Pages

Blackness Takes Over Book Blast & Giveaway

Hi everyone! I have the book blast for Blackness Takes Over today. There is info on the book and a giveaway.

Synopsis 
Shannon Kelly’s life has been anything but typical.
Her life has been altered viciously at the hands of others twice.

However horrible they have been, it’s these changes that have given her a family and career…now possibly love.
The last thirteen years she has been supported and loved by her protector, her entertainer, and her comforter, but never a lover.

When Dylan Kellerman enters Shannon’s life he changes its course in more ways than one.
He gives her hope and promise of a future she was convinced wasn’t attainable.

Just as she begins to believe she has finally turned her life into something she can build a future on…blackness takes over.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Blackness Takes Over is Norma Jeanne’s debut novel. What began as an homage to the home town of a homesick Midwestern girl, unfolded a story of love, danger, humor, and trust. She’s currently working on her untitled sophomore effort. We can’t wait to see what thrilling saga she leads us through next!

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Norma Jeanne recently found herself relocating to the United Kingdom. Now living in Belfast, she took hold of the opportunity to kick the 9-5 job for a chance to become an author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to spend more time with her cast of crazy characters (written and real).

In her free time Norma Jeanne is a voracious reader and consumes books as readily as meals. She is a people watcher by nature and uses her experiences in life, observed or otherwise, to build the worlds and characters that thrive in her books. A believer in the strength of the human spirit, Norma Jeanne writes the stories of people that persevere when all appears to be lost.

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” –Dylan Thomas

Giveaway



Mustang Sassy : Review

Mustang Sassy
by Daire St. Denis

Blurb
When Sass Hogan catches her boyfriend slow-dancing and doing the tongue-tango with Tori Double-D-Cup Hunter, she pays him back the only way she knows how—by taking a tire iron to his beloved ’67 Mustang Fastback. There’s only one problem. She’s destroyed the wrong car.

Jordan Michaels wants his car fixed, now, and he wants Sass’s auto body shop to do it. But the handsome blond has a secret−he’s really Jordan Carlyle of Carlyle’s Classics, Hogan’s biggest competitor, and he’s determined to prove himself to his family. 

As Sass and Jordan get to know each other, the depth of the attraction has them falling in love. But a relationship based on lies will only leave them primed for the worst wreck of their lives. 

My Review
Sass catches her boyfriend cheating and in a moment of rage she destroys his car. What she doesn't realize until it is to late is that it isn't his car but a strangers. Jordan doesn't know what has happened to his car but he has to get it fixed. He wants the auto body place Sass's dad runs to be the one to fix it. H doesn't know who or why his car was destroyed but it has to be fixed. He has another motive and that is to check out the shop and maybe steal some talent for his family business Carlyle's Classics. He has let his family down and thinks this may be his way back in the good graces. Sass and Jordan grow close and things heat up between them but they both have secrets that will destroy any chance they had.

Sass is an amazing woman who loves cars and loves working on them. She is great at what she does and it is her life. She has a few friends and her father who she loves. She is a very caring person as you see when she works with people who need some company. The one thing that scares her most is falling in love. She has been burned a few times and is scared to take a big step into a relationship. Jordan has disappointing his family and is looking for a way to prove to them he isn't a loser. He is very talented but his family just hasn't seen that yet. He is sexy and smart even if he slips up and does dumb stuff sometimes it makes him that much more real to me.

The title alone made me want to read this book and then when I read the blurb I was hooked. I loved Sass from the start as she is a woman who loves to work with cars. I do to so instant bond. She doesn't take well to being cheated on and I don't blame her. She acts out in a way that will take a man with a classic car to his knees. Jordan takes it in pretty good that his car has been destroyed. Even if the two start off with lies and secrets they quickly see they have something between them that can't be stopped. Sass will have you laughing as she tries to do a few things to keep from wanting Jordan so bad. They both even when they are hiding stuff actually help the other. They bring out the best in each other and show help each others talents. There is plenty of hotness in this book but there is also letting go and seeing no one is perfect. Both Sass and Jordan have a lot to work through and I loved reading about them. This book has a little bit of it all to keep you entertained.

4 out of 5 Stars

Bittersweet Darkness : Review

Bittersweet Darkness (The Order #3)
by Nina Croft

Blurb
There are no monsters, only good guys and bad guys. That’s the creed by which Detective Inspector Faith Connolly has always lived. 

When Faith discovers that she has a time bomb counting down in her head, she has one goal; to solve the murder case she’s working on—a young girl who was found drained of blood—and in doing so gain closure for a long ago murder never solved. Her investigation brings her in contact with Ash Delacourt. Ash is all black leather, big guns and sexy bad attitude—definitely not one of the good guys.

As payment for a debt, Asmodai AKA Ash Delacourt, finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords. He’s the demon representative on the newly formed Committee for the Integration of Mankind and well…everything else. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable detective—maybe have a little fun.

There are no monsters. But as Faith’s investigation deepens, her beliefs are eroded and for the first time, she is falling in love—with one of the bad guys. But how can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?

