ARC Review: Deadly Dance by Dee Davis

DEADLY DANCE by Dee Davis
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
LENGTH: 400 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (April 1,2012)

As the intelligence specialist for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Hannah Marshall is used to working behind the scenes. But when a brutal murder hits too close to home, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the action, falling in love while racing to outwit a sadistic mastermind.

A KILLER CLOSES IN
After the death of her A-Tac partner, Hannah doubts everything she thought she knew about love and loyalty. When handsome Harrison Blake joins the team, she’s reluctant to trust him—or to act on her intense attraction to him. Then Hannah receives a podcast of a gruesome murder, and the only person who can help her find the killer is Harrison.

Harrison has spent years trying to hunt down the cunning monster who killed his sister. Now investigating with Hannah, he faces a shocking possibility—his sister’s murderer has resurfaced. As the danger escalates, Hannah and Harrison grow closer, and the desire simmering between them ignites. After Hannah disappears, Harrison has only one chance to save the woman he loves.

Connect with Dee: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Pre-Order: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it.

Other Books in Series(click on covers for excerpts):


REVIEW:
This book is not for the feint of heart. It's a large dose of Criminal Minds where there's a profiler, gruesome murder scenes and some serious jailable for life psycho killer that could be ripped from the headlines. There's so much I want to say about this book but don't want to give away any spoilers so let's see what I can do.

It goes like this:
Hannah Marshall lost her partner Jason and still misses him. Harrison Blake, resident Techie is still trying to fit into the overall scheme of things at A-Tac. With the resurfacing of a crazed serial killer who gets off on slowly bleeding out and torturing his victims, Hannah and Harrison must try to catch the killer before the people closest to them end up mock-crucified and bleeding to death. Gruesome right?

Harrison realizes that this psycho might be the same guy who killed his twin sister years ago and so the recent string of murders hits close to home. Only problem is, the killer is deviating from the behavior and tactics of the original cyber killer.

Hannah's TA receives video of a female student getting tortured by an unidentified man and is kept under lock down to keep her safe. How many female students have to die before A-Tac catches the killer? Bringing in some of Harrison's trusted members of his old organization, they partner up to profile and canvas the scenes looking for any clues to point out whether it's the original cyber killer back doing what he does best or a copycat following a script only to change tactics when specific results are not reached.

All the while, Hannah and Harrison are getting closer and trying to remain friends. Everyone knows that there's something there between them even if they both deny it. Friends with benefits? *scoff* Not gonna work guys. Seriously!

Will the cover of A-Tac as professors at Sunderland College be blown thanks to the crazy killer or is the killer part of something larger that A-Tac and the FBI haven't thought of? *dun dun dunnn*

FAVORITE QUOTE:

The leaves rustled in the wind, and she shivered, the vibration running through them like an electric current. She pressed closer, feeling his arousal hard against her thigh. There was power in knowing that the seduction was mutual, her strength matching his.

OVERALL: Dee Davis knows how to tug at my heart, get my adrenaline pumping and make me want to break out the DVDs of all crime show dramas, especially Criminal Minds. Like the rest of the A-Tac series, it's heart pounding, plot twisting, "omg I did not see that coming so I should have my Nancy Drew sleuth card revoked" wrapped in "I will never look at my professors the same way ever again". Harrison and Hannah have been through a lot and with a crazy killer on the loose, it adds to their ghosts. I kept rooting for them to be together and find a way to capture the killer as well as help each other heal. I'm looking forward to what happens next.

***review copy provided by publisher***

Review: With This Kiss by Bella Riley

WITH THIS KISS by Bella Riley
FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley
GENRE: Contemporary
LENGTH: 400 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (March 1,2012)

Fireworks. That's what innkeeper Rebecca Campbell wants. And no matter how close their friendship, she and her former fiance never shared that. Now, with a broken engagement behind her and a promise she's vowed to keep, Rebecca is determined to make a new life for herself in Emerald Lake. She just never expected sparks to fly this quickly... Coming home and falling for his little brother's girl wasn't Sean Murphy's plan. Rebecca's sweet smile and kind heart make Sean feel at home--something he's never felt before. But a secret lingers between them, and no matter how powerful their attraction, Sean can't give his heart to a woman he can't trust. Or can he? As the days pass, Rebecca and Sean find it harder and harder to deny their desire. And they are in beautiful Emerald Lake, the perfect place for falling in love . . .

Find Bella: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's

Go and Buy it NOW!

Other Books in Series:

available now

REVIEW:

Everyone has secrets. For Rebecca, her secret is someone else’s secret but it doesn’t make it any easier.

