Review Storm Warrior by Dani Harper

 Title: Storm Warrior (Grim #1) 

Author: Dani Harper 

Source: Author Request

Genre: Paranormal with a touch of romnance

Length: Novel

Reviewed by: Laurie

Enslaved for millennia by the masters of the Welsh faery realm, the fierce Celtic warrior Rhys is doomed to wander the earth forever. But when a brave beauty unwittingly breaks the enchantment, he is drawn into a strange new world…and an all-consuming desire.

Sensible Morgan doesn’t believe in magic—until a mysterious being saves her from a fate worse than death, and life as she knows it changes forever. Now the man of her dreams has become flesh and blood, igniting a spark in Morgan’s soul which science cannot explain. But even a love that transcends time may not be strong enough to withstand the power of an ancient curse.

From the best-selling author of Changeling Moon, this stirring novel of passion and magic launches an addictive new series for fans of paranormal romance.

 

Rating 3 1/2

Storm Warrior is a book for those that like more story then romance. I really loved the Celtic world and the characters, but as a romance reader I want the romance in the story to the main part in the world building or storyline. At first you read about Morgan having dreams about a man and then she meets him, but what happens after that it falls flat. It’s not that I just want sex in a book, I’ve read lots of romance books with no sex but I felt those characters romance grow as the story progressed, but not Morgan and Rhys, they didn't even stay together long enough for their romance to develop.

I really could relate to Morgan and I loved how strong she was, but I felt she didn’t want to give Rhys a chance and that she just wasted too much time being apart from him just because she couldn’t see his side of things. Rhys really doesn’t know how to handle things between him and Morgan, but I understand where he is coming from since he has been in Grim form for so many years.

Again a great story, but you just won’t find romance being a top priority. The world is really great and easy to understand so I can see a lot of readers liking this story.

Spotlight/Giveaway: Welcome to the Neighborhood by Mary Abshire

I've got a spotlight/giveaway today for a new paranormal romance series! 
*I'm really excited to read this one. Sounds super cute and super sexy!*

Title: Welcome to the Neighborhood
 

Series: Midnight Gardens, #1
 

Author: Mary Abshire
 

Genre: Paranormal Romance
 

Length: 267 pgs 

ISBN: 9781616504779

Sparks fly under the full moon in paranormal suburbia.
Vampire Alexandria Cartwright believes she’s found the perfect home in paranormal suburbia. An independent young woman and professional financial adviser, Alexi needs help from no man, human or paranormal. Until burglars break into her house and steal her most valuable possession–one which could lead to her demise.

Werewolf Gregory Holmes is instantly attracted to his new neighbor and wants nothing more than to protect her from any who would seek to harm her. Helping Alexi recover her stolen safe seems to be the perfect opportunity to show her how he feels.

Centuries of experience have shown Alexi all men are greedy pigs who only think with the brain below their belt. But as Greg comes to her aid repeatedly, she wonders if he’s the real deal. Can she overcome her loathing for men? Can Greg break through the wall she’s built to show her the meaning of love?

Available at:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo| iTunes

About Mary

Outside of Mary's government job, she writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. Dark and dangerous creatures are her friends. She creates worlds with vampires, demons, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. She even create new ones.
How does she do this?

She has a twisted mind and it gets better with wine.

Join her in her fantastical worlds. She'll introduce you to her friends, and if they bite or corrupt your mind... it's not her fault.

For more information about Mary or her books, please visit her: 

Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page| Twitter | Goodreads 

Other Series by Mary Abshire

The Soul Catcher (Paranormal Romance)

Claiming the Evil Dead

Catching an Evil Tail

Fighting Evil

Love Conquers All Evil

 The Project Eve Series (Urban Fantasy)

The Awakening

The Quest

Tour Giveaway Details:

Mary is giving away a $35 Amazon gift card at the end of the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mary Abshire’s Welcome to the Neighborhood 
Blog Tour Schedule

8/05 - Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads 

http://shaynareneesspicyreads.blogspot.com/

8/06 - Bitten by Paranormal Romance 

http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/

8/07 - Coffee and Characters 

http://daniellecromero.blogspot.com/

8/08 - Penny For Them 

http://pennyforthem1.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Tour

8/09 - Fundinmental 

http://www.fundinmental.com/

8/10 - Book Pages & Dripping Ink 

http://bookpagesanddrippingink.blogspot.com/

8/11 Night Owl Reviews 

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Welcome-To-The-Neighborhood-by-Mary-Abshire

