Sunday, June 30, 2013

Review/Giveaway: The Blood Bride by Imogene Nix





The Blood Bride (Blood Secrets #1)
by Imogene Nix
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Categories: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Total-e-Bound
Release Date: June 21, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 78,900

Available at:

Blurb:
Hope just wants to be an ordinary nestling. She went to college and escaped, but now she’s back and there’s a secret everyone is keeping from her.

Xavier is the new master of the nest, ready to welcome home the daughter of the house who he has never met. He’s unprepared for the woman who steals his breath and enchants him.

Now Hope and Xavier must fight for lives and those of the innocents. After all, it is only by overcoming the rogues that they will have a chance of a timeless future together. But will it be in time?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:
Copyright © Imogene Nix, 2013
All Rights Reserved, Total-E-Ntwined Limited, T/A Total-E-Bound.

Hope hauled the last heavy box up the stairs of the manor house, occasionally catching glimpses of the way her midnight black hair shone in the sunlight, when she passed the window in the living room of her apartment. "Thank heavens this is the last one," she muttered to herself, sliding the box down to rest on the floor, before straightening and rubbing the nagging ache in her back. She could have had help, all she needed to do was ask, but now that she was an adult she needed to stand on her own two feet, she reminded herself.

Straightening up, she looked around at the mass of boxes waiting for her to delve into. "Well, gone away and back again. Where do I start first?"

The phone trilled and she started for an instant, before extending her hand to the receiver on the shelf beside her. "Hope."

"Miss Hope, do you require any help? Lisi is wondering if you require her assistance." The muffled voice of one of her guardians flowed out of the earpiece. She had forgotten that living at the manor meant the goldfish bowl lifestyle she had tried her best to escape at college. Not that she’d had much opportunity to live a free lifestyle. She’d been lodged with a guardian family within the college grounds. Even then, her personal team of five guards had shadowed her every move—to classes, shopping and even to the hairdresser’s.

They hadn’t escaped her notice, the looks some of her classmates had thrown her way. Longing for the lifestyle they’d thought she enjoyed. Little did they know, Hope would happily have swapped, a lot of the time. Downtime had existed within a carefully vetted group of companions, each from houses of similar status. The cloying atmosphere she hated, but, nonetheless, she had submitted to her parents’ will. Only a few times had she sought to do activities that they would have deemed inappropriate, but her conscience had always kicked in, and she had derived no enjoyment from the guilty feelings that had overcome her.

"No thanks, Jeffrey. I have all the boxes up here and I am going to take my time going through everything." How could she explain that she needed a freedom that had been denied? That this small and almost insignificant rebellion was one she embraced? But she couldn’t. It wasn’t fair to Jeffrey to share that.

"Fine, Miss Hope. Oh, and I am supposed to remind you, the new Master has requested your presence in his library after sundown."

She nodded, knowing it was expected that she would take her oath of fealty. "Oh. Right. I’ll be down for sunset." She laid down the receiver. It’s one thing to owe your continued safety to a vampire nest Master, but quite another to be at his beck and call all the time, just as her parents had been. Her temper spiked momentarily. The emotion coiled through her then she shuddered, pushing away the negative thought, while absently reaching for the boxes she needed to stack, store or unpack. The rough exterior of some of them brushed against her hands. For now, she had time. Lots of time.

Ripping the tape off the first box, she then started to root through it, unwrapping reminders of her slightly more free college life, formulating arguments to put to her parents, knowing that the dice were stacked against her. Her life had been mapped out since her birth, but perhaps she could find a way around some of the roadblocks. At least she hoped so. With that thought, she set to work.

* * * *

He stretched in the bed, feeling the cool sheets around his body, savouring the experience of knowing he could rise when he wanted to. Luxuriating as he came to full awareness of his surroundings. His bed. His home. His nest. A feeling of exultation swept through him. One he had experienced several times in the last six months since he had become Master.

Xavier had only recently been transferred to this nest, after Cyrus had been called to ascend to a seat on the Council with his predecessor Cressida, the most senior of the vampires on the Council.

