Cover Reveal: WUNDER Series by AR VON

DREAMZ (Wunder 0.5) FREE at all ebook sellers

A World of Turmoil and Yearning

Wunder may have a normal life now…well, as normal as a freak of nature could have. Half zombie while her job is to hunt bloodthirsty creatures to protect the innocent. It’s the dreams that haunt her and they aren't nightmares. Wunder dreams of a man, a man made just for her. Is he real, can he be the one she‘s yearned for?

Pete’s world is a lonely one as he wrestles with the reality of being part zombie. His hatred for the creatures that killed his parents drives him to patrol the streets and wipe them all out. His life would be stark, but for the dreams he’s been having; of a woman, so sensuous, so sexy. These alluring visions have become erotic and consuming. He feels as if he made her up to keep from going crazy. Is this life of hunting the walking dead, all there is? Or is she out there, waiting…just for him?

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DCIYFW6

Amazon UK http:// www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DCIYFW6?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CA http://w ww.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00DCIYFW6?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

B&N http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wunder-ar- von/1115446793?ean=2940044585669

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17880998-dreamz

The Approach (Wunder #1)

Wunder isn’t your average girl, in fact, she isn’t even an average human. In a world ravaged by Zombies, she was born amidst the chaos.

Where can a girl like her find the man of her delicious dreams? She has an idea and it leads her to the hottest new club in town, where she finds what’s been missing in her life.

Pete has his own secrets to tell, and when they come together, another story unfolds while the sparks fly.

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BG1VMK4</ a>

Amazon UK http:/ /www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BG1VMK4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CA http://w ww.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00BG1VMK4?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17375802-the-approach

Reunion (Wunder #2)

Wunder’s life has been far from perfect, being part Zombie in a world devastated by the plague of the walking dead. Still, she knew there was something special awaiting her, someone out there who could change everything and she did find him. Pete is everything she dreamed of and more, as she discovers passion and fulfillment for the first time in her life.

Now her life turns into a journey of discoveries. Secrets from the past come full circle and her world is changed forever. In the coming chaos, can she keep her new found happiness and the man of her dreams?

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3S6LSE

Amazon UK http:// www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00F3S6LSE?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CA http://ww w.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00F3S6LSE?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17881069-reunion

Teamwork (Wunder #3)

Their first time as a trio. The team of Tank, Wunder and Pete will face their greatest challenge when they come up against RIP subject number 776, the deadliest Zombie yet. He's unpredictable , smart, full of cunning and has yet to be found.

While they fight for their lives, the heat between Pete and Wunder will blaze out of control.

They will discover powers within themselves brought on by being part zombie. Powers beyond even their wildest imagination.

Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QJI54VM

Amazon UK http:// www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00QJI54VM?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Amazon CA http://ww w.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00QJI54VM?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18481444-teamwork

Instinct (Wunder #4) Coming 2015

776 has escaped from RIP, again. Wunder is missing, she just disappeared from their bed and Pete is losing it. No leads, no possibilities. His one and only focus is to find her. He plans to use their connection, the one they’ve had for decades but never really knew it until they met. He wants to try and reach her through their dreams as he’d done before.

Is there a way to get back what they shared before they even met, or is Wunder lost to him forever?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23603987-instinct


A.R.'s Links and bio

A.R. was born and raised in Bronx, NY and is the oldest daughter of two girls. She holds an Associate's Degree in Computer Science and Information Technology, which was only briefly used. She's a mother of two entertaining teen boys (as well as a lovely fawn Chihuahua, whom she considers her furry daughter.) She's also a wife to a delightfully handsome and amazingly funny man-beast. She loves anything dragon and fantasy related. In her free time she enjoys exercising, listening to music, hiking, cooking, dancing and writing. She also loves a great adventure in and out of a book!
She writes to free her mind of its constant wondering and priceless clutter. She thrives on the fact she can share some of it with readers that have the same passion for a great story.
She also loves to hear from her reader's and chat away, so feel free to reach out to her any time.

Website: http://ar- von.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARVon2
TSU: http://www.tsu.co/ARVon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.co m/author/show/6938994.A_R_Von
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARVonDreamZ
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/A.R.- Von/e/B00BGAHQ46/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
G+: https://plus.google.com/+ARVon/posts
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dragonrene69/?r ef=badge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/arvon73/

Interviews with Victoria: Alexis, Johnathon, and Sebastian from Aconite by Christine Alvarez

Victoria: Another day, another interview. Today I'm hosting a three-some *big smile*. That makes two for this gal. Please welcome Alexis, Johnathon and Sebastian. Who are just dying to tell me their three favorite things about sex. 