Rebecca Campbell hasn’t been having a great couple of weeks. First, her wedding to Stu Murphy was called off two weeks before it was suppose to take place and then Stu just ups and leaves leaving Rebecca to run the Inn. The whole town is trying to figure out what she did to make him leave, when really the secret lies with Stu. Now, on the eve of her wedding, Stu’s brother Sean shows up and sparks fly.

Sean arrives back home just in time for his brothers wedding but it seems he missed the memo that it was canceled. Then matters get worse when he realizes that the women he was checking out was Stu’s fiancé and the woman who ran him off.

Sean can’t deny the sparks between him and Rebecca but he’s reluctant to get involved, and not just because she was his brothers fiancé. He has a secret of his own that keeps him at a distance. He knows Rebecca deserves more and he can’t offer it. Sean has been hurt by the one person who he trusted, and now his trust is basically nonexistent.

It’s unusual that I love the heroine, I don’t know why but usually she annoys me but not Rebecca. She doesn’t have the best track record with men, Stu included, and finds herself falling back into old habits of falling for unavailable men with Sean. She knows she’s going to get hurt but she can’t resist. I have a lot of respect for her. What she does to try and help Sean knowing full well that it will most likely ruin
everything for her makes me want a friend like that.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Sometimes loving someone enough means breaking a promise that will only hurt them if it’s kept.” She steeled herself to reopen her eyes, to hold his gaze, to keep the tears back. “You’re more important that any promise I could ever give you.”

OVERALL:
I was blown away reading With This Kiss. My stomach was in knots and I couldn’t read it fast enough. It was a story that was full of romance and just a hint of mystery. I immediately fell in love with the character and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to read more from Bella Riley and go back to Emerald Lake.



***review copy from Netgalley***

eARC Review: Darkness Bound by Stella Cameron

DARKNESS BOUND by Stella Cameron
FORMAT: eBook via Netgalley
GENRE: Paranormal
LENGTH: 326 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 28,2012)

WHEN NIGHT FALLS
After her husband's tragic death, Leigh Kelly arrives on Whidbey Island determined to start over. Yet the tiny town of Chimney Rock is not as peaceful as it seems. Women have been disappearing, and Leigh can't shake the feeling that she's being watched . . . especially at night. Soon, she's experiencing visions she can't explain and fighting her attraction to a handsome stranger who seems to know her most intimate desires.

PASSION TRANSFORMS THEM
As the leader of the Team, a pack of werehounds forced to hide their very existence, former special ops soldier Niles Latimer is desperate to prove a man's heart beats beneath his predator's body. And Leigh-the mysterious beauty possessing powers she doesn't yet understand-may be the one woman who can help him. But Niles isn't the only one who recognizes Leigh's true identity. Something evil is waiting in the woods-and the hunt has begun . . .

Find Stella: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository

I loved it.

REVIEW:

I don’t know what I was expecting when I started reading Darkness Bound but what I got wasn’t it… in a good way. I’m going to admit that it through me for a loop but it was a loop that I was happy to be in.

Leigh Kelly is moving on after the death of her husband. She quits her job and moves to Chimney Rock, a place that holds special memories for her. She gets a job as the business manger of Gabriel’s bar/restaurant thinking it will be something to get her mind off the past. Niles Latimer, alpha werehound, has other plans for Leigh. He’s determined to have her as a mate and save his pack.

Now, Chimney Rock is a small town that has a lot of secrets and isn’t very safe. Women are disappearing for days then coming back missing their memory. Not to mention a turf war between the werehounds and the werewolves. I have to give Leigh credit because I would be out of there after the second night and all the

strange things that start happening around her. Good thing Niles is around… and his dog Blue (who I love and if you read you’ll know why).

There are a lot of paranormal creatures in Chimney Rock. Not only do you have the werehounds fighting their enemies the werewolves but also there are vampires involved and some Fae who have yet to pick a side. It can get confusing but the way Stella Cameron introduces them makes it’s very easy to keep track of.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

“What would you do if I threw you over my shoulder and carried you off. . . to do all kinds of things to you?”
He settled his hands at her waist, dropped to one knee, and smoothed all the way to her calves. Touching her, even through her clothes, made him tremble. “I am going to do all kinds of things to you,” he said. “Make you scream for me to make you come, again and again. That’ll be before and after I strip you naked— slowly—and lick every inch of you, then suck every inch of you.”

