Feasted On: Raveneau Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 720 KB | Release Date: July 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Silver Storm" [Raveneau Series, Book 1] by Cynthia Wright

My Book Summary : Devon has had the urge for adventure for as long as she's known, making plans for her best friend--Morgan--and her to sail the world once they were older. However, growing up Devon was enchanted with the ships that docked at the waterfront, especially that of one particular Captain--Andre--who was quite a few years older than her.

A few years later--when she was eighteen--she got to meet Andre. Yet it wasn't the greatest first meeting and afterwards they went their separate ways.

Another year later the Revolutionary War hits New London burning it to the ground and Devon--now nineteen--narrowly escapes with her life. Searching for a way to escape the British's clutches she goes with a sailor to Andre's ship in hopes that Andre will bring her to Morgan--her "fiancé"--who is currently in Virginia fighting in the war. Yet in her search to get to Morgan, Andre and Devon get closer than they ever thought. Will they become close enough so they'll find that they have more in common with each other then with anyone else? Or will they find that there is too much going on in their pasts to be able to get close to each other?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars -- see a different side to the Revolutionary War while you follow the romance between a couple who love the sea. Andre seems to be a drool worthy hero who doesn't feel that any woman is capable of being faithful, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Devon is a naive girl turned woman who makes friends easily, wishes she could do the things guys could do, and trusts other people very easily. Together they make a powerful duo, that bicker like crazy but fall into caring about one another more than they would have thought.

I loved the journey that Devon goes through, throughout this novel. Mostly I loved how no matter what happened to her she kept her "childlike innocence"--or a more accurate description would be that she was very optimistic about everything and thought the best about everyone--as she got older, even though it annoyed me at times.

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes historical romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest - Silver Storm "behind the book"

Author's Series Extras : About the Series | Pinterest - Inspiration | Pinterest - Tempest "behind the book"

Book Teaser(s) :

The Black Eagle was as bold as its captain. They would sail, meeting head-on whatever weather lay waiting for them.
Minutes grew to an hour. Raveneau scarcely spoke, and the rest of the crew carefully ignored Devon. She was reluctant to return to the cabin, although it was obvious that Raveneau expected her to do so. Mr. Lane's disapproving gaze seemed to burn holes in her back.
The seamen grew quieter as the sky darkened. Every now and then the captain would shout an order through his speaking trumpet and there would be a general scramble up and down the ratlines to reef the sails one by one as the wind increased. At last Raveneau seemed to remember Devon. When he turned to address her, she felt a twinge of alarm at the sight of his furrowed brow. She hadn't imagined that he was subject to such a human emotion as worry or fright.
"You'd better go below."
Devon sighed, pushing windblown curls out of her eyes. She was cold and more than a little scared; this was not the time to argue with Captain Raveneau. "All right, but I want to be kept informed. Don't you dare leave me below to sink with the ship!"
Raveneau's grin was involuntary. ~ within Chapter 7 - titled 'September 8, 1781'

They reached the tent headquarters of Comte de Rochambeau about noon, where a few stragglers reported that the ceremony was scheduled to begin at two o'clock and most of the troops had already left for the field.
Raveneau seemed unsurprised to learn how perfectly he had timed their arrival. Descending from the carriage, he slipped into the dashing white coat of his French officer’s uniform and smoothed back his unpowdered hair. Then he untied his horse and called to Azalea and Devon to alight.
"There is bound to be a huge crowd," he informed them, "so I think it would be best for you ladies to walk."
"Are you going off without us?" Azalea demanded.
"I must join my regiment. Don't worry, the field is not far— just follow this street to the town outskirts. I'll be on horseback and easy to spot. Find a place near me, and I will come to you when the ceremony is over."
With a last jaunty smile, Raveneau bent to graze first Azalea's lips, then Devon's. He mounted his gray stallion in one graceful movement.
"A bientot!" he called, then galloped off.
Azalea and Devon looked at each other.
"I feel as though we've been jilted," Azalea declared, and the younger girl nodded agreement.
"That man is insufferable. He thinks he can get away with anything."
"I hate to say it, but he probably can." ~ within Chapter 13 - titled 'October 19, 1781'

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cynthia, then please check out her website.

What was I thinking?: Shadowlands Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 560 KB | Release Date: May 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Kiss of the Goblin Prince" [Shadowlands Series, Book 2] by Shona Husk

What was I thinking? : I liked the cover and because of previous book ratings I've given, Amazon.com kept recommending that I'd like this novel too. However, what made me finally purchase it was when Sourcebooks was doing their 2012/2013 Twelve Days After Christmas Sale; it was a part of their "ten paranormal romances" part.

Author's Book Description : The Man of Her Dreams

He is like a prince in a fairy tale: tall, outrageously handsome, and way too dark for her own good. Amanda has been hurt before, though. And with her daughter's illness, the last thing she needs right now is a man. But the power of Dai King is hard to resist. And when he threads his hands through her hair and pulls her in for a kiss, there is no denying it feels achingly right.

In a Land of Nightmares

After being trapped in the Shadowlands for centuries with the goblin horde a constant threat, Dai revels in his newfound freedom back in the human realm. But even with the centuries of magic he's accumulated, he still doesn't know how to heal Amanda's daughter—and it breaks his heart. Yet for the woman he loves, he'd risk anything...including a return to the Shadowlands.

My Book Review : 1 out of 5 stars. Can a man who has lived over two thousand years in a world that was stealing/corrupting his soul be able to live as a human again, even while the odds are stacked against him?

I had such high hopes for this novel, and I do hope that whoever decides on reading it will enjoy it tons more then I did. However, from the very beginning the novel dragged everything out, so much so that by the time I got to Chapter 8, I could not read a bit more. Not even to skim through the last chapters to see how Amanda and Dai end up together. =0/ *sigh*

Therefore, I don't recommend it unless you have read book 1 in this series and enjoyed it. Good luck to those that do decide on reading this one.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Kissing Phoenix

Author's Novel Extras : Excerpt | Writing Romance | Good News Day! | Feature book: Kiss of the Goblin Prince | A Bite Of... Kiss of the Goblin Prince

Author's Series Extras : About this Series | Without an ending there is no beginning | Magic Thursday Giveaway- Shona Husk: Good Things Come in Threes | Winter Solstice | Magic Thursday-The Goblin King | Darklight On...Shona Husk | Feature book: The Goblin King | Safety tips for Winter Solstice | From the Bookshelf...The Shadowlands Trilogy | The Next Big Thing | Magic Thursday: Location, location, location

Book Teaser(s) :

“Do you need a lift?” The words were out so fast her brain didn’t have time to register or approve them. What would spending more time with him achieve?
Maybe he’d answer some more of her questions. The long hair and hard, dark blue eyes were at odds. Then there was the travel. He’d studied languages where they were spoken, not from textbooks. Lived life on the edge in places sensible people steered clear of. She could only imagine the freedom of packing everything into one bag and taking off for somewhere on a whim.
“I’m only going into the city. I can catch the train.”
“The train? Eliza won’t let you drive her car?”
“Can’t drive a manual,” he said with a hint of a curve on his lips.
She bit back the grin that wanted to form and returned a polite smile instead. He could translate obscure languages, yet he couldn’t handle a stick shift. ~ within Chapter 4

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Shona, then please check out her website.

