September Top Picks!!

Here are our Top Picks for the month of September! Enjoy and happy reading!!

 Laurie's Pick:

                    Mandy's Story by D'Elen McClain

Mandy’s Story is a standalone, humorous and little bit kinky side story to the Fang Chronicles series.

Every beastkind knows you don’t mess with a Kodiak bear—everyone that is except Mandy, the wolf-pack Alpha’s sister. When Mandy hears whispers that the bad attitude bear, Honey, has chosen a mate, she takes matters into her own hands because her wolf decided months before that Honey was hers. If drugging, kidnapping, and making him live in a feral cage won’t work she’s planning to give Honey a little bad attitude of her own.

The bear clan is ferocious, deadly, and their fighting skills coveted by other beastkind. With war on the horizon, Honey has little time for games or courting much less more than a few grunts of acknowledgement to a young she-wolf who seems to be everywhere he looks. When he wakes up in a feral cage at the hands of that same exasperating she-wolf… all bets are off.

If anyone thought bears and wolves don’t mix, they’ve never seen Mandy on a mission. She refuses to give into the sexy he-bear when he tries to seduce her out of her tight little assets and himself out of the cage she’s locked him in. Two can play that game and in the end Honey will learn, they both need to win, or else.

 

Jasmyn's Pick

                 Snake in the Grass by Staci Hart

 

It’s Round Two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has changed. For Aphrodite, at least.

Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous. As much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn’t trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn’t very far. He’s a big dude. They haven’t been together in a very long time, but she can’t resist him. She never could. Even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar.

Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time. He wants to win the game, but he’ll hold back to get what he wants. He’s sitting on a chance that he’s been waiting thousands of years for, and he’ll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever.

The only thing that could stop him is the secret that he’s been keeping from her for eons. If she finds out, it will destroy everything.

Kat and Dillon have been through a lot, and everything has been to protect their younger siblings. They have sacrificed everything to make sure their brother and sister are safe. The players are tough and loyal. Fierce and determined. But they become each other’s weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.

If Aphrodite can get the players over their egos and issues long enough to see that they’re meant for each other, the competition will be a piece of cake. One that she’ll eat a la mode, right in front of Ares, if she beats him

Emi chose 2 cause she just couldn't make up her mind so Congrats to those authors!!

                        Silent Screams by Yvonne Nicolas

 

R&B sensation Sharayna “Rayne” Piers lives a life dedicated to her music. On stage and in the studio, she pours her heart and soul into the lyrics of her songs. But every since her twentieth birthday, her seemingly normal life has taken a turn to the dark side.

Piercing screams and horrid visions of horrendous acts of murder haunt her night and day. Women similar to her in age are vanishing all over the world without a trace, leaving Rayne wondering if the mass of disappearances are connected with her visions.

Soon she will discover that the world she was raised in is just a cover to what really hides in the shadows, and that her life as a human is a deception to mankind, a guise to conceal her true nature. Will she shun the darkness that has befallen her or step up to the throne to become what she was created to be…the Dragon Queen?

   Duncan ( The Protectors Series Book 3) by Teresa Gabelman

Leader of the VC Warriors Cincinnati branch, Duncan Roark, has devoted his long life to the Warriors he calls brothers and the Vampire Council, protecting innocents of both the vampire and human race. Things change suddenly when it is ordered that he and his fellow Warriors train human Social Workers to protect themselves in their new world of vampires. Falling in love with a human was something Duncan never thought possible, but love her he did. Now instead of being the ruthless leader he was trained to be, his focus has turned to finding the woman he loved and let go.

Pam Braxton is outgoing and loves her job working with children, but when she realizes her live in boyfriend, Kenny Lawrence, has been using her and her job for his illegal activities, she becomes withdrawn, and her world is turned upside down. Deciding to take matters into her own hands, she stays, trying to learn more of his betrayal so she could see him punished. That decision sucks her deeper into a relationship that has turned dangerous and abusive. Overhearing a plot that would put everyone she cares about at risk, she finds the courage to try to stop the monster who has threatened her friends and the man she truly loves. Now Pam is on the run, alone and with a secret that could change the already unbalanced world of vampires and humans.

