ARC Review: The Magic of "I Do" by Tammy Falkner

Title: The Magic of "I Do" (Faerie, #2)
Author: Tammy Falkner
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Paranormal romance (Fae)
Length: Novel (384 pgs)
Release Date: June 4, 2013
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Claire Thorne is a faerie on a mission. 

When the governing body of her world puts a prohibition on magic, she escapes to the human world and straight into the arms of Lord Phineas Tremble. When he insists on being her crime-solving partner, she does everything she can to get rid of him—until she realizes his gift for smooth talking might come in handy when tracking down a killer. Before long, Finn has his hands full keeping Claire out of trouble, because the two of them together create more sparks than her faerie dust ever could...

Review: Games Demons Play (Mystic Isle #3) By: Selena Blake

Title: Games Demons Play (Mystic Isle #3) 
Author: Selena Blake 
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 122 pages PDF
Reviewed by: Emi 

**I received a copy of this book for an honest review**

The emotional and sinfully sweet third book in the Mystic Isle series.When Izzy Lukin wakes up in the arms of a sinfully handsome stranger, she’s immediately sure of two things. She wrecked a really expensive car and the man holding her is not human. Shade has won enough card games in his life to know when to hold. The beautiful vamp hell bent on paying for the damage she caused is definitely worth holding on to.

But what will happen when she finds out they’ll be going head-to-head in the poker tournament…and he never loses?

Warning: contains an impulsive heroine, one super sexy demon who never loses, steamy bathroom sex, a glitzy casino and surprises no one saw coming. 

Author Interview with Rosalind Scarlett - Author of The Anam Ceile Chronicles

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you started writing.

I am ecstatically married to my college sweetheart and am a mother to two wonderful little boys.  Writing is an excellent way to channel my creativity, as well as a valid emotional outlet.  In fact, I have never felt so sane as since I started writing!  One day after finished an especially moving book, I remembered how I wanted to be an author when I was a little girl.  I used to write all sorts of stories, mostly about little girls and horses or other animals.  And then for a time when I was eighteen & nineteen, I did a monthly column in an independent magazine on animal rights,, vegetarianism, etc.  But when it comes down to it, my children are the reason that ultimately motivated me to start writing this time around, and to really be driven to make it happen as a career.  More than anything, I desire to be able to be there for them as much as possible, to not be the absent parent rushing about, too busy with work to pay attention to the kids and such.  And writings is quite a viable path to allow me such a thing.  So, when it comes down to it, I write for the love of my family.

2. You write pretty much the entire story of the Anam Ceile Chronicles in a Gaelic accent.  What made you decide to take this approach to the writing.

It just felt like the right way to do it.  I like the setting and characters to all be consistent.  It is appropriate to the time and setting.  Then it is easier to become fully submerged in that world, get a feel for the character.  I mean, have ever seen those old movies where even if it is set in Arabia or Thailand or somewhere, all the actors have British or American accents?  That always drove me crazy!

3. How do you plan your stories?  Do you just "go with the flow" or do you have a more structured approach?

Well, I always start with a structured outline, though there are always changes and additions along the way.  It's great when the story just grabs me and tells itself, when awesome material I never even planned on or knew was coming just channels itself through me.  That is when a story feels as though it really comes to life!

4. After Aislinn's transformation, she has the ability to turn into a horse.  What made you decide on this animal instead of the traditional wolf or bat?

The most comprehensive answer for that has to remain a secret, at it is something which will play out in the next few books as Aislinn discovers the true reality of her existence.  Also, I do not like to be too cliche.  Wolves and bats has nothing to do with my story, it would be totally out of place.  And most basically, the horse is her spirit animal, so that is what she becomes.  The concept of a spirit animal is something with is common in ancient cultures such as Celtic and Native American.

5. Is there a special place that you prefer to go, or mood you have to set before you can write?

When the weather is nice, I love to sit on my deck with my laptop to write.  It relaxes and rejuvenates me to be able to breathe the fresh air and hear the birds and feel the breeze blowing past me.  When I am stuck indoors, will light scented oil (my favourite of late is lavender-vanilla) and turn on some music to set the mood.

Just for fun - which to you prefer:

Cats or dogs:

It was once dogs, but just recently I have come to realise I am not really as much of a dog person anymore, and the thought of having a calm quiet cat to stroke next to me while working is more appealing.  Perhaps I will have to adopt one!

Wake up early or stay up late?

Both!  I tend to stay up until eleven or midnight and wake up about six am.  The only way I can make the most of my time without the noise of small children about me.

Blonds, brunettes, red-heads?

Um really?  Redheads, of course!

Hot weather or cold?

Oh, cold, without question!  I cannot stand the heat!  Ugh!  But the cold, it is so invigourating!  I doesn't drain me as the heat does.  But, my husband says I am just hot blooded.  So, perhaps I just need cooler temps to cool me down.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  I think definitely need to go adopt a cat, just make sure it isn't one like mine - she's 4 years old and still acts like a kitten - no sitting calmly for that one!