Idolizing In: Hooked Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 347; Kindle Edition - File Size: 453 KB | Expected Release Date: January 29, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin TEEN | Obtained: NetGalley

"Hooked" [Hooked Series, Book 1] by Liz Fichera

My Book Summary : Neither ever talked to each other before ... Ryan was in one of the most popular guys in school, while Fredricka (Fred) was one of the few Native American girls that went to their high school and typically stayed in the background ... but once they did they both couldn't deny their attraction, no matter how much they both tried. But how could Ryan ever like, let alone be nice to, the girl who got his best friend kicked off the boys' varsity golf team?

Both Fred & Ryan will find that feelings like theirs are harder to ignore then they've would have ever imagined, especially when they're already hooked on each other...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! This novel HOOKED me from the very beginning!! I loved the characters!! Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed the back-and-forth POV chapters, like it is in Ms. Barnholdt's "Two-way Street," Ms. Crane's "Stupid and Contagious," & Ms. Elkeles' "Perfect Chemistry" especially since this novel seems to be a unique mix of all three of these books too!

Ryan & Fred are great together! Their banter and their growing respect for each other make it so that no matter what really happens between them they can never fully dislike the other. Only two things I wish would have happened for me to enjoy this novel even more...

1. I wish Ryan stopped having his "blinders" on when it came to his best friend, because in truth that boy was a bit of a psycho and needed to be arrested for some of the shit he pulled.
2. I wish the epilogue was longer then it was. Did they ever make it to and win the state championship like their coach kept talking about?

Overall, though, this novel has just the right amount of intrigue, compassion, romance, and teenage angst that it keeps you entertained the whole way through!

I recommend this novel to anyone who liked the previous novels I mentioned and/or are just a fan of YA romance novels!!

Author's Novel Extras : HOOKED - Book Reviews | Book Deal NEWS! | The Lucky 13s | Good Things Come To Those Who Wait | Revision, Revision. Everywhere a Revision. | HOOKED News! | WANTED: Book Bloggers! | HOOKED - The Big Reveal! | Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You! | HOOKED Book Swag Has Arrived | HOOKED Inspiration | HOOKED Countdown Widget! | Fun HOOKED Pics! | 2013 Writing Conferences | Only One More Day Till... | A Reason to Subscribe to an Author Newsletter | Choose My Way: HOOKED-inspired Music | Standing On a Corner, Naked | Just Words? | HOOKED, Australian-Style | HOOKED Blog Tour Starts TODAY!

Author's Series Extras : Mind-Meld | So Close And Yet So Far | Volume, Turn It Up

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Book Interview(s) :

Book Teaser(s) :

Boys like Ryan and girls like me moved in different circles---well, I was pretty sure he had a circle; I simply moved.
I couldn't understand why he'd sat and glared at everybody all night, even his own family. He'd acted as though he would have preferred to jump through one of the restaurant windows than enjoy a dinner with them. And his parents seemed so lovely, so perfect. They'd looked like the perfect family, out enjoying a perfect dinner on a perfectly good Saturday night. How nice would it be to have your parents treat you to a fancy restaurant with a special birthday cake and everything? Where's the misery in that? Clearly Ryan Berenger was deranged. ~ within Chapter 3 - titled 'Fred'

"I don't know, Dad." I looked straight into the sunset. "Maybe you and Trevor were right. Maybe being on this team is a bad idea."
Dad snorted. "For you or them?"
I didn't answer. I sank lower in my chair. The Lab at my feet lifted his head.
"Well?" he prodded.
"I guess for them. All I wanted to do was play. I wasn't expecting special treatment. That's the last thing I want."
Dad chuckled. "So, play. Enjoy. Have fun for once." He leaned forward in his chair. "Pretend those boys are invisible. Or," he said slowly, "you could try to fit in."
My eyes widened. Fit in with a bunch of spoiled white boys? It would be easier to pretend I'm Princess Kate. ~ within Chapter 17 - titled 'Fred'

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Liz, then please check out her website.

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Immortal Ever After

• Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"Immortal Ever After" [Argeneau and Rogue Hunter Series, Book 18] by Lynsay Sands
Expected Publication Released Date: February 26, 2013

Author's Book Description:

New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands delivers a wickedly fun Argeneau novel featuring a vampire ready to claim his mate and the beauty who resists her fate!

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

Teaser Tuesdays: Reckless Heart

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Reckless Heart" [Reckless Series, Book 1] by Madeline Baker (aka Amanda Ashley)

Book Teaser:

A quiet word brought the stallion to within a few feet of where I sat, spellbound. Shadow slid easily to the ground beside me, causing me to tremble, though I could not have said why.
There was just the hint of a twinkle in his eye as he said, gravely, “Did you bring any cookies today, Hannah?”
“N...no,” I stammered, unaccountably pleased by the way he murmured my name.
There was a hint of mischief in his dark-eyed gaze, and a sudden suspicion slid into my mind, prompting me to ask how long he had been watching me.
“Since you first rode up,” he admitted, suppressing a smile, and I blushed with the knowledge that he had seen me swimming in the river, and drying, naked, on the bank afterwards.
“You have grown well,” Shadow remarked casually, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment, for there was no mistaking his meaning or the way his eyes glowed with the memory. And yet, perversely, I was pleased that he had seen me and found me attractive.
“So have you,” I murmured shyly. And indeed he had. ~ within Chapter 4 - titled '1875'

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Bound By Blood

Made the Grade: Bayou Heat Series, Books 1 & 2

Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 377 KB | Release Date: January 7, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Raphael & Parish" [Bayou Heat Series, Books 1 & 2] by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright

Authors' Book Description : BAYOU HEAT, written by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright, is a series of novellas set in the world of the Bayou Wildlands. It is a new series for us, unrelated to our vampire worlds. Each book is novella length and there will be 2 books per download. Each story follows the other, but it's written separately.