OVERALL:

There is a lot going on so be prepared when you start to read it. And if you do start reading then be prepared to get sucked in to this crazy world. Darkness Bound has a more Urban Fantasy feel then just a normal paranormal romance and I look forward to seeing how this world unravels. Seth, Niles right hand guy, is probably my favorite character and he’s book is next which I’m excited about. Plus I want to see what the deal is with Gabriel. There is something mysterious there.

***review copy from Netgalley***

Review: Last Chance Beauty Queen by Hope Ramsay

LAST CHANCE BEAUTY QUEEN by Hope Ramsay
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Contemporary
LENGTH: 356 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 1,2012)

Dear Reader,
Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty?
Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same.
Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

Find Hope: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Book Depository
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it

Other Books in Series(click for more):

available now

available now

coming soon

REVIEW:
This is a charming story full of laugh-out-loud moments and a sweet, down home feel that bring to mind peach cobbler, watermelon festivals and Southern beauty queens.

Caroline Rhodes has worked very hard to separate herself from her small town roots. She's now the aid to a senator and has been tasked with trying to convince the owner of Golfing For God to sell his land to an English lord so he can build a textile factory.

9 Problems and A Mean Girl Is One of Them...
1. The owner of the mini golf attraction is none other than her father. Who happens to talk to angels. Don't laugh. The angels and he have quite the relationship.

2. The dashing English lord (Hugh deBracy aka Lord Woolham) personifies every woman's vision of what an English lord should be. It's like he's stepped out of the pages of a romance novel. *sigh*

3. Caroline's real name is Rocky Rhodes and she's a former Watermelon Beauty Queen. Not something you want to announce to the outside world. She's changed her name, taken to wearing conservative clothes and straightening her hair.

4. Rocky's ex still has a thing for her while her BFF has a thing for her ex. Bubba Lockhart embarrassed the heck out of Rocky in front of the whole town by proposing to her even after she told him 'no' the first time. Now that she's back in town, he's ready to rekindle whatever they had...12 years ago. Rachel, the BFF, has always had a thing for Bubba but being the friend that she is, she kept her feelings to herself.

5. Cissy Warren, the senator's daughter, has her eyes set on Hugh and his loom design. She will do anything and everything to get it. After all, no one says 'no' to Cissy Warren.

6. Miriam Randall has foretold what kind of person each resident of Last Chance will end up with for quite some time and she's never been wrong. She sees a working man for Rocky and someone who will hand him a fortune for Hugh. According to that, Rocky and Hugh aren't supposed to end up together but what do two people who are attracted to each other do? No one wants to end up with their heart broken.

7. Small towns are notorious for having gossip spread like wildfire. It's like a horrible game of telephone where one person says one thing and it ends up being something else at the end of the line. The town thinks Bubba and Rocky are going to get back together then Dash Randall lassos her off the float and rides away with her so now the town thinks they're sweet on each other. But then Rocky was seen kissing Hugh...

8. The Committee to Resurrect Golfing for God... no one likes to tick off a group of church ladies. There's just something about the power of them that gets everyone shaking in their boots. They're totally against Rocky's father selling the land even if it means no revenue to help the small town of Last Chance not end up like other small towns who have been hit by the economic downturn.

9. A bad business partner has got Hugh in a bind. Before disappearing in a "plane crash", his business partner bought some land in Last Chance for Hugh to set up his textile factory. Thing is, there's swampland, the land was bought at a higher price and the man who owns the land next to it won't sell it because of a tourist attraction called Golfing for God. Welcome to the South Hugh.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Too bad her libido didn't believe in Miriam Randall and her forecasts.

OVERALL: A wonderful story full of Southern charm and hilarious small town antics. Um, why have I not read any Hope Ramsay books before? This was such a cute story. Take one former Watermelon Beauty Queen turned senator's aide trying to hide her past, throw in a dashing English lord who either has to make it work in the small town of Last Chance or go home and marry a wealthy heiress, add the resident mean girl and background BFF, some eccentric family members (one both sides including a father and niece who talk to angels and an aunt who can see spirits) and a crazy ex-boyfriend and you've got one heck of an unputdownable read. Take one part Hart of Dixie, 2 parts Sweet Home Alabama and a whole lot of Southern comfort and you get a giggletastic modern day Cinderella. I'll be putting the rest of this series on The List.

***review copy provided by publisher***

Blog Tour: Interview + Giveaway with Jennifer Haymore

WELCOME TO THE BLOG TOUR:

Confession: I've never read a Jennifer Haymore book until now. Gasp all you want but I've seen the light and will be diving into the Haymore backlist. According to her website, she's a fan of some of my favorite movies like The Princess Bride *giggle* and Titanic. She also resides in my part of the state (don't worry Jennifer, I won't stalk you) and grew up on the Big Island (I lived on Maui for a while). See? Authors are just like us. So without further ado:

HOWDY JENNIFER!!!