As Duncan searches for Pam, the threat of losing his leadership role has the other Warriors worried, but their loyalty for Duncan is strong and they stand behind him. Duncan’s search is relentless; he knows he is not the only one looking for Pam. Even with his responsibilities slipping, he puts it all on the line to find the only woman he has ever loved. In a race against time, Duncan fights to find Pam before her past catches up to her. The Warrior’s path is clear: Find the woman he loves before the past finds her first

 

CaroleDee's Pick

The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan

 

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.

 

 

Promise Me by Tara Fox Hall Book Trailer

 

 

 

When young widow Sarelle McGarran finds the vampire Danial Racklan unconscious and hurt in her woods, intuitive concern quickly becomes passionate love. Together Danial and Sar work to overcome their own past heartbreaks, their vastly different lifestyles, and Danial's relentless enemies. Yet Danial needs more; an Oath of forever. But can Sar give Danial his greatest desire?

 

This has been reviewed here at Bitten!

 

  ttp://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2013/03/promise-me-series-review-5-stars.html


See more by Tara Fox at her website at

http://www.tarafoxhall.com/tarafoxhall.com/Tara_Fox_Hall.html

Tara's Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tara-Fox-Hall/151813374904903

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TerrorFoxHall

ARC Review: Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes by Gina Lamm

Title: Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes (Geek Girls #2)
Author: Gina Lamm
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Time-Travel Historical Romance
Length: Novel (352pgs)
Reviewer: CaroleDee
Pub Date: Sept 3, 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Leah Ramsey has always loved historical romance novels and dressing in period costumes. So when she has a chance to time travel and experience the history for herself, she jumps at it—figuring it can't be too hard to catch the eye of a duke. After all, it happens all the time in her novels.

Avery Russell, valet and prize pugilist, reluctantly helps Leah gain a position in the Duke of Granville's household . . . as a maid.

Domestic servitude wasn't exactly what she had in mind, but she's determined to win her happily ever after. Even if the hero isn't exactly who she's expecting.

 

Sweet, funny, and sexy. Geek Girl's Don't Date Dukes was just what I needed when I was in the mood for a pick me up :)

After Leah's best friend finds  true-love in the past, through a magical wardrobe, she just knows her time has come when the opportunity arrives for her to travel back in time herself. Sheassumes she will end up with a duke like her friend and won't settle for less than what she deserves. Unfortunately we all know the saying about assumptions; which leads to some pretty hilarious situations when she finds herself as a maid. She does eventually find herself in a loftier postion, but when the sparks don't fly with the duke what's a lady to do?

A super cute and unexpected romance will brighten your day with Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes.
I highly suggest checking it out.

About the Author
Becoming a magician proved to be less interesting than Gina Lamm had anticipated when she was six, so in her adult life, she’s turned to writing.

This belly-dancing, wisecracking, marshmallow-addicted mother of three energetic fur-children loves nothing more than penning funny, emotional tales of love, lust, and entertaining mishaps.

Married to a real live superhero, she and her family live in North Carolina, surrounded by tobacco farms, possums, and the occasional hurricane.

Connect with Gina at her

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Book promo giveaway Breaking the Storm by Sedona Venez

Book Title: Breaking the Storm

Author Name: Sedona Venez

Book blurb:

THE CURSE
Stormy Credence was destined to succumb to the Credence family curse—they all did.

THE GAME
Stormy is put to the test one more time, when the one man that she never wanted to see again—‘Rock Star’ Knox Gunner comes blowing back into her life—back to claim what’s his—Stormy. This time he will stop at nothing to prove that she belongs to him in every sense of the word…

THE PASSION
When Stormy meets sexy band front man Knox Gunner, there’s no denying him. Willing to take a chance on love, Stormy breaks the most important Credence rule, no relationships—ever—a mistake that results in heartbreaking devastation.

But can she keep her feelings from getting dangerously deep until his game of ‘Breaking the Storm’ is over?

Paranormal Romance:
**Mature Content Warning** 18+ for language, and adult situations.

Excerpt:

“Wait…” I looked him up and down with contempt. “Did you honestly think you and I would actually skip into the sunset like some ridiculous reality show couple?”

I laughed coldly. “You’re a starving artist. I need someone stable—like Luke. And from what I've seen tonight, you're not worth my time or effort. Good-bye, Knox Gunner.” Each word was like a knife in my chest. Painful, biting, a slow crawl that brought my soul closer to death. But I determinedly trudged on. I flipped my hair over my shoulder before starting the car. I pulled on the door, but he held on stubbornly.