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"Raphael" [Bayou Heat Series, Book 1] by Alexandra Ivy (aka Deborah Raleigh)

My Story Summary : Raphael has been the diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters for many years, mostly because of how much control he has over his animal making him more "civilized" then the other members in his "clan." However, six weeks ago, when he got a whiff of Ashe when she stopped into the local bar, called "The Cougar's Den," all civility left him and all he wanted to do was get as close to her as he could.

Well, six weeks after they hooked up, her drunk mother is now kicking Ashe out of her home after she informed her mother that she was pregnant. Too bad she doesn't remember how in the world THAT happened. Instead of dealing with her mother's insults, she goes to the local hotel in hopes of making some sense out of the new changes in her life. That same night in the hotel room Ashe starts remembering, in flashes, of her night with Raphael and soon finds that her life is going to be changed in more ways then one...

My Story Review : 3 out of 5 stars, a great start to this new series. It's filled with intrigue and suspense. However, I just wished it were a little longer so I could read more about the relationship between Raphael & Ashe. Their growing relationship seemed very endearing for what I read about it.

Author's Story Extras : A wonderful review from smexy books!!

Story Teaser :

“Think about it.” Bayon’s eyes glowed with golden power. “A strange woman just happens to stroll into a bar where the Pantera gather. She magically stirs your mating urges despite being human, and now she deliberately parks her car close enough that you were bound to pick up her scent before driving away like a madwoman.” He gave Raphael another shake. “Does she have to have T R A P tattooed on her ass for you to get it?”
Raphael made a sound of frustration. His friend wasn’t saying anything that Raphael hadn’t already told himself.
Hell, he’d be shocked if it wasn’t some sort of trick.
But until he discovered exactly what was happening, he wasn’t going to let the female out of his sight.
Or out of his bed, a treacherous voice whispered in the back of his mind.
“There’s one way to find out.”
With a strength that caught Bayon off-guard, Raphael shoved them away and headed toward the road.
“Wait,” Bayon called. “What are you going to do?”
“To find my woman and discover exactly what she has tattooed on her ass,” he snarled.
“Christ, Raphael.” ~ within Chapter 1

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Alexandra, then please check out her website. To find out more about this series then click here.

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"Parish" [Bayou Heat Series, Book 2] by Laura Wright

My Story Summary : Parish was sent by Raphael to find a female human doctor and see if she is willing to help Ashe with her pregnancy. However, once Parish meets Dr. Julia he knows that he wants to keep her no matter what anyone says, so he just takes her back to their home before even talking to her about going there. Therefore, once Julia awakes from her trip to find herself in an unusual setting she immediately starts trying to come up with ways to find a way out of the Wildlands. Yet once she is immersed in Parish's world Julia begins to realize that while she has nothing else to go home to and she can't deny the attraction building steadily between Parish and herself she wants something more. Is Parish willing to give her want she yearns for, a family and acceptance, or will his past keep them apart?

My Story Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, I loved the buildup of this story. Julia and Parish are a pair that you can't help but root for!! I especially liked when Parish's wilder side came out. =0)

Author's Story Extras : Bayou Heat Q&A

Story Teaser :

“Oh, Parish...”
He smiled. “I love it when you say my name too, Doc.” He captured her mouth again, kissing her frantically. “I want you.” He nipped her lip. “Christ, the scent of your heat. It calls to me, begs me to taste.” With one hand around her waist, he easily lifted her. “Let me earn my way into your bed.”
“You already have,” she said breathlessly.
He tossed her onto the bed, then drew back. “Not even close.” He stripped bare, and grinned as her gaze moved hungrily over him. “You know what I am.”
Her eyes lifted, connected to his. She nodded.
He growled softly at her. “Then open your legs for me, Julia. This cat must have his cream.” ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Laura, then please check out her website. To find out more about this series then click here.

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My Book Review : For the full book, I give it 3.25 out of 5 stars! This was a fun start to this series, giving you glimpses of life inside and out of the Wildlands! However....

What a terrible cliffhanger!!! Especially since it has to do with Ashe and to tell you the truth, I liked Ashe more than I did Julia. =0/ Therefore, I'm hoping this isn't an ongoing problem/cliffhanger but something that will be cleared up, at least, by Book 4 in this series at the latest. *crossing fingers*

Overall, I do recommend this series to anyone who likes paranormal romances, especially ones involving puma shifters!

Authors' Series Extras : Wallpaper for Bayou Heat!! | Bayou Heat Blog Tour | Twitter Party | Bayou Heat is out!!! | A chance to win Bayou Heat!!

For more information on this Series, then please check out this website and/or this website.

Made the Grade: The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 7

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 581 KB | Release Date: June 2011 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Virgin" [The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 7] by Cheryl Brooks

My Book Summary : Daxtronian (Dax) was two-years-old when his planet--Zetith--was destroyed, since then he's lived on a refugee ship until a few years ago, now he's the captain of an elaborate ship traveling the galaxy and taking passengers wherever they'd like to go. His navigator, Waroun, has nicknamed Dax the 'Great Virgin' because of how Dax is a virgin, which is so surprising to his species. Yet when Dax meets Ava, he is more than willing to quit his virgin status immediately. If only he could get her to agree, but he has no idea how to charm a woman let alone seduce one.

Nevertheless, just when everything looks to be working in Dax's favor when it comes to him claiming Ava's heart, a prophesy that holds Ava in the middle of it all has Dax scrambling to be able to keep them together forever, no matter what he has to do...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Find out who the perfect woman is to hook the Great Virgin...

Ever since I read book 8 in this series I was intrigued to find out about Dax, especially with his bad boy looks along with his virgin status. Therefore, I was very happy that I did read this novel. Yet even though I wish it didn't drag on as much as it did, it was still a very sweet, funny, and charming story that I lives up to the series reputation!

I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of the series and likes sci-fi romances!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 4 | Book 8

Author's Novel Extras : - The following blog links you are about to view may contain content only suitable for adults. - Yummydoodle Week Begins....on a Thursday? | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Thursday Thoughts | Blue Monday Moons | Thursday Thoughts | Monday Moons! | Virgin's Release Day! | Thursday Thoughts | Launch Party! | Monday Moons!