Alexis: Oh boy, I don’t even want to think about sex right now. It would hurt someone too badly and I cannot waste another life hurting those that care about me.

Johnathon: That is easy, even if you don’t want to think about it Alexis, it doesn’t make your answer any different. Passion, the feel of her *points at Alexis* and the love behind it.

Sebastian:The sound of my name being screamed to the heavens, her soft flesh in my hands and of course the feeling of her lips. *glaring daggers through Jonathon with each word*

Alexis: *blushes and tries not to hide behind her chair*

Victoria: *fans self* Alexis, it sounds like these boys have the hots for a particular female. Speaking of hots - hot candle wax or whips?

Alexis: What? Why?

Johnathon: Neither

Sebastian: As much as I hate to agree with him. *points at Jonathon* I’d have to say neither as well. Really great sex doesn’t need either of those.

Victoria: Interesting. Too bad, I'm taken. Otherwise I'd volunteer to show all three of you the wonders of both items. Great sex doesn't need those things, but interesting sex on the other hand...
Since you've been successful at finding love, what tip can you offer me?

Alexis: Successful *snorts* I wouldn’t call it that.

Johnathon: Success is subjective when it comes to us.

Sebastian: Don’t let her die.

Victoria: I'm sensing a little hostility and maybe too much sexual tension. This room is afire with it. Speaking of love, would you ever consider sharing your newfound love with another person?

Johnathon: *explodes from his seat* Not in this life or the next!

Sebastian: *rises slowly from his seat* I'd rather die then share anything with him.

Alexis: You should not have opened up that can of worms. *shakes head at both men now glaring at each other.*

Victoria: It seems boys will be boys.

*a few tense minutes goes by before both men seem to concede to the overly masculine staring contest.*

Victoria: Alright, I can see this isn't getting any less awkward and this is one case where I don't think my flogger will get submission... So final question, how does Alexis give you what you need?

Alexis: *looks between both men*

Sebastian: Alexis gave me hope. She still does to this day. She gave me love and attention even knowing that I had been cursed for all eternity. She gives me it in the endless hours of attention and conversation. In the way she abandons all others to be with me, a curse.

Jonathon: *launches out of the chair letting it crash into the floor and storms out of the interview*

Victoria: Okay. Alexis, how about you?

Alexis: This is what I give them. You can see it plain as day in this very interview. Heartache.*a single tear falls down her flushed face*

Victoria: And that wraps this emotional and turmoil filled interview. I can never say my interviews are predictable and in this case I'm feeling a little heart broke myself. Want to know more about this love triangle? Read on.

Blurb: Who knew a truck stop post card would send Alexis Davis’s life spiraling into a supernatural destiny predicted lifetimes before.

Gods, Magic, Fated Love; it was nothing that the shy, quiet Alexis ever could have imagined existed.

Alexis had no desire to take over the family business or follow in her mother’s footsteps, so armed with her life savings and a fresh tattoo she takes off to the quaint little fishing port of Reedsport, Oregon; where she meets two men that awaken something frightening within her very soul.

Dominant and dark Sebastian Gates and the sleek and sexy Jonathan Evans pull her into a life where the lines between her past, present and future become one.

When they both begin to take part in the dreams that she has drawn comfort from, Alexis learns that none of them are really what they seem. But they are not the only ones; she quickly finds others that play an intricate part in what has come to pass and what is coming. If that wasn’t enough the tattoo that she had placed across her chest has taken on a life of its own. Leaving her in pain beyond anything she has ever experienced before. Through her dreams and the men that cannot help but complicate her life further, Alexis learns that she has a target on her head that has carried over from one life to the next.

A dark coven of witches known as the Elektita believe she is the one that will restore their powers taken by the Gods long ago. A prophecy set in motion by her very own family line. There is one problem; her destiny has put a wrench in the Elektita’s plans, somehow intertwining within a curse that leaves everyone around her at the mercy of the moon.

Who can Alexis trust? The two men that have despised each other for centuries or the powerful Elektita that wants nothing more than to wield the power of the Gods?

Buy Links: Amazon

Author Bio: I am Christine Alvarez, mother of four spectacular hoodlums and married to the man of

my dreams. We all currently reside in my home state of Missouri. When I am not writing I spend my spare time as a chauffeur, maid, cook, and everything in between.

I am addicted to Dr. Pepper and chocolate. They are my vices and lend a large hand in getting the creative juices flowing. I write anything from paranormal romance to erotica. I am a sucker for romance whether it is the kind with a happily ever after or burned and broken end. You will find my work covers those gray areas in between as well.