Meet Jennifer:

Jennifer Haymore grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she surfed, learned how to fly airplanes, raced bicycles, and developed a love for sailing. She was an avid reader and completely destroyed her eyesight by sneaking a flashlight under her covers and reading far into the nights — making her mother wonder why on earth she couldn’t get up for school in the mornings…

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Education from UCLA. Before she became a full-time writer she held various jobs from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to playing bit roles in soap operas.

You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.

Where To Find Jennifer: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Kati: Who is Jennifer Haymore? author, mother, romantic and historical movie lover, international woman of mystery?
Jennifer: Yes! All of those things except maybe international woman of mystery! I think I’m pretty straightforward. I’m a mom and a writer. I love to travel and read. ☺

Jamie: Tell us about SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS [no copy and pasting the blurb =)] and a little about the hero and heroine.
J: SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is about Olivia Donovan, the middle Donovan sister. Olivia has spent her life being overshadowed by her sisters, who are a bit larger-than-life. But in this story, Olivia comes out of her shell, conquers her fears, and finds love with Max, the Marquis of Hasley.

Max finds himself trapped in a bet even he doesn’t approve of. He’s bet the Marquis of Fenwicke that he can get Olivia into his bed. Soon, he becomes embroiled in the lives of the Donovan sisters, especially Olivia, who he can’t get off his mind. Max isn’t used to being out of control, but everything about Olivia (including her illness) spins his world off its axis.

K&J: If Hollywood came knocking and wanted to make SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
J: Olivia would be Dakota Fanning in a few years, and Max would be played by Sam Worthington.

K&J: Thanks Jennifer for taking the time to share your latest release with readers at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance!
J: Thanks so much for having me!

SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS:

With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess…

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt
Other Books in Series:

available now

novella

coming soon

Jennifer and Grand Central are giving three(3) lucky readers a copy of SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS. Open to US ONLY. NO P.O BOXES. All you have to do is:

• Leave a comment for Jennifer.
• Fill out the rafflecopter form. You must leave a comment. All other entries are optional.

A huge thank you to Jennifer for spending time here at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance and to Jillian Sanders for forwarding correspondence between Jennifer and us.

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Review: Secrets of An Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore

SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS by Jennifer Haymore
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Historical
LENGTH: 418 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 1,2012)

Secret Seduction
With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...

It was reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: Seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he'd fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that dangerous unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a madman at his own twisted game---or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

Where To Find Jennifer: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it

Other Books in Series(click on covers for more):

available now

novella available

coming 8/2012

REVIEW:
Welcome to London, playground of the rich and titled. Gossip runs amok in the ballrooms, drawing rooms, carriages and theater of the ton. Wagers are a common thing among the peer whether it's horseflesh, cards or seducing a woman of her virtue.

Spotted: A certain Maxwell Buchanan, Lord Hasley, soon-to-be Duke of Wakefield making a wager with nemesis Leonard Reece, Marquis of Fenwicke, future Duke of Southington, of whether a certain Miss Olivia Donovan, would allow MB to steal more than kisses. Signed and dated, the bet is on. Who have you placed your bets on?

Brace Yourself Sussex! A house party. Is anything as grand or as delightful as a house party? Of course not. This girl has been informed a certain MB and OD have been spotted along the lake feeding geese and feeling an instant attraction that shouldn't be happening. It's been said that OD has her life planned out. She will be the best Auntie to her sisters' children and live with Lord and Lady Stratford. What kind of life is that when a gorgeous soon-to-be Duke has his sights, hands and lips set on you?

Rumor has it... that MB and OD have been spending quite a bit of time together. Walking, talking, playing tennis (isn't that bad for someone who has had malaria and comes down with a fever every once in a while?), stealing kisses, sharing smoldering stares. That's right all you old biddy gossips, there might be something more. Shall we put a wedding in the wager books?

Can You Say Obsessed And Dangerous? Sources inform me that LR is not the man he portrays himself to be. Whispers of 'wife beater' and 'short temper' has been circulating. The sisters Donovan have become quite friendly with his wife who lives next door and has some suspicious looking bruises certainly not from accidentally falling. (Miss Jessica Donovan is willing to risk her life to save Beatrice Reece's. Go girl! No one should have to take that kind of abuse. Ever. Even if he is her husband.) LR is quite the ladies man. He's got women left and right throwing themselves at him even though he's got a wife locked up in his estate in Sussex. How rude! Rumor has it, he even tried to proposition OD in a totally inappropriate fashion. In a dark corner of a London ballroom. Talking dirty doesn't do it for everyone, LR.