Author's Series Extras : - The following blog links you are about to view may contain content only suitable for adults. - Whopping Weasel Virgin? | Monday Moons and Ramblings | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Tattooed Monday Moons! | Thursday Thoughts | Thursday Thoughts | Whopping Weasel Wednesday! | Thursday Thoughts | The Next Big Thing!

Book Teaser(s) :

Dax wanted to cry or scream or at least hit something. He’d just saved Ava from that scuzzy Cylopean—which had to count for something in the mating game—and now that she finally had her arm around him, he was about to lose his balls.
Not that he was giving them up without a fight. He’d never hit a woman in his life, but he would defend himself if necessary—or do what he’d done the last time and make a run for it.
“A deal’s a deal,” the blonde snarled. “We let that creepy Norludian do us both, so now you owe us each a fuck—or a nut.”
“Yeah,” the brunette agreed. “A fuck or a nut.”
They were both planted squarely in front of him with hands on hips and fire in their deep blue Davordian eyes. While Dax cast about for a graceful way to escape the situation, he attempted to push Ava behind him and out of the path of danger. But Ava apparently had other ideas.
Ducking out from under his arm, she got right up in the brunette’s face. “He’s not fucking either of you! His balls belong to me, so back off, bitch!”
Dax was stunned. The very last thing he ever expected was to have Ava stand up and claim any part of him, let alone his balls. ~ within Chapter 10

“Must be all that red hair,” Ava suggested. “It’s very sexy.”
“You think so?” Diokut combed his fingers through his bushy mane. “Too bad the Kitnock girls don’t like it.”
“You could change the color, couldn’t you?”
“Hmph,” Teke said. “If hair coloring worked on us, do you honestly think I’d let mine be gray?”
“Gray hair isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Ava said. “I mean, I’m sure Dax would be amazingly sexy, no matter what color his hair was.”
“Possibly,” Teke conceded. “But then, he has other things going for him.”
“Yeah,” Diokut said with a nod. “He’s tall, dark, and handsome, plus he’s the captain of his own starship. Chick magnet material for sure.”
“And hung like a bull—”
Dax was in the process of sipping his wine and nearly choked.
“—moose,” Waroun finished with an impish grin. “Knew I could sneak that in somewhere.”
“Come on, Waroun,” Ava chided. “When was the last time you saw a bull moose?”
“In holographic nature documentaries,” Waroun said promptly. “I just love the parts about the mating season. They’ve got some seriously big—”
“Waroun!”
“—antlers.”
“We have got to get him laid,” Threldigan observed. ~ within Chapter 16

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cheryl, then please check out her website.

Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Vrykolakas Deviation by Sherri Lackey | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Sherri Lackey, who I interviewed about her latest novel "The Vrykolakas Deviation," which is the 1st book in The Narcissus Legacy Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from January 7 - 25, 2013]

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My Q&A with Sherri Lackey :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sherri : Sure! I’m a bit of a scifi/fantasy dork. I always have been and always will be. I wanted to be a writer when I grew up and here I am. I like to crochet and make my own jewelry too. I love hot and spicy Mexican food; I subscribe to the Chile Monster Facebook page just so I can look at the pictures of food layered with green chiles and cry because there are no fresh green chiles in Montana where I live.

Jess : What do you like most about being a writer and being a jeweler?

Sherri : I like being able to pour out on paper or electronic files all of these stories I have pent up inside me. It makes me happy to tell a story to someone. It makes me even happier when they like the story and ask for more.

I like making my own jewelry because wearing a piece I’ve designed myself is more meaningful than wearing jewelry I’ve bought at a store. It’s a unique piece that reflects who I am.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "The Vrykolakas Deviation," in one to two sentences.

Sherri : Keeva looks like a young woman but is over two thousand years old; she is lonely and depressed because aside from her father, there is no one on Earth like her. She wants to know who and what she is, so she captures an evil vrykolakas named Severin hoping he might have the answer.

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

Sherri : I would like to invite Sandor, Keeva’s father, to dinner. No, that’s not quite right. I would like to have him invite me over for dinner. He is an excellent cook. Keeva says that when Sandor prepares a meal for you it is the greatest of gifts you can receive.

I would least like to invite Delius, Keeva’s paternal grandfather, over to dinner. He is a sneaky psychopath. His greatest delight in life is found in causing pain to others. Still, I like him well enough to have him reprise his role in the second book. I’m sure he’ll make an appearance in the third, and he’ll definitely be in the fourth book.

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "The Vrykolakas Deviation" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Sherri : For some reason I like the scene where Keeva has captured Severin and is trying to figure out how to drag his unconscious form into her apartment. She is a small woman and Severin is a tall, muscular vrykolakas. He’s tied up and wrapped in a blanket. Can she drag him inside? Her questionable neighbor, Darrin, steps in to lend her a hand. That’s my favorite scene, even though what follows when Severin wakes up is a good scene too.

Jess : If "The Vrykolakas Deviation" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Sherri : I’ve always pictured Ian Somerhalder from Lost and The Vampire Diaries playing the role of Severin. Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries could pass for Keeva. Really any actress who is small in stature and brunette could play the role of Keeva.


Would it be too weird to have Paul Wesley, also from the Vampire diaries, to play the role of Keeva’s father? Probably. So someone who looks like him should play the role of Sandor.


Jess : In regards to "The Vrykolakas Deviation," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Sherri : There are always things I second guess on, but overall, no, I wouldn’t change anything about it.

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "The Vrykolakas Deviation," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Sherri : Egan, Keeva’s youngest brother, emerged as a favorite character. He’s an imaginative and inventive kid who unknowingly gives Keeva a clue about what she is. She completely misses the clue however and has to find out the truth the hard way.

My second favorite secondary character is Aspasia, Keeva’s paternal grandmother. Keeva can’t stand to be around Aspasia and for good reason. While it’s true that Aspasia has her flaws, there is something endearing about her at times. The fact that Aspasia survives being the romantic interest of Delius tells me that she is a strong woman.

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

Sherri : I wrote my first novel titled "The Winds of the Molornu" back in 2007. Shortly after that I went through a painful upheaval in my life. My writing got way off track, but in October of 2011 I began writing "The Vrykolakas Deviation." My writing is back on track and I have resolved to never again let anything stop me. So far, "The Vrykolakas Deviation" is my favorite book. I grew as a writer while writing it.

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

Sherri : "The Vrykolakas Deviation" is the first book in my Narcissus Legacy series. I’ve written the second book "The Darkness Below" and it’s currently in the revision and editing stage. I want to release it no later than August of this year. Two more books will follow the second book.