“This is not the end, Storm. It's only the beginning. I'll be back to claim what's mine.” His eyes were cold. “You.” He released the door, stepping back as I peeled away with tears streaming down my cheeks.

My heart stuttered, shutting down that part of me that was willing to take a chance on love. Never again. He was the last man I’d ever open my heart to again. He's gone. History. The past I would never repeat again.

Cover picture: attached

Purchase links:

Amazon

KOBO

Barnes & Noble

Apple iBookstore

Contact links:

Her Blog   Facebook    Twitter     Goodreads     Pinterest

Giveaway information:

·         Giveaway is open internationally

·         Giving away two (2) eBooks  to multiple/(2) winners

To enter the giveaway please fill out the Rafflecopper
a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: It Takes Two to Tangle by Theresa Romain

Title: It Takes Two to Tangle (The Matchmaker Trilogy, #1)
Author: Theresa Romain
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (352 pgs)
Release: Sept 3, 2013
Reviewer: CaroleDee



Though he lost the use of an arm in the Napoleonic Wars, Henry Middlebrook returns to London society and begins an ambitious courtship of the ton's reigning beauty. When he experiences limited success, he decides to ask for assistance from the beauty's companion, Frances Whittier.

A soldier's widow with a murky past, Frances admires Henry's courage and sends him a secret letter. He thinks the letter is from her mistress, and Frances must correct his mistake if she wants to engage his heart.

  

I went back and forth between a three and four rating with It Takes Two quite a bit.
I'm not a huge lover of misunderstanding and secrets between heroes and heroines, so I think that was my main hangup.
Frannie's 'omission of truth' about writing letters to Henry just seemed a bit silly.
Henry's blind pursuit of Frannie's cousin also got on my nerves.
He had a wonderfully smart, and beautiful woman  at his fingertips but was blinded by his goal of being accepted back into the ton. It took me a while to understand why he thought marrying Carolina (Frannie's cousin and employer) was going to elevate his status. *shrug*

So why such a high rating when I was so aggravated? Well, I'm a sucker for tortured heroes and heroines. And Theresa Romain didn't disappoint. While I didn't feel the physical 'heat' with these two as a couple, their emotional connection was amazing. Henry's struggle with re-integration after returning from war was very realistic. (Even to today's standards.) As a military wife I see it all the time. I think the author was able to capture the awkwardness and trials military members go through perfectly.

I also enjoyed the historical accuracy. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't bombarded with a history lesson, but you can tell that research was done. Poorly researched historicals can be annoying to a history lover like myself :)

After tons of lies by omission, and secrets there is a very satisfying HEA, so I think that was the final straw that broke my rating to a four. :)
If you're a lover of military romances (even contemporary) I think you'll enjoy It Takes Two To Tangle.

"Were kind lies worse than unkind truths?"

About the author

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest.

Theresa is very, very happy to be represented by the very, very awesome Paige Wheeler of Folio Literary Management.

You can follow Theresa via :

Website | Facebook |  Twitter | Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Immortal Confessions by Tara Fox Hall

Title: Immortal Confessions (Promise Me #5)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Release Date: September 10, 2013

Note: Immortal Confessions is the larger novel Surrender to me was taken from.  A prequel to Promise Me, providing not only the full story of Danial and Devlin's feud of Anna, but also Devlin's backstory of how he came to be the villain he is through the first books of the Promise Me series.

At the turn of the 19th century, former aristocrat turned lowly vampire Devlin Dalcon gets by on his supernatural charms until he meet bride-to-be Annabelle.  Smitten by Anna's forthrightness, intellect, and bravery, Devlin risks his life to spirit her away to Fontainebleau, France.  There Devlin begins his ascent to power tin a desperate bid for wealth and social standing for himself and Anna.  Forging alliances with other supernatural leaders, he usurps the vampire Lord of Fontainebleau, amassing many enemies during his brief reign.  Within a few years, he and Anna are again forced to flee for their lives to America.  Living in hiding, Devlin is determined to amend his ways.  But when tragedy strikes, Devlin's dark side, never fully extinguished. emerges rampant, securing him the bloody throne of America even as his malevolence and loneliness consumes him.