My Review
Faith has never believed in any type of supernatural monster. Even when signs point to what looks like a vampire she will not believe it. The detective has a crime she wants to see solved before her time is up. She doesn't have a lot of time as her health is rapidly going but she vows she will put a figure out this crime. She comes in contact with Ash as she investigates and while he has the bad guy look and feel to him she see can't help but want him. Asmodai has a debt to pay and part of that debt is working for the Order of the Shadow Accords. He now goes by Ash and is the demon representative for the new Committee for the Integration of Mankind. He gets the chance to be his daughter and maybe make things better between them. Faith makes him want something he hasn't wanted in a long time. As he helps her and they become closer he helps her deal with the fact those monsters she has never believed in may be real. Faith will have to look deep to see who the real monsters are and while she is falling for Ash she also knows her time is running out and she can't let Ash get to close.

Faith is a wonderful detective who lets nothing stand in her way of solving a crime and hoping it will help her figure out her mothers murder years ago. She has the chance to work for a place that will help her solve them but they seem crazy to her as they believe in monsters and she doesn't. She isn't thrilled with her job and the people she now finds she works for. They do have resources she needs but they want her to spy on her friend and believe some people are all evil. She doesn't ever seem to give up and she doesn't want anyone to know she is sick. Ash is so dark and sexy. He has done bad things before but he is working at being better. There isn't much he wouldn't do for his daughter. Faith makes him feel something he hasn't felt in years and he will do many things to protect her. Even when she wants to push him away he makes a hard choice and does whatever it takes for her.

This is a wonderful series that I can't get enough of. You don't have to read them in order but it will help knowing all the characters and really it is so good I would tell you to anyway. If you like paranormal books than you will enjoy this one. It has vampires, demons, witches, angels and so much more. You really get to see all kinds. You also get to see a different side of angels that you wouldn't expect. There is tons of action and you never get bored. Faith protects those she thinks need it and will jump into danger if it means she can save someone. Ash is so tough and you get to see him as he pulls out all the stops. There is also romance and love as Ash and Faith fall for each other but they have so many things to work through. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series as I have to see more of these great characters.

5 out of 5 Stars

Death Defying : Review

Death Defying (Blood Hunter #3)
by Nina Croft

Blurb
Part snake, part human, and—some would say all bitch—Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador has one goal in life—to earn enough credits to pay for the Meridian treatment to achieve the immortality she craves. And one last job will get her there. The assignment: protecting the most powerful man in the Universe.

Being leader of the known universe isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks big time. And after five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. But as things are changing, he’s changing—into what, though, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, and he’s employed the crew of El Cazador to help him do it.

Not everyone agrees with his plan, though. His own people will stop at nothing to prevent the truth coming out, the Church is taking advantage of the confusion and attempting a coup, and even the crew of El Cazador seem close to tossing him out the airlock without a space suit. But defying death has never been more dangerous, sexier, or more fun.

My Review
Captain Tannis has one goal in her life. She wants to get enough credits to become immortal using the Meridian treatment. She is part snake and part human and while she could become a vampire and become immortal that way it isn't the way she wants to go. She gets a job that will give her enough money to get the treatment. All she has to do is protect Callum Meridian the most powerful man in the universe. Callum is one of the founding members of the Collective and he knows things are changing,. He is changing as well but not sure how. He is bored and now he is out to figure out why things are changing. No one is going to stop him from his goal, not the Collective, the Church or even the crew he has hired. Tannis has never wanted a mans touch but she doesn't mind Callum's. Callum hasn't wanted anyone in a long time but Tannis heats him up. They both have different goals but they have to work together to put a stop to the Church and to let the truth out about what is going on. 

Tannis has a horrible past and she has never forgot it. She wants to become immortal by the Meridian treatment and will let nothing stop her. She also will stop at nothing to pay back those who did her bad. She has a great crew she cares deeply for and will protect them any way she can. She isn't afraid of danger and while she doesn't like it Callum brings something alive in her she doesn't like. She begins to feel for him. Callum wants everyone to know what is going on with the Collective and while they want to keep it hid he will be out in the open about it. He is very sexy and even when Tannis says she wants nothing to do with him he keeps trying. They both bring out the best and the worse at times in each other.

I haven't read any of the other books in this series but I wan't lost in reading this one. I will be reading them to get some of the other characters story. I really enjoy the different feel of this book. It's in the future, in space and you have all kinds of paranormal creatures. Tannis is so awesome being part snake and part human. She has venom and will use it if she has to. She may have been treated awful growing up but it only made her so much stronger. She doesn't want to like Callum other than what he can get her but she can't help it. It isn't an insta love and that is great. There is a great plot and I love finding out what the secrets were and I actual felt sad at one point. I won't spoil it. There is plenty of action as it seems everyone is out to stop this crew for one reason or another. You see how great Tannis is as she has a hard decision to make and she does what she has to do. I love the ending. If your looking for a new paranormal book to read you may want to try this series.