"The Darkness Below" introduces Keeva’s daughter, Kaie, whose name means combat. I chose that name for her for a reason. Kaie gets mad and runs away from home at the age of twelve. She doesn’t intend to be gone for very long, but she accidently gets stranded in another realm called Subtenna. When she arrives she notices that she is no longer twelve years old and has no idea how old she really is. She accidentally sets fire to a temple upon her arrival which causes her to be arrested and beaten severely. This is her first taste of Subtenna, the realm of the dark elves, and things don’t get any easier for her after that. Her only goal in life is to return home. But that’s going to be hard to do, because Subtenna is a prison. The gateway that let her enter that realm is one-way and won’t allow anyone escape from there.

Jess : Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Any specific reason why?

Sherri : I have a Nook HD and I love ebooks. I can carry it with me wherever I go. I have access to my entire library and can choose any book I want to read at the spur of the moment.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Sherri : "Quirky: The Life and Times of Sherri Lackey"

Jess : Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

Sherri : Sure. I was recently caught wearing my fuzzy slippers that my daughter says make me look like an elf. The lady who caught me wearing them gave me a funny look. Of course, even when I purposely wear some outfits, people sometimes give me a funny look too. For an explanation of why they do that, see the title above for my biography - "Quirky."

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Sherri : I’m currently reading "14" by Peter Clines. I haven’t read the entire book but so far I’m enjoying it immensely. One reviewer compared it to the TV series Lost. I agree but would say it’s more like a combination of Lost and The Office at times.

"Tick Tock" by Dean Koontz. I love Koontz’ novels, some better than others. "Tick Tock" is definitely in my top ten list of his books which I’ve enjoyed over the years.

"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss which is book one of the King Killer Chronicles. If you want a grownup adventure similar to the Harry Potter series (but way better - in my estimation), this is the series for you. I’ve read the first two books and I’m anxiously awaiting the third.

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About the Author :

Sherri Lackey, born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, now lives in Montana where the cold northern climate inspires her to write. She writes science fiction and fantasy with dashes of speculative fiction, a pinch of steampunk, and a touch of urban fantasy. She lives with her husband, Paul, and their three children. She also has a faithful dog named Raymond who likes to sit by her side while she writes.

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 215; Kindle Edition - File Size: 402 KB | Expected Release Date: October 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Vrykolakas Deviation" [The Narcissus Legacy Series, Book 1] by Sherri Lackey

My Book Summary : Caoimhe (Keeva) is over two thousand years old and has no idea what she truly is. Keeva's grandparents (on her father's, Sandor, side) were both vrykolakas' (vampire-like creatures that drain the life-force of their victims) yet when her father was born he somehow became the opposite of them, yet still immortal and not human at all. Therefore, Sandor has never fully understood what he is and as his biological daughter, Keeva certainly doesn't know what she is either. It a conundrum that has riddled her for centuries. However, when Keeva is given an opportunity to kill her best friend's murderer, who happens to be a vrykolakas named Severin (the first one she's ever met and the "person" who happens to be one of Sandor's greatest enemies), she doesn't take the option. Instead, Keeva goes about capturing Severin in hopes of learning more about vrykolakas' and herself. Yet in doing so she abruptly changes her life forever, now if that a good thing or not still remains to be seen...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, follow the life (or parts of it) of Keeva, a woman hoping to find out what she is yet she finds out more about herself then she expected. This is a unique portrayal of the paranormal/fantasy genre while throwing in some romance too so it has a little spice. A thrilling adventure that keeps you on your toes. In addition, if you liked it as much as I did it you'll be laughing in one chapter, cringing in another, teary eyed not long after, then laughing again.

My one and only problem with this novel was that it was written in journal-type of format so it skipped around SOO much, which was a bit annoying at times. After saying that, I will admit that YES I know skipping around happens frequently while we write journals, especially if someone wants to get all the facts in there and they have to backtrack in able to do so. However, it was hard to follow at times when it switched scenes suddenly and then when Ms. Lackey was describing the back history of Sandor through Keeva's journals she switched POVs so often that it was hard to understand why it was still portrayed the way it was. =0/

Overall, I would recommend this unique novel to anyone who likes fantasy novels that have a bit of romance and mystery thrown in too.

Author's Novel/Series Extras : Pinterest : The Vrykolakas Deviation | Cover Image for The Vrykolakas Deviation | The Vrykolakas Deviation Now Available on Kindle | I See Monsters | Meet My Monsters: Keeva | The Vrykolakas Deviation for Nook | Meet My Monsters: The Vrykolakes | Meet My Monsters: Severin | Meet My Monsters: Sandor | It Just Occurred to Me | Meet My Monsters: Delius | Meet My Monsters: Aspasia | Virtual Book Tour – The Vrykolakas Deviation | Fantasy, My Door to Reality

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1 - titled 'Sandor's Daughter'

In his bedroom he stripped off his wet clothing and fell into his bed. Two days later he felt well enough to travel to Caldwell to try to find me.
At last I said, "I don't have any answers for you, Severin. I don't know how I changed you. By everything that you told me, it does seem like you have become whatever Sandor and I are. But I think you already know that much. You know that I don't even know what I am. Why did you seek me out?"
I wondered if he was angry with me for taking away his vampirism. Did he blame me for what Aspasia did to him? Did he want revenge? If he did he had a funny way of showing it, if the kiss he gave me earlier was any indication of his current state of mind. ~ within Chapter 7 - titled 'Aspasia's Anger'

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sherri, then please check out her website.

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Book Excerpt :

I answered, "Hello again, Sweets. What important detail did you forget to tell me about in our previous conversation?"

A familiar voice said, "Where are you, Keeva? I need to see you, and Sweets here won't give me your address."

I sat up, heart racing. "Severin?" Had he returned to kill her – again? "Why do you have Mandy's phone? Where is she?"

"She's sitting on the couch across from me. I took her phone and found your number because she wouldn't just give it to me when I politely asked for it. I'm in her house."

"What are you doing there? I told you to stay away from Caldwell."

"I told you already; keep up with the conversation. I'm trying to find you!"

"You'd better not hurt her, Severin. Or I swear, I will hunt you down and kill you!"

"I didn't hurt her and I have no intension of doing so. I just want to see you. I need to see you. Tell me where you are and I'll come to you. That's all I want."

His silken voice caused my stomach to flutter despite my panic. “Why do you want to see me?"

This is what I had wanted, right? I wanted him to come back to me, except I wasn't there when he finally returned. Was I getting what I deserved by being so foolish to fall for him in the first place? Sickening dread fell over me because I had left Mandy alone in Caldwell.