You can learn more about my work at:

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Cover Reveal: Silk and Scorn by Cassandra Dean

No matter how much their mothers wanted Sarah and Arthur to wed, Sarah had loathed him. However, circumstance# and her late husband’s father conspire against her, and she is forced to turn to Arthur #for help. Perhaps she needs his legal expertise, but she refuses to acknowledge how handsome her oldest foe has become…or her reaction to him. His childhood nemesis is the last person Arthur Davenport expected to require his services. When a spurious claim against her late husband’s estate brings Sarah Wetherall to his door, he can’t refuse the pretty widow, no matter how much he wants to. Thrown together by fate, will they discover there is a fine line between scorn and passion?

The Silk Series, Book 2 Early Victorian Sweet Romance
Coming 19 February 2014 Decadent Publishing

   

Excerpt:

15 February, 1847. Mrs. Wetherall. He stared down at the name. There was something familiar about it, but he could not recall what it might be. He shrugged. She was soon to appear, and any familiarity would be quickly established. At that, the door opened and a woman who could only be Mrs. Wetherall swept in, an obscenely large hat obscuring most of her face. A gown of uncommon simplicity clothed her person, but for all the garment was simple, it was obviously well made, which suggested wealth. Ah, well, no matter if he knew her name or not. A wealthy client was always welcome. Dunn trailed behind her, his expression as eager as ever. “Mrs. Wetherall, sir.” Arthur inclined his head. “Thank you. That will be all.” “Right you are, sir.” The clerk bobbed his head and left, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. Arthur turned his regard to the woman. Currently she studied his qualifications, hung on the wall along with the framed pictures his mother had given him for his birthday every year since he’d become a solicitor. “Mrs. Wetherall, good afternoon. Please, seat yourself.” Her shoulders straightened infinitesimally but she didn’t respond, instead continuing to regard the wall. Irritation tugged, but he suppressed it. Emotion would get him nowhere. “Mrs. Wetherall?” With a sweep of her skirts, the lady and her hat settled into the chair before his desk. Frowning, he sank to his own seat. That enormous hat was absurd, still disguising her face. Why did women think such things were attractive? In addition to being ludicrous, it no doubt put undue pressure upon her neck. Lacing her hands in her lap, the lady finally spoke. “I find I require the services of a solicitor in regards to my late husband’s will.” The hair at the back of his neck stood up. No. Oh, Christ, no. The hat tilted, exposing her face. Every muscle in Arthur’s body seized. Mrs. Wetherall, formerly Miss Sarah Stanhope and the bane of his childhood, glared at him from beneath her ridiculous hat.  


  Cassandra grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Fairy tales, Famous Fives, fantasies and fancies; horror stories, gumshoe detectives, science fiction; Cassandra read it all. Then she discovered Romance and a true passion was born. So, once upon a time, after making a slight detour into the world of finance, Cassandra tried her hand at writing. After a brief foray into horror, she couldn’t discount her true passion. She started to write Romance and fell head over heels. The love affair exists to this very day. Cassandra lives in Adelaide, South Australia.

You can find Cassandra at: CassandraDean.com ~ Cassandra and Lucy ~ Facebook ~ Twitter Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com

 

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UPCOMING RELEASE: R is For Rebel by Megan Mulry

Yes, those are caps in the header and damn right I'm excited. R is For Rebel releases on February 4th, 2014 -- 14 days from today.

Megan is my secret light of power. I was lucky enough to meet her at the RT Convention Giant Book Fair in May of 2013. She got up out of her chair and hugged me! ME! She. Hugged. Me. Then I was gifted the privileged of being a part of her inner circle for a couple of hours of amazing. She is one of the most approachable author's I've met and amazeballs.

I'd read her debut release and hailed it marvelous. The lovely tale, A Royal Pain, featured a heroine that cussed as much as I do. No, I don't cuss on the blog because I'm protecting my public image, but in the bosom of my close friends and family the fuck's fly. I'm painfully aware this may make me less palatable in some eyes, but I digress.

Back to MEGAN! Because this post is all about her and not me. Since the debut of A Royal Pain, and the ever delicious mix of American Sassy-Cussy-Pants Bronte and the smokin' hawt Max, I've been addicted. While, I haven't had the time to review her subsequent releases, I've gobbled them up. Each one another testament to her witty prose, cutting dialogue, and re-awakening the desire in me for a modern day fairy-tale.She's an author who gives you sensory details. Details that will make you SEE, FEEL, TASTE, SMELL, and, by damn or thong panties, WANT all the things.

That being said if there's one book you need to order (besides all of them) go out and pre-order R is for Rebel .

