you love a hot and passionate paranormal romance then you are going to LOVE Samson's Lovely Mortal. This is one book where I do not want to give too much information away because I want the reader to experience and savor every page-turning moment. What I will tell you is the lead character, Samson, is the owner of Scanguard Enterprises and who happens to be a gorgeous vampire with a slight problem. Delilah is a mortal woman who literally falls into his world and stirs feelings and emotions that he has never felt before. What ensues is a passionate romance that not only includes very hot, intense sex scenes but the development of a truly loving relationship. There was one point in the book where the emotional build up was so intense that you could feel the character's heartache and pain that I broke down crying and had to put the book down several times to compose myself to continue on. I really enjoyed how Tina developed the mythology surrounding vampires with a very interesting one that will definitely put a smile on your face. I'm a big romantic thus the development of the relationship and the many hot sex scenes had me glued to the pages.

5 Stars for an intense book that will leave you needing a long cold shower or perhaps several.

"Uncommon Criminals" Review

"Uncommon Criminals"
by Ally Carter

Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: June 21, 2011 
Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.
There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.
Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.
Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

My Review:

If you like movies like "Oceans Eleven", you are going to love this book! The teens in the book are smart, strong, and are able to pull off major heists, (almost) all on their own.

This was such a fun book. The action never stopped, and it was smart action, too. The teens always found clever loopholes and tricks to get their way.

The book does walk a fine line, almost glorifying stealing. But I think the author makes it clear that they are stealing what was already stolen and returning it to its rightful place. I also think I may have missed some of the explanation of what they will and will not steal/do by not reading the first book.

One of the things I loved most about the book was that Kat teamed up with her cousins for the capers.  It was great to see extended family represented as a team like this. They were always under the guidance of their uncles, I loved that it was a family business.

Of course, Hale was not Kat's cousin. He was a great love interest, just aloof enough to keep you guessing, but also still caring.

I'd say the main theme of the story is admitting that you need back up. It sends a great message about working together to get the job done.

After reading the Gallagher girls book by this author, I was really impressed with "Uncommon Criminals." The characters and story are much more mature. Kat and her gang seem more like young adults instead of young teens.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 5/5


Bottom Line: A fast-paced, quick-witted, overall fun read!


 

New's Flash - Publish Your Children's Book!

Plain & Simple Books Publishing, founder of the new “author assisted publishing,” has recently added “children’s books” to their list of acceptable submissions. If you are looking for a publisher of your children’s book you may submit your query following the “Submission Guidelines” page instructions at http://www.Plainandsimplebooks.com. Please include a sample of your artwork.

Plain & Simple Books Publishing now accepts most genres. Visit their site to learn more about author assisted publishing (perfect for first-time authors). Plain & Simple Book Publishing is limited to U.S. authors.

Waiting on Wednesday (73)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!


This week I chose:

"Damned" (Crusade #2)
by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: Aug 30, 2011

The following description is from goodreads.com:


There is a fine line between love and sacrifice…. Antonio would do anything for his beloved fighting partner Jenn. He protects her, even suppresses his vampire cravings to be with her. Together, they defend humanity against the Cursed Ones. But tensions threaten to fracture their hunting team and his loyalty—his love—is called into question.
Jenn, the newly appointed Hunter, aches for revenge against the Cursed One who converted her sister. And with an even more sinister power on the rise, she must overcome her personal vendettas to lead her team into battle.
Antonio and Jenn need each other to survive, but evil lurks at every turn. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, they must face down the darkness…or die trying.

I haven't had a chance to read the first one yet, but this series looks great!!

What are you waiting for this week???

Interview Author Anna Keraleigh

Please welcome romance author Anna Keraleigh

For those readers who aren’t familiar with your work would you share a bit about yourself?

Hi there, thanks for having me.

I have two erotic fantasy novels published with Evernight Publishing. Why fairies you ask? I love everything about Ireland including its unique folklore. I also fell in love with the erotica genre the moment I read my first naughty novel. I invite you into my fantasy world where muscle men with delicate wings fight for their kingdom (in loincloths).

What is your writing schedule like?  Do you have a special place where you write filled with stardust and moonbeams?  And what about a playlist?  I can only imagine the tunes needed to generate fairies!

I often write on the deck when weather permits. There’s something magical about the fresh air, the sky overheard and the sound of wildlife. I actually came up with my idea for the giant sunflowers because of my garden. I have an area in my yard where I plant a variety of flowers. When I first planted sunflowers they grew huge! I’m talking over 6 feet tall which is inches taller than me. Staring at those beautiful, awkward flowers started the writing juice flowing.