Excerpt:
Now we were getting somewhere.  "Explain this, Quentin, as I'll need to know.  What are the rules in this city, besides no killing?"
"Not many.  Don't kill humans, unless they attack you, even then, make it look accidental murder by stealing from them.  Don't trouble the richer citizens at all, not for any reason.  Don't bother the other supernatural citizens -"
"Who?"
"The sorcerers and witches, the goblins and the faeries," he said, bored.  "There is also a family of werevultures that inhabit this town, near the edge.  Them, too."
Werevultures?  Was he kidding?  "So there are no werewolves?"
"As a rule, not here in the cities, though there are sometimes one or two that pass through," he said with something like relief.  "I've heard they stick to the countryside.  Most weres do, as it's easier to blend in there."
Weres, he called them.  Hmm.  "What are they life?"
"The ones I've talked to say they miss the forest, or the water, or their caves -"
"Caves?"
"Werebats, mostly.  They are the most prevalent werecreature around these parts.  There is a large colony near the river."
"Are they off limits?"
Quentin took a deep breath.  "I'm glad you brought his up.  Technically, no, they aren't.  They have an agreement guy Guy, the City's Lord, to stay out of the city, and he leaves them alone.  But some stupid vampire hunter attacked them last week, killing a bunch of their women and children when he mistook them for vampires.  It happens often, I'm afraid.  The other were-bats killed him, but they're raging right now.  They are killing any vampire they can, primarily ones they find alone, in retaliation."  He looked over at me.  "It's them I need you to guard me against."
"Won't that die down quickly, though?  Surely the bats can be made to see it was not our fault?"
"Guy is not diplomatic," Quentin said with a sign.  "Things are going to get worse before they get better.  Besides, at heart, he's a coward.  He knows that there are more of them than there are of us, enough so it's close to three on one in their favor.  Because of those odds, he will not make them stop.  This has happened before, Devlin.  The attacks will continue until the bats feel they've taken enough blood back."
I thought about that.  There was a huge opportunity here for not just the means to support Anna and myself, but to gain real power.  Still, I needed to understand much about this world and this city before I'd be ready to proclaim myself king of it.

Author Links:
Website - Blog - Facebook

Review: Set in Stone By: Aurrora St. James

Title: Set in Stone 
Author: Aurrora St. James
Source: Review Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Thriller
Length: 313 pages Paperback
Reviewed by: Emi 

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

First in a breathtaking trilogy, the fierce and seductive Gregore Trenowyth-one of three men cursed by Gypsy magic-is driven by desire for the one woman who could be his salvation, but who he dare not let himself love... 
Once falsely accused of his lover's murder, Gregore knows when he is going to die, and he has spent decades searching for a way to break the curse that hardens his body to stone. When a painful twist of fate lands the counter-curse in his hands then snatches it away just days before he turns to stone forever, Gregore's desperation reaches new found heights. He'll do anything to live-even if it means kidnapping the one woman who could steal his heart. 
Although she comes from a long lineage of powerful women, Detective Tara O'Reilly is wonderfully content with her normal life. The remnants of her Gypsy heritage and magic are firmly locked away where they can't hurt anyone. However, when a creature straight out of legend kidnaps her and asks for her help, she'll have to choose between walking away from a man who stirs her soul and embracing a magic that could kill everyone she loves. 
An exciting and dark new paranormal romance novel, Set in Stone explores the themes of redemption and righting past wrongs, all while showing readers that true love can conquer all. Blending romance with a bit of fantasy, this is a perfect story for anyone who wants a taste of magic and the unknown in their romance novels.

Set in Stone is a great start to this series. Gypsy magic and curses have always intrigued me so I was definitely excited to read about it, and it did not disappoint in the least. Gregore, and his two best friends,  were wrongfully cursed for the death of his beloved Zola by her crazy grandmother. After a century and a half of searching for any connection to the gypsy and a way to break his curse, it is mercilessly torn from him.  And the only way he can get it back is with the help of the beautiful Detective O'Reily, which coincidentally is also the target of the crazy wizard who stole the spell book in the first place.  Gregore carries the guilt of  not only of his curse, but his two best friends, who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Tara is kind of in a similar of state of mind, she has carried around  her own guilt about an incident in her past as well. Since fate has brought them together, they both work on their issues, even though trust doesn't come easily to either of them. As time runs out, they find that trust and fall for one another, but do they make it in time? 

I really enjoyed this book, it was an amazing story about righting wrongs and forgiveness as well as a fast paced thriller with action and mystery. The only thing that threw me off a bit was that we didn't find out about the crazy wizard's reason for his vendetta until the end, so it kind of had me wondering the whole time. But I guess that is the whole point to the crazy character, keep me guessing the whole time, lol. 