If you want to learn more about Rosalind or follow what she's up to, then check her out online:

Rosalind's Website:  Here

Rosalind's Amazon Page: Here

Rosalind's FaceBook: Here

Rosalind's Blog: Here

Review: I'll be Damned, The Anne Wolfe series Book One by: Casey Keen

Title: I'll be Damned, The Anne Wolfe series Book One 
Author:  Casey Keen
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Length: 274 pages - PDF copy
Reviewed by: Emi  

**I received a copy of this book for an honest review.** 

A sister kidnapped.

An impending war between Heaven and Hell looming around the corner.

A Grand Witch who has no idea what she is.

The Prince of Darkness’s obsession in claiming her.

Two sinfully gorgeous men pulling her in two different directions.

As the owner of the coffee shop Deja Brew in Savannah, Georgia, Anna thought her life was ordinary. That is until her sister is kidnapped by a demon, prompting two handsome men to march into her life unexpectedly. Valen, the sinfully gorgeous, overprotective werewolf who is Anna’s sworn guardian and Roman, the most handsome and powerful Warlock in the entire Netherworld. 

Suddenly, her world is stripped of everything she knows and replaced with frightening news about who she really is - a powerful Grand Witch. Now, it’s up to her to draw out her dormant magic, rescue her sister and stop an impending heavenly war threatening to eradicate the human race all while staying alive

Indie Romance Convention Spotlight with Author Lily Graison

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.
I've been writing since 2002 and had my first book published by Linden Bay romance in 2005.  A short story followed a year later with another ePublisher but the lack of control with the final outcome of the books led me to self publish in 2007.  Around that same time, the company I worked for closed their doors due to the economic downturn and I saw it as a blessing in disguise.  I'd been toying with the idea of writing full time but was nervous about taking that final step to make it happen.  With the decision made for me, I converted my daughter's old bedroom into a home office and I haven't regretted it a day.

What type of romance to you write and why?
I can write anything, any genre, and run with it until I'm blue in the face.  When I started writing, I leaned more toward paranormal romances, vampires and werewolves to be exact, but when I first published, it was contemporary romance that caught the attention of publishers.  I eventually dove back into the world of the paranormal but found my true calling in the historical western genre.  I'm having a blast with all those Alpha Cowboy heroes.  There's just something about rugged, hard working men who will do whatever it takes to protect their lady-loves that I can't get enough of.  The story plots keep piling up.  I just hope I have enough time to write them all.

What are you working on right now?
I'm editing a full length novel, His Brother's Wife, the 5th book in my Willow Creek historical western romance series.  The heroine, Grace Kingston, is a mail-order-bride who agrees to marry a man sight unseen.  She realizes her mistake when she travels across the country to find she's promised herself to a fourteen year old boy.  Stranded for the winter, Grace sets out to find a new husband and sets her eye on the older brother of her intended.  Rafe Samuels is unmarried but he's also surly and pig-headed but he makes her pulse race with a single glance.  Burned twice by love, Rafe refuses to help Grace out of her situation regardless of how much he wants her.  Grace has to get past his hardened exterior and show him how to love again before her reputation is in tatters.  But getting Rafe Samuels to admit he needs her will be the hardest thing Grace has ever had to do.

Who would you pick if you could have "Breakfast With the Author"?
Oh, that's easy.  It would be Linda Lael Miller.  I've read nearly every book she's written and something about her stories draw me in like no author can.  Her characters are so real, so full of life.  I'd love to pick her brain a bit and see what makes her tick.

Just for fun - which do you prefer:
Cats or dogs?
Cats
Wake up early or stay up late?
Wake Early
Blonds or brunettes?
Brunettes
Hot weather or cold?
Hot

If you want to see more about Lily or follow what she's up to, then check her out on the web:

Lily's website:  http://lilygraison.com/website/

Lily's blog:  http://lilygraison.blogspot.com/

ARC Review: A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses by Molly Harper

Title: A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses (Half Moon Hollow, #3)
Author: Molly Harper
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: Paranormal romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

Nola Leary would have been content to stay in Kilcairy, Ireland, healing villagers at her family’s clinic with a mix of magic and modern medicine. But a series of ill-timed omens and a deathbed promise to her grandmother have sent her on a quest to Half-Moon Hollow, Kentucky, to secure her family’s magical potency for the next generation. Her supernatural task? To unearth four artifacts hidden by her grandfather before a rival magical family beats her to it.

Complication One: Her grandfather was Mr. Wainwright and the artifacts are lost somewhere in what is now Jane Jameson's book shop.

Complication Two: her new neighbor, Jed Trudeau, who keeps turning up half naked at the strangest times, a distraction Nola doesn't need. And teaming up with a real-life Adonis is as dangerous as it sounds, especially when he’s got the face of an angel and the abs of a washboard—can Nola complete her mission before falling completely under his spell?

