Today I'm turning my blog over to Maxine Mansfield, with a review of her novel "Tempted by the Storm," which is the 2nd book in The Academy of Magical Arts Series!!ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from April 1 - 12, 2013]
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 370; Kindle Edition - File Size: 552 KB | Release Date: October 15, 2012 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions"Tempted by the Storm" [The Academy of Magical Arts Series, Book 2] by Maxine Mansfield
My Book Summary : Larksong (Lark) was born a spiritmaster. Making her strong in the ways of mind-over-mind and mind-over-matter meaning her emotions can control the weather around her and more. It also meant that she was the outcast of the family and her mother always made it known to Lark that she wasn't who her mother wanted because she wasn't a boy and of her abilities. Therefore, she has become her older sister's--Aryanna--companion knowing that her family will never allow her to marry and have a family of her own.
A few days before Lark is charged with attending The Academy of Magical Arts with her sister so Aryanna can meet her betrothed, Aryanna encourages Lark to attend the Carnalval (a masked party where inhibitions rain free) where Lark meets the man of her dreams...
The only down part is that after a wild night of passion she sneaks a peak under his mask, while he's sleeping, just to fully appreciate his handsomeness only to realize she knows who he is! His name is Sarco and just happens to be the future Lord of the High Elves, as well as, he's Aryanna's betrothed!
Now Sarco and her have to deal with their passions, responsibilities, and find out what is more important to them in the end... honor, love, passion, truth, or all of the above if they can manage it.
My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This novel is the perfect mix of hilarity, adventurousness, family love/loyalty, and erotic love scenes!! With its great cast of characters this novel, and series, is one that I feel every adult that reads it will enjoy at least some aspect of it!
I enjoyed reading about Lark & Sarco's struggle between their hearts and their duty. Especially when they both realized that they never truly put themselves first before and no matter how much they want to now they can't because they care too much for their families and their people to do that to them. Nevertheless, these two make a great duo, from their magical talents to their sense of humor they complement each other very well.
Also, even though I understand why they did the things, they did and even though they make a good pair too, I wasn't really a fan of Aryanna & Cyrrick (Lark's sister & Sarco's brother). Mostly because of the way, they handled everything regarding their love and trying to manipulate Lark & Sarco into meeting/being together so that Aryanna & Cyrrick could be together instead of following the prophecy, which was putting Sarco & Aryanna together. --I hope I didn't confuse you ... I know I almost confused myself.-- =0) Anyway, Aryanna & Cyrrick are a good match up too I just wish they did things differently. Yet, I liked how they make up for everything in the last couple of chapters in the book.
Who really stole the show in this novel, though, was Leeky & Laycee (Sarco & Lark's gnomes)! They were a cute little pair with their multipurpose sex dolls Miss Bunny & Tug. While being some of the comic relief in this novel they also held their own by begin the voice of reason for Lark & Sarco. Plus, it was enjoyable to read about Leeky's multitude of "special" gloves he had to wear and his "roguish" ways.
All in all, there was never a dull moment while reading this novel. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did! Now I'm very intrigued to read the rest of this series!
I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes fantasy romances!
- On a side note -
This novel had so many funny moments that I wanted to share in my teaser section (see below) that I had a hard time choosing.
Author's Series Extras : Leekyism's ta live by | Leekyism of the Day | Leekyism of the Day | Leekyism of the Day :) | Leeky's Day | A Leeky Tuesday Afternoon | Another Leeky Tuesday Afternoon | Just Another Leeky Friday Morning | Just Another Slushy Leeky Morning | Touched by the Magic out May 4th | Sinful Sirens Blog Tour | To be, or not to be NAUGHTY :)
Book Teaser(s) :
First day of classes, and could a nice, welcoming lecture with perhaps a simple homework assignment be sufficient? Oh, no, not for Sarco “The Tormentor” Sunwalker.