A new Master had been required for the nest, a situation arising from the ascension of Cressida who had saved the child Hope from the rogues. The death of another of the Council meant that Cyrus had answered a call to accept a seat. It was an almost unheard of event for a nest to have two new Masters in under a hundred years, but Xavier had accepted his unexpected promotion. Not that he would take it for granted—no, he worked beside his vampires as required, so they knew he would ensure their safety while they ensured his.

The household he had taken over was well run, and he had no fears for the financial status, even though they had lost the manor and many assets during the dark days of clearing the rogues who had attacked the house. Indeed, he had been with Cyrus the night he had ascended and had seen the great strides Cyrus had made during his Mastership.

He swiped a hand over his stubbled face and a voice to his left said quietly, "Master, refreshments for you." A crystal goblet appeared in a white hand at the edge of his vision. He accepted it with a grunt, the ruby red liquid inside calling to him on a primal level. Blood wine. Sustenance that would ease the clawing hunger he always felt on awakening.

His teeth extended and his mouth opened. The first drop touched his tongue and a frisson moved through him, the ecstasy of drinking flowing into his body. He took his time, savouring the flavours.

Young.

Full bodied.

Tart aftertaste. The wine, the only human sustenance he could now enjoy. Food was relegated to a memory of things long past.

He closed his eyes as the last drop flowed, and breathed deep. Yes, a Master could very quickly become accustomed to this lifestyle, but not now and not today. He needed to meet this Hope, the one who had turned their entire world upside down. James had told him little about his daughter, save that she would need to remain within the house, protected from the world. That someday she would assume the mantle of leading the house from within, while her brother oversaw the legal and financial affairs of the nest.

He pushed the bed covers away, unconcerned about nudity as he padded to the bathroom. He might be a vampire, but he still bathed and shaved, a thought that made him chuckle. Even after all these years, when vampires had made their entry into the human world, humans outside nests thought vampires had no need for those daily rituals.

He moved through his ablutions. She would be waiting for him, but he would present himself to her in his most urbane incarnation. She would take her oath of fealty, then he would meet with his advisers, James and David leading the human contingent.




My Review:


I had no idea going into this book that it being a nestling meant vampire, but I will admit I did enjoy this book. It started off with some great descriptions and then they all tried to sort out what happened, and it got a bit confusing to me. Honestly though, with the amount of secrets being kept, it might have been a bit confusing for the characters too.

It’s an interesting story with secrets abound and at the core it’s a rather unique erotic vampire story. I easily read it in one sitting and stayed up late to do so. While it was confusing, I think that can be attributed to Ms. Nix wanting to set up and explain all the different factions and rules of her world. There were several hot scenes that cements this as a decent erotic romance.

At the end of the day, it’s a good start to a new interesting twist on vampires, which has the potential to be something exceptional. It’s a good read and I think it’s worth picking up and trying.



3.5 Books




I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated for my review.



About the Author:


A mother of two, compulsive reader and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, 2 daughters, dog, cats and prize winning chooks. She has a particular fondness for Vampires, Star Ship Captains and things that go bump in the night.

She is also a firm believer in writing what you enjoy… something she strictly adheres to!

Connect with Imogene Nix




Giveaway:

Prize is 2 eBook prize packs (1 prize pack each to 2 winners), each consisting of 1 copy each of "Blame the Wine", "The Blood Bride", "Starburst" AND "The Plan" from Imogene Nix. Contest is tour-wide and ends July 5. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the Rafflecopter to enter!


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Review: Fling, a BDSM Erotica Anthology by Sara Fawkes, Cathryn Fox and Lauren Hawkeye



Blurb:

Welcome to Fetish Week.

Unleash your kinky side with three tales of BDSM romance in an exclusive Mediterranean sex resort from three hot erotica writers, including New York Times bestselling author, Sara Fawkes.

TAKE ME by Sara Fawkes
The minute sexy hotel manager Alexander Stavros spots shy, sweet Kate Swansea at the Mancusi resort, he can tell she’s begging for release. This Dom is the perfect man to help her… if she’s willing to let go of her inhibitions and enjoy the ride.

