Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays: A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing


  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here


  • "A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing" [Werewolf Series, Book 9] by Terry Spear

    Book Teaser:
    Finn spied a notebook sitting next to the phone and flipped it open. A woman's handwriting listed guests due to arrive this week---with abbreviated notes beside their names.
    Joe Matheson, investment broker---sounded sexy, first arrival.
    Hugh Sutherland, thrill seeker---rugged voice.
    Ted Greystalk, bank president---promising.
    Caesar Silverman, dive-shop owner---sounded wet and wild.

    Finn snorted. He didn't think she liked Navy SEAL types much because he and Hunter were SEALs. So why would the owner of a dive shop be appealing? ~ within Chapter 1

    My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Dreaming of the Wolf

    Monday, April 16, 2012

    Blog Tour - Enemy Through The Gates by D. T. Dyllin | Guest Post & Giveaway

    Today I'm turning my blog over to D. T. Dyllin. She's talking about how she got into creating "Enemy Through The Gates" and why she decided to write a book within the YA Paranormal Romance genre!

    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 9 - 20, 2012]



    About "Enemy Through The Gates" :

    Today on my stop at From Me to You ... Video, Photography, and Book Reviews, I’m going to talk about how I created my novel "Enemy Through The Gates," and why I chose to go with the YA Paranormal Romance genre. So here it is...From me to you...

    All of my ideas come to me from dreams. Sometimes it’s just a particular character, or sometimes it’s the backdrop for the story. But once I have the first little spark of creation, everything else seems to fall into place. In the case of "Enemy Through The Gates," I dreamt that I was in P.J.’s head for what is now the opening scene of the book. I could hear her thoughts, see through her eyes, and yet I was still me. It was if I was watching a narrated movie from inside her head. When I woke up the next morning, P.J.’s presence seemed to haunt me. So, by the end of the following day the first few chapters of "Enemy Through The Gates" had been written and the idea for the series was firmly implanted within my mind.

    So...I guess you could say that YA Paranormal Romance chose me, and I’m glad it did. I think writing YA is a wonderful platform to not only create an entertaining story, but to let the characters serve as role models. At first glance one might not think P.J. is a very good role model, but when you look at her closer you might find yourself changing your mind. She’s fiercely loyal, she follows her heart, she questions authority, and she doesn’t give into peer pressure when it comes to casual sex. She wants more for herself and holds out until she gets it. Those are just some of the qualities that I love about P.J. and I wouldn’t mind her inspiring the same in others. P.J., even when she makes mistake after mistake, remains true to herself no matter the cost. Now don’t get me wrong, she still has a lot of growing to do as a person, but I hope to explore all of that in the next two installments of the series. I’m already about half way done with the next book and can’t wait to start working on the third!!! I won’t be able to rest until P.J.’s story is complete!

    Well I hope that helped to give a little bit of insight into how "Enemy Through The Gates" came to live in YA paranormal romance land. It’s now time to give some virtual love...from me to you... the readers, and to my awesome blog host From Me to You ... Video, Photography, and Book Reviews. Thank you so much for having me here today! :)



    About the Author :

    Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Self imposed Insomniac. Sci-Fi Dork. Animal Lover. Writer. Those are just a few words to describe D. T. Dyllin. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and very spoiled GSD. "Enemy Through The Gates" is her debut novel.



    "Enemy Through The Gates" [The P. J. Stone Gates Trilogy, Book 1] by D. T. Dyllin

    Author's Book Description :

      P. J. Stone, like most eighteen-year-old girls, is a little boy crazy and somewhat obsessed with finding the perfect boyfriend. Some days she feels like she might be the last remaining virgin in her entire high school, and maybe even the entire tri-state area.

      After a traumatic night at a friend’s party, P. J. realizes what she truly wants has been right under her nose all along. Bryn O’Bannon, her best friend and partner in crime since age five, is head over heels in love with her, and she feels the same about him.

      But P. J.’s life isn’t that simple. She’s a member of a separate society that exists secretly among the rest of the world; the society raises gifted individuals to protect the world from interdimensional interlopers, and P. J. was taught to put duty before her heart. She is expected to choose a suitable mate in order to perpetuate the Seer line. Unfortunately, Bryn is a Guardian and is forbidden to date—let alone mate with—a Seer such as herself.