Sort of Paranormal Romance Review: Destiny's Dowry by Rosemary Gard

Title: Destiny's Dowry
Author: Rosemary Gard
Source: First Reads
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: November 1, 2008
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In the lovely Croatian countryside of the late 1800s, a baby near death is taken away.  Miraculously the baby survives.  Sixteen years later Katya's dangerous journey takes her where she really belongs.

ARC Review: Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare

Title: Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4)
Author: Tessa Dare
Source: Edelweiss
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (384pgs)
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Reviewed by: CaroleDee

What’s a duke to do, when the girl who’s perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can’t live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season—or any season—but his diabolical mother abducts him to “Spinster Cove” and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn’t dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week’s employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother’s “duchess training”… and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn’t a miserable failure. She’s a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure—a woman who ignites Griff’s desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won’t be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess—can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?

Book Spotlight and Giveaway: Hook's Pan by Marie Hall

Hi guys, I've got a book spotlight for the newest in Marie Hall's Kingdom Series, Hook's Pan.

 

If you haven't heard of the series before you're in for a treat because they are amazingly creative takes on classics we all know and love!

Indie Romance Convention Spotlight with Author Annabel Joseph

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.

I'd probably describe myself as part rebel-soccer-mom and part degenerate-sex-pervert.  It's weird for me because I live in a conservative part of the country.  It creates some awkward moments at the bus stop, but that's okay.  As for my inspiration to become a writer, it started because I couldn't find the kind of erotica that I wanted to read.  I wanted the hot sex, and sometimes even questionable sex, but I wanted emotion and romance wrapped up with it, too.  I wanted quality stories that were really, really smutty.  That's what I like to read and write.

What type of romance do you write and why?

I write BDSM romance.  Mostly contemporary, but occasionally I dabble into historical stuff.  I write longer novels rather than shorts because I love to develop complex stories, and my BDSM skews to the realistic side.  I also always write male doms and female subs.  I guess because I'm a female sub and that's what's most erotic to me and most natural to write.

What are you working on right now?

I'm working on a BDSM series set in the world of a London ballet company.  The first book is called Waking Kiss, and it's a super emotional, super intense story about two very damaged people healing on other from traumatic experiences in their past.  I writing Waking Kiss, I created a secondary character, a hotheaded male dancer, and loved him so much I decided to make him the subject of the second book, Fever Dream.  I hope to have both books out by fall of 2013.

Who would you pick if you could have "Breakfast With the Author"?

That's a tough one, because I love so many authors, but I'd have to say Laura Kinsale.  I'm a huge historical romance reader and to me her books exist on a tier of their won.  Her characters are more complex, her storylines more surprising and emotional than any other author I've read.  That's not an easy feat in the romance genre where there are so many expectation and rules.  I really admire her and I'd love to have breakfast with her and pick her brain.

Just for fun - which do you prefer:

Cats or dogs?

We have little cat-sized dogs  lol.  Because I like the size of cats, but I don't like litter boxes.

Wake up early or stay up late?

I am a super night-owl.  Mornings aren't for me.  No.

Blonds or brunettes?

Redheads!!

Hot weather or cold?

Oh man, you ask the tough questions.  I guess I'll go with cold.  If you're cold you can always snuggle and warm up, but when you're hot, there's really no way to get away from it.  Plus I hate to sweat.

If you want to see more about Annabel or follow what she's up to (I know I'll be watching for Waking Kiss), then check her out on the web any of the following ways:

Annabel's website: http://annabeljoseph.wordpress.com/books/

Annabel's twitter:  https://twitter.com/annabeljoseph

Annabel's facebook:  https://facebook.com/annabeljosephnovels

Annabel's instagram:  http://web.stagram.com/n/annabeljoseph/

Annabel's latest release:

Disciplining the Duchess

Review Eternal Nights by V. S. Nelson

Title: Eternal Nights (Sekhmet's Guardians #2)

Author: V. S. Nelson

Source: Author request

Genre: Paranormal romance

Length: Novel 

Reviewed by: Laurie 

With each passing day Jessica’s consciousness grew stronger. For twenty years she was content to remain as she was—trapped inside another. The life she led came to an abrupt end the moment she laid eyes on Raphael. At first she suspected they were destined to be together--his gentle touch confirmed it. Although he didn’t know it, he ignited waves of a fiery passion that burned deep into her soul. It became brighter every day, giving her the strength she needed. Somehow she would find a way to free herself from her grandmother’s powerful magic.

Since her birth she learned vicariously from observing others of her kind and until now she was satisfied with the life she led. She had everything one would need to live a meaningful life without the stress the human world inflicts on its inhabitants. With each passing day her obsession to be more than she was, intensified. Jessica knew she was gifted with her race's abilities to communicate with others but until now she had never used them. They say practice makes perfect and she was at a point now where she could make her presence known—at least to him.