Complications! So MB and OD have fallen into a comfortable companionship and it's been rumored that they've done the horizontal tango. Quite a number of times. Apparently if OD is to live her life as a spinster, she might as well enjoy the pleasures of the flesh while it's available to her. But MB has other things in mind. He's come to l-- Dare I say it? Love! And so has she. The only two things standing between them are a frightening relapse of a fever and a bet that was made before they knew each other. *shakes head*

So the real question is: Will OD succumb to the fever and cling by a thread but with the help of MB can overcome it to declare their love for one another or will the revelation of a wager placed on OD's virtue tear them apart. What was real and what wasn't? Was OD just another notch on MB's bedpost?

That's a secret I'll never tell (and you'll have to read if you want to find out)...

XOXO,
Romance Girl :)

FAVORITE QUOTE:

"Any pursuit will be a happy one, as long as I pursue it with you."

*dies*

OVERALL: Uh, why have I not read Jennifer Haymore before? Don't answer that. I've been living under a rock. These are my second favorite Donovans. Seriously. This was such a fun and refreshing story built on intense attraction that should have turned my book into ash, all the while keeping me teetering on the edge as to whether Olivia's sickness would creep up and destroy their budding relationship. Max drew me in from the moment he made that bet with Fenwicke (can you say Creepy Ass Creepy of The First Order?) as to whether Olivia would succumb to his charms to the point of giving up her virtue. My eyes went wide when he accepted it. I'm glad that Olivia has a strong and independent spirit even though she might is constantly struck with fevers (left over from her bout with malaria) and that Max saw her as so even if the gentlemen of the ton would shy away because of it. Never have I ever put down a book so many times just gasping for air. Of all the books I've read this one definitely struck a chord. Domestic abuse is not to be taken lightly or accepted even if a woman does belong to her husband. I wanted to crawl into the pages, shake Beatrice and tell her to run for her life. Of course I wanted to shake her until she came to her senses but then I'd have been no better than her husband. Ms. Haymore, your books have been added to The List.

***review copy provided by publisher***

Blog Tour + Giveaway: Forever's Paranormal Tour

FIRELIGHT by Kristen Callihan
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Historical Paranormal
LENGTH:
PUBLISHER: Forever (February 1, 2012)
Once the flames are ignited . . .
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family’s fortune decimated and forced her to wed London’s most nefarious nobleman.
They will burn for eternity . . .
Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it’s selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can’t help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn’t felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Where To Find Kristen: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's

Book Extras: Read an Excerpt | Kati's Review

Other Books in Series(click on covers for more):

novella

coming 8/2012

MIDNIGHT RECKONING by Kendra Leigh Castle
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Paranormal
LENGTH:
PUBLISHER: Forever (January 1, 2012)
Two separate worlds ... One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...

Where To Find Kendra: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's

Book Extras: A Guide to the Dynasties | Kati's Review

Other Books in Series:

available now

Okay my lovelies, Forever is giving away three(3) copies of both FIRELIGHT and MIDNIGHT RECKONING to three(3) lucky readers. Here's what you have to do:

• Leave comment about your favorite elements of a must read paranormal book. Do you like historical or contemporary paranormals?
• Fill out the rafflecopter form with the name you commented under and your email address. Please don't leave your email address in the comments.Put it in the rafflecopter form.

A huge thank you to J. Sanders and Grand Central/Forever for providing the review and giveaway copies.

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Review: Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle

MIDNIGHT RECKONING by Kendra Leigh Castle
FORMAT: Paperback
GENRE: Paranormal
LENGTH: 384 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (January 1, 2012)
Two separate worlds ... One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...

Where To Find Kendra: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook

Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's

Book Extras: A Guide to the Dynasties

Go and Buy it NOW!

Other Books in Series:

available now

REVIEW:

Confession: I did not finish the first book in this series but holy heck! Jaden's book caught me off guard. Ah, forbidden love. A tale as old as time...

Jaden Harrison saves Lyra Black from the advances of an unwanted suitor. Instead of Lyra falling at his feet thanking him, she runs away into the night leaving behind a talisman. Jaden picks it up and gets slightly obsessive about it. With the encouragement of his friend Ty, just to get the woman out of his system and get her necklace back to her, he sets off into the heart of werewolf country. Oh, did I mention that Jaden is a Caith Sith aka vampire cat-shifter. As well you can imagine cats and dogs don't really get along that well. It's in their nature to hate each other.