      As if figuring out her love life isn’t complicated enough, P. J. begins having visions of a threat to her world only she is able to perceive. Now, she must concoct and execute a plan to avert world disaster while at the same time avoiding the dissolution of her love life.



    Book Excerpt :

    I was still staring at the screen when Bryn snatched my phone out of my grasp. “That’s a resounding no,” he said, anger flaring in his eyes as he read the message from Jeremy.

    “Hey, Bryn. I have to . . . remember?” I made a grab for my phone, but he kept it just out of my reach with his long arms.

    “You don’t have to anything. You went on a date with him, now it’s over. Time for Mr. Gatekeeper to move on along from you.”

    “Bryn,” I whined. “Just give me my damn phone.”

    “Why? Do you want to go out with him again or something?”

    Was he kidding? “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I don’t want to, it’s just I need to look like I’m giving these guys a chance. Besides he was a nice guy, I should be able to get another date out of him without him trying something with me.”

    The look that washed over Bryn’s face told me that had not been the right thing to say. “You are not going out with him again.” He said through clenched teeth.

    “Bryn, what’s wrong with you? Stop acting all jealous and demanding. No matter how much I love you, there’s absolutely no future for us if this is how you’re going to treat me.” I raised my chin up and glared at him angrily. There was no way he was going to order me around. It didn’t matter that I loved him; I absolutely would not tolerate that kind of behavior from him or anyone else for that matter.



    Giveaway!! :
    • A $15 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

    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 D. T. Dyllin :

    Sunday, April 15, 2012

    Made the Grade: Rules of the Game by Sandy James

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 445 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: April 2, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

    "Rules of the Game" by Sandy James

    My Book Summary : Madalyn (Maddie) is on a mission ... find a hot, bad, biker guy to bring back to her high school reunion. After a few trial and errors at the first few biker bars she goes into, she finally finds Mr. Perfect, Scott, at a bar in New Jersey. Maddie proposes to him her plans, have him go to her reunion and she'll pay him because she believes he needs the money.

    Scott doesn't immediately agree with her preposition, instead, he asks that she help him get his friends and family off his back about setting him up with woman. Therefore, if she can get his friends and family to believe that they're together then he'll agree to go to her reunion with her.

    The one thing Maddie never believed would happen though does, when her feelings for him start turning into something more, and Scott changes the rules of the game before the reunion happens .... they won't be a business arrangement anymore instead they start dating.

    However, they both have secrets that they have yet to tell each other that might just ruin the relationship they have going between them. Will they want to stay together once their secrets come out in the open or will their secrets be too much for them to deal with?

    My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for a light and fluffy romance to read then this is not the book for you. However, this is a romance novel I could almost believe happened in real life because of all of the trials and tribulations Maddie has to deal with throughout this novel. Thankfully, Scott is a strong hero who protects Maddie at every turn, even from herself when there is a need to do so. I really liked Scott and Maddie as a couple. They made a very good pair.

    Nevertheless, Maddie is her own worse nightmare and has a very hard time when it comes to letting things go, which for me was a positive and negative in this book. It's a positive because it humanized Maddie and made the story that more believable. However, it's a negative because it makes Maddie a really poor heroine, to an extent that the story drags on a bit since she takes so long to come to any decisions or has others (like Scott) make her choices for her.

    Therefore, if you’re looking for a sweet romance novel that is filled with drama and twists then this is the book for you!

    Book Teaser(s) :
    “I seriously embarrass you so much you don’t want me to talk to your friends?” My anger rose with each passing second. I thought we had a connection. Realizing he was ashamed of me hurt. A lot.
    “That’s what you thought?” A heavy sigh slipped from his lips as he pulled his hands from his pockets and rested them on my shoulders. A soft kiss against my forehead eased the hurt. “It wasn’t that. I just...I’m not ready to talk about work yet. I’m...embarrassed.”
    I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. I’d been right. Scott didn’t talk about work because he thought I might look down on what he did to earn a living. Perhaps I should have been insulted that he thought I was that shallow, but stereotypes are hard to fight. Just how bad was his job? “Look, are you some mafia hit man?”
    “God, no.”
    “Do you do anything illegal?”
    I loved his lopsided grin. “Not most of the time.”
    “Do people need your help?”
    “Oh, yeah.”
    “Do you star in pornos?”
    His only answer was a hearty chuckle. ~ within Chapter 5
    For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sandy, then please check out her website.