Review Manataka by Ella J. Phoenix

Manataka 

Author: Ella J. Phoenix

Source: Author request 

Genre: Paranormal romance

Length: Novel

Reviewed by Laurie 

Since she was a child, Chloe has endured horrible nightmares about a Native American prince living in a time long forgotten. She never understood why, until she finds a stone that matches the one in her dreams. It has unimaginable powers, powers Chloe doesn’t understand. Fueled by memories of someone else’s past, she sets off on a wild quest for the stone’s birth place, hoping to also find answers to her foreboding dreams.

On the outside, Mason Green looks like a hardworking, self-made millionaire, with too busy a life for romance. Very few people know the real reason for his self-imposed seclusion. It’s safer that way. But when a sexy historian shows him a supernatural stone from a forgotten tribe, Mason is intrigued - maybe the relic is the salvation he’s been waiting for. Ignoring the irrational attraction that threatens to crack the cask around his heart, Mason agrees to help Chloe.

As their wild quest becomes a dangerous mission, they must find the relic’s birthplace before Mason’s past catches up to them.

Review: Duality (Cordelia Kelly #1) By: E.R. Pierce

Title: Duality (Cordelia Kelly #1)
Author: E.R. Pierce
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: 220 pgs
Reviewed by: Emi 

Cordelia Kelly is running from her past and her destiny. She is a dual-natured empath – meaning she is receptive to the emotional aura, positive and negative, of those around her. Cordelia struggles to create harmony between the light and dark sides of her existence. She's also an elemental, but her inherent powers are slowly manifesting with age and time. The scales of good versus evil are tilting in the wrong the direction. 

Will she succumb or evolve to fulfill her destiny?

Sol Winterborn is not your typical hero, if anything he’s an anti-hero. Moral indecision riddle his path to redemption, but the undeniable truth he holds onto is his search for his lighthouse – his soul mate. When fate throws Cordelia in his path, he's unprepared but can't stay away. Her siren call sings a song he can't ignore. He sees in her a kindred spirit, and possibly the one he’s searched long nights to find. Will Cordelia be the key to unlock his heart? 

When his own dark past catches up with him, will he risk his life for love?

Bitten’s She-Wolf Pack Thursday Review for May- Legend and Untamed

Legend (Wolf Lake, #1) and
Untamed (Wolf Lake, #2)
Author: Jennifer Kohout
Source: Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: long novellas

Orphaned as a child, Samantha grew up into a strong but lonely woman working on her doctorate thesis by researching the history of myths and legends. But when she uncovers an actual werewolf pack, the world of myth becomes her new reality.

Scarred for life after surviving a bitter betrayal, Roland discovers a kindred spirit when he finds Natasha beaten and left for dead. But will their relationship be strong enough to survive when the pack comes under attack?

*Please note, this book contains explicit descriptions of sex, including same gender encounters and threesomes.

Review: Night Demon by Lisa Kessler

Title: Night Demon (Night Series #2)
Author: Lisa Kessler
Source: Publicist Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Shifter
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 18, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Deep within the Yucatan jungle a demon has awakened...

Gretchen Finch's job would be much easier if she weren't alone in the jungle with a brilliant recluse whose every glance sets her on fire.  But the more she focuses on her work, the closer she gets to unlocking the mysteries of a terrible creature - the Night Demon - that threatens the world as she knows it.  Though her scientific mind tells her it's impossible, she's beginning to believe the ancient Mayan tales as the sinister jungle comes alive around her.

Lukas Smith has spend hundreds of years searching for answers to his immortal Night Walker nature.  As a series of ancient glyphs become clear, he's about to find out  more than he'd ever hoped, but the more he learns, the more his fate intertwines with the Night Demon, and the harder it becomes to hide his immortal secret from the beautiful, intelligent Gretchen.

Together, they must find a way to stop the inexplicable violence and mass destruction surging across the earth before the Night Demon destroys mankind.

Review: Bound in Evil ( Bound Trilogy) by Marie Rose Dufour

Title: Bound in Evil ( The Bound Trilogy)
Author: Marie Rose Dufour
Source: Author Request
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Roamnce
Length: 146 pages ebook
Published: January 10, 2013
Publisher: Secret Cravings
Reviewer: Cerridwen

For hundreds of years, evil is trapped beneath the ground. It never sleeps. It only waits to return.

A man turns his back against his magical family a long ago and the prophecy predicting a powerful witch with green eyes will release the imprisoned evil into the world. Nathaniel Caswell is determined to avoid the prophecy and the sexy new woman in town who could be his salvation or his downfall.

Meg Costa didn’t realize when she left her urban guidance counselor job for one on the sleepy coast of Massachusetts that she would catch the attention of the sexy green eyed sheriff and be thrown in the middle of a battle between good and evil.

Destiny throws these two together and along with the rest of the magical community, they need to figure out a way to save themselves and the world from being plunged into darkness forever

I was very surprised by Bound in Evil. It was so well put together. I couldn't stop reading it to find out what was going to happen.