TEACH ME by Cathryn Fox
There’s nothing Luca Mancusi loves more than lingerie. So much so, he’s made it his business. Fashion design intern Josie Pelletier is supposed to be negotiating a deal with him, but as talks heat up, he can’t wait to teach her the ways of business…and BDSM.

TAME ME by Lauren Hawkeye

CEO Marco Kennedy can’t help being drawn to Ariel Monroe. When he follows the pop star abroad to the Mancusi resort, she agrees to a deal: He’ll win her as a sub through pleasure…or he’ll disappear from her life. Ariel’s game…just as long as she doesn’t lose her heart too.



Buy Links: (It’s only 1.99, what a great price!)

Amazon                         B&N                     ARe



My Review:

This is a lighter BDSM anthology. It was very much a breath of fresh air for me. There is a slight category romance feel to it, with all the men being exceptionally handsome and filthy rich, and the women “accidentally” showing up at the resort during Fetish Week, but yet it works. All three stories are light, fun and incredibly sexy. Perfect those who may have just been introduced to BDSM romance and the heavier stuff still frightens them. As for people like me, who’ve read it all, this is a nice break from some of the more hardcore BDSM romance out there. This is still erotic and explicit, but it’s a lot more kink play and a lot less strict protocol.

TAKE ME by Sarah Fawkes was great. The idea of sweet Kate Swansea going on her honeymoon anyways when her fiancĂ© leaves her and it being Fetish Week amused me. Throw in sexy hotel manager Alexander Stavros and his fast moves and this was a fast paced, sexy love story. They jump into bed, and while it has a feel of a rebound, I just know that they’re going to be happy forever, that’s how the author leaves me feeling. Before that she throws in an interesting twist, that I suspected early on but when it was executed it pushed this story into the great category.

Then comes TEACH ME by Cathryn Fox, this is a boss seduces new employee story, which I really liked. I love Luca Mancusi, and the way he handles Josie and pushes her boundaries, just plain did it for me. This one added the new kink of an additional partner for a few scenes, which really worked with the story. I would gladly read Ms. Fox again if she can give me hot scenes like this again.

Last but not least is TAME ME by Lauren Hawkeye, this one was a bit different, or so it seemed to me. Ariel and Marco didn’t meet at the resort for the first time, in fact Marco has been pursuing her for awhile until he manages to get her on the island. I liked the extra layer, Ms.Hawkeye really does know how to make a novella feel like a full length novel. The characters were great and I would easily read anything else she wanted to put out there.

Overall this anthology is seamless in it’s execution, all three stories happen simultaneously and yet they don’t seem contrived or rushed. I felt like it was almost just one long book with each story focusing on two new characters. I enjoy when anthologies flow so well together, these three authors’ writing styles meshed beautifully and I hope they do more anthologies together in the future. I can’t recommend these stories enough, pick it up, it’s a must read.




5 Books



I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.






What do you think? Do you like BDSM romance? Would you give a light BDSM Fling a chance? I’d love to hear what you think.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Review: Death of a Waterfall by Kara Leigh Miller


Blurb:

Teghan Jacobs didn’t think anything could be worse than learning she’s pregnant by a man she’s been dating less than six months. Boy was she wrong. Her mother, whose drowning in the river of denial, refuses to take a side on the issue. Her overbearing, manipulative father threatens to disown her and cut her off from her trust fund if she doesn’t have an abortion.

Donnie Marks couldn’t be happier. The woman he loves, the woman he fought so hard to be with, is going to have his baby. Life has never been better. But when she shows up in his dorm, sobbing and heartbroken, he learns the horrible truth of what happened. He vows to get revenge on the man who's responsible: Teghan's father.


Buy Links:


Amazon                         B&N                     ARe



My Review:

I haven’t read a lot of New Adult fiction. I know it’s a fairly new genre but I will say that Death of a Waterfall is a strong motivator for me to read the genre. It was definitely a compelling start to what I hope will be a great series.