Required Blurb:

Abigail Heyworth is a rebel heiress, bucking the confines of her royal family every chance she gets. After breaking up with her long-term girlfriend, she is inexplicably drawn to the sophisticated American, Eliot Cranbrook. Despite all their differences - he's a self-made businessman; she's a royal hippy - they fall hard for each other. When the intensity of the relationship escalates and Abigail is forced to look at the nature of her rebellion, she has to decide if she has an entirely different kind of courage. 

This book is for: 
- Women who love Historical and Contemporary Romance. Megan brings you the best of both worlds.
- Anyone who's been a rebel. I was a goth girl in high school. Chained wallets, fishnet shirts, black eye liner, Doc Martens, and plenty of hardcore/metal rock meant to cause your eardrum to shrivel up and die. I want to know Abigail based on the Rebel principle alone.
- Those who love strong heroines who still need to face their fears and downright sexy, unbelievably pervy heroes (there's nothing better in my opinion).

New Release: The Trouble With Memories by Eva Lafoy

Helium toads!

That’s just one of the new creatures you’ll find in Eva Lefoy’s The Trouble With Memories. What are helium toads, you ask? Well, they’re toads that exist in a helium environment. You’ll find them scattered all over the universe, wherever helium pockets exist.

If you watch closely, you’ll also see a redhead with her phase-pistol ready and an over-abundance of attitude go zooming by. That’s Lucy Borasco and right now, she’s on a mission to get her ex-boyfriend back. She’s smart, she’s sassy and she rarely takes “no” for an answer. And if you serve her canned fish, look out!

Right behind her will be Captain California Sykes, an ace pilot who’s lost his memories and needs them back – fast - before forgetting Lucy proves dangerous to his health. She’s harder to handle than the Martians, who seem to have forgotten they’re extinct. And she looks sexy in green. What man could resist?

Join Lucy and Cal as they try to save the universe – and each other – in this colorful romp through space infested with helium toads, frozen comet tails and other sorts of fragging fun!

The universe just got a lot more colorful.

Here’s an excerpt:

“Lt. Borasco—”

“Lucy. It’s Lucy, remember?”

“Unfortunately, no. I don’t.” He shook his head, but no cobwebs loosened.

She scowled and huffed like a frustrated brat and put her hands on her hips. “I don’t believe you.”

“Well, Lucy, it’s true.” He licked his lips and his throat went dry, the taste of her name sucking the air right out of him. Good or bad sign? Proceed, or caution? “To be honest, I don’t remember anything before Mars. In fact, I don’t even remember most of the mission.”

“What? How can that be?” She frowned, her eyebrows dipping low. “Wait. From before you left? You mean you don’t remember being with me?” She pointed at her chest.

He shrugged, knowing admitting he’d forgotten her was a dumb move. If he was her, he’d be throwing a dark star of a fit. But at the same time his gaze couldn’t help lingering on her chest. He liked what he saw. Maybe he could talk her into a quickie. Down boy, down.

“I don’t fragging believe this.” She ran her hand through her shortish red hair and slapped the data pad against her shapely thigh while she walked an arc around the room, ending by the windows.

The windows flexed and the floor rumbled as the jets did another close fly-by. He ignored them in favor of intently ogling the rounded globes of Lucy’s ass. When she spun to face him, he nearly lost his balance.

Three steps later, she was in his face. He braced himself for her wrath.

Her fingers curled around his collar nice and tight. When she gave him a light shake, his head whipped back and forth. Maybe she was trying to rattle some sense back into his malfunctioning brain.. “Comet tails, Cal. If this is some game you’re playing to make me miss you, I swear I’ll fill your ass with helium and shoot you out one of those planes!”

He loved how the fire in her eyes matched her hair and the way she jutted out her chin at the end of her pronouncement. But he’d told her the truth. This was no game. His memories of her were completely gone. “How can I prove to you I’m not lying?”

Her lips curled up in a smirk. “Kiss me.”

With a confident toss of her head she laid claim to him, answering his questions about how he’d known her. Hell, he hadn’t known her, apparently he’d known her. The news made his dick swell with pride. His mouth quirked into a cocky smile.

“Come on, Cal. Today’s Valentine’s Day after all.” Her hands caressed his neck, working their way up his jaw. “One little goodbye kiss won’t hurt.”

Her touch confused him. Familiar yet foreign. New sensations and ghostly memories rose toward the surface of his mind but were squashed before they reached the light. He shook his head but the cobwebs didn’t clear. Why couldn’t he remember? Everything but those fragging ships seemed vague.

A twinge in his right shoulder shot up his neck, and he couldn’t help thinking the pain was a warning. He braced for more, but none immediately came. He wanted out of this box, wanted answers. But he wouldn’t endanger anyone else to get them.

“Lucy.” His voice sounded hoarse, as if he’d sucked sand into his windpipe. “Don’t.” 