It started out as a wonderful opening that twisted and turned into a great ending that will make you very impatient for the next book.

The whole town seems to embrace Meg and this makes it easy to love her simplicity and innocence.

Nate is one guy you wish actually existed. He's a gentleman with a great sexy bad streak in him. ...oh guess I could mention the sex now huh....scortching hot. You will never look at a pool the same way again. Oh wow I get chills just thinking about it!

Indie Romance Convention Spotlight with Author Leia Shaw

Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer.
The first romance book I ever read was Kresley Cole's A Hunger Like No Other.  Shortly after that, I devoured her Immortals After Dark series.  I fell in love with paranormal romance - the sexy alpha males, the magic, the darkness.  I had a very vivid dream about a sorceress who didn't know she was a sorceress and when I woke up, I thought, that would make a great book.

I've always been a writer, even before I did it as a career so it wasn't a big stretch for me to believe I could write a book.  About six  months after that dream, I had completed Destiny Divided.  What started as one book has since turned into a seven book series.  One thru four are completed and available now.  Book five is coming this summer.

I live in New England with my husband and two feisty kids who inspire me to keep my sense of humor every day.

What type of romance do you write and why?
My Shadows of Destiny series is paranormal romance.  I'm a little bit like a child in that magic and superpowers and mystical creatures make me jump up and down clapping.  But I love writing kick-ass heroines and alpha heroes who challenge each other and ultimately grow to love each other.

I like my characters to struggle with the same issues we do as people - trust, hope, fear, intimacy.  I hope my books send a powerful message to readers all while keeping you entertained with a hefty dose of humor and, of course, hot sex scenes!

What are you working on right now?
Right now I'm finishing up the third book in my BDSM erotic menage romance series, Badass Brats.  The Dom with the Perfect Brats releases May 10th and I'm so excited about this growing series.  It's definitely different than my PNR - not only because it's co-authored by Cari Silverwood and Sorcha Black - but the tone is different, the setting, the focus, everything.  But what you can expect is a lot of humor, genuine authentic emotions, and definitely lots of hot sex! Lol.

Who would you pick if you could have "Breakfast With the Author"?
Hmmm.  That's a hard one!  Well, since Kresley Cole started me on this journey, I'd pick her.  And ask her why she hasn't written Lanthe and Thronos' book yet!  Lol.

Just for fun - which do you prefer:
Cats or dogs?
Definitely dogs.
Wake up early or stay up late?
I'm fresher in the morning though I do like sleeping in.
Blonds or brunettes?
I've been both and like being brunette better.  For men, brunette because that's what my husband is ;)
Hot weather or cold?
Uhh, can't I pick medium.  Fall is my favorite time of year.

Blurb: The Dom with the Perfect Brats

Godfrey Cross is a big, tattooed Dom with no tolerance for brats.  But when he meets two mouthy vanilla girls, he begins to see their charm.

Gemmz and Izzy seem more into each other than into him and he wonders if he's wasting he time.  Yet despite the clash between his strict version of BDSM and their rebellious natures, he finds himself growing to love them.

When his need for control tears their relationship apart, they must learn to compromise or they will lose each other.  People may not be perfect, but could these two be perfect for him?

Excerpt from The Domm with the Perfect Brats

"You're lucky I went easy on you for punishment tonight.  You're in training.  I shouldn't have let you come after strapping you."  He moved he had to her ass and she winced.  "Next time I'll go harder.  You enjoyed that too much."

"Did not."

He arched a brow in the Domly look she was getting to know.  "Don't lie to me, girl."

"Okay.  Fine.  I liked it.  But is that so bad?  We're having fun, aren't we?"  His lips were so tempting, she reached up and ran her thumb along the bottom one.  "Isn't that good enough for you?"

He took her wrist in his hand and held it firmly, as if it added to his point.  "No.  Having fun is not enough  When I own a sub, I want everything."

If you want to see more about Leia or follow what she's up to, then check her out on the web:

Leia's website:  http://www.leiashaw.com/

Book promo/giveaway Hunted Dreams by Ele Hill

Novel: _Hunted Dreams_

Author: Elle Hill

URL: http://ellehillauthor.blogspot.com/

Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Hunted-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00CHUEIIG

Book description: Her history, her whereabouts, her name: She knows nothing. Nothing but her current reality: a constant stream of horrific, surrealistic scenarios in which she fights not only monsters and unseen attackers but also her own pain and despair.

Reed Jayvyn is an ex-Army vet, penniless and living in his truck. After saving a young man from attackers, he finds himself embroiled in a superhuman drama between the Broschi and the Clan, two groups engaged in a centuries-long war. Worse, he finds he is one of them—a Broschi, a psychic vampire that feeds off the pain of humans. But Reed’s greatest surprise comes each night, when he finds himself dreaming of a fierce, nameless woman.