Teghan Jacobs was likeable, she’s a spoiled rich girl with in my opinion a monster of a father. She’s definitely a people pleaser, and works hard to make those around her happy. Her pregnancy does seem to bring out some pretty strong emotions in everyone involved. I liked the all the characters, even the ones I didn’t, but I think that’s a great point that the author invoked those feelings.

It’s full of twists and turns and fair amount of suspense, and I will definitely read more in the series. Overall I do recommend this story, it pulled me in and had me turning the pages late into the night. If all New Adult stories can bring forth this much emotion and even angst at times, then sign me up. I think Death of a Waterfall is a story worth reading and Kara Leigh Miller is an author to watch.


4 Books




I received this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

Review: Marine in the Wind by Heather Long



Blurb:


Freewill bound…

Greg Rainwater lost a piece of himself in the deserts of Iraq, a piece that his Shaman great-grandfather would call his soul. After months of grueling physical therapy at Mike’s Place, he’s still empty. When his discharge papers arrive, Greg has no idea where to go until A.J. calls and invites him to Freewill. The ranch turns out to be exactly what he needs—hard physical labor, horses, and the mountains soothe his injured soul.  If only Old Man Crane’s granddaughter didn’t look at him with such scorn in her eyes… Determined to put her out of his mind, he signs up for a one-night stand.

Under her skin…

Stuck in Freewill, Georgia Crane gave up her own dreams to look after her grandfather. She hates small towns, she hates busybodies, and she really hates outsiders, but she adores her grandfather, so she stays. If only the old man wouldn’t keep wandering off. The self-proclaimed medicine man insists on walking the hills and the mountains, communing with nature and the spirits. Her frustration increases when a new arrival encourages his lunacy.  Not content to hunger after the man replacing her in her grandfather’s affections, Georgia signs up for a one-night stand.

Sexual healing…

When Greg is paired with Georgia, his blood boils—the woman turns him inside out. Georgia’s as shocked as he is…after all, this is the guy her grandfather keeps wandering off with. Stuck together for the evening, distrust turns to attraction and irritation to desire, but can they bridge the distance in just one night?

Buy Link:




My Review:

This was an interesting take on a 1NS story, I think that’s because it’s also a Freewill story. The two main characters don’t meet the first time on their date, but instead had a mutual attraction that neither wanted to acknowledge. Throw them together on a 1NS with Madame Eve’s help and they explode with chemistry.

Greg was a very strong Marine who came to Freewill to find himself after recovering from some pretty serious injuries. With the way Ms. Long describes Freewill Wyoming and the surrounding nature, I can easily see how it’s the perfect place to heal, especially since she throws in some pretty great secondary characters.

Georgia was so fun, she had this snarky wit that I adored. She made me laugh pretty hard several times. I can also respect her, she gave up everything to come to Freewill to take care of her grandfather. That’s family loyalty that I can admire.

I like the direction Ms. Long is taking her Marines in Freewill and I look forward to her visiting Freewill with her Marines again. There is a definite appeal to cowboy Marines.

I highly recommend this story for the sexy Marines, the strong heroine and the easy way I could see a one night stand becoming a long future together.


5 Books




I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review.

Review: Mating Moon by Lexi DeHalo



Blurb:


[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, public exhibition, spanking, sex toys, HEA]

Night Stragorri was born to hunt. As heir to the Stragorri bloodline, it’s his sole purpose to kill any paranormal that threatens human life. He is bound by blood to the Hunter code, but he desperately wants a way out. He didn’t imagine in a million years that one fateful visit to a shifter-infested nightclub would bring him face-to-face with the man who would change his destiny.

Akira Landers is a Were-panther with a painful history. Adopted into a pack of werewolves at an early age, he learned to fear Hunters above all others. Working at the pack-run nightclub, things are always eventful, but even he is surprised at the Hunter who enters their domain and more surprised by the attraction he feels for the other man.