As for tunes, I have different mixes for different scenes. Sad scenes are usually accompanied by new age/classical music especially Celtic or Irish music. For action scenes, I listen to my Rock mix. That would be Rob Zombie, Nickleback, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Zebrahead and anything that has a good beat. Then there are the sex scenes. Yes, I have a mix for that too! For your entertainment by Adam Lambert, Dirt by Depeche Mode, Lick by Joi, and several others with a sensual vibe.

Other than writing, what else do you love to do?

I love traveling. My brain goes on imagination overload when I’m riding in a car staring at the world as it passes. I’m an animal lover and often times I read with my cat on the deck. Or researching new Irish folklore, it’s become a hobby of mine.

Anna, please tell us about your latest book in your Fairy Series, THE RAVAGED FAIRY released May 25, 2011, by Evernight Publishing.

The Ravaged Fairy is all about Thame, the golden warrior fairy. He’s captured and his wings cut off at the end of the first book. This is his story. He’s stranded without wings on The Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland. Breena finds him and saves him from certain death. She treats his back but can she heal his ravaged heart?

Find out in The Ravaged Fairy.

Can you give us a glimpse of what you are working on next?

I just finished and was accepted into a story for an anthology at Evernight Publishing. ‘Midnight Seductions’ will be released around October of 2011.

I also started Keyn’s story, Fairy Unbroken. This will be book 3 in The Fairy Series and yes, each of them can be read as stand-alone. He’s a human hater, tortured by them when he was a child. What happens when the human hater meets his human mate? So far, it looks to be quite a wild adventure.

Stay Naughty,

Anna Keraleigh

Anna Keraleigh's Website

Review A Wedding Wager by Jane Feather

Title: A Wedding Wager (Blackwater Brides #2)
Author: Jane Feather
Source: Requested Review
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 447 pgs
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Author Website




New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather again delights with her new book in this entrancing Georgian trilogy featuring three noble brothers who are offered a preposterous opportunity to restore their family’s mortgaged lands. An eccentric uncle promises a lavish inheritance, but only if each marries—thus redeeming—a fallen woman. And if even one brother fails to fulfill the old man’s decree, none will gain the windfall.

Lady Serena Grantley was born to the nobility, but fortune's whim placed her in control of her gamester stepfather, who uses her beauty to lure young men to his gambling tables. Serena even dismissed her first love, the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan, at her stepfather's command. But when he attempts to force her into a liaison with a dissolute earl, Serena resolves to do his bidding no more. Sebastian is the only man who ever captured her heart, and it is to him she turns. . . .

Torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves, Sebastian faces a devilish dilemma. His uncle is ailing, and time is running short. Desperate to find a solution, Sebastian conceives a dangerous plan—a wager that could bring him and Serena happiness at last . . . or separate them forever.



Rating -
Sexual -
My Review:

Set in 1762 London, nothing is predictable about this second novel in Feather's Blackwater Brides historical romance series. Serena and Sebastian find themselves mixed up with a will containing stipulations which must be fulfilled before the death, a wicked greedy stepfather full of nefarious plots, a love denied, two loves found and a sword fight.

Three years ago, Serena's stepfather forced her to break the heart of her true love, 24 year old Sebastian, by telling him she didn't love him, that he had just been a dalliance. Her stepfather promptly whisked her off to Brussels that very afternoon. Today, Serena is not happy to see Sebastian because she still loves him. But she is now an independent, strong woman and she will deal with the situation as best she can.

When 27 year old Sebastian visits the new gaming house, he is stunned to see Serena, to realize that he is not only still furious at her treatment of him, but he is also still deeply in love with her after all this time. His twin and older brother are disturbed to learn she is back; they remember what he was like when she left him.

Neither has any idea what meeting 16 year old Abigail will have on their lost relationship.

I don't typically read this genre because the story seems to get lost in all the historical aspects - descriptions of scenery, buildings, political atmosphere, etc. This was pleasantly devoid of those. The historical clothing, mode of transportation and slang are used as the background of the story and don't take it over; well done, Ms. Feather.

This is a good sexy romance with another romance between young friends thrown in for good measure. Had I not known before reading that this was part of a series, I wouldn't have suspected it. It is a stand-alone story with minor mentions of things that occurred in the past and a little bit of foreshadowing of something that may happen in the future with Perry, Sebastian's twin.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending

"Haunting Violet" Review

"Haunting Violet"
by Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Walker Books
Release Date: June 21, 2011Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?  

My Review:


This is a great YA historical with a spooky, supernatural element, not to mention a sweet romance!

I've always been fascinated by the seances in the Victorian era, including all the tricks that mediums and con artists used to make people think they were communicating with ghosts. The book really portrays Violet's mother as taking advantage of people at their worst. We get to see all of the ways she tricked them in detail.