Great read and I am definitely looking forward to Thomas and Jeffery.  

Meet the author: 

http://www.goodreads.com/AurroraStJames

https://www.facebook.com/AurroraStJamesAuthor

Buy the book: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EIKSTW4/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/set-in-stone-aurrora-st-james/1116229534?ean=9781481830416

Cover Reveal: War by Tara Fox Hall

Title: War (Lash #3)
Author: Tara Fox Hall
Publication Date: August 6, 2013

Weresnake Lash journeys to Europe on the eve of war, desperately searching for not only his nephew, but also his former lover Nancy.  Leveraged into service to Germany by the malicious German werecougar Theodor von Kessel, Lash befriends fellow soldier and weresnake Dieter, even as he secures safety for Nancy.  When Theodor divulges The German Final Solution and the part they are destined to play in it, Dieter and Nancy attempt escape to England while Lash orchestrates distraction.  Horrified to learn upon his escape that Nancy and Dieter were captured, Lash returns to Europe in a second rescue, banding with another weresnake Nails and his motley crew of various weremen to free Dieter and Nancy from the campe where they are imprisoned.  Caught by demons in the ambush, Lash is imprisoned in a death camp, but breaks free with Dieter in time to join the American Forces near D-day.  Resolute, Dieter and Lash fight onwards with Allied forces to Germany itself, their goals to find Nancy, kill Theodor, and survive the bloody days of WWII.

Excerpt:
"Don't ask any questions," I said coldly.  "Just meet us here before your next mission."

"That is tomorrow," Dietrik hissed back at me, his own fangs growing in anger.  "There is no rotation of crews."

"Watch your Tempter," I cautioned, another evil smile gracing my lips.  "The snake will come out of you with any strong emotion.  And that includes sexual release."

His jaw worked, but to my grudging respect, he contained the transformation this time.  "Thank you for the warning."  He put on his hat, then holstered his gun.  "I'll send a car for you."  He strode out.

I'd either engineered our escape or sealed our doom.  I went upstairs to Evans, praying he was asleep.

***

"I can't believe you turned him," Evans hissed to me the next morning as we waited for the car.  "You realize he can now make his whole crew snake, right?"

"Being snake doesn't save you from drowning," I hissed back, remembering my mother's warning long ago.  "We're not immortals.  You were done for if I hadn't save you.  We're both done for it we done for if we don't get out of here.  Now shut up."

After the car's arrival at the shoreline, we were blindfolded, then taken to the underground bunker where the U-boats were docked.  After boarding, we were left alone in a small room, the only sound the whine of the boat's engines.  I could feel the pressure as we dived and resurfaced, but that was about all.  Evan's constant hissing and bitching drowned out all other noise.

Hours later, we were taken to the deck of the U-boat and our blindfolds were removed.  Dietrik was there in front of us alone, waiting.

"You are AWOL, Lash," he said softly.  "You're wanted for questioning in the disappearance of another officer as well."

He was no match for me, not newly turned as he was.  "Yes," I replied, then stared at him, waiting for him to make a move.

Author Links:

Website - Blog - Facebook

Review: Spell of Binding by Anna Abner

Title: Spell of Binding (The Dark Caster Series #2)
Author: Anna Abner
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: July 15, 2013
Reviewer: Jasmyn

Daniela Ferraro can't touch people without hurting them.  So when she wakes up in the Dark Caster's cell next to the one man guaranteed to mess with her heart, she will risk anything to escape.

David Wilkes has no idea why he's been abducted and thrown in a locked room with Dani, the woman who jilted him two years ago.  But when the Dark Caster threatens David's four year old son, David will not stop until Ryan is safe and the evil necromancers tormenting him are destroyed.

When Dani's powers are bound and her necromancer friends are out of commission, the only way to protect the people she cares about and keep the Chaos Gate firmly closed is to trust in David.

But the closer Dani gets to David the more lethal her touch becomes for the only man she's ever loved.

This can be read as a standalone, but some details will be missed.  See my review of book one HERE.

We briefly meet Dani when she helps our main characters in book one, Spell of Summoning.  A preschool teacher and powerful witch, Dani has a fear that if she physically touches someone, she may accidentally hurt them with her powers.  David on the other hand, is a perfectly normal human - with no special powers or abilities that he is aware of.  So why did these crazy people kidnap him and Dani - and why do they think he's a necromancer?