Lyra is being pressured by her father to find a mate so her mate can become Alpha. She's not having any of this. She knows that she can best any of the males during the Proving (an all out free-for-all to see who gets to be Alpha) but her father is stuck in the past where females were subservient and only meant for breeding. Blah blah blah. As her father is begging her childhood friend to marrying her, in come the tall,dark Jaden with her lost talisman in tow.

After Simon (childhood friend) gets almost ripped to shreds by Jaden, her father strikes a deal with him. Jaden teaches Lyra fighting skills and he would grant Jaden a boon to be paid in full later. At first Lyra doesn't like this idea. What the heck is this vampire going to teach her? They're from different species and she wouldn't have the same powers that he had. Jaden and Lyra come to some sort of truce. He would teach her. That was all. Puh-lease. Being near each other ignites a longing and need that each can't understand. Why is a werewolf attracted to a vampire and vice-versa?

Jaden stays at Lyra's and the town is told that he is a "vampire ambassador". Lies! But hey, whatever it takes to get the townies to keep their paws off the cat. As Lyra and Jaden spend more time together, the simmering passion gets to a boiling point and with it come danger. They're caught off guard by some evil vampires from a different dynasty trying to kill Jaden. Lyra saves his life and they almost get down the The Sexy only to be interrupted by a concerned Simon. The Sexy will have to wait.

Lyra's cousin is in the running for Alpha and he'll play dirty during the Proving to do so. It's been said that Eric wants to keep the pack stuck in the past while Lyra want to take them into the present. With the help of Jaden, she would be ready. Danger is closing in. Something's not right. Someone has made a deal with the Ptolemy dynasty to hand over Jaden in exchange for the title of Alpha. After a second vampire attack and Jaden defending Lyra, the pack accept him. They thought he'd run away and leave her to her death.

Jaden knows Lyra has gotten under his skin and he wants her. Badly. She feels the same and one night together will change their lives forever. Vampires and werewolves can't bond. Right?

FAVORITE QUOTE:

The unfamiliar voice sliced through the air, freezing the two of them in place. For a moment, neither of them moved, waiting to see if the disembodied voice was real or simply some kind of warning from whatever powers lurked behind the immortal veil, informing the two of them that various vampire and werewolf deities did not find their performance amusing.

OVERALL: Um, I couldn't put this down. Seriously. Throw an independent she-wolf with a goal to become Alpha and take her pack out of the dark ages and a brooding vampire cat-shifter with wanderlust, add in a dangerous blood thirsty dynasty, sizzling chemistry, a twist in the tale that will blindside the heck out of you and you've got Midnight Reckoning. Ms. Castle, I apologize for not finishing the first book in your series but this book has definitely sealed the deal for me to go back and fully read it. Dangerously sexy, slightly provocative, adrenaline spiking action, laugh out loud moments. Yup, a winner and must read in my book. 

***review copy provided by the publisher***

ARC Review: Firelight by Kristen Callihan

FIRELIGHT by Kristen Callihan
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Historical Romance
LENGTH: 400 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever Romance (February 1, 2012)

Once the flames are ignited...Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.
They will burn for eternity...Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he give in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

Where To Find Kristen: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

Go and Buy it NOW!

Other Books in Series(click covers for more):

prequel

coming August 2012

REVIEW:

It's been a while since a book told hold of me, reading into the early hours before dawn. This book was like a fecking tube of Pringles. Once I started, I couldn't stop. Seriously. I got to the end and wanted more. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until August for what looks like another exciting read. At least according to the teaser at the end.

Lord Benjamin Archer has a dangerous secret that could cost him his life as well as those around him. His fellow super secret club members are getting offed one by one. Immortality is just a kiss away. Half man and half something else, he's walked the dark streets of London trying to feed yet repress the something else before it gets out of hand. On one such night, he comes upon two boys fighting in the street on his way to kill a man who sunk his ship that was carrying something very valuable to him. Something could possibly end his curse. Something compels him to follow the boy and he ends up saving her (that's right, gotcha!) life. After finding out who her father is, he decides to spare the man's life on one condition. Sidenote: This condition is explained in the prequel Ember.

So in a very Beauty and the Beast-like way, Archer makes a deal with Miranda's father to spare his life in exchange for marrying his daughter. Miranda isn't happy with this but what is she to do? She's tired of stealing and fencing stuff for her father just to keep them afloat. She feels dirty using her femininity for such a purpose. She feels she's done enough penance for burning her family's fortune to the ground (literally). Along comes Archer to give her an out. And the adventure begins.