 8/11 - Book Nerd 

http://booknerdash.blogspot.com/

8/12 - KT Book Reviews 

http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/13 - Literal Hotties Naughty Book Reviews 

http://literalhottiesnaughtybookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/14 - Book Monster Reviews 

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

8/15 - Riverina Romantics 

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

8/15 - Offbeat Vagabond 

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

8/16 - Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

8/17 - Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

8/18 - Reading Between the Wines 

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

8/19 - United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/20 - Just Paranormal Romance 

http://www.justparanormalromance.com/

8/21 - Intoxicated by Books 

http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/21 - Cocktails and Books 

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

8/21 - Crazy 4 Books 

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com/

8/21 - Books, Books & More Books 

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

8/22 - My Reading Obsession 

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/

8/23 - Babbling About Books 

http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

8/23 - Victoria's Gossip

http://victoriasgossip.com/blog/

8/24 - Miscellaneous Thoughts of A Bookaholic

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

Authors and Readers Resources

Articles for both readers and authors

Below are mostly articles I wrote for BTS eMag. You'll have to look at the table of contents to find out what page my article is on.

Pricing your Ebooks 

New Indie Author Help 

Romance definitions and romance sub-genres 

Authors, How Does Your Site Stack up With Readers?

Reading ABBREVIATIONS 

Up Coming New Author Help 


How to be an Honest Book Reviewer part 1

How to be an Honest Book Reviewer part 2

Ways to Promote your Favorite Authors on Facebook 

Ways to help Promote Your Favorite Authors part 1

Ways to help Promote Your Favorite Authors 

A Labor of Love 

Paranormal Romance vs Urban Fantasy 

Romance vs Erotic vs Erotica

Important Information about Facebook 

REVIEW: Mark of the Sylph by Rosalie Lario

Title: Mark of the Sylph (Demons of Infernum #2)
Author: Rosalie Lario 
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Paranormal erotic romance
Length: Novel (268 page)
Reviewer: Kris

Half-demon Taeg is desperate to free his pregnant sister-in-law, who is spellbound to an indestructible book that will create an army of the undead. He is convinced that an ancient sword can destroy the book and the spell forever, but this relic has been hidden for a millennia by a powerful glamour. The clock begins to run out on his search when an old rival goes after the book and Taeg’s family in his quest for revenge.

Librarian Maya Flores has a secret: she’s immune to magic and is well aware of the supernatural beings prowling the streets of New York City. Haunted by a brutal demon attack that took her family, she is on a one-woman mission to destroy the evil demons who did it—and any others who get in her way.
Maya is Taeg’s best hope for uncovering the sword.
Unfortunately, she wants nothing more than to kill him. As he fights for her trust and to save his family, she is forced to face the truth that not all demons are evil. And the worst part? She might be falling in love with one, too.

I loved the second story in this series!!

This story picks up where the first one left off so it really helps to read this series in order. The 4 brothers continue to be a part of the story which keeps it interesting. It also makes me want to read their stories. Maya and Taeg were meant for each other. They are both warriors of a sort with damaged backgrounds. My only issue with the story, which is just a personal pet peeve, was the lack of trust that they had for each other. Maya really didn’t trust any demons after several of them destroyed her family so it made sense that she would fight the attraction. There was just no way she could win when they were clearly meant for each other. Taeg made some immature decisions but seemed to learn from them. This novel kicked up the steam another level. Even though they don’t truly hook up until later in the story, the dreams they share and the thoughts they have keep this story steamy from the beginning. Once they get together, it becomes quite the erotic story including anal play. This plot moved quickly just like the first book and had an interesting and suspenseful plot. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Review: The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan

Title: The Heiress Effect (Brothers Sinister, #2)
Author: Courtney Milan
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (365pgs)
Reviewer: CaroleDee

Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.

And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.

Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

I'm really not sure where to start with this is one. I've sat on this review for a week. Every time I attempted to write it I came off sounding like a huge, raving, fan-girl. I tried, and tried to write something mature. Something that would eloquently convey my absolute, and utter love of the The Heiress Effect. I'm sorry to say that my mind is blown and, apparently, with it my maturity. lol. So here it goes:  I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Jane is a walking disaster. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and in the world of the ton being different just isn't done. From her outrageous wardrobe to her, seemingly, insensitive remarks she's a social pariah. Fortunately she's got a huge dowry. So while, she's mercilessly ridiculed behind her back she's still invited to events. Her crazy way of doing things may seem like social suicide, but Jane likes it that way. You see; in a little over a year she will get access to her dowry, which will afford her the funds to save her sister from her well meaning, but idiotic uncle's care. Only catch? She needs to chase away all potential suiters. Fortune hunters run amoke in the ton and she thinks playing up her naturally eccentric behavior will keep them at bay. Luckily for her it's working, but also making her enemies along the way.