A lot of the history between Dani and David comes out in the beginning while they are locked in the basement - but the first part of the story moved a little slow for my taste.  Once they escaped from the basement things got a lot better story-wise.  David was forced to confront the fact that he may be more than he thinks he is - and he will have to deal with it and learn how to use it in order to save his son and Dani.

David was a great character.  I love when people don't blindly accept it when they discover the paranormal in books.  David fought it tooth and nail and it made it that much easier to just fall into the story.  His fear for the safely of his son drags him kicking and screaming into the paranormal world.  Dani's fear seems a bit irrational at first, and I totally related to David's feelings towards her.  As we learn more about her though, things are explained and her past has it's own share of hardships.

Dani and David try to find a way to rediscover themselves and find romance in the middle of everything.  They seem to be perfectly matched, but their pasts and their present are working both for them and against them.

ARC Review: Destiny ( League of Illusion #3) by Vivi Anna

Title: Destiny ( League of Illusion #3)
Author: Vivi Anna
Source: NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Published: June 10th 2013 by Carina Press
Reviewer : Cerridwen

The conclusion to the League of Illusion trilogy

Five years ago, Sebastian Davenport tried to go back in time to reverse a fatal mistake, but found himself trapped in another reality. Unaware of the jeopardy facing his family and the League of Illusion, he gave up his magic for a quiet life as a blacksmith. Quiet, until a monstrous three-headed goddess of war called the morrigan comes to town…

Seeing Sebastian poised to charge the goddess, healer Drea Blairwood has no choice but to hit him over the head to stop him. Nursing the mysterious outsider back to health afterward is just an added benefit. She knows he's hiding something about his past, but has no idea what kind of adventure awaits them both.

Sebastian has no desire to risk the life of anyone else, let alone someone as enticing as Drea. But after militant elves kidnap Drea, Sebastian needs to find a way to reclaim his magic. The fate of the League—and the world—hangs in the balance

I have followed this series since the beginning when I first chose The Legacy based on it's cover ( yes, so shoot me).  I fell in love with the characters and the world that Vivi Anna created.

Following each brother and the women they fell in love with, they each have a special characteristic that will save the world from disaster.

In  the final book, Vivi  Anna has spared no expense in creativity in making the worlds collide and wrapping up the storyline. We find out exactly why Sebastian left finally and watching his magic return.

It wasn't my favorite in the steampunk series but it was a great way to round off the story.

Top Bite Review: Snake in the Grass by Staci Hart

Title: Snake in the Grass (Good Gods #2)
Author: Staci Hart
Source: Author Request
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Reviewer: Jasmyn

It's Round Two of high stakes Love Connection on Olympus, and this time, everything has changed.  For Aphrodite, at least.

Ares is on deck, and Aphrodite is nervous.  As much as she loves to hook up with him, she doesn't trust him as far as she could throw him, which isn't very far.  He's a big dude.  They haven't been together in a very long time, but she can't resist him.  She never could.  Even when every part of her screamed that he was a liar.

Ares has a plan to keep Aphrodite, for good this time.  He wants to win the game, but he'll hold back to get what he wants.  He's sitting on a chance that he's been waiting thousands of years for, and he'll do what he has to do to convince her to stay forever.

The only thing that could stop him is the secret he's been keeping from her for eons.  If she finds out, it will destroy everything.

Kat and Dillon have been through a lot, and everything has been to protect their younger siblings.  They have sacrificed everything to make sure their brother and sister are safe.  The players are tough and loway.  Fierce and determined.  But they become each other's weakness, even though they fight it, and even though it means danger for Kat and her sister.

If Aphrodite can get the players over their egos and issues long enough to see that they're meant for each other, the competition will be a piece of cake.  One that she'll eat a la mode, right in front of Ares, if she beats him.

This is the second book in the Good Gods series by Staci Hart - I highly recommend reading the first book, Deer in Headlights (also a top bite) first - you can find my review HERE.

After winning round one of her challenge, Aphrodite is all set for round two - even if it is against Ares, her "I love you- I hate you" friend.  This time Ares has chosen his player well, and Aphrodite is a little worried at first - until she realizes the siblings are a love match as well.  What could be better than beating Ares with a two-for-one!  Ares isn't sure how he wants to play this round.  On one hand, the god of war can't stand being defeated.  On the other, he would do anything to make Aphrodite his forever - even throw the game by not using his most valuable card.