She is dreaming. So says the handsome man who uses his heretofore latent psychic ability to flicker in and out of her dreamscape. With Reed’s help, she slowly learns more about who she is, why she is here, what trauma in her past keeps her locked inside her mind. Meanwhile, Reed explores his own heritage, discovering enemies and allies in unexpected places.

But most important to Reed is freeing this woman caught in an endless loop of nightmares, someone he considers in every way to be the woman of his dreams.

Excerpt: 

“This is your world,” he said, “not mine. I’m just a bit player. Somehow you pulled me into your subconscious playground.”

She drew her breath in sharply, and her nostrils flared. “Are you saying this is a dream?” she all but whispered.

Surprised, Reed nodded. “Yeah. Didn’t you know?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t know where this was. I considered a dream, but why don’t I ever wake up?”

Forgetting the sword, Reed took a step toward her. She threw him a cautious look but didn’t say anything. “It’s just a dream,” he said. “You do wake up. You just don’t remember it. You’re sleeping right now, just like me. The only mystery is how you dragged me into—”

“You’re wrong,” she said hoarsely. “I don’t wake up, not ever. I just flow from one scene to another.”

“Girl, you’re dreaming,” he soothed. “Dreams make us think weird shit, forget the waking world. In ten minutes you’ll move on to another sleep stage and forget all about this conversation.”

She tilted her head at him, and her strong jaw had clenched around a teeth-baring snarl. The movement caught a ray of light, and he could see her eyes sparkled with a haze of tears. “I’m not wrong or crazy. If this is a dream, I can’t wake up.”

Give away will end June 14, 2013. Five winners will receive free copies of my Kindle e-book, _Hunted Dreams_.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Escaping Love by Debra Smith

Title: Escaping Love (A Koning Clan Novel #2)
Author: Debra Smith
Publisher: Indie
Release Date: May 31, 2013

Eva, a rare white panther, is desperate to avoid her family and their expectations.  Hundreds of years of tradition force her to run to the newly appointed Queen only to find her gone.  Hopeless causes her to invoke the right of Hospitality and everything that goes with it, including the mouthwatering lupine cowboy with talented hands.  When he whispers her name she's tempted to submit as long as meets her every desire.

Clint, the beta wolf of the Koning Clan, is tired of troublesome females walking through the doors of Gryph's Bar.  The last one changed history.  Now, a small, seductive feline grates on his nerves and beckons his primitive instincts.  Even though she's trouble, her taste drives him to addition.  Low dictates he must protect her, but the way she calls to his beast may lead to their undoing.  As a male with no knowledge of his past how can they have a future?

Excerpt from Escaping Love

There. Light shined through the trees. Relief gave her the extra strength she needed. Gryph’s flashed over the imposing red doors of the bar complete with a bouncer perched to the side. Crap. His height and massive arms crossed over his chest seemed less than inviting. How to play this? Her human appearance was less than intimidating. Maybe she could seem unimposing and just walk right in. Yeah right, a girl could dream.

Alex pictured her human form in the center of her inner light. The change wasn’t painful, at least not after the very first shift. Magic allowed them to keep their clothes. The only drawback was that unlike the animals in nature, their color matched in both their human and animal form.

Branches scratched her exposed skin while she parted the bushes. Sashaying toward the bouncer, she tried not to hold her breath. His scent hit her nose. A bear. Great. This close to winter he could be especially grumpy.

His nostrils flared and brief look of confusion crossed his face before he schooled his features.

“Hi,” she said in a sweet, sing-song voice.

He grunted.

Great this could be harder than she thought. “I’m looking for Jenifer Koning. I request an audience.”

Another grunt.

Claws pricked at the tips of her fingers, bringing a burning pleasure. Calming her temper, she did her best not to expose her best kept secret.

“Is she here?”

His response, “Clint we have a live one, again.”

Again? What was that supposed to mean? Her ears tingled as she struggled to hear the voice on the end of the line. From the bear’s wince it wasn’t looking good. For him or for her.

“Go on in. Stay out of trouble.”

Gritting her teeth before she gave him a reason to hibernate, she pulled open one of the big red doors.

Alex took her time entering the bar. She needed to seem like she had every right to be there. She couldn’t risk them kicking her out before she could plead her case to their queen. An old Vince Gil song flowed from the jukebox.  Red, faded booths and bar stools filled the space. The scent of fried food assaulted her nose. Doing her best not show her repulsion, her gaze drifted past the bar and landed on the male stomping toward her.

Good lord, he was fine. Faded blue jeans clung to his muscular legs as the heels of his cowboy boots echoed through the air. A green and blue, plaid shirt, with the top buttons unfastened revealing the tan skin of his chest, rolled sleeves resting just below his elbows showed off his muscled forearms. The one on his right was tattooed but she didn’t risked getting lost in its puzzle. Dusty blonde locks hung in his eyes, and a five o’clock shadow covered his jaw. Firm lips pressed into a flat line were only distracted from by his intense blue eyes. She’d never seen such eyes. He was sexy wrapped in a whole lot of delicious.