Inexplicably drawn together, sparks ignite, but their pasts seek to divide them as they struggle to accept their love in a world where Hunters and Weres are mortal enemies.


Buy Links:


Amazon               B&N                     Bookstrand



My Review:


A breath of fresh air, a different enough world of paranormals to be enjoyable. Hunters, Weres, vampires and I’m sure more creatures to be revealed, Ms. DeHalo does an amazing job of building a unique world.

Akira is a great character. He’s fun from the very beginning, I loved the way he took a chance on Night when most others in the world would have stayed as far from his as possible.

Night is a Hunter in crisis, he’s questioning the status quo when he meets Akira. Fate takes it from there, they obviously like each other and don’t want to keep their hands to themselves and fate makes sure they can stay together. I loved Night and his struggle to find himself. 

All in all, it’s a great new series that I plan on following closely. The second book is already out and I’m excited to read it. I want to know more about this world and the many facets that the author has revealed, and the many more I just know are waiting to be revealed. I recommend this story for fans of M/M romance who like a well-built paranormal world for the characters to play in. Ms. DeHalo is definitely an author to follow and watch to see what she does in the future!



4.5 Books




I bought this book with my own money. I was not compensated for my honest opinion. 

Friday, June 28, 2013

Spotlight/Giveaway: The Keepers:Archer by Rae Rivers



The Keepers: Archer
By: Rae Rivers
Published by Harper Impulse, Harper Collins
Available June 20th, 2013



Blurb:

Lose yourself in the world of The Keepers, an exciting new Paranormal Romance trilogy from Rae Rivers.

“Don’t ever look for me again, Archer.”

His mouth curled into a smile. “Game on.”

Central Park. Sienna Beckham is out jogging in the autumn sun, feeling almost ordinary. Trouble is, she'll never be. She's on the run from her life as a powerful witch and the three Keepers blood-bound to protect her.

Evil is hot on Sienna's tail and Archer Bennett is searching for her, desperate to find her before they do. As one of her Keepers, he will fight to his death to defend her.

Sienna must return and defend her hometown, Rapid Falls – but she has to face the past and master her powers. And as forbidden feelings blossom between Sienna and Archer, will their love survive the ultimate war?

The Keepers: three strong and handsome warrior brothers, born to protect.

Excerpt:

Sienna put a hand on Archer’s arm.  “I’m going to find Warrick and get him to talk to me so we can go home.”

   Archer responded by sliding both hands behind her lower back and pulling her tighter against him so that her body was flush against his.  She gasped at the sudden close contact and the intensity of his grip on her and tried to pull back to see his expression.

  “Just a minute more,” he whispered in her ear, keeping her in place as they swayed to the music.  Her body shivered in response, his breathy words scattering her thoughts in an instant. 

  “Careful, Archer, any closer and people will start thinking I’m your woman.”

  “You are my woman.” 

  She’d meant to tease him, to ease the sudden possessive grip he had on her, but when his mouth edged towards hers, the gentle scrape of his lips against her skin and his whispered words ripped a soft shudder through her.

  “No.”

  “Not yet.  In time, you will be.”

  She smiled against him.  “Confident tonight, are you?”

  “I call it like I see it.”  His fingers toyed with the seam of her dress at her lower back, and his lips hovered dangerously close to hers. 

  “You know we can’t.”

   “I’m not in the mood to please The Circle right now and besides, some of the best things in life are the things that are forbidden.”

  “What are we, Adam and Eve?”

  His face softened in a breathtaking grin and in a gentle movement, he released her, twirled her around, and drew her back to cradle her in a possessive hold that enthralled rather than annoyed her.

  She longed to throw caution to the wind and kiss him, take what he offered, and lose herself in this gorgeous man.  Screw the consequences.
  Instead, she opted for the safe route.  “Stop it, Archer.”

  “Scared to admit the truth?”

  “No.”

  “Liar,” he breathed against her lips before pulling back.

  She blinked, trying to ignore the flash of desire that raced through her body and pretend her senses hadn’t just been overrun by pure male sexiness.

  Wow.