Meanwhile, back on earth, the players of this great game are set for action.  Kat and Dillon are two of the most angry characters I've ever seen - and they're perfect for each other.  But only if they can cool their tempers long enough to say a civil word to each other.  Kat hates men - especially after what happened with her sister's, Kiki, ex-boyfriend (cant give too much away here).  She is determined to keep her sister, and herself, man-free for as long as she can.  Moving over to Dillon and Owen - Dillon has been his brother's protector for as long as he can remember.  Dillon knows that his uncontrollable temper means no love life for him - and he's determined to keep Owen from being hurt by falling for the wrong girl as well.  Both sets siblings are a study opposites that was very comical at times.  I love Staci Hart's sense of humor when it comes to writing about her humans.

Back in the realm of the gods - Aphrodite is starting to unravel an ancient mystery that involves Ares and Apollo, and she's not liking the way it looks.  While she struggles to find a happily ever after for all her players, she realizes she may have just lost hers.  The mythology was spot on again, and helped to tie the complicated lives of the gods together in a wonderful ball of tangled yarn.  As Aphrodite tries to untangel part of her thread, she may be distracted just enough not to notice the danger her players are about to encounter - danger that could not only cost Aphrodite the game, but the humans their lives.

Another amazing book by Staci Hart.  I very rarely love sophomore books in a series as much as I liked the first book - this is one of the very few exceptions.  It was the perfect follow-up and I really want to see what happens in round 3.

Cover Reveal: Twist Me by Anna Zaires

Title: Twist Me (Dark Erotica: Heed the Warning)
Author: Anna Zaires

This is a beautiful cover.  Very simple and artistic.  I love it!

Warning:
This book is dark erotica, not a traditional romance.  It contains a young and virginal heroine, disturbing scenes of dubious consent, captivity, power play, and graphic sexual content, including anal sex and mild BDSM.  This is a work of fiction intended for a mature, 18+ audience only.  The author neither endorses nor condones this type of behavior.

Book Blurb:
When eighteen-year-old Nora Leston Catches Julian's eye, her life changes in an instant.  Kidnapped and taken to a remote island in the Pacific Ocean, she must satisfy the whims of her sadistic scaptor - a darkly enigmatic man who is as cruel as he is beautiful...

Excerpt:
It's evening now.  With every minute that passes, I'm starting to get more and more anxious at the thought of seeing my captor again.

The novel that I've been reading can no longer hold my interest.  I put it down and walk in circles around the room.

I am dressed in the clothes Beth had given me earlier.  It's not what I would've chosen to wear, but it's better than a bathrobe.  A sexy pair of white lacy panties and a matching bra for underwear.  A pretty blue sundress that buttons in the front.  Everything fits me suspiciously well.  Has he been stalking me for a while?  Learning everything about me, including my clothing size?

The thought makes me sick.

I am trying not to think about what's to come, but it's impossible.  I don't know why I'm so sure he'll come to me tonight.  It's possible he has an entire harem of women stashed away on this island, and he visits each one only once a week, like sultans used to do.

Yet somehow I know he'll be here soon.  Last night had simply whetted his appetite.  I know he's not done with me, not by a long shot.

Finally, the door opens.

He walks in like he owns the place.  Which, of course, h does.

I am again struck by his masculine beauty.  He could've been a model or a movie star, with a face like his.  If there was any fairness in the world, he would've been short or had some other imperfection to offset that face.

But he doesn't.  He body is tall and muscular, perfectly proportioned.  I remember what it feels like to have him inside me, and I feel an unwelcome jolt of arousal.

He's again wearing jeans and a T-shirt.  A grey one this time.  He seems to favor simple clothing, and he's smart to do so.  His looks don't need any enhancement.

He smiles at me.  It's his fallen angel smile - dark and seductive at the same time.  "Hello, Nora."

I don't know what to say to him, so I blurt out the first thing that pops into my head.  "How long are you going to keep me here?"

He cocks his head slightly to the side.  "Here in the room?  Or on the island?"

"Both."

"Beth will show you around tomorrow, take you swimming, if you'd like," he says, approaching me.  "You won't be locked in, unless you do something foolish."