His mouth moved and she blinked. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

An irritated rumble sounded in his chest. “I said, who are you?”

“Alex.” After listening to his sweet drawl, she felt a small sensation of being welcome. And then it was gone.

His eyes thinned in what was probably irritation she got that a lot, “What’s your full name and Clan?”

The cowboy was smarter than he looked. Hot and intelligent, be still her quaking knees. Wait, her knees were trembling. Placing her hand on the bar, she braced her body. The room started to spin. She shook her head trying to gain focus. Alarm spread through her at the thought of showing weakness in front of him. This male was definitely a predator and the last thing she wanted to do was fall at his feet.

Then, exhaustion overtook her. Her knees buckled sending her forward into his awaiting arms. His concerned face was the last thing she saw.

If you want to learn more about Debra Smith or follow what she's up to, check her out on the web:

Author website: http://www.debramichellesmith.com/

Author twitter: http://www.twitter.com/D_Smith_Author

Author Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Debra.Michelle.Smith.Author

Review Destiny's Flower by Linda Harley

Title: Destiny's Flower (Saldiora, #1)
Author: Linda Harley
Source: Author
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Length: Novel (312 pgs)
Reviewed by CaroleDee



Doctor Lynn Davis is kidnapped by handsome Lord Kyle von Talion and taken to a far off planet, Saldiora. As she finds herself in this unfamiliar culture, she must learn to fight with a sword, ride a talking horse, and endure the politics of a royal court if she is to survive. 

Kyle has his hands full keeping Lynn from making cultural blunders and ensuring her safety. The Juntu's are plotting to take over Saldiora and consider Lynn to be a threat to their success. 

Will Lynn live long enough to fulfill her destiny and save the kingdom of Saldiora?
 

Alright, Sci-Fi and Fantasy lovers out there have I got a treat for you. Destiny's Flower is like the love child of Star Trek and Game of Thrones.  Sounds like an odd mix, right? Well, it works and I couldn't seem to put it down! (Definitely a family starver. You know, one of those books that you can't seem to get away from, even to make dinner! Thank goodness my husband indulges my book obsession ;)

What starts off as a normal day for Lynn Davis quickly turns into an episode from the Twilight Zone. She's lecturing her class when two men (who she assumes are government types) bust in and start questioning her identity. Before she knows it she finds herself on a spaceship, training for a competition that hasn't even been explained to her. Talk about a crazy week!

Soon she finds herself on the planet of  Saldiora. (This is where we go from Star Trek to medieval times with a technologically advanced twist.) Lynn learns to train in sword combat, horse riding, and aristocracy traditions all so she win the competition (along with it the hand of the Prince) she has unknowingly been prophesied to win.

Sound like a wild ride? Well, I haven't even mentioned that there's a radical faction of Saldorians (The Jutus) that will stop at nothing to ensure Lynn never becomes queen!

The romance is light in this installment of the Saldiora series, but there is tons of action, adventure, and character development. For unforgettable characters and a wild be sure to check out Destiny's Flower. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Because Destiny's Flower ends on, somewhat of, a cliffhanger, I had a mini Q and A with the author to get a few answers. 

Any ideas on a release date of the second book in the Saldiora saga? 

It is currently in the draft stages, and my goal is to have it published around the December time frame.

Do you know yet how many books you plan on the series being? Will future books revolve only around Lynn's adventures?

These two questions really go together.  I've got 3 books planned for Lynn's story which will make up the Saldiora series. They will all focus on Lynn.  

 

If you look at my website, there is also the Nuelda series, which plays of decades before the Saldiora series, and focuses on a girl called Anna McKlendle.  Lynn actually meets her in Book 2 of Saldiora series.  The Nuelda series will be an ongoing series of short stories, and I've got several season planned, and may one day compile it into one book.  For now it is meant to be something that all my fans across the world can enjoy for free.  

 

There are a few other stories I have in mind that are begging to be told, but like any artist I'm struggling between keeping back to the same world or the excitement of trying my hand on something completely new.  But for the moment I can push those tendencies aside as I focus on getting Saldiora done.

And this might seem like an odd one, but will there be any love scenes in future installments?

If by love scenes you mean sex, than absolutely not, there will be nothing graphical or erotic and in fact not even suggestions of sex.  The reason being, I'm writing this book for all ages. I want my 10 year old niece and my 73 year old mom to enjoy the book without having to blush. So, my stories will always be "g" rated. However, there will be some hand holding, a little bit of kissing, hugging, and a lot of falling in and out of love occurring.

Thanks to Linda Harley for indulging my curiosity. I can't wait to see what happens next!

About the author
 

Linda Harley was born in Durban, South Africa and at the age of 7 developed a love for music and writing. She received her BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA in 2002 and 2004, respectively and in 2011 she received her PhD in Applied Physiology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Linda loves to travel and see the world. Experiencing new cultures and immersing herself into these cultures is a daily adventure for her.