    Saturday, April 14, 2012

    Made the Grade: His Secret Temptation by Cat Schield

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 371 KB | Expected Release Date: April 16, 2012 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

    "His Secret Temptation" by Cat Schield

    My Book Summary : After coming home from a long work trip Simon finds his own personal Goldilocks sleeping in his bed. He's intrigue with the beauty in his bed but knows he needs to wake her up, so he does and gets a surprise he never expected. This Goldilocks is actually Caroline his maid of the past six months that he never met before. However, from their quirky notes to each other that they shared during that time he's learned that she's a law student that has less of a social life then he does.

    Caroline is so embarrassed to be found sleeping on Simon's bed but she is even more surprised by her instant attraction to him. Nevertheless, just as they are introducing themselves and getting to know each other a bit, Simon's ex-girlfriend and future sister-in-law stops by Simon's place with plans to seduce him.

    Completely thrown off guard and unsure of how to get his ex out of his apartment Simon tells her that Caroline is his fiancée and gets her to leave. Therefore, with the holidays right around the corner Simon proposes a deal to Caroline she pretend to be his fiancée while they go visit his family during Christmas for two weeks and he'll pay the debt she owes to her financial loans.

    Even though Caroline has a major thing against lying to people, she really needs the money for her loans, so she agrees to Simon's charade. However, once Caroline meets Simon's family, possibly falling in love with them and him, will she be able to keep to her agreement for long?

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! It's a fun, humorous, and spicy novel that had me enamored with the characters most of the way through. Even though the plots are a bit different this novel reminded me a little of Sandra Bullock's movie "While You Were Sleeping." Mostly because of the way Caroline has no family of her own and a bit on the poorer side, then gets swept-up and brought into this loving family that she wants so much to be her own but knows that's not really possible.

    I really enjoyed reading about the banter and sexual tension that goes on between Caroline and Simon. I just wish the novel was a bit more fleshed out instead of being a world-win romance, but it was written well enough for me to like it too.

    If you’re looking for a quick novel that will keep you on your toes while warming you up on a winter night then this is the book for you!

    Book Teaser(s) :
    “I know it’s a lot to take in,” Simon said.
    She could use a couple of hours to sort through all the impressions she had about Simon’s family, but they were passing through Savannah on the way to the Historic District and the house Simon had grown up in. A house that had been in his mother’s family since the eighteen-thirties. There was a lot of tradition tied up in Simon’s roots. How would his parents feel about an interloper like her?
    “It’s okay,” she said, putting her worries aside. “If I survived my complex litigation class, I can remember a couple hundred stories about your family.”
    “I suppose that’s your way of saying I don’t know anything about you.”
    “You already know my mother is dead and my father is a movie character, what more is there to know?” She kept her tone light, but a trace of bitterness crept in. When compared to Simon’s rich family background, her story sounded flat.
    “How about what sort of music you listen to?”
    “Joss Stone. Tori Amos.” She spun the engagement ring around on her finger, still unaccustomed to the weight, and assessed his lack of recognition. “I told you it doesn’t matter.”
    “What does it say about me that I don’t know the simplest things about the woman I plan to marry?”
    “That you’re an inconsiderate ass?”
    He burst out laughing as she repeated what he’d said to his mother the day before. ~ within Chapter 4
    For more information on this book and/or any other books by Cat, then please check out her website.

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Trinity Bound by Carrie Ann Ryan | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

    Today I'm turning my blog over to Carrie Ann Ryan, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Trinity Bound," which is the 3rd book in Redwood Pack 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 2 - 13, 2012]



    My Q&A with Carrie Ann Ryan :

    Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

    Carrie Ann : Hi! Thank you for having me here today! I’m a twenty-six year old paranormal romance author by night and a chemist by day. But while I do all that, I’m a romance lover at heart.

    Jess : How long have you been a published author? And what has being an author been like for you?