The Trouble With Memories is available now at:

Decadent  l  Amazon  l  Amazon.UK  l  AReCafe  l 

Bio:

Eva Lefoy writes and reads all kinds of romance, and is a certified Trekkie. She’s also terribly addicted to chocolate, tea, and hiking. One of these days, she’ll figure out the meaning of life, quit her job, and go travel the galaxy. Until then, she’s writing down all her dirty thoughts for the sake of future explorers.

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Guest Post +Release Day: Delicious Delay by Tara Quan

Welcome to fellow Decadent Publishing Author Tara Quan. She's talking about how she rose from the slush pile today and celebrating her latest release: Delicious Delay.
Take it away Tara!

First off, I’d like to thank Landra for inviting me over to shamelessly promote my new novelette, Delicious Delay, which was released today by Decadent Publishing. You can find the blurb at the end of this post, and I’ll be updating my website with the most current buy links as they go live. Now that the plug’s done with, I’ll move on to my actual post.

So what do I mean when I talk about the dreaded slush pile? In essence, I’m referring to the not too pleasant predicament of submitting my manuscript(s) to an editor or publishing house to whom I have no connection. When this happens, even addressing the email becomes a chore. Do I start with “Dear Sir/Madam” or the even more impersonal “To Whom It May Concern?” This conundrum often leads to significant cyber-stalking, during which I comb the publisher’s website and various forums to figure out the name of the person in charge of acquisitions. If there is more than one, then the Internet research cycle begins anew.

Submitting to the slush pile isn’t pleasant. Even as I hit send, a voice in the back my mind reminds me the likelihood of getting an acceptance letter is slim to none. I’m an unknown quantity—someone they’ve never heard of before. Why would they even bother opening up the file?

Yet I continue to submit to the slush pile, not because I’m a glutton for punishment, but because I think my work deserves a chance. I do it because I know that I need the help of an editor to make my work shine.

Delicious Delay is a manuscript that managed to climb out of the slush pile. I submitted it to Decadent Publishing after much research, but without having ever been in direct contact with someone who worked there. I don’t quite know how it happened, but I do know someone there thinks it’s worth a read. I’m crossing my fingers readers do to.

Thanks Tara. I plan on purchasing my copy immediately because this book sounds delicious. Here's the blurb: 

Stranded in a Middle Eastern airport, Michelle Day finds herself the object of interest for an abrasive, but all-too-sexy stranger—a stranger who tempts her with the forbidden in a land where indecency could get her killed. But how does one say no to such a deliciously, relentless pursuit?

Khalid Al Dehri takes one look at the red-headed spitfire in the business class lounge and knew he’d either been transported to heaven—or hell. Her tart response to his surliness intrigues him beyond all propriety and the longer he spends in her company, the more he can’t deny his forbidden attraction. But will she explore the sensuality between them or will society’s rules keep them apart?

How do you get a copy? Visit this page for buy links

About Tara:

Globetrotter, lover of languages, and romance author, Tara Quan has an addiction for crafting tales with a pinch of spice and a smidgen of kink. Inspired by her travels, Tara enjoys tossing her kick-ass heroines and alpha males into exotic contemporary locales, fantasy worlds, and post-apocalyptic futures. Armed with magical powers or conventional weapons, her characters are guaranteed a suspenseful and sensual ride, as well as their own happily ever after. Learn more at www.taraquan.com or find her at these social media and website outlets:  

Facebook
Twitter:
Goodreads
Amazon

It's Official!

I’m getting published!

Yes, you better believe it. It’s been a pretty long journey, but I’m happy with the results. So far I can tell you these factoids:

- The book will be published by Decadent Publishing

- It’s a short story feature for their 1 Night Stand Series (click to check it out).

- This will be an e-book release only.

- It is erotic romance and for my friends who may not read those types of stories I completely understand. I’ll write more stories for other genres I’m sure.

- I couldn’t be happier. This story blazed out of nowhere and I really didn't plan on writing it right away; until the characters wouldn't leave me alone. *Fellow writers you know how that goes.

There were so many people that helped make this possible and I can’t thank them all enough for the feedback, the support, and the Hoo-Ra’s since the announcement. If you have heard my personal thanks you can be sure that it will be coming soon. 

Review: The Runaway Countess by Leigh Lavalle

Review: The Runaway Countess by Leigh Lavalle

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For more information about this author or the backcover blurb visit Leigh Lavalle's website here.