Connect with Linda:
Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

For extra’s, excerpts and interesting facts about the world of Saldiora be sure to check out Linda's blog HERE

Guest author Poppy Dennison

An Immortal Soul

By Poppy Dennison

Mind. Body. Soul. There’s something magical in those three words, a yearning for balance that hides deep with us all. Or, if you’re one of my readers, it means that you can finally get your hands on the final book of my Triad trilogy, Soul Magic.

I knew from the get-go that Soul Magic would be the hardest book for me to write. How to really delve into the magic of the soul? I created a world where all three types of magic are pivotal, but Soul Magic…man, I’ve got to tell you I was biting my nails as I told this final story.  This book features Cormac, a centuries old vampire as he comes to terms with his past—a past which has come back to haunt him.

When I first created the Triad world, I looked at other famous vampires as inspiration. What stood out to me the most was the duality of their natures. The romantic hero vampires we all know and love (Angel, Eric Northman, the Salvatore brothers from The Vampire Diaries) all seem to have this good side/bad side that really draws me in as a viewer and a reader.

Will Eric change his wicked ways for Sookie or will he always have his bite first, think later attitude (In Eric’s case, I’m voting for the second…he is a sexy bad guy, don’t you think??) I love watching Damon Salvatore smirk his way through an episode as he watches his brother struggle with his vampirism.

I approached Cormac’s character in a similar way. Much like Eric Northman, Cormac’s been around for a couple centuries. In my world, his immortality is connected to the Soul Magic he receives after being turned into a vampire. But Cormac is different—he started life with the Mind Magic of the mages and the remnants of that magic still reside inside him.

Review and Giveaway The Earl With the Dragon Tattoo by Teresa Wilde

Title: The Earl With the Dragon Tattoo
Author: Teresa Wilde
Source: Author
Genre: Regency Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel (256 pgs)
Reviewed by CaroleDee

Dark times have fallen over England. The war with France is taking its toll on the Calend, the hidden society of magic users devoted to keeping the country safe from magical and human threats.Maeve Llwyd has spent her life trying to escape her mother's scandalous reputation, teaching at a magical academy for young ladies, obeying every strict rule in the hopes of being accepted in the Calend world. When she receives a prophetic warning that a dark power is gathering the pieces of a weapon that has been lost for a thousand years to bring down never ending darkness on England, her every fear becomes reality—she is called on to sacrifice her reputation in order to gain the power she needs to fight, ensuring that she will lose her position at her beloved school and be rejected by the Calend. But nothing is more desperate than finding the ancient weapons before the enemy—a shadow druid who craves using them to bring England to its knees.

Constantine Armitage, Earl of Evengate, lives his life at the bottom of a bottle, punishing himself for the death of his cousin. But one dark night, he is thrown into Maeve's life. The lovely witch lives in a strange world of spells and threats, driven to protect those around her, even though they will never thank her for it, or even know. Though she resents his interference and rejects his aid, he wants nothing more than to help her, and if he kills himself in the process, so much the better...

Wow, what an absolutely fantastic read. You can always tell when I love a book because I'm at a loss for words. You would think it would be the other way around and I would be able to go on and on. It's just so hard when I liked something so much to try to get just the right words down! So, bare with me while I try to convey how much I loved The Earl With the Dragon Tattoo.

You get an entire magical world filled with witches, druids and other magical creatures right underneath, seemingly, normal London. The war in France has taken a lot of the witches away from the shores of England, but the safety of it's citizens still need to be upheld by someone. Leaving Maeve, the leader of a young coven of witches, to stop evil from trying to take over.  

Maeve is a strong female character made that way from a less than pristine lineage. The daughter of a promiscuous actress she's made it her goal to never fill the sullied shoes her mother left behind. Unfortunately, to gain more power she's told she must make a sacrifice, and it's one that just might throw her in the shoes that she never wanted to wear.

Constantine is a complex character. Since the death of his uncle and cousin he's lived as a shell of a man. Helping Maeve in her goals give him a purpose, but he still struggles to make more of his life. What starts as a clandestine meeting in Vauxhall gardens quickly turns into a relationship, but a very complicated one. 

Con and Maeve had me in a tailspin. One minute I would laugh about their mutual hard-headedness, and the next I just wanted to shake them and scream for them to just suck it and be happy together! And when two characters have me that invested, you know you have a winner ;)

For those of you looking for something more than a romance, know that The Earl also has a very action driven plot. The magic in this book is used, and not just as an interesting skill a few of the characters have. Just think of it as an Urban Fantasy set in Regency England, heavy on the romance. (Easy enough, right? LOL) 

I sincerely hope that Teresa Wilde makes this into the series. There were so many characters that I grew curious about and I can't wait to find out what their future hold! 

I loved this book so much that I want to get the word out. 

I'm offering a giveaway for a digital copy of The Earl With the Dragon Tattoo.  

*To be delivered through Amazon's Kindle or Barnes and Nobles Nook gift giving program*

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