Oliver Marshall, being the bastard of a duke, has lived his adult life striving to fit in. All he wants is to be accepted and successful. He gets his opportunity for total acceptance, but it comes at a price. A particularly nasty enemy that Jane has made offers Oliver all of his ambitions on a silver platter. The only problem? He has to risk his morality for success.

The romance of Jane and Oliver was fantastic. They're so alike, yet have taken such dramatically different choices on how to deal with their lives. 

There are also two side stories flowing through this book that I loved as well. You get wonderful 'forbidden' love story, and a heartbreaking look at Oliver's aunt Freddy's experience will agoraphobia. Maybe it's from personal experience, but I was bawling like a baby over Oliver's aunt.

The Heiress Effect encapsulated everything that I love about romance stories. I can honestly say it is the best book I've read this year. While I got an ARC copy from netgalley, I have already ordered my paperback from amazon, because I know I'm going to be re-reading this one for years to come!

Book Spotlight/Review/Giveaway: The Demon's Forbidden Passion by Zoey Williams

I've got a spotlight/review/giveaway for a blazing new novella by debut author Zoey Williams.

A fire-fighter that's a half demon? 

What more could a girl ask for in a hero?

Title: The Demon's Forbidden Passion

Author: Zoey Williams

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length: Novella

ISBN: 9781743643150

A battle rages within Ethan Phillips.

By day, he's a sexy firefighter saving lives in his community. At night, he's a half-demon enraptured by carnal desire. And on this night, after a harrowing rescue dredges up memories of his tragic past, Ethan's hunger is stronger than ever.

After turning to Tina Driscoll for one night of passionate release, he tries to keep his distance. He knows the curse that followed him into adulthood will mean dire consequences for the gentle, compassionate nurse. But each time he tries to tear himself away, the flames erupting between them only intensify….

Available at:

Amazon | B&N 

I wasn't joking about the blazing thing, folks; The Demon's Forbidden Passion is erotic paranormal romance perfection in a compact, after dinner size.

No need for dessert, Ethan's got everything you need for a satisfactory night. lol

Sure it's short, and the romance progresses pretty quick, but you won't miss a thing. There's smoking sex scenes, some heart,a crazy twist, and a battle royale to take down the baddie all in 75 pages!

About the Author

Zoey Williams was born and raised in New York. She graduated from NYU with a degree in writing and nutrition and currently works in the publishing industry. When she's not writing, she enjoys travelling, yoga, hiking, and annoying her tuxedo cat, Rini. 

She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to interact with her on Facebook and Twitter!

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Tour Giveaway 
Grand prize: $20 Amazon gift card, copy of THE DEMON'S FORBIDDEN PASSION, and copy of TEMPTED BY HIS WICKED KISS (when it comes out in December)

2nd place: copy of THE DEMON'S FORBIDDEN PASSION and copy of TEMPTED BY HIS WICKED KISS (when it comes out in December)

3rd place: copy of THE DEMON'S FORBIDDEN PASSION


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Demon's Forbidden Passion Book Blast Schedule

8/01- Kelly P's Blog

http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/

8/02- Mary Abshire's Blog

http://mary-abshire.com/

8/03- Bitten by Paranormal Romance (review)

http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/

8/03 - Reading Between the Wines

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

8/04-  Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

8/04 - Toot's Book Reviews

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/05- Tiffy-Fit's Reading Corner

http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com/

8/05- Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

8/06- Dalene's Book Blog

http://www.dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8/07- Book Lovin' Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.com/

8/08- Nina's Literary Escape

http://ninasliteraryescape.blogspot.com/

8/09- Celestial Book Reviews

http://cecesreviews.blogspot.com/

8/09- Sassy Book Lovers

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

8/10- Froggarita's Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

8/10- Intoxicated by Books (review)

http://intoxicatedbybooks.blogspot.com/

8/11- Jocelyn Dex's Blog

http://jocelyndex.blogspot.com/

8/11- Close Encounters with the Night Kind (review)

http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

8/12- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My!

http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

8/13 - Offbeat Vagabond (review)