Miranda has heard rumors that Archer has murdered someone. She doesn't know what to make of it. She's stuck between giving him the benefit of the doubt and waiting for him to murder her in her bed. As she gets to know Archer, she realizes that there's a different side to him. There's also a secret that Archer is keeping close to his chest that she must uncover. That is the only obstacle standing between them. Well, and the fact that he wears a mask so everyone thinks he's disfigured. But something is off. How disfigured could he be since he pretty much oozes masculinity and dangerous sexuality?

Archer knows that at some point he has to tell Miranda his secret. Or at least part of it. During a night out among the ton, Miranda meets a woman from Archer's past. She's a little too friendly and Archer warns Miranda to stay away from her. There's something totally fishy about her.

When Miranda realizes that Archer was the man who saved her life three years ago (due to the coin marked with the super secret society symbol) she wonders why the heck did he choose her? After confronting him about it, he tells her that something in her called to him. He knew that she was strong enough to hold her own against him. As more men of the super secret society are murdered and Miranda and Archer's attraction to one another burns (literally and figuratively... did I mention that Miranda is like the Human Torch?), they must be willing to sacrifice their souls for each other. Only then, will they find peace with a side of happily ever after. Something about the Beast transforming into a handsome prince...

FAVORITE QUOTES(whaat?? I couldn't pick just one):

Miranda smiled against her knees. Stubborn, charming man. Beguiled by a possible killer. She belonged in bedlam.

"Christ, Miri, murder and knife-wielding assassins aside, you are the greatest adventure of my life."

***quotes subject to change in finished copy***

OVERALL: Kristen Callihan has a solid debut full of action, adventure, danger, intrigue, murder, romance, heart pounding, adrenaline rushing action, immortality and surprises around every corner. Throw in a scene where Archer gets Chuck Norris'd by some guy in an alley. Yeah, I just wanted to say that. Haha. Well done Ms. Callihan, well done. Archer has the brooding hero down to a science. He's broody, moody,angsty and the only way to be redeemed is through the love of a woman. Miranda's sacrifice had me bawling like a freaking baby. Very romantic indeed. There's just so much more I want to say but it think it would be giving away a lot of spoilers. I gasped, I laughed, I cried, I sighed, my heart broke, my heart pounded, my adrenaline shot up. Can Hollywood please make a movie with this series? They're turning books into movies these days. Why not this one? I look forward to the next book in this series. A fantastic start.

***review copy provided by publisher***

ARC Review: Kiss of the Vampire by Cynthia Garner

KISS OF THE VAMPIRE by Cynthia Garner
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Paranormal
LENGTH: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever Romance (February 1, 2012)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world---or send it spiraling into chaos.
Half-demon, half-homan, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist...
Called to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

Where To Find Cynthia: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook | Powell's
Book Extras: Read an Excerpt

I loved it!

REVIEW:
Vampires, shifters and demons. Oh my! A fantastic start to a new paranormal series.

If Law & Order ever did an episode featuring creatures that go bump in the night, this book should be the basis of it. It starts off with a gruesome murder. Like white sheet over the disemboweled body so onlookers don't throw up kind of gruesome. (Do you hear the strains of the opening theme? Yeah, you're welcome.)

Nix de la Fuente serves as an investigative liaison between the preternatural Council and humans. This new death has become personal. Her ex-friend Amarinda was found gutted but no one knows who committed the crime. At the scene, Nix smells a trace of demon, lying under all the other scents. Oh, did I mention she's half demon so she's sort of living in limbo between the two worlds? Yeah, her childhood was rough. Succubi mother killed human father in throws of passion, succubi mother leaves since she's got a different kind of nurturing bone in her body, human grandmother reluctantly takes her in but can't see past the demon side of her, proves her grandmother right about her demon nature and rebels, grandmother dies and foster system didn't work out too well. Apparently love was not her thing so she decided to learn some street smarts.

Anywho, up walks tall, dark and handsome who she smells before she sees. Tobias Caine is throwing off some major pheromone mojo that brings back memories of love, comfort and quite a bit of The Sexy Times. He's replaced the quadrant vampire liaison to investigate the murders. He's also on a manhunt er, vampire hunt? for a vampire that killed the leader of his planet. Somehow the killer found his way through the rift.  After seeing Amarinda's body, Tobias is pissed. She had called him while he was in Alaska, telling him she needed to talk and now she's dead.