4 out of 5 Stars

Conception Blog Tour : Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Hi everyone! I have a stop on the Conception Blog Tour today. There is a review of the book, an excerpt and a giveaway for you all.

Conception
by K.S. Fish
(On sale for a limited time at Amazon for just $0.99)
Blurb
When twelve-year old Tyler Hudgens wakes up in the courtyard, he's buried up to his neck with twenty other screaming, terrified kids. Welcome to Frazier's compound, a place where Tyler and a chosen few will unlock powers in themselves that they could only dream about. Frazier has a plan to turn them into gods, and the only price is the death of 2.5 million people. When a schism occurs in their group, they're all flung into a battle that will test their loyalties and ultimately decide the fate of the world. 

David "Whitey" Jones is a brand new reporter, and through chance or fate, he's given the Tyler Hudgens case, a story no one else wanted. As Whitey digs for leads, he discovers The Moby Dick of all news stories; a riveting tale of mad scientists, telekinesis, and betrayal. With his eye on the Pulitzer, Whitey dives into a whole new world that may give him everything he ever wanted; or take his life. 

The world's future hangs in the balance, and a new world waits in the wings, on the brink of Conception.

My Review
Frazier has a crazy plan to create children with powers. He plans to turn them into gods when the time is right and take over the world. He kidnaps the children when they are twelve and makes them dig deep and unlock their powers. Tyler is one of those kids and as he grows up he develops his powers but knows deep down he will have to stop Frazier's plan. All grown now the children find they are on different sides and the battle for the future has begun.

I have to say I do read a lot of books but this one just blew me away. It is a darker book that kept me intrigued all the way through it. Tyler has a strong ability and he wants to use it to stop the others who want to rule the world. He is betrayed by the one he loves and has to fight to track them down with a little help. I have to say I love all the abilities they all have and how they use them. They have had to do evil things and it has effected them all. Frazier may have been the man who started it all but even he doesn't know what he has unleashed on the world. I am doing this without spoilers but I will say I was shocked by all that happened in this book. It seems no one is safe and the author is a mastermind at writing this book. I felt like I was watching a movie and in fact this would make a great one. There is always action and danger and you get the view point of most of the characters you see what really makes them tick. I hated to see the end of this book and I will get the next book as soon as I can. This author is one to watch as he is an amazing writer who creates a wonderful book you just can't get enough of.

5 out of 5 Stars

Excerpt from Conception: Book one of the Dominion Chronicles
 “What this is, my students, is a test of wills,” Frazier said. He paced in front of them like a mad scientist, shouting and pointing. He called them students, and they felt like students. None of them had forgotten that they had been kidnapped and then buried alive, but they had come to a quasi-truce with their kidnappers.In truth, Frazier’s compound was better than most of the places they came from. The food was good, no one tried to fuck them, or beat them. They were learning things. After awhile they even began to justify the need to be buried and almost killed to find the way out of their skin. True, thirteen other kids had died, but people died every day, and like Frazier said, to get the ultimate prize one had to be willing to pay the ultimate price. The other kids had just not made the cut. The fact that they’d had no choice in the matter was irrelevant.“Will,” Frazier intoned. “…is what makes you gods. To move your physical bodies, you impose your will, in the form of energy, on the physical flesh of your corporeal frame. When you left your bodies and read the index card, you took full control of your energy for the first time in your lives. Most people never do this. They think that this…” He pinched Tyler’s shoulder in disgust. “…is who they are. But who they really are—” He held up a finger. “…is on the inside. Tyler, for today’s lesson you will do the puppet. Your Pinocchio will be…” He paused for dramatic effect, his pointed finger moving around the room like a dousing rod. “Fernando!”Everyone in the room giggled nervously. When it was lesson time at Frazier’s compound it was more stressful than finals week at Harvard. Failure to learn the lesson properly here could end in death.

Fernando squirmed in his seat apprehensively.

“What do I do?” he asked.

“You fight him Fernando,” Frazier said. “But not with you fists, use your mind.”“And what am I supposed to do?” Tyler asked, puffing up with the fake bravado he liked to display whenever he was scared.“Imagine putting on a set of clothes,” Frazier said. “You take yours off and put Fernando’s on. But he will fight you. You must take the driver’s seat in his brain or he will kick you out of his head.”“How do I do that?”Frazier turned a menacing eye on him. “Figure it out."


K.S. Fish was born in San Diego, California. Though he was a single child growing up, he was lucky enough to have worlds upon worlds of brothers and sisters bumping around in his brain. His first short story was inscribed on his mother’s uterus.
However, for much of his youth, he strove to make every wrong possible choice for his life. Subsequently, it was many years until he was able to realize his gift and begin to hone his skill as a writer.
His first book, Conception, amazed readers with its character driven narrative and exciting storyline.
K.S. Fish resides in Georgia with many friends, his goldfish Barney, and a lifetime’s worth of stories to tell.