Sometimes, I wanted Violet's mother to be just little more of a sympathetic character, but she really turns out to be just all bad.

One of my favorite characters was Violet's little ghost dog, Mr. Rochester. He was just so cute, and I think he made Violet feel like she wasn't so alone among all the ghosts with her new found talent. And also she was able to feel a little less scared of what was happening.

Violet's long time friend, Colin, was flat-out adorable. He was always there for Violet and I can't think of a single time that he let her down.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5



Bottom Line: This book is a good old fashioned gothic spook fest with sweet characters and a fast paced story. I'm really hoping to see more of Violet and Colin (and Mr. Rochester) in future books!!

Watch this Space...

For a Birthday Giveaway!



Deets to come, but it will involve one of these:

Signed by one of these:

Any takers? ;)

Time Travel Tuesdays - Miss America Romance Comic Featurette by Mart Nodell!

Today's Time Travel post is a very special one! June has been a big month for the Green Lantern! Even though the film didn't perform as well as expected and DC decided to go with the story of Hal Jordan, the hoopla surrounding the movie still made me really proud of my grandfather -- the creator of the original Golden Age Green Lantern!

Me and my grandparents,
Marty and Carrie Nodell in 1988

Not only did my grandfather draw superhero comics, he dabbled in other comic book genres, including romance! The following little featurette "Charm Corner" is from Miss America v7#33 [66] (April 1950), an issue in which he also served as Art Associate.

Prepare yourself to learn some charm and etiquette...
from my grandpa!

Pretty cute, huh?! I especially like the battling teeth! This issue is definitely on my want list, but for now, these scans of "Charm Corner" are courtesy of Dr. Michael J. Vassallo of the Timely-Atlas-Comics Blog! For more information on the history of the Green Lantern, check out this month's issue of Alter Ego wholly dedicated to the character!

ARC review giveaway Delicate Freakn' Flower by Eve Langlais

Title: Delicate Freakn' Flower
Author: Eve Langlais
Source: Requested review
Genre: Erotic paranormal romance with a m/f/m menage
Length: Novel
Authors website
Release date July 7th 2011

Dammit , just how many toes was she going to have to stomp on before people realized she was a delicate freakin’ flower? 

Naomi doesn’t want to follow tradition and settle down with a violence-loving, chest thumping shapeshifter. She grew up in a household with five, testosterone laden brothers where none of the dishes ever matched, the ugly-as-sin furniture could withstand any catastrophe, and where crazy glue was bought by the case. 

When fate—with a snicker—makes her meet not one, but two mates, Naomi digs her heels in and refuses to do what her wolf—and her body—demands. No way is she voluntarily allowing herself to get hitched to a pair of dumbass—totally hot and muscled—lacrosse players. 

Can Ethan, the towering Kodiak bear, and Javier, the sexy, tanned jaguar convince this she-wolf that life with them won’t be all chaos? And can this delicate freakn’ flower unbend her prejudices enough to recognize she needs a pair of men who can handle her thorns—and her passion?  

Warning: this is a hot threesome story where all the focus is on her with pleasurable consequences.

Rating-

Sexual-

This Delicate Freakin’ Flower, gets not only one shifter but two and one of them the bear, let me tell you he is packing something huge. LOL. Oh my, this story takes you down Naomi’s path of wanting a non-chaos world. She want to mate with a human, so when she finds her shifter mate by surprise it freaks her out. Then she finds she has not only one but two shifter mates, well needless to say she leads these two hot shape shifters down a wicked path because she wants no part of it. The thing she didn’t bank on is they are not going to give up no matter how delicate she wasn’t to be treated. Don’t let Naomi fool you she’s not as delicate as she says because she can take down the best of them especially when she has a threat against her and it brings her family into the scenario. This is another fun and sexy hot story with some added suspense by Eve, that takes you into a Ménage with anal sex so hot you may have to take a cold shower after reading LOL. 


This story is not a novella it’s a full novel, so for those who likes to get a little more into the mind of the characters more here you a book from Eve to try. 


I recommend this novel to anyone how loves a fun erotic paranormal romance.



Teaser
“Are you always this irritable?” asked the cat. 
Naomi shot him a glare. “Gee, let me see. My friend dragged me to a lacrosse game, which, I might add, is not my idea of a good time in the first place, where some clumsy bear missed a ball causing me to get injured. That same bear and his alley cat then show up and try to claim me as their mate even though I don’t want one. I think I’ve earned the right to be annoyed.” 
“I told you we should have brought more flowers,” Ethan grumbled.


Eve is giving away one eBook copy of Delicate Freakin' Flower to one lucky commenter. 


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