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Giveaway!! :

• A $25 Amazon Gift Card to a 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!

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Find Sherri Lackey :

• Sherri Lackey - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Goodreads
• The Vrykolakas Deviation : Amazon.com (Kindle) | Amazon.com (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Best Man

• Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"The Best Man" [Blue Heron Series, Book 1] by Kristan Higgins
Expected Publication Released Date: February 26, 2013

Author's Book Description:

SOMETIMES THE BEST MAN IS THE ONE YOU LEAST EXPECT...

Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there....

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.

Idolizing In: Hyena Heat Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 360 KB | Release Date: December 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Every Night Forever" [Hyena Heat Series, Book 1] by R. E. Butler

My Book Summary : Alyssa has been used and emotionally abused (a little bit physically too) by her pack for far too long. Now with her self-confidence shattered she is picking up the pieces of her life, leaving her pack, becoming a rogue werewolf, and creating a new life for herself. In doing so, she took a job for three hot hyena brothers to work the front desk of their gym while she gets back on her feet. However, even though she knows they are attracted to her, she is going to stick to her guns and stay single until she can find someone to love her for who she really is.

What Alyssa doesn't know is that in hyena clans the brothers share their mate and worship her. If only Dante, Cairo, and Mason can show her that, she deserves to be taken care of as much as possible, as well as, prove to her that they are her mates and she theirs, forever...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! In this novel, you'll find that Dante, Cairo, and Mason (originally from "The Wolf’s Mate Book 4: Michael & Shyne") aren't "bad guys," they are just misunderstood. I loved the compelling plot, the relationships that are between the brothers and the relationships that they grow between themselves and Alyssa! It's a very sweet novel; about three guys proving themselves to a woman who deserves their love. I could not get enough of this novel! Plus, I loved how it leads to the upcoming novel in this series "Every Dawn Forever!!"

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes paranormal romances and those who also don't mind and/or enjoy m/f/m/m romances!!

Author's Novel Extras : Happy Thanksgiving & New Series Teaser | Hyena Heat Holiday Giveaway & Cover Reveal!! | It’s Early! Every Night Forever is Out & the Contest is Still Going!

Book Teaser(s) :

He hung up with a satisfied smile. Hell, if only finding their bride were as easy as placing an ad. He could picture it in his mind:
“Three horny hyenas seek one very, very willing female to be their clan bride. Must be willing to four-way on occasion, not averse to oral, and eager to be treated like a queen. Please send naked picture and list of favorite sexual positions. No uggos.”
Ah, hell. ~ within Chapter 2

When they were younger, Cairo, the most adventurous of the three, had taken them to a BDSM club, promising that it would be a great place to find more enthusiastic women. What he’d found there instead – while exciting – had just been a façade. When it came right down to it, your average woman wanted monogamy with one man. The women they’d seen at the club in three-ways were only really with one man, and the other was a good friend or another member of the club who was given to the woman as a special treat. They couldn’t exist like that. Yes, they would each want their bride to themselves on occasion, but in all truth, their bride had to be able to share them, really share them equally, or it wouldn’t work. How do you start that conversation? Hey baby, my brothers and I would like to fill you up times three and take you down to our den for the winter, how’s that sound?
Sounded like the very distinct sound of a woman running in the opposite direction. ~ within Chapter 6

The pile consisted of three pieces of black clothing: a corset, a skirt, and a cloak. The corset was stretchy and laced up the front with a black ribbon. When it was on, she stepped into the skirt made of the same material and skimmed it up her legs. It was short, barely covering her cheeks, but comfortable. She fixed the cloak at her throat, lifted the hood up and smoothed the material so it slipped forward over her shoulders and pooled on the floor.
Hyena ceremonial clothing is a lot like goth club clothing. ~ within Chapter 13

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by R. E., then please check out her website.

Teaser Tuesdays: The Vrykolakas Deviation

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"The Vrykolakas Deviation" [The Narcissus Legacy, Book 1] by Sherri Lackey

Book Teaser:

They were no more brothers to each other than a cat and a horse are of the same species. But they do have a colorful history which they share, and it isn't a pretty one. When I say colorful, think red, blood red like the Valentine's Day decorated store I mentioned earlier – blood red, but don't think of love in connection to that color.
They hated each other. ~ within Chapter 1

Made the Grade: Eye Of The Storm Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 308 KB | Release Date: November 2012 | Publisher: Satin Smoke Press | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Releasing The Wolf" [Eye Of The Storm Series, Book 1] by Dianna Hardy

My Book Summary : Ever since her mother died (about 10 years ago), Lydia has had to deal with hot sexual dreams on a nightly basis. It wouldn't be so bad if that was all they were ... hot dreams. Yet after dealing with them for so long Lydia is starting to realize that it might be a little bit more going on than her messed up psyche playing tricks on her, especially when her co-worker (and ex-lover) Brendan tells her about a guy he knows that fits the description perfectly of her fantasy man. However, when her fantasies take a new horrific twist Lydia decides to start investigating where she remembers dreaming of Ryan last only to find herself thrown into a whole new world she never expected and one she seems to be more apart of then she originally thought...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Fall into a world of survival, hot sex, and intrigue! I really liked Lydia as a character; she was strong when she needed to be yet willing to let things happen to her too. However, some of the relationship stuff between her and the guys (Ryan, Lawrence, and Taylor) was hard to tell if I liked it or not because it doesn't go into great detail. Yet with that being said, I do like the scene when they all come together. It was very hot!

Overall, though the only reason I gave this novel the rating I did was because of the epilogue. Since the epilogue left more questions than answers and it brought up some scenarios in my mind that I really do not hope this plot will go. =0/

However, on Ms. Hardy's website she does say, "At least three books are expected - possibly more. This series has one overall plot that is uncovered gradually throughout all the books as we get to know the characters and their histories. Not everything is answered in book one, and as is my usual style, this series is very fast-paced, told in multiple points of view, and not everything will be wrapped up in a nice neat bow until the very end of the series." Therefore, I can understand why she made the epilogue and a bit of the ending, the way she did. Yet I don't have to like it. =0P

Anyway ... I still would recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading werewolf romance series with unique twists!