Giveaway

Tour Schedule:
2/24 - Miriam Smith
3/4 - Fic-Talk
3/5 - Literaria
3/10 - Books R Us

Apocalipstick Blog Tour : Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Hi everyone! I have a stop on the Apocalipstick blog tour today. There is a review of the book, an excerpt and a giveaway for you all.

Title: Apocalipstick
Author: Lisa Acerbo
Published: August 1st, 2013
Publisher: Eternal Press
Word Count: 67,000
Genre: Horror Paranormal Romance
Content Warning: Contains non-graphic zombie gore
Recommended Age: 15+ 

Synopsis:
 Jenna should be having the time of her life at college. Instead, her only desire is survival. She lives in a world gone insane after a virus kills most of the population. Being alive after the apocalypse is bad, but when the undead return, hungry for humans, times turn darker. For Jenna and a small group of survivors, the goal is to reach the High Point Inn. At the inn, Jenna develops feelings for Caleb, who, while exotic and intoxicating, is not quite human. Will this new utopia last?

My Review
Jenna is one of the human survivors after a virus changed the world. Now stalkers roam the world looking for humans to eat and some humans have become something else. Something other. As Jenna travels with other survivors and others to High Point Inn they suffer loss and bond together as a group. At the Inn Jenna finds she has feelings for Caleb even if he is an other and not quite human. She has a hard time letting go of the past and not everyone who survived is good. Her feelings have her confused and the stalkers aren't the only danger around.

Yes another book with undead which I love however his one has a new twist to it. If you don't like books with zombies you may still like this one. They aren't the real main focus of the book. There is something else called others and they are kind of like vampires but they aren't the usual type. Jenna is a tough character who somehow always finds herself right in the middle of trouble. She doesn't trust easy and with her past I can see why but she is a pretty good judge of character. It's getting everyone to listen to her that is the problem. She likes Caleb but is torn and mostly just wants things to go back to the way it was before the virus. She has to learn that won't happen and that she has a great guy right in front of her. Caleb is so awesome. He is always protecting Jenna and always there for her. This book has plenty of action and keeps you guessing what will happen next. As it seems some have different ideas on how the survivors should act. This leads to Jenna being right in danger again but she never seems to give up. I have to say I have to know what happens next and can't wait for the next book. The author has done an amazing job with this book.

4 out of 5 Stars


Excerpt
“By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes…” ran through Jenna’s mind, another remnant of her former life. Now the graveyard was the safest place. Evil openly roamed the streets and it was coming for her.
Jenna blinked the sweat out of her eyes and took a deep breath. She swayed with exhaustion. Angels, symbols of all things God and good, adornments of the dead, swam in and out of Jenna’s clouded vision. She placed a scarred hand on the peaceful, cold stone markers, embellished with the names of forgotten loved ones. Nowadays, loved ones wanted to come back from the grave and claw your face off, devour your insides.

Jenna wanted to lie down and give up. She was tired and had lost everyone she knew. Hair lank and greasy, mud splattered clothing, old and mismatched. Instead of admitting defeat, she forced herself to stay alert, pushing matted, raven hair out of her eyes with a dirty hand. Jenna could not remember a time in her recent history where she felt clean or had a moment in which she was not fighting to stay alive. Looking around the darkened landscape, she wanted to live. She shoved to her feet once again.


About the Author:
Born and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, Lisa Acerbo has lived in Trumbull, Connecticut since 2001. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in English Education and receiving a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University, she worked in a variety of educational positions. Presently, Lisa works as a high school teacher and adjunct faculty for the University of Phoenix.

Lisa always loved to write and worked as an intern for the Connecticut Post when completing her degree at Southern Connecticut State University. In addition to the Connecticut Post, her articles appeared in the Trumbull Patch and Hollywood Scriptwriter. She occasionally dabbles in poetry and her poetry won first place in the Trumbull Arts Festival Literary Competition. 

Lisa lives with her husband, Frank, two daughters, Dominique and Jessica, plus three cats and two horses.


Giveaway

Hearts Under Siege : Review

Hearts Under Siege
by Natalie J. Damschroder

Blurb
Brady Fitzpatrick has spent a decade burying the pain of a broken heart while working for SIEGE, an information-gathering spy agency. That it kept him away from his family as well as his best friend Molly has been an unfortunate side effect. But when his brother, also an agent, is killed during a foreign op, Brady is drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens the lives of everyone he loves… 

Molly Byrnes has loved Brady forever. As his best friend and a de facto member of the Fitzpatrick family, she holds them together in their crushing grief. But as a member SIEGE’s ground team, she doesn't buy the official line about Brady’s brother’s “accidental” death and launches her own investigation—only to uncover a shocking secret that she and Brady must get to the bottom of before their target finds them.

Tangled emotions land them in bed together, opening Brady’s eyes to the incredible, fearless woman who’s been there for him all his life. But after a lifetime of disappointment, how can Molly trust the possibility of a future with him…or if they can count on any future at all?