After listening to a full hour of mind-numbing facts on ancient wizard history, the class had retired to the arena for what Sarco “The Sadist” Sunwalker described as weeding out the weak.
Lark closed her eyes and concentrated on trying to suck sufficient air into her lungs. The ache in her ribs reminded her that deep breathing wasn’t a function she’d be performing again anytime soon. Nausea threatened to rid her of what little she’d been able to force down at lunch as images raced through her head of what Sarco “The Evil Spawn from the Valley of Torment” Sunwalker had gleefully labeled Wizard Lab. ~ within Chapter 6
Tears burned the corners of Lark’s eyes.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Maxine, then please check out her website.
She caught Sarco’s eye, and he smiled that mischievous smile she so loved. A familiar warmth seeped into her mind.
“I don’t like your mother, Wonderful. How much do you want to bet she has that same sour expression on her face when your father gets up the nerve to actually ask her for sex? I’d wager she even critiques the poor fellow’s performance in bed. ‘To the right...no, your other right, barbarian! Faster, faster—no, slower. Oh, just get off of me and forget it.’”
Lark covered her mouth with both hands, trying her best to suppress a laugh. Her face burned even hotter, knowing none of the other people at the table were privy to what Sarco had just thought. They probably thought she was not only a glutton and a mistake, but an idiot to boot.
“Stop it. You’re going to get me in so much trouble.”
His slow, lazy smile made her heart thump wildly. ~ within Chapter 13
About the Author :
Hi, my name is Maxine Mansfield and I write romantic fantasy. I live in the far northern state of Alaska where the summer days are long and the winter nights even longer. I have one very special man, our three equally special children, and six delightful grandchildren in my life. Not to mention a very bossy African Grey parrot named Gabriel.
Oh, and Gnomes! many, many gnomes.
Book Excerpt :
There was only one word that could describe the creature standing before him. Wonderful.
“Did you say something?” the woman whispered.
He shook his head. “Nothing, I just can’t believe my luck. You really are real and here with me.”
She smiled, but her smile didn’t extend to her eyes.
Before another heartbeat passed or another breath taken, he stood at her side. With tenderness, he gazed into her gentle, masked face and took both of her hands in his. He was humbled as her fingers trembled even more than his own did. “We don’t have to do this if you’d rather not.”
She smiled wider, and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I suppose we might as well. After all, we’re already here, and you’re at least halfway undressed.”
Sliding his hands up her arms and around her shoulders to her back, Sarco felt for and found the clasps holding her gown together. With the flick of a wrist, they gave way, and with a swish, the silky fabric fell to her hips exposing lush, rose-tipped breasts. Just the right size to hold in both hands, to fondle, to caress, to taste.
“Hmm, it seems you’re halfway undressed yourself.”
Giveaways!! :
- A Tempted by the Storm themed gift bag to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/CANADA ONLY)
To Enter : Please leave a comment on this post, with a valid email address included at the end of it.
Soo .... COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)
ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting on the other stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning!
Find Maxine Mansfield :
4.5 out of 5 stars?! Very nice. I like a book with humor in with the romance and it sounds like the gnomes offer a serious dose of humor. I don't think I've ever read a book with gnomes!
ReplyDeletecatherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Thank you sooooooooo much for your review, and for liking my...ummm...unusual cast of characters. And, always remember, once you go gnome, you'll never again rome. :)
ReplyDeleteVery funny, magic and sex, does it get any better?
ReplyDeleteLove this series!
ReplyDeleteFun to read and keeps you turning pages.
Maxine (& her gnomes-;o) are awesome.
While Leaky is entertaining, I don't think I'd ever go "gnome" - lol! But Sarco is yummy!
ReplyDeletelol a couple of these comments made me laugh :) I've enjoyed reading people's reviews and the excerpts throughout the tour...Looks like a great book!
ReplyDeleteoddball2003 at hotmail dot com
Fun excerpts
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Loved the review. Cannot wait to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletekimlrkim@aol.com