Author's Novel Extras : About the Novel | Fun Fact! Wanna know more about Lawrence's motorbike? | Releasing The Wolf: publication date brought forward! | Releasing The Wolf - NOW PUBLISHED :)

Author's Series Extras : About the Series | About Book 2 in this Series | Reader's Forum > Eye Of The Storm Series | End Of Year Schedule | Writing werewolves... | eNewsletter: January 2013

Book Teaser(s) :

“Jesus,” said Lawrence. “You look like shit.”
“Thanks. It’s a new style I’m going for.”
“Trying to impress your mate?”
It’s not like his stonking erection was unnoticeable, but Lawrence remained the gentlemen and said nothing about it. Although he did raise his eyebrows after glancing downwards briefly. “What in god’s name happened to your nuts?”
“They met a jet-powered water hose.”
He grimaced.
“They’re already healing.”
A rare glint of amusement lit Lawrence’s eyes. “You have balls of steel.”
“You have inappropriate humour.” ~ within Chapter 8

“Are you ready?” she sneered.
He didn’t have time to reply. Two of their pack – Doug and Pete from what he could make out – pounced on her, taking her down. She syringe and pipe flew out of her grasp.
She changed form whilst fending them off, and sank her teeth into Pete’s hind leg.
He howled.
The bitch was now twice the size she had been as human, and butt-ugly to boot.
“You’re fucking ugly,” said Ryan.
Lawrence shot him a look through his pain. “Is verbal antagonism your new weapon of choice?”
“See me shrug,” he replied, because he couldn’t actually move his shoulders. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dianna, then please check out her website.

Disappointmentville: Predators Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 260 KB | Release Date: October 2009 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Cat's Meow" [Predators Series, Book 1] by Nicole Austin

My Book Summary : Micah new that working as head of security at Nanotech Industries would not be a desk job but some place that would keep him active. However, he never expected the head of the company to use him as a test subject once he turned invalid even though he was asked before hand; his options were agree to join the "Predator Project" (having lion DNA inserted into his body) or be killed for knowing too much. Now all he can do is wait everything out and see what happens to him, while hoping Rebecca (a zoologist who was recently hired by Nanotech and a woman he's very interested in) wasn't involved with this project from the beginning...

Rebecca is shocked when she's brought into the "project" her new employer hired her for, even more so when she finds out that her most recent one-night stand (Micah) is the test subject and can now turn into a lion! Yet she still cares for him deeply and will find a way to get him free of Nanotech, even if that means risking her life for him on top of everything else going on between them and the changes in her life.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, follow two people who already have a powerful attraction burning between them take on a company who are doing illegal experiments. I liked the relationship between Micah and Rebecca it was hot and sweet. Yet, this novel has a great beginning, an okay middle, but it was the last few chapters at the end that ruined it for me. =0( The part that ruined it for me was the way Rebecca handled things between Micah and her once he got out of the lab. In addition, I wished I knew what happened when Micah went back to the lab on his own since it wasn't mentioned at all in the novel so it felt like the story wasn't finished.

I recommend it only to those who are fans of Ms. Austin.

Author's Novel Extras : Cat’s Meow Excerpt | Update | Cat’s Meow | Cat’s Meow – Predators book 1 – Available Today | Cat’s Meow – “An Emotional Rollercoaster” | Cat’s Meow Reviews | Cat’s Meow – “Action Packed!” | Cat’s Meow – Orgasmic | Cat’s Meow – “Beautifully Written” | Cat’s Meow – Not To Be Missed! | Cat’s Meow “An Amazing Read” | Get Cat's Meow - FREE!

Author's Series Extras : Series' Descriptions | Predators & Editors Poll 2008 | New Cover Goodness X2 | Eye of the Tiger – Available Today! | International Heat Blog Tour | Now Available – Foxy Lady – Predators 3 | Predators – Now In Print | Lots of Sparkly Angels :D | 4 Dragons for Foxy Lady

Book Teaser(s) :

The day-shift guard was making his rounds. Micah had nicknamed him Smiling Jack because the man always wore a cheesy grin.
“Mornin’, Lasiter. Sleep well?”
He muttered a banal response, distracted by the sight of Becca headed in his direction. His cock jerked to attention as his gaze swished from side to side following the subtle swaying of her hips.
Jack’s attention shot to her lithe body and Micah fisted the edge of the cot, trying to restrain the lion who wanted to claw the bastard’s eyes out. He agreed with the cat but had to stay in character. Part of Becca’s strategy involved his appearing to be lethargic and depressed. Jumping to his feet, rushing the bars and reaching through to choke the fucking grin off Smiling Jack’s face would hamper their cause.
“Jack.” Becca gave the man an absent nod of dismissal.
Hah, take that!
If he were less mature, Micah would stick his tongue out and blow raspberries at the other man.
Becca’s green eyes narrowed on him while she unlocked the door. ~ within Chapter 7

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 339 KB | Release Date: October 2008 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Samhain Publishing

"Duality" [Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1] by Renee Wildes

My Book Summary : Dara begins a personal quest in hopes of saving her kingdom and finds out more about herself then she's ever known. During her quest, she saves Loren, an Elven prince who is in the middle of a similar quest of his own to help out some friends of his, and in turn, he swears a Life-Debt to Dara, which turns them into Life-Mates! However, just because they've found each other doesn't mean that they are able to walk away from their own personal journeys. Therefore, together they embark on a way to save Dara's kingdom from the demon who intends to take it over. Yet along the way unmistakable circumstances leave Loren's own personal life in unusual straights. So much so, that he's scared he'll lose Dara once their quests are over. Will Loren be able to find a way to win over Dara's heart and soul while defeating a demon in the process or will all his hopes and dreams come crashing down around him??

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, follow two people on their quests of a lifetime that will change their paths of fate forever! I loved the characters in this series, especially Dara & Loren! Well all the characters, but Moira & Alani. And, now that I think about it, I hated Jalad and all of his followers too. Also, maybe... hmmm... =0/ Okay since there are so many characters let’s do it this way...

About the Characters:
• Dara: A mortal half-dragon fire mage, who was raised by her adoptive--human--parents Rufus and Fanny. She remembers very little about her mother, Sheena, who died when Dara was young. Loren's Life-Mate. As well as being a fire mage, Dara is a skilled healer and warrior. Protective of everyone she considers worthy. A mixture of shy and wanton when it comes to Loren. Is Loren's light when sudden changes take place.

• Loren: An Elven prince and was chosen by the Lady as Her champion. Younger brother to Deane and older brother to Brannan. Dara's Life-Mate and protector. Hani`ena's warrior. Best friend to Cianan. A powerful empath. Doesn't like the politics of being a prince and all that comes with royalty. Likes his freedom and helping protect his kingdom. Has a hard time when changes suddenly happen in his family.