My Review
Brady has stayed away from his family for years. He had his heart broke and doesn't want to face the loss all the time so he stays busy working for SIEGE. He is a spy going on dangerous missions and his family doesn't know what he really does. Molly has always cared for Brady. She has been his best friend for years and his family treats her like one of them. She is also a member of SIEGE and while she knows what Brady does, he has no clue she is a member of SIEGE. When Brady's brother is killed Molly has to go get Brady. Molly feels something isn't right with the death and begins to look into it her self. While she and Brady work to figure things out they find themselves in danger and while Brady has had his eyes opened to how great Molly is, she is afraid his past heart ache will never stop.

Molly is such an amazing character. She loves Brady and his family and will do anything for them. She is strong, smart and doesn't let anything stop her from getting the answers she seeks. She is the type that would rather stand by and let the guy she loves be with someone else as long as they are happy. I love her and how she is constantly surprising people. Brady is a good guy who has had his head turned by a woman he can never have. He has walked away from his family and never thought he could be around them a lot. He has a dangerous job and he is good at it. I really started to like him when he really uses his eyes and sees what is in front of him.

From the start I could tell this would be a great book. I got wrapped up in this family and just had to have more. There is tons of action and danger and they are working for the same company but some of them don't know it. SIEGE has many secrets and plots unraveling and Molly and Brady find themselves right in the middle of it. There is so many twist and turns you don't see coming that keep you guessing what next. I love when Brady sees his past love again and has to face the fact she may not be the girl for him. He finally sees her faults and sees how wonderful Molly is. Molly is always right there ready to help in anyway. If you want a book that keeps you intrigued and fantastic characters and romance you must try this one. 

4 out of 5 Stars

Hot Rock : Review

Hot Rock
by Annie Seaton

Blurb
Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can't she stop thinking about him? 

Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done. 

Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?

My Review
Megan is going on the trip she has always wanted. She is researching her thesis at a rock festival. The town she is at is a little strange and her neighbor may look just like her rock idol from the 70's but he proves right away he is a jerk. Davy tries his best to keep Megan away from him. He has a secret and instead of someone who just looks like Megan's idol he actual is him. He can travel through time and goes back in forth in time to play his music in the 70's. When Megan follows Davy the truth comes out and they find even through time they still love each other. They just have to see if they can find each other when time tears them apart.

I like this story as it combines time travel and romance. Throw in 70's music and I am hooked. Megan is having a hard time at work but she still wants to have a great time. She finds her self at an odd place and tries her best to enjoy her trip. When she goes back in time at first she isn't away she has till she really opens her eyes and finds she is actually where one of her loves started. She doesn't like Day at first but is still drawn to him. Davy may seem like a jerk but he isn't he just has a secret to protect. He is afraid what will happen to Megan and he has an image he hates to live up to. The author does a great job describing the scene in the different times. You feel like you are there yourself. There is the romance between Davy and Megan and the wonder you have if things will work out for them. If you want a time traveling romance be sure to pick this one up.

4 out of 5 Stars

Pan's Conquest : Review

Pan's Conquest
by Aubrie Dionne 

Blurb
Syrinx pulled a fast one on Pan to escape his raging lust. The God of Chastity wasn't about to break her vows and succumb to his temptations. Transported to the twenty-first century, she runs a florist shop—fulfilling her fake, mortal life. Until the breathtaking Parker Thomas hires her to decorate his grand estate for a gala. Five hundred roses? Easy enough. Except Parker makes her feel things she can't ignore...

As the God of Fertility, Pan is used to maidens flocking in droves to his pastures. So when Syrinx denies him, he's determined to win the one that got away. He poses as a mortal to get close to her, but he doesn't count on falling hard for his conquest—hard enough to make a life and stay.

But Syrinx is falling in love with a man that doesn't exist. Can Pan hide his identity forever, or will the truth tear them apart?

My Review
Syrinx is the God of Chasity and she won't break her vows. Pan makes her want things she can't have so she runs from him and hides in the twenty-first century. Running a floral shop she lives a normal mortal life. She takes a job for a great looking man named Parker to decorate his estate for a gala. She worries because she starts to fall for Parker. Pan won't give up wanting Syrinx. He is the God of Fertility and while most maidens run to him, Syrinx is constantly running away. He will do anything to get what he wants including posing as a mortal to trick Syrinx. What he doesn't expect is to fall for Syrinx. She makes him want more than just a fling. However a person from the past is out to make sure they don't come together.

This is a wonderful story that I wanted more of. I love the author's take on Pan and Syrinx. They say opposites attract and in this case they sure do. Syrinx is a great character who only wants to keep her vows. She runs and hides from Pan thinking he will finally give up. She really is just scared of her own feelings and what will happen if she listens to her heart. She has an amazing mortal friend who you really want to have her own story. Pan at first lives up to his image but as he lives as a mortal trying to trick Syrinx he learns what it really means to care for someone else. His butler tells him about his own love and it makes Pan think about what is really important. I enjoyed getting to see both characters open up about what they want and how they feel. If you enjoy mythology or just want a quick good read this may be the one for you.