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

8/13 - Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

8/13- Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

8/14- Swept Away By Books (review)

http://sweptawaybybooks.blogspot.com/

8/15 - Two Sassy Chicks (review)

http://twosassychicks.wordpress.com/

8/15- Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads (review)

http://shaynareneesspicyreads.blogspot.com/

8/15- Page Flipperz

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

8/16- Books, Books & More Books (review after tour)

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

8/16- CS Maxwell's Blog

http://www.csmaxwell.blogspot.com/

8/16 - Paranormal Romance Fans for Life

http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

8/16 - Nette's Bookshelf (review)

http://nettesbookshelf.blogspot.com/

 

Review: A Baby of Her Own by Brenda Novak

Title: A Baby of Her Own
Author: Brenda Novak
Source: Kindle Freebie
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: September 1, 2002
Reviewer: Jasmyn

What Delaney wants...
...is a baby.

A baby of her own.  At thirty, she longs to break away from the contraints of her life.  Longs to reach out for her heart's desire.  She'd prefer marriage as well, but there's no man in Dundee, Idaho, she's interested in marrying.

Then one winter night she and her best friend, Rebecca, go to Boise with the intent of finding a man for Delaney.  She meets a handsome stranger named Conner, a man who might be able to provide her with the solution she needs...and the baby she wants!

Afterward she thinks she must have been out of her mind.  But it's too late.  Because she's pregnant.  And because the stranger isn't a stranger anymore.  Conner Armstrong is now living on a ranch just outside Dundee.

Harlequin SuperRomance is known for they sweet romances that always end in the best possible ways.  This one is no exception, and sometimes that's just what you need.  While not my favorite it was still a quick read that was nice on a rainy afternoon.  Delaney is a little too perfect - she seems to have never done anything wrong.  She's the apple of her small town's eye and when she shows up pregnant and unmarried - the gossips go wild.

On the other hand, Conner is a bit of a wild one that has been told to finally take responsibility or else.  So he is shipped off the family's ranch to try and make it turn a profit.  But (there has to be one) his uncle's don't think he can hack it, and don't think he belongs in the family at all.  He has quite a lot on his plate when he finds out that Delaney is pregnant with his child.

Neither of them handle the situation very well, but if they had there wouldn't have been much of a story.  There are numerous ups and downs as the two try and find their way and figure out where each will fit in the other's lives.  While it was a bit predictable, it was still a fun read.

ARC Review: Skies of Gold by Zoe Archer

Title: Skies of Gold (The Ether Chronicles #5) *can be read as a stand alone
Author: Zoe Archer
Source: Author Request
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: Expected Aug 6, 2013
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Two Lonely Hearts...

Kalindi MacNeil survived the devastating enemy airship attack that obliterated Liverpool, but even her engineering skills can't seem to repair her broken heart.  Seeking to put her life back together, Kali retreats to a desolate, deserted island - only to discover her's not alone.  Captain Fletcher Adams, an elite man/machine hybrid, a Man O'War, crashed his battle-damaged airship into this deserted island after Liverpool, never expecting to survive the wreck.  But survive he did.

One desire...

Believing he is nothing but a living weapon, Fletcher is wary of his new-found companion - a pretty, damaged, but determined young woman.  Together they are stranded on the deserted island, and it is only a matter of time until desire gets the best of both of them.  Soon Kali and Fletcher find they may be just what the other needed.  But a danger from beyond the island puts them to the test.  Will it rip them apart or bond their hearts forever?

Have I ever mentioned how much I love steampunk?  When I found out that steampunk was making the jump from Young Adult to Adult and then straight into Romance my heart just about stopped!!  And this book is a great example of why - I wish there were more like it.  Perhaps the author will take pity on me and let me read the rest of the series - otherwise I will just have to go out and buy it this fall with some birthday cash.

Kali and Fletcher find themselves stranded on a very isolated and small island - one by choice, the other by accident.  At first very wary of each other, the beginning of this book shows us how they manage to overcome their own insecurities to realize they may just like each other.  While this part of the book gave some great insight into both the characters as well as some important background information, it did drag just a little at times (which kept it from getting a full 5 stars).

The second half of the book gets really exciting!  It's the adventure part of the steampunk and Zoe Archer seems to know exactly what to do - and she does it without losing the romance.  In fact, she just keeps building it up until a very wonderful and satisfying ending.  This would be a great read for someone unfamiliar with the genre because it isn't too far out there, and while the period and technology play an important part - the romance is what really makes this story come to life.