    Carrie Ann : My first book, "An Alpha’s Path," came out Dec 1st, 2011. For me, it doesn’t seem real. I love writing and reading romance. But it’s so weird (in a fabulously amazing way) to have people email and Facebook me that they’ve read my work...and actually like it! LOL

    Jess : Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

    Carrie Ann : Most? Maddox. I love him. My crit partner, Lia Davis, and I will have a bare-knuckle fight over him one day. But it will totally be worth it! (And Lia, I’d SO win. LOL)

    Least? Corbin. Have you met the guy? *shudders* He creeps me out more than the demon, Caym. I re-read some of Corbin’s scenes after I write them and shudder.

    Jess : What sparked the idea for your most recent novel, "Trinity Bound?"

    Carrie Ann : While writing "A Taste for a Mate," Reed came out to me. Literally. I didn’t know he was bi until he told Willow that day in his art’s studio. And then I couldn’t decide who Reed should be with since I thought he would always be with Hannah. But the two of them needed someone else.

    And that’s how I found Josh. *sigh* I love Josh.

    Jess : If you had to describe Hannah, Reed, & Josh (from "Trinity Bound") in one word, what would it be?

    Carrie Ann : Reed: Heart

    Hannah: Soul

    Reed: Strength

    All Three: Stronger.

    Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

    Carrie Ann : I’m a character author. I find out which characters are in my head and then the story comes to me. At least that’s how it’s worked out so far.

    Jess : What is your latest published book? And if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

    Carrie Ann : "Trinity Bound" came out just about a week ago. And I don’t think I’d change anything about it. I really love this book.

    Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

    Carrie Ann : I have written four books and am halfway through two more. Right now..."Trinity Bound" is my favorite. Mostly because it was the first time that all my characters actually spoke to me then ENTIRE time. Plus, I think I found who I was as a writer by this point. Which is always a plus.

    Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

    Carrie Ann : Soooo many! Next up is "A Night Away," book 3.5 in the Redwood Pack series. I wanted to write a Kade and Mel novella so everyone could see how they were doing. That comes out May 1st.

    I’m also writing "Dust of My Wings," book 1 in the Dante’s Circle series. It’s a book about an angel, Shade, who needs to reclaim his dust to protect the secrets of the supernaturals. However, a human lab tech, Lily, may stand in his way.

    The entire Dante’s Circle series is set in a world where the humans aren’t really human...but they don’t know it. It will take something drastic to change that. And it just might happen.

    Jess : Which question are you most sick of answering in interviews??

    Carrie Ann : My favorite author. I know, I know. It’s one of the questions I always ask because sometimes I get an answer. But I have over 100 favorite authors...I love them all! LOL





    About the Author :

    Carrie Ann Ryan is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate - even if its just in her books. Happy endings are always near - even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.

    Her first book, "An Alpha's Path," is the first in her Redwood Pack series. She's also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She love meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.

    Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers.




    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 472 KB | Expected Release Date: March 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

    "Trinity Bound" [Redwood Pack Series, Book 3] by Carrie Ann Ryan

    My Book Summary : Towards the end of "A Taste for a Mate" Reed sacrificed himself to be captured by the Centrals so his sister-in-law, Willow, wouldn't be caught by them again. Therefore, "Trinity Bound" begins with Reed chained and hurt within the Centrals dungeon with a woman, Hannah, who Reed knows is his mate and plans on doing anything he can to protect her from their captors. However, even though he feels that Hannah is his mate, he also feels like there is something missing too.

    Hannah is an earth witch, who has just lost everything when the Centrals took her (from them killing her mother to destroying her shop), and has the rare ability to heal. So even though she has been with the Centrals for a few weeks already, when she sees Reed take beating after beating on her behave, she can't help but want to heal him. Soon they both find a way to help each other within their captivity but they still need to find a way to escape....

    Josh is an ex-SEAL and a human who is already aware of the supernatural world because of his own rare ability to be able to Find people. So, when he hears two teenagers talking about how Hannah and Reed were taken into the Centrals den, he suddenly has a desire that he needs to find them no matter what. However, when he gets to rescue them he gets more than he expected. Josh realizes that they are mates yet he desires them both, even though he's never had feelings (sexual or otherwise) for guys before.