5 out of 5 Stars

Hard As You Can Release Day Launch : Review, Excerpt, Q&A & Giveaway

Hi everyone! I have the release day launch for Hard As You Can today. There is a review of the book, an excerpt, Q&A with the author and a giveaway for you all.

Blurb
Five dishonored soldiers.

Former Special Forces.

One last mission.

These are the men of Hard Ink.

Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he's shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister's sake, Crystal can't get too close. Until her job and Shane's mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. 

Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He's exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can--and never let go.

My Review
Crystal has to work in the club and do whatever it takes to keep Bruno happy and her sister safe. She never wanted in this position but she does what she has to do. She is looking for a way out and never expected to fall for a guy when he walks into the club. Shane makes her want things she never thought she would but she has to be careful or her sister or she could pay with their lives. Shane has to figure out what is going on and put a stop to it. Girls are missing and he knows the club is the key. He will do whatever it takes to makes Crystal and  her sister safe he just has to prove it to her.

If you have long nails you may not after reading this book. It keeps you biting your nails as you wait to see what will happen next. There is lots of action to keep you flipping the pages. Shane is simply amazing. If Crystal didn't take him I surely would. He is smart, tough, kindhearted, sexy and yet he does carry guilt around with him. I fell in love with him from the start. He isn't afraid to put his self in danger to help those he cares about or to do the right thing. Crystal has to do a lot of things she doesn't want to do. She is a very strong loyal woman. She has been pretty much tortured and continues to try and protect her sister. She doesn't trust easy but I enjoyed Shane getting into her head and showing her their is good people left in the world. Shane and Crystal have a great sexual chemistry between them and it really is a special one. You see just how great Shane is in those situations. I loved all of this book from the amazing characters to the action and danger. It all blends to make a fantastic book.

4 out of 5 Stars

Read an Extended Excerpt of Book 1, Hard As It Gets
Buy Hard As You Can at Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

 Excerpt Post
It’s release day! And I’m thrilled to share Hard As You Can, the second book in the Hard Ink series, with all of you here today! Hard As You Can follows the surviving members of a disgraced Army Special Forces team as they fight to regain their stolen honor, and finds their investigation crossing paths with a waitress willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive and protect her younger sister. For Shane McCallan, saving Crystal Dean is a mission he refuses to turn down.

Today, I’m excited to share Shane and Crystal’s first kiss! Don’t you love first kiss scenes? Gah! I so do. *grins* Here we go:

“Tell me not to,” Shane said, his voice a raw scrape.

“I can’t,” Crystal whispered in a shaky voice. “I don’t want to.”

Shane’s body took over then, all urgent need and basic instinct. The rest of the world be damned. He pulled her in and kissed her, his lips devouring, his tongue exploring deep. Nothing held back. Nothing denied. Not even as her lips reawakened the sting from the cut on his lip. Totally worth it.

Crystal’s arms came up around him. She trembled against him, and Shane wasn’t sure if it was caused by adrenaline or fear. Unable to tolerate the thought that she might feel forced, he eased off.

She moaned and held him tighter, like his retreat had made something snap within her. Their kisses deepened, and her body moved against his, sinuously, maddeningly, desperately.

They tasted one another again and again, giving in to the heat that had sparked between them from the moment Crystal had collided with him at Confessions. Little nips and bites of lips and teeth warred with long, sensual strokes of tongue that stole his breath and made him instantly hard. The sting in his lip, the throb of his GSW, the aches from Nick’s asskicking, every bit of it faded away—no, her touch made it all go away.

The few times they’d spoken, Crystal had most often been guarded, tentative, fearful. Just as she’d been when he first kissed her. But, now, she was revealing a passionate woman who could be fearless, giving and receiving openly and without hesitation. Christ, the thought that this fierceness was the real Crystal slayed him because it meant she was burying and denying her true self, not because she wanted to, but because she had to.

No, because someone forced her to.

The thought reminded him of the bruises on her arm. Shane had known this woman for three days, and twice in that time she’d been hurt by another man. And both as a consequence for things Shane had done.

A crack of thunder echoed from the heavens, making Crystal jump and gasp into his mouth.

“I’ve got you,” he rasped around a kiss.

Part of him wanted to say more, to tell her he had her and he’d keep her safe. But he couldn’t make himself give up her heat, her sweetness, her obvious hunger—for him.

So he made her a silent promise instead.

Never again, Crystal. He’ll never hurt you again. Not on my watch.

Because Shane McCallan had made a mistake like that once. And, as bad as his sister’s disappearance had been, something’s happening to Crystal would actually be worse because Shane knew it was coming. The one break he’d ever given himself over Molly was that he’d had no way to know she’d be abducted. Didn’t excuse the role he played in allowing it to happen, but he couldn’t have known. But with Crystal, while he might not know when or how this Bruno asshole would strike out to do the ultimate damage, it was all but a done deal at this point. Always was with guys like him. And Shane would go to the grave before he let it happen, before he failed another female for whom he cared.

Because he did care. Made no damn sense given how long he’d known her. And the timing was beyond piss-poor. But there it was all the same.