Love has a way of opening your eyes, even when you don’t want too…

For Trent Carthwick, Earl of Radford, justice and the rules of law have always come before emotions. He’s steadfast in his duty to parliament, and believes in truth and honor above all. So the presence of a highwayman running rampant through his village and preying on friends of his father is the last thing he wants to malign his character. The one person who can reveal the highwayman is a prisoner… err, guest in his home. Although it will take more than threats to loosen the lips of this beguiling beauty, Mazie Chetwyn, and Trent’s finding it hard not to fall into a trap.

Lavalle’s debut is delicious! There’s something to be said for a story of a woman on the run and an Earl crossing paths. Although, Mazie isn’t everything she appears to be and neither is Trent. From the get go, I was submerged in a story that had me turning the page’s with an urge to know more. The most captivating part is the emotions that plague and tie Trent and Mazie together. They’re both trying to protect something, and neither of them can see a solution that comes out in their favor. Add in a growing attraction, that they can’t expel, and it’s plain to see disaster sits on the horizon.

Trent is arrogant, and devoted to the rules. He’s determined to get his way—regardless of the cost, except what way that is he isn’t sure, as every turn and twist in discovering the highwayman opens the floodgates to problems he didn’t know he had. Mazie is running from previous abandonment, and desires to be free of anyone’s control. She refuses to yield to Trent’s requests for her honesty, hoping instead to lead him on a merry chase while she plots her escape.

As the days tick away Trent discovers more about Mazie, bringing a wave of additional attraction and sympathy to this wayward woman. Mazie on the other hand is shocked to discover that each assumption she has towards Trent is somewhat unfounded, though her hesitations toward disclosure remain. As the blurb describes it’s a constant battle of passion, wit, and deflecting the truth from one another as Mazie and Trent play out their dangerous dance.

My one caveat to this story is completely personal; the villains didn’t get their just reward! Oh, not that the villains weren’t evil. They were, despicably so. I just felt they didn’t receive the punishment they deserved. It made me angry to see Trent, a man so influenced by justice, refusing to exact more of a punishment. If it was possible, I’m not sure, but it would’ve been nice.

I will say Lavalle kept me on my toes, and created a real sense of doubt. I didn’t think the characters would get an HEA. I didn’t believe that enough growth had occurred, when in reality the growth was there. You just get the deliverance at the right time and right place! Overall, if you like a story where characters must question their own beliefs, and evaluate their scruples then this book is one to read. It’s a love story that reminds me of how love can form between different people, and even when it makes you question the very ideals you hold dear.

*Previously featured on The Season

Reading List: February 2012

This was the month to remember. I was just 3 books away from reading one for every day in the month of February. So close... unfortunately my personal life intervened. My other accomplishments or activities will be mentioned in another post, but let's just say that this past weekend was an extreme workout.

1. Fire Bapitzed by Kenya Wright **
2. The Runaway Countess by Leigh Lavalle ***
3. Tempted by Blood by Laurie London*
4. Heiress Without a Cause by Sara Ramsey*
5. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
6. Once Upon a Wicked Night by Jennifer Haymore*
7. To Bewitch an English Knight by Alena Stuart*
8. Confessions of an Arranged Marriage by Miranda Neville***
9. A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare***
10. How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back by Sophie Barnes***
11. The Rake and The Recluse: Ruination**
12. The Rake and The Recluse: Submission**
13. The Rake and The Recluse: Retribution **
14. Engaged With The Boss by Elle James
15. Bet On It by Jennifer Cruisie
16. Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens
17. By the Book by Scarlett Parrish
18. The Marriage Bed by Laura Lee Guhrke
19. And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke
20. Faking It by Jennifer Cruisie
21. Catering to the Italian Playboy by Tamelia Tumlin*
22. The Rent-A-Groom by Jennifer Blake*
23. The Devil's Heart by Lynn Raye Harris
24. Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Cruisie
25. Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Cruisie
26. What the Lady Wants by Jennifer Cruisie
27. Charlie All Night by Jennifer Cruisie

*Review upcoming or available on my blog
**Review upcoming or available on Indie Books R Us
***Review upcoming or available on The Season

Review: Tempted by Blood by Laurie London

Review: Tempted by Blood by Laurie London

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Laurie London's website here.

Blue spiked hair, leather, piercings in tantalizing places--Jackson Foss is the ultimate bad boy. He's also a Guardian, sworn to protect humanity from the Darkbloods, vampires that have gone rogue and believe that humans should be cattle. Jackson has always followed the path of the Guardians, but lately he feels his edge is slipping. He's consuming more energy, more blood... and just a hairs breath away from becoming the very thing he's been destroying for over a century.

Arianna is just a girl interested in the paranormal, ever since her mother was attacked and killed by moving shadows. She's on the trail of a missing teenagers in the Seattle area, but her search for information is about to get in her a load of trouble. Enter a gorgeous man with a dragon blade to the rescue. Arianna's not sure if she can trust Jackson, but as the two get closer things heat up. The only question left is can they save each other before the enemy in the dark finds her?