"Such as?"  I ask, my heart pounding in my chest as he stops next to me and lifts his hand to stroke my hair.

"Trying to harm Beth or yourself."  His voice is soft, his gaze hypnotic as he looks down on me.  The way he's touching my hair is oddly relaxing.

I blink, trying to break his spell.  "And what about on the island?  How long will you keep me here?"

His hand caresses my face now, curves around my cheek.  I catch myself leaning into his touch, like a cat getting petted, and I immediately stiffen.

His lips curve into a knowing smile.  The bastard knows the effect he has on me.  "A long time, I hope," he says.

For some reason, I'm not surprised.  He wouldn't have bothered bringing me all the way here if he just wanted to fuck me a few times.  I'm terrified, but I'm not surprised.

I gather my courage and ask the next logical question.  "Why did you kidnap me?"

The smile leaves his face.  He doesn't answer, just looks at me with an inscrutable blue gaze.

I begin to shake.  "Are you going to kill me?"

"No, Nora, I won't kill you."

His denial reassures me, although he could obviously be lying.  I feel a tiny bit calmer, but there is one more thing I have to know.  "Are you going to hurt me?"

For a moment, he doesn't answer again.  Something dark briefly flashes in his eyes.  "Probably," he says quietly.

And then he leans down and kisses me, his warm lips soft and gentle on mine.

For a second, I stand there frozen, unresponsive.  I believe him.  I know he's telling the truth when he says he'll hurt me.  There's something in him that scares me - that has scared me from the very beginning.

He's nothing like the boys I've gone on dates with.  He's capable of anything.

And I'm completely at his mercy.

I think about trying to fight him again.  That would be the normal thing to do in my situation.  The brave thing to do.

And yet I don't do it.

I can feel the darkness inside him.  There's something wrong with him.  His outer beauty hides something monstrous underneath.

I don't want to unleash that darkness.  I don't know what will happen if I do.

So I stand still in his embrace and let him kiss me.  And when he picks me up again and takes me to the bed, I don't try to resist in any way.

Instead, I close my eyes and give in to the sensations.

If you would like to learn more about Anna Zaires or follow what she's up to, check her out online at:

Website: HERE

Sin Undone by Larissa Ione Book trailer

HER TOUCH IS DEADLY
As the only female Seminus demon ever born, master assassin Sinead Donnelly is used to being treated like an outcast. She spent decades enslaved, and now vows she'll die before she'll relinquish her freedom again. Then Sin's innate ability to kill her enemies goes awry: She creates a lethal new werewolf virus that sparks a firestorm of panic and violence.
HIS HUNGER CAN'T BE DENIED
Half-werewolf, half-vampire Conall Dearghul is charged with bringing in Sin to face punishment for the plague. And she's no stranger: He's bound to her by blood, and the one sexual encounter they shared has left him hungering for her raw sensuality. Worse, Sin is the underworld's most wanted and Con soon learns he's the only one who can help her . . . and that saving her life might mean sacrificing his own.

See more at her website http://larissaione.com/blog/

Review: Sometimes a Rogue by Mary Jo Putney

Title: Sometimes a Rogue (Lost Lords, #5)
Author: Mary Jo Putney
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novel (430pgs)
Reviewer: CaroleDee

Sometimes...

Even the most proper young lady yearns for adventure. But when the very well bred Miss Sarah Clarke-Townsend impulsively takes the place of her pregnant twin, it puts her own life at risk. If the kidnappers after her sister discover they’ve abducted Sarah instead, she will surely pay with her life…

A Rogue...

Rob Carmichael survived his disastrous family by turning his back on his heritage and becoming a formidable Bow Street Runner with a talent for rescuing damsels in distress. But Sarah is one damsel who is equal to whatever comes. Whether racing across Ireland with her roguish rescuer or throwing herself into his arms, she challenges Rob at every turn.

Hmm... After reading the first four books in the Lost Lords series and liking them a lot (solid 4 star books!) I was expecting more from Sometimes a Rogue.

Rob's character in previous books seemed very mysterious and alluring. I was looking forward to unraveling the enigma of a Lord turned dangerous Bow Street runner. While I got was I was looking for in Rob, the ridiculous coincidences and Sarah's numerous TSTL moments overshadowed what should have been a great love story.

I'm planning to stick with the Lost Lord's series, but I don't plan on reading this one again.  :/