From Me to You ... Video, Photography and Book Reviews

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Feasted On: Royal House of Shadows Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Format: Paperback | Pages: 281 | Release Date: August 30, 2011 | Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne

"Lord of the Vampires" [Royal House of Shadows Series, Book 1] by Gena Showalter

My Book Summary : Nicolai has lost everything. His family. His crown, title and throne. His body. His abilities (magic). And his memories. He has no idea who he was before he was bought on the Slave Market. However, he is determined to gain his freedom, seek his vengeance (for what he doesn't know), and get his revenge for what has been done to him since he was bought. To do all of this he needs help. So, he send out the magic within him, that he was able to reach, to find a women who was not tainted by 'The Queen of Hearts' madness. In doing so, Jane came into his world.

Jane is a human. However, she has worked for a government agency for years so she knows about the dual world (just not how to cross it), vampires, and some of the other supernatural creatures. And since she has been having steamy dreams of Nicolai over the past couple of months, she's not worried (completely) about how she got there. But the 'why' of it she is curious about...

Once she realizes what Nicolai's plans are, she agrees to help him.

When fighting for their lives and being in constant close proximity, their attraction for each other in undeniable. But when the time comes for Nicolai to choose between his duty and vengeance or Jane will he be able to?? And will he decide to betray the one person who helped him regain everything he's lost?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! I wasn't able to resist the Dark Seducer anymore then the women in the book did! It was an addicting read, that I couldn't seem it get enough of. Plus, the ending was great too!! The plot was enticing, Jane was a colorful character from her previous life to the changes that she goes through, and Nicolai is many a girl’s fantasy!! If you’re into the science fiction/paranormal drama then I highly recommend this book to you!!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Pleasure Slave | Catch A Mate | Playing With Fire | The Nymph King | Heart of Darkness : The Darkest Angel | The Stone Prince | Twice as Hot | Unraveled

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :

God. How moronic she sounded. Yes this, and yes that. It was just, he'd fried her circuits. She was on top of him, poised over his cock. And she ached. Ached like a drug addict in need of a fix. Why else would she have practically thrown herself at a vampire? ~ within Chapter 4

"What were you chanting when you gave me your blood?"
"More of my vampire magic. I cast a healing spell to aid the powers of my blood."
She sniffled, her nose stuffy. "It was better than Vicodin."
"Vicodin?"
"A painkiller from my world."
"A killer of pain. Do you love him?" The words were growled.
A burst of unexpected humor gave her strength. "No. In fact, he was hard to shake. He, uh, stalked me, that kind of thing. I had to pretend he didn't exist." ~ within Chapter 11

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

** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: Royal House of Shadows Series, Book 3	Idolizing In: Royal House of Shadows Series, Book 4	Contest Craze: Mini Challenge - Zombie Survival	Small Business Saturday: The Recycled Reader -- Used Bookstore	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ S ~ Authors

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Feasted On: Fools Gold Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Format: Paperback | Pages: 379 | Release Date: July 2011 | Publisher: HQN Books

"Only Mine" [Fools Gold Series, Book 4] by Susan Mallery

My Book Summary : Dakota has had some upsets in her life recently, and that isn't including her boss, Raoul, loaning her to work on this new reality show (located in Fools Gold) so the executives won't ruin the town. But when Finn walks into her life ... things between them go from casual to scorching quickly. Even though Finn is originally in Fool Gold to get his younger twin brother off of this new reality show and back into college in Alaska, where they are all from and (in Finn's view point) they need to be, he can't regret getting to know Dakota. She's fun, easy to talk to, and calms him and his worries down more than once. However, they both know this is just a casual relationship they have together and as soon as his brothers get kicked off the show and either shape up and do what they should be doing or he kicks them into shape himself, he definitely not planning on staying in Fools Gold any longer then he needs to be.

So, when Dakota's life goes from being single and carefree to one with a whole lot more responsibilities will Finn decide to end what they have and move on or will he realize that what he really needs just happens to be right in front of him??

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! So far in this series I have read the first and third books and even though I loved the characters, the plots fell a little short for me ..... but this book definitely topped them both for me .... from the main characters to the secondary characters, I couldn't get enough and was rooting for them all!! Ever since I finished the third book I have wanted to read the stories about the triplets, and I was pleasantly surprised by the turn of events in this novel! Dakota turned out to be a great main character, from her relationship with her sisters to what she wanted in her future to the relationship she had with Finn ... as I said I couldn't get enough!

Then to just add to it ... Sasha and Stephen!! Oh, my ... I SO hope they'll have a book of their own since I really want Stephen and Aurelia together, and I want to see what happens to Sasha and his dream of fame .. will he make it and will he find anyone for himself?? Very addicting!

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

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Tempting