Jackson's description above is missing one thing-- muscles. When I picture this guy he's the ultimate bad boy that has a motorcycle, and naturally attracts the attention of every girl in the bar. He definitely lives up to the reputation, but London finishes the fantasy by giving Jackson a deep and tortured side to. He's definitely got demons fueling his inner fire, and is constantly on the edge. At first glance you think what the other Sweetblood characters do, he's only after a good time. When Arianna comes onto the scene everything changes. Suddenly he's caring about a human in ways he's never felt about anyone. She's got him dangling on a string, and Jackson doesn't like it.

Arianna fights the attraction pretty well. She's more focused on her mission to reveal the truth behind the things lurking in the dark, and protecting her family. I love this character because she's incredibly strong and takes actions that go against the typical female reaction. For example the woman sees a vampire and instead of screaming out in horror she whips out a camera phone and starts snapping photos. London's heroine's are typically made of sterner stuff, but Arianna impresses.

Story flow and pacing are beautiful as always and next to London's first Sweetblood novel, Bonded by Blood, Jackson's story is one of my favorites. The villains are always a delight, and there's a good dose of humor in all the right places... in a few words: My Little Pony. If you want to know why the mention of a child's toy made me giggle you'll just have to read. London is just as amazing at painting a realistic environment, extremely detailed and in tune with our current reality. The vampire mythos in her story is equally engaging, and I hope she'll publish a companion book with stories about the history of the Guardians and the Darkbloods someday.

Overall, Tempted by Blood is a great read. It's fast paced and the action is rampant-- in the bedroom and out of it. The characters have personalities and quirks that drive you to them. Plus, if you're a fan of the series then you won't want to miss previous character appearances. Now, I'll patiently anticipate the next book, which honestly can't come fast enough!

Review: Mad About the Earl by Christina Brooke

Review: Mad About the Earl by Christina Brooke

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Christina Brooke's website here.

Usually beauty tames the beast…

Lady Rosamund Westruther has been matched by the Ministry of Marriage to marry Griffith, Earl of Tregarth since childhood. She’s accepted her arranged marriage with decorum and believes in her duty, as all proper ladies should. Until the stubborn, inattentive man refuses to offer her respect, and demands her attendance to his wishes; even though he’s put off their marriage for years since the official announcement of their engagement.

Traveling to London to retrieve his obstinate fiancé, Griffith expects to gather his future bride and return to his home without suffering the ridicule or prying eyes of the ton. What he doesn’t expect is Rosamund to flat out refuse him if he doesn’t court her. Griffith knows he’s brutish, and lacks the manners that polite society requires. The idea of paying court to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met seems an impossible task. But something about Rosamund spurs him on, and for some reason this woman seems just as enthralled with him.

The second installment in Brooke’s Ministry of Marriage series is captivating, and wickedly clever. The author draws you in with her characters, every last one. From a tortured hero and heroine to the villains waiting in the wing, I couldn’t get enough. Rosamund is just as tortured for her beauty and connections, as Griffith is ridiculed for his size and arresting looks. From a visual standpoint these two are polar opposites, internally their similar creatures. Both seek to create a new image for themselves, Rosamund by escaping the ton and becoming a wife, and Griffith by overcoming his insecurities about his image and actions.

Add in a viper of a mother, a jilted would-be beau, a murder and you’ve got a jam-packed book from start to finish. Luckily, Brooke doesn’t leave any loose ends. She does a good job of tying up the story lines, and giving everyone a better look at the other members of the Westruther brood; including the male Westruther’s, whom readers haven’t seen too much of yet. My only caveat was that I felt the back end of the book’s pace was a little bit slower than I anticipated. Nothing to throw fits about, but it ruined some of the enchantment for me.

Overall, Brooke’s sequel to An Heiress in Love is a good read, and will keep you on your toes. If you enjoy stories that provide lead characters in need of mutual rescue this is a for sure purchase.

Blog Joy Saturday- November 12, 2011

Just realized the automaton never posted this like it was supposed to. *Shakes fist at computer screen* Devils, I say. Sorry for the delay... I'm calm now. Moving onward.

Today's blog joy is for the Romance Book blogs. These book blogs either review, giveaway, and/or interview romance authors about their latest releases. Most of the blogs are must subscribe or visit daily as there is always something good going on.

Let's start with the Romance Bandits! I talk about these ladies a lot. Some of my favorite romance writers blog with them including Anna Campbell, who guested on my Writing Profession series. They have a new website, the blogger site is now shutdown. Except the new site is even better, more links, more fun, and just more everything. Check it out here.