  “I should go,” she said, needing some distance between them.  After all, she was here for a reason and it wasn’t to spend the night in Archer’s arms – on the dance floor or otherwise.

  The silent motion of his head agreed with her, but she could see that he was worried.

 She didn’t blame him.  Beneath her cool façade, even she was worried.
  But she had a plan.  One she wouldn’t share with her Keepers just yet.

  And she hoped to hell it worked.


Buy Links



KOBO       




About the Author:

I’m an avid reader and writer with a passion for writing romance novels. I live in Cape Town, South Africa, with my gorgeous husband, two beautiful children and a zoo of house pets.

Besides writing, I love family time, the outdoors, travelling, watching TV series, reading and chocolate. For more information about my books, or me, please visit www.raerivers.com

I can also be found here:
Twitter: @raerivers1

Giveaway:
Rae is hosting a TOUR WIDE Rafflecopter Commenter Giveaway for a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card.



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Spotlight/Giveaway: Reality Hero by Ashlynn Monroe







Reality Hero
by Ashlynn Monroe
Erotic Paranormal Romance
Categories: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Superhero
Publisher: Beachwalk Press
Release Date: June 17, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 72,000

Available at:





Blurb:


Can reality TV handle a reluctant superhero bachelor, ten attention-seeking women, and one evil villain?

Dina Dell's career as a television producer has hit bottom. Desperate to save her job, she comes up with the idea for a reality show called I Want to Date a Superhero. But the only superhero bachelor she knows is the only man she's ever loved—Zane Blair.

Zane was once a normal human, but a traumatic childhood incident mutated him, along with Dina's sister and their friends. Dina was the only one who escaped without any superhero abilities. And while she might be the "normal" one, that only left her feeling like more of an outcast.

Her lack of powers put Zane in danger. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before someone used her to get to him, she left, breaking both their hearts in the process. After all the pain she caused him, will he be willing to help her now?

Then an old enemy emerges, putting Dina's plans on hold. When her superhero friends are the ones who need help, Dina just might learn that sometimes little Miss Average can be a hero too.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.


Excerpt:

Zane looked at Dina in disbelief. Before he could stop himself, he was crushing her to him in a desperate kiss. His mouth ravished her with primitive savagery. Dina melted against him. Her lips parted and he slid his tongue into her mouth. She tasted so damn good. Feeling her body against his was an incredibly heady sensation. He never wanted to let her go. Her tongue slipped inside his mouth and explored. Zane growled and held her close for a second longer.

He pulled back, searching her expression for any sign that she was ready to admit they belonged together. Her wide eyes gazed up at him, and her lips parted slightly. She flushed, looking incredibly sexy. Just looking at her made his cock stiffen.

She put her forehead against his chin and closed her eyes. “You’d better go before someone comes to investigate how I am.”

He pushed back from her. She was a damn stubborn woman. He must like to suffer, because that was part of her appeal. He’d always loved a challenge. “Someday, I won’t obey your every command, Di.”

He had no idea just how much those old feelings still lived inside of her. She opened the door, this time he didn’t get it for her, and she ran up the stairs and into her building like the chicken she was. Her inner voice made clucking sounds the whole time she fled. Nothing terrified her quite like her longing for him. She wondered if he knew it and hoped he didn’t.


About the Author:

Ashlynn Monroe has been dreaming up stories all her life. She started to put them on paper at thirteen, but it wasn’t until she was thirty that she decided to share them with others. She’s a busy mom with a full time job, fantastic friends, and a unique sense of humor. She’s just a regular girl who’s in love with the idea of happily-ever-after. She’s honored to be multi-published by some of the best electronic publishers in the industry. Ashlynn survives each day by dreaming up her next tale of romance.

Connect with Ashlynn Monroe




Giveaway:

Prize is an Ashlynn Monroe Beachwalk Press eBook Prize Pack consisting of 1 copy each of "Slave to His Desire", "A Gift of the Darkest Magic", "Given" AND "Reality Hero".


Contest is tour-wide and ends July 10. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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