    Reed knows as soon as he meets Josh in the dungeon that Josh is that something missing he was looking for. Josh is Reed's other mate. Will all of them be able to deal with living in a Trinity Bond? Will they even want to, even if Reed doesn't want to let either of them go? And when the Centrals' demon decides to hurt, what might be going on between all of them, will they be able to make it through it all together or will they end up losing someone they are all starting to love?

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, fall into the middle of the Centrals den with Hannah, Reed, & Josh where you'll find out what it means to be and have a mate that you'll do anything for at, almost, any cost. This dynamic trio encompasses a wonderful chemistry that is combustible and endearing at the same time. So much so, that you root for them throughout this novel.

    When reading this book I kept being reminded of Lee Brice's song "A Woman Like You" because it's a song about what he would do if he never met his wife, which is the basic theme (that I saw) throughout this novel. Since even though Josh, Hannah, & Reed are all interested in each other, their relationship seems to be moving too quickly for some of them, then to add in their personal insecurities/demons and/or dealing with what society thinks should be the norm, they all have to overcome those things to be able to want to be together. So, that song kind of wraps up this novel for me in a way of saying, "I'd rather be with you then be without you," which is what Reed keeps stressing and trying to prove to both Josh & Hannah throughout the book.

    The characters in this novel, old and new, are wonderful to read about!! Of course, I loved the main characters, Reed especially. However, I liked (as always) getting the update on the rest of the Jamenson clan. Plus, getting to hear about Mel & Willow's babies. Then to top it off about what I'm hoping will happen for Maddox and a certain girl that just joined their ranks, made me very happy to read the updates going on in the Redwood Pack.

    With that being said, I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who already like the Redwood Pack Series!! And for anyone who hasn't read this series yet then I'd tell you that if you like paranormal/werewolf romances then this is the series for you!!

    My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : I want a Werewolf Husband - March 2012

    My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

    Author's Series Extras : Meet the Jamenson Family

    Book Teaser(s) :
    Teaser #1
    “Wait,” Josh interrupted. “Cailin is the baby at twenty-three?”
    “I told you I’m almost a century—ninety-eight actually. Cailin’s still our baby sister. And with six older brothers she doesn’t forget it.” Reed gave a smile only a big brother bent on terrorizing his younger sister could give.
    Or at least that’s what Josh thought a look of terrorizing one’s little sister would look like. He didn’t have any siblings to really know.
    “Wow, I’m only twenty-five. You must think I’m a toddler.” Hannah looked troubled at this thought, but didn’t bite her lip.
    Reed reached out and held her hand. “It’s not the same thing at all. Cailin and you are both adults. It’s just Cailin’s my sister, while you are definitely not.” Reed smiled, and Josh felt as though he was intruding.
    “And you’re pretty close to my age—twenty-nine.” Josh pointed to himself with a ladle.
    “Well thank the goddess for that.” Hannah said. “I guess we’ll just have to be careful with the old man over here.”
    Reed looked on in mock-outrage. ~ within Chapter 8
    For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Carrie Ann, then please check out her website.



    Book Excerpt :

    Reed planted his feet, his fists clenched. Josh did the same on the other side of her, yet with a gun in one hand and a blade in another. As a human, he would need all the protection he could get. A gun wouldn’t necessarily kill the beasts, but it would slow them down. And frankly, he looked damn sexy all armored up. Reed too, with his natural charisma.

    And, totally not the time again to let her thoughts wonder.

    But what a place they would go.

    Hannah gave a nod to both men and closed her eyes, calling to the Earth. She may be a Healer, but she could still go on the offensive with the Earth and kick ass if she had too. Well, at least she hoped he could. She’d trained with her mother – Hannah held back that sharp pain of loss – but she really hadn’t used it, and tiredness ached her bones.

    Another wolf’s howl echoed in the not too far distance. Hannah concentrated and moved her arms like an orchestra conductor to take a large pile of soil, rocks and roots in her hold. The resulting mass looked like a crested wave and slammed into the wolves trying to come from behind in a sneak attack.

    Stupid wolves. Didn’t they know she could feel them when they trampled heavy-footed on her Earth?

    Josh and Reed each granted her a look of pleasant surprise, then a sexy smile.

    They’d underestimated her. They wouldn’t do it again.



    Giveaways!! :
    • An autographed bookmark to one commenter at every stop

    • A $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour

    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 Carrie Ann Ryan :
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