Next up The Season. This blog has the best giveaways I've ever seen. Books just fly from this blog on a continuous basis. Plus there is a huge amount of reviews, free reads, publishing info and more. To be honest I currently review for this site and love it! Of course I'm going to tell you all to go and visit. I can promise that you won't regret it if you're a romance lover.

Finally two other review blogs make it to BJS. Both are romance review blogs and awesome of course!

We have the lovely Rita Jett on Not Another Romance Blog . Now the posts are not as hot and heavy this year as in previous ones because the lovely blog creator is busy and toiling away at schooling. Regardless she does tend to get some of the best on dits and I still recommend that you put the site on your radar.

Then there's Romancing Rakes. Ran by the ever naughty and wicked Kati R. You can find her on twitter but her review blog is completely enchanting. By enchanting I mean that Kati is honest and wonderful. She reviews a lot of different books and there's always some good recommendations on her site. I easily get lost for at least an hour whenever I visit.

Now these are my topic picks, but as always I'm open to trying new sites and things. Do you have a favorite review blog for romance, sci-fi, YA, or other genres? Where should I go? Tell me! :)

Reading List- May

Here's a snapshot of what I have been scarfing down in the month of May. You will be pleased to learn that I ventured beyond Historical Romance. Yet, not very far from it. If you wonder why I stray this way so often, let's just say I am catching up on my reading. I was absent for far too many years.

Leah and The Bounty Hunter- Elaine Levine**
Red Heat- Nina Bruhns*
Blackberry Summer- RaeAnne Thayne*
Collide- Megan Hart**
Three Sinful Wishes- R.G. Alexander*
The Duke and I- Julia Quinn
The Viscount Who Loved Me- Julia Quinn
A Offer From A Gentleman- Julia Quinn
Romancing Mister Bridgerton- Julia Quinn
To Sir Phillip With Love- Julia Quinn
When He Was Wicked- Julia Quinn
It's In His Kiss- Julia Quinn
On The Way To The Wedding- Julia Quinn
Reckless- Anne Stuart
Breathless- Anne Stuart
The Rake and The Recluse- Jenn LeBlanc
This Duchess of Mine- Eloisa James
Confessions At Midnight-Jacquie D'Alessandro
Seduced At Midnight- Jacquie D'Alessandro
Tempted At Midnight- Jacquie D'Alessandro


(*) Review is posted on The Season E-Zine
(**) Review will be posted in the coming months on The Season E-Zine

I've been absent...

I've been absent for the last couple of weeks. No excuses, just life rearing it's ugly head, as you all know. Well I say 'Screw That'! Time to get back on track.

To lead in to that I bring you my reading list for April.

-Secrets of a Proper Countess by Lecia Cornwall

-Midnights Wild Passion by Anna Campbell **

-What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss

-Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage by Kieran Kramer

-School for Brides by Cheryl Ann Smith

-Dangerous in Diamonds by Madeline Hunter

-Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

-Bonded By Blood by Laurie London

-My Dangerous Pleasure by Carolyn Jewel*

-Hornet's Nest by Patricia Cornwell

-Provacative in Pearls by Madeline Hunter

-Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh

-Scandal of the Year by Olivia Drake

-The Secret of Cypriere Bayou by Jana Deleon

 

Can't say that this is a bad list. 14 books in a month. That's pretty good seeing that I spend way too much money as it is. That instant purchase clicker on the B&N Nook site is killer. Unfortunately it was hard to locate some fantasy that weren't in the high genre. Right now I cannot seem to bring myself to get lost or dug in deep with a high fantasy.

Although, I have a David Eddings book that has been sitting on my nightstand for 2 years that I should probably read at some point.


*A review for Carolyn Jewel's next release will be posted on my blog in the next week.
** Midnight's Wild Passion is my Historical Romance pick of the month. For me this book was beyond expectations. I love Anna Campbell anyway, but her tortured hero Ranelaw is just about too much!

Moving to a new Genre

For the last 3 months I have been overtaken with Romance and Historicals. Now I know that some would call romance novels chocolate candy that devours you completely and I agree!

All my reading has brought me to the wonderful realization that there are soooo many wonderful romance authors out there. They provide delicious books that I absolutely must inhale and I love the series that tell the stories of groups of sisters or friends that find love. Anyhoo, I have decided that in April I will move on to a new genre. Not sure which one that should be so I need help and suggestions.

For all my fav historical author's do not be distraught! I still plan on snatching up the latest upcoming release's in April and May.

I will post this weekend on some of those great author's and their upcoming books that just have to be purchased by my greedy eyes!

Good night and faithfully yours,

Slush the purple sheep!