So that’s Shane and Crystal starting to give in to what they feel for one another – I hope you enjoyed! Did you have a favorite line? Thanks for reading!
~Laura

“Edgy, sexy, and full of suspense! A great read from a great new author!”
~J.R. Ward on Hard As It Gets

Q&A WITH LAURA KAYE
HARD AS YOU CAN is your second book in the “Hard Ink” series (after USA Today bestseller, HARD AS IT GETS). What can readers look forward to? 
Readers can look forward to tons of sexy alpha male goodness, awesome bromance between the Hard Ink men, more antics from the Hard Ink puppy, and another great love story between Shane and Crystal. But readers should also be ready for a book that is darker, more intense, and more emotional. This book pushed me to emotional places that were tough as a writer, and might be tough for readers, too. But I think that just makes the payoff at the end so much sweeter!

Describe Shane and Crystal. What are their best traits? What are their weaknesses?
Shane and Crystal are such an amazing couple to me. They’re each exactly what the other needs. Shane’s best traits are his protectiveness, his fundamental kindness, and his soul-deep loyalty (his southern accent and humor are also right up there!). His biggest weakness for sure is a tragedy from the past for which he blames himself—and it’s something that continues to motivate him in Hard As You Can. Crystal’s best traits are her courage, protectiveness, and selflessness—she’s willing to do anything to keep her younger sister safe. Her biggest weakness is also that selflessness, because the sacrifices she’s required to make are getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

If you could describe your book in a 140 character tweet, what would it be?
When a woman in trouble assists an ex-soldier's covert mission to regain his team's stolen honor, he finds a new mission to save her, too

What are you most excited about with this second book release?
I’m really excited to take readers deeper into these awesome characters and into the mystery behind the Hard Ink team’s ambush and discharge!

What books are you reading right now?
I’m almost done with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (yes, I’m very late to the party but OMG JAMIE FRASER!!!). And I’ve recently devoured and loved Juliana Stone’s Offsides and Shelly Thacker’s time-travel historical romance, Forever His.

What can fans of your “Hard Ink” series look forward to next?
There will be two more Hard Ink books in 2014! 

Hard to Hold on To – August 2014

Hard to Come By – November 2014

About Laura Kaye:
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.


Giveaway

Laura will also be hosting a Facebook party for HARD AS YOU CAN on 2/25 from 12-9pm EST :https://www.facebook.com/events/416084181828110

Unbearable Guilt Release Day Blast & Giveaway

Hi everyone! Today I have the release day blast for Unbearable Guilt. There is info on the book and a giveaway for you all.

Unbearable Guilt
Breathe Again #2
By: Emma Grayson
Releasing Feb 24th, 2014

Blurb
Kane Archer hasn’t always been full of rage or torment, he hasn’t always hated life or himself, and he hasn’t always lived in a world riddled with so much guilt that it consumed him. There was a time when his life was complete, when he smiled and laughed, made electrifyingly passionate love, and breathed happiness.

Until the unthinkable took it all away from him.

Now, still reeling from his fiancée’s death two and a half years later, and with the promise he made to find the men who killed her and bring them to justice –regardless of the cost– Kane returns to Camden, the one place he swore he’d never go back to.

Numb, afflicted by guilt, and haunted by the events that led to Aimee’s death, the last thing Kane wanted was to meet someone he felt connected to; who made him feel again.

As Kane gets closer to the ones responsible for Aimee’s death, he’s thrown a curve ball when he discovers a secret so devastating it not only rocks his world, but threatens to destroy any chance at happiness.

Whitney Jareau packed up her life and left everything behind when tragedy struck her family. Finally able to get away from her persistent and domineering family who wanted her to do the one thing she couldn’t, she found her solitude in Camden.

Now, two years later, her family wants her home and will go to any lengths to get her there. With her heart on her sleeve for Kane Archer, a man so gorgeous it hurts to see the pain he carries, Whitney fights her family and refuses to return home to carry out their wishes.

Can Whitney stand strong without succumbing to the demands of her family?

Can Kane let Aimee and the past go in order to move forward with the woman who brought him back to life?

Or will he walk away from her and only ever feel the burden of UNBEARABLE GUILT

Buy Links 

Author Info
Emma Grayson is a Canadian author who resides outside of Edmonton, Alberta with her family and five year old son. 

She is currently working on Take it All, book one in her new series, Blinded by Love, as well as Unbearable Guilt, book two in her Breathe Again series. 

When she’s not writing she enjoys time with her son, going to movies, reading, or enjoying Starbucks latte’s with her girlfriends. She’s the lover of music, television, all things purple, Oilers hockey and doesn’t leave the house without her iPhone, Kobo, flip flops or a pack of gum.

Author Links

Giveaway

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops.

Ignite Release Blast & Giveaway


Set fire to your passions with heart stopping suspense, adventure, and intrigue from Ignite. Each Ignite title features to-die-for heroes and kick-butt heroines on an emotional roller coaster ride toward love. With new books and new passions exploding every month, every Ignite novel is one you can’t put down until the last page is turned. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, and like their Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Ignite's February Releases!!