• Jalad: Count of Westmarche, which borders Dara's kingdom. A mortal who wanted more power so he took a demon within himself and tore apart Dara's kingdom. **Hated him and his followers**

• Hani`ena: Loren's warhorse. Feisty. Keeps Loren in line.

• Cianan: An elf who's an archery instructor at the Academy. Best friend to Loren. A harmless flirt.

• Moira: Queen of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Pregnant. Fights alongside the other warriors to save her kingdom. **I thought her fine at the beginning but at the very end I was very annoyed with her about her reaction to Dara**

• Hengist: King of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Loren's friend.

• Cedric: The Elven High King. Father to Deane, Loren, and Brannan. Very sad because most of his family is dead and he misses them. Tries to keep himself together so he can be strong for his family and kingdom.

• Deane: An Elven prince and the heir to the throne. Older brother to Loren and Brannan. Rude and arrogant. **Hated him**

• Brannan: An Elven prince. Younger brother to Loren and Deane. The scholar of the family who is interested in learning about becoming a healer. Sweet and kind.

• Pari: The former Elven High King. Father to Cedric. Lorelei's Life-Mate. Used to being rained on when his wife is mad at him. Tough old warrior.

• Lorelei: The former Elven Queen. Mother to Cedric. Pari's Life-Mate. A powerful water mage. Mother hen type to everyone she likes.

• Sheena: A draconian. A dragon queen. Dara's mother.

• Paulette: An elf. Deane's wife. Very rude! **Hated her**

• Alani: Loren's betrothed. A snob who doesn't love Loren but plans on being his bride either way. **Hated her**

• Verdeen: An elf. Agrees to be Dara's lady's maid if Dara can teach her to become a skilled warrior. Very helpful.

There are more characters of course but these are the ones that come to mind the most. Anyway ...

This novel is an action packed adventure! With more adventure in it then I originally expected when I purchased it. Not that it was a problem; however, it definitely keeps you on your toes throughout this novel! Yet it also has a sweet love story drawn through it too!

I recommend this novel to anyone who was/is a Lord of the Rings fan and to those who like fantasy romances!!

- On a side note -
I'm now curious to read Cianan's novel "Hedda's Sword" (Book 2 in this series) & Verdeen's novel "Riever's Heart" (Book 5 in this series) as I liked them a lot as secondary characters in this novel. =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Duality Excerpt | A New Adventure | About DUALITY – w/Excerpt | 5-STAR REVIEW FOR DUALITY FROM ECATAROMANCE! | New Reviews For DUALITY! | Anonymous Reader Review for DUALITY! | New Review For DUALITY! | Booksigning With Kids | Duality Cover Featured for Valentine’s Day! | INSPIRATION

Author's Series Extras : Series' Background | Guardians of Light Character Blog | Back on the Air! LYCAN TIDES New Release Coming 7/14/09 | Writing Is A Lonely Profession...NOT! | AWESOME New Review For Hedda’s Sword! | HEDDA’S SWORD OUT IN PAPERBACK TODAY! | My 2 Weeks At Amazon – Thus Far | New Contract w/Samhain! | Hedda’s Sword – CataNetwork Reviewers Choice | Lycan Tides – LRC Best Fantasy Bk 2009 Nominee! | Moments in Time: Those Magical First Kisses | LYCAN TIDES – Runner Up in LRC’s Best Fantasy 2009! | AND THE WINNER IS....(VALENTINE’S DAY PROMO) | “FAVORITE” words of writers (not necessarily editors) | Countdown: How DUST Was Born | DUST OF DREAMS Up For Book of the Week at LASR! | Those Recurring Characters In A Series | Teaching Old Writers New Tricks – NaNo Update Revelations | CHARACTERIZATION & DEEP POV – TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL | What Verdeen & I Have in Common | LYCAN TIDES is an EPIC Finalist! | BOOK OPENINGS | The 5 Senses – SIGHT | The 5 Senses – TOUCH | ALPHAS vs. BETAS | Reality In Fiction | RIEVER’S HEART – OUT TODAY IN PAPERBACK! | Riever’s Heart Excerpt (Moonlit Gardens) | THE NEXT BIG THING

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

“I can’t go looking like this.”
“You do resemble a muddy puppy.”
“I stink, and you know it. Lady, I’d kill for a bath.” Her eyes turned fierce and begging all at the same time. “We’ve got water and a fire.”
“You cannot manage one right now, even pain-blocked.”
“You can help me.”
Something like a snicker came from Hani`ena’s direction. “You could.”
Oh, Lord and Lady. Just the mere thought of...was enough to turn his blood hot and cold. Her. Naked. Skin glistening in the firelight, droplets of water running down her back to the sweet curve of her... He broke into a sweat at his unchivalrous thoughts. She was injured and under his protection. “Nay.”
She turned from begging to indignation in the blink of an eye. “I granted you a bath, and you were in far less need of it than I. The least you can do is return the favor.” There was naught seductive in her tone. He felt her self-disgust.
“You have soap and clean rags in my saddle bags.”
“Shut up, Hani`ena.” He glared at the mare, who blinked at him. “You do not fool me for an instant.” He turned to Dara. “It would be...” Torture. “Inappropriate.”
“I can’t be the first woman you’ve seen naked. I trust you. Just pretend I’m your sister.”
“Your much younger sister,” Hani`ena commented.
His hand knotted in Dara’s hair. His face went rigid and turmoil smoldered in his heart. “You are not my sister.” It felt like a shout, but his throat was so tight it was barely audible. ~ within Chapter 7

They made it to shore and, after securing the boat, Pari led the way up a winding cliffside trail to a boulder-covered opening. “We are here.” He backed away for Dara to take the lead.
“Beware,” the voices warned.
She stared at the sealed entrance. “It’s guarded by more than one element. You can’t enter.”
Pari unshouldered his pack. “This be where I come in. Music or passwords?”
“Musssic,” the voices ordered. “Music,” Dara repeated.
Pari pulled out his wooden flute and played a simple melody. Dara saw the notes shimmering against an invisible shield—yellow, blue, pink, green, violet. Every note flared against the shield, little by little thinning it into nonexistence.
Dara stepped up to the barricade and studied the runes above her head. She’d seen their like but once afore, on the bottle of dragon’s blood she’d held in prison. “What’s it say?”
“Enter here, all ye who fear not death. Bow to thy queen and live.”
Dara frowned. “You have some arrogance issues.”
They did not reply. ~ within Chapter 11

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