Nix and Tobias must work together, along with human Detective Dante MacMillan to solve the case of The Great Vampire Killing Spree. With pressure from the Council to figure out who has it out for the vampires (be they human, vampire, demon or were) before the Killing Spree continues. Nix and Tobias' sexual tension is strong. His presence brings out the inner demon in her and the only way to push that demon back is a session of tai chi. After five years, the feelings are still there but neither wants to act on it because of the consequences for Nix. There's a lot of will they/won't they, oh my god they did!, whoa totally didn't see that one coming and where can I get one of my very own?

Sidenote: Travel through the rift places the preternatural being into some random human's body. Yes, it's a case of body snatching or maybe like that show Tracker with Adrian Paul where he takes the form of an underwear model. Interesting enough, the rift opens up only every hundred years or so but someone has found a way to open a mini rift.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Some people used meth. Others drank themselves into a stupor. He drug of choice was Tobias Caine. And it seemed that even after five years of sobriety, she was still as addicted as ever.

***quote subject to change in finished copy***

OVERALL: The action in this book is like the frickin energizer bunny. It hits the ground running and continues until the very end. A colorful cast of characters are introduced so well that you want to know more about them. Out of all the characters, Detective Dante MacMillan, a secondary character who will get his own book next, totally stole the show for me. He was funny, caring and was quite smooth with the ladies. Tobias did surprise me. Nix made him out to be some sort of jerk who just up and left her when her demon got totally out of control. But there was a purpose to his leaving and that he actually cared. He could have at least been less callous about the way he just broke their relationship off. As for the Council, there's something shifty going on and I intend to find out when the next book in this series comes along. It's like Law & Order opening sequence meets Torchwood rift activity meets a case of the body snatchers meets a touch of 'I wish I knew how to quit you' (but involving a vampire and demon instead of two cowboys).

***review copy from Netgalley***

Blog Tour + Giveaway: PS I Love You

ALL I WANT IS YOU by Sherill Bodine
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (January 1, 2012)
ISBN: 9780446584357

SHE'S STEALING HIS HEART...
Vintage boutique owner Venus Smith is stunned to realize her newest acquisition comes with a larcenous legend. Stolen years ago, the antique mermaid brooch belongs to the Clayworth family. The right thing to do would be to return it, but that means facing Connor Clayworth O'Flynn, the sexy department store heir Venus has had an unrequited crush on since childhood---and the man who helped ruin her father.

ONE KISS AT A TIME.
Connor knows that Venus has never forgiven him for what happened between their families. But business isn't personal, even thought Venus's father's betrayal still cuts him like a knife. So when Venus proposes a deal---she'll return his family's brooch if he helps clear her father's name---he reluctantly agrees. As action-packed days turn into flirtatious fall nights, it isn't long before old memories resurface...and new desires ignite. Can two young lovers leave the past behind? Or must they first admit that all they've ever really wanted...was each other?

Where To Find Sherill: Author Site | Facebook | Twitter
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook
Book Extras: My Review
Other Books In Series:

**~~~~**

SANCTUARY COVE by Rochelle Alers
FORMAT: ARC
GENRE: Contemporary
MASS MARKET PAPERBACK: 352 pages
PUBLISHER: Forever (January 1, 2012)
ISBN: 9781455501403

SOMETIMES LOVE IS THE SIMPLEST CHOICE OF ALL.
Still reeling from her husband's untimely death, Deborah Robinson needs a fresh start. So she decides to pack up her family, box up her bookstore, and return to her grandmother's ancestral home on Cavanaugh Island. The charming town of Sanctuary Cove hold happy memories for Deborah. And, after she spies a gorgeous stranger in the local baker, it promises the possibility for a bright, new future.
Dr. Asa Monroe is at a crossroads. ever since the loss of his family, he has been a quest for faith and meaning, traveling from one town to another. When he meets Deborah, the beautiful bookstore owner with the warm eyes and sunny smile, Asa believes he has finally found a reason to stay in one place.
As friendship blossoms into romance, Deborah and Asa discover they may have a second chance at love. But small towns have big secrets. Before they can begin their new life together, the couple must confront a challenge they never expected...

Where To Find Rochelle: Author Site | Twitter | Facebook
Where To Buy: Amazon(pb) | Kindle | B&N(pb) | Nook
Book Extras: My Review

Okay my lovelies, Forever is giving away three(3) copies of both SANCTUARY COVE and ALL I WANT IS YOU to three(3) lucky readers. Here's what you have to do:

• Leave comment about what kind of books you like to read. Do you like stories set in a small town or the big city?
• Fill out the rafflecopter form with the name you commented under and your email address. Please don't leave your email address in the comments. Put it in the rafflecopter form.

A huge thank you to B. Beers and Grand Central/Forever for providing the review and giveaway copies.

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