Between the Sheets by Genie Davis & Linda Marr

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

An erotic romance writer with an ordinary life is suddenly drawn into her own stories when a seductive, mysterious FBI special consultant rescues her from an attempted hit and run, and she’s plunged into a reckless relationship like those she puts on paper. As Riley struggles to keep Jenna safe from the men out to kidnap her, the romance they’ve woven could force them to pay the ultimate price: admitting they’ve fallen in love—for real.



Hearts Under Siege by Natalie J. Damschroder

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Brady Fitzpatrick & Molly Byrnes each have separate jobs to do for the information-gathering spy agency, SIEGE—until Brady’s brother is killed, a shocking secret is uncovered, their lives are endangered, & tangled emotions land them in bed together. That’s when the complications really set in…


Risking it All for Her Boss by Sharron McClellan

Special $0.99 Introductory Pricing!

After a botched undercover, a pair of High Risk Securities (HRS) agents are assigned to reunite a bio-chemical warfare scientist with his daughter. As old emotions rekindle, the scientist is kidnapped and forced to create a monstrous weapon, and Eva and Quinn have to fight both the enemy and a passion for each other that could destroy them all.





Edge Release Day Blast & Giveaway


Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from their popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way. Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, and like their Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's February releases!!



Mustang Sassy by Daire St. Denis

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!


Find Out More!

Jordan Michaels wants his car fixed, now, and he wants Sass’s auto body shop to do it. But the handsome blond has a secret−he’s really Jordan Carlyle of Carlyle’s Classics, Sass Hogan’s biggest competitor, and he’s determined to prove himself to his family. As Sass and Jordan get to know each other, the depth of the attraction has them falling in love. But a relationship based on lies will only leave them primed for the worst wreck of their lives.



Death Defying by Nina Croft
Blood Hunter #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on First 3 Books in Series!

Find Out More!

After five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. Until he realizes he’s physically changing—into what, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, but his own people will stop at nothing to prevent it from coming out. He turns to Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador. Sparks fly as they work together to make it out alive, but can Callum really trust the one woman hell bent on using him? Defying death has never been more dangerous…or more sexy.



Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft
The Order #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!


Find Out More!

As payment for a debt, Ash Delacourt finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords as the demon representative. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable Detective Connolly—maybe have a little fun. But Faith has a secret, and falling in love with Ash—one of the bad guys, albeit a stunningly gorgeous one, isn't part of her future. How can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?



Before the Devil Knows You're Dead by Patricia Eimer
Speak of the Devil #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!


Find Out More!

There’s never an end to the crazy when you’re demon spawn. Not that Faith Bettincourt’s complaining. She's patching things up with her angelic on-again off-again boyfriend, Matt, and saving kids from Death in her pediatric unit, one soul at a time. But when she's forced to take over as the Angel of Death, and then Matt’s ex comes back, bringing the Apocalypse with her, Faith’s not about to give up the world...or her man. When the chips are down, what’s a girl to do but take matters in her own hands, consequences be damned?




Covet Release Blast & Giveaway


Covets have all the sexiness, emotion, and happily ever after that readers have come to expect and love from Entangled. They are firmly grounded in the contemporary world, but each novel brings in supernatural twists, breaking the contemporary and paranormal rules, alike. To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books you’ll be coveting next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, Like their Facebook page, and join the Book Club.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Covet's February releases:



Hot Rock by Annie Seaton

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!


Megan Miller is on a dream trip to research her doctoral thesis at a rock festival in England. When she arrives in town she’s stunned that her temporary neighbor is the spitting image of her 70’s rock idol, too bad he’s also a world-class jerk. So why can't she stop thinking about him?

Seventies rock star Davy Morgan is a man with a secret: rockin’ in one time and living in another. He holds his privacy close to his heart, so when a beautiful girl who not only loves but truly understands his music moves in next door, he works overtime to keep her at a distance. Easier said than done.

Megan follows Davy to the rock festival, but it’s not what or when it seems. The lure of the music draws them closer, but can their newfound love span across the decades, or will it get lost in time?




Pan's Conquest by Aubrie Dionne

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!

Syrinx pulled a fast one on Pan to escape his raging lust. The God of Chastity wasn't about to break her vows and succumb to his temptations. Transported to the twenty-first century, she runs a florist shop—fulfilling her fake, mortal life. Until the breathtaking Parker Thomas hires her to decorate his grand estate for a gala. Five hundred roses? Easy enough. Except Parker makes her feel things she can't ignore...

As the God of Fertility, Pan is used to maidens flocking in droves to his pastures. So when Syrinx denies him, he's determined to win the one that got away. He poses as a mortal to get close to her, but he doesn't count on falling hard for his conquest—hard enough to make a life and stay.

But Syrinx is falling in love with a man that doesn't exist. Can Pan hide his identity forever, or will the truth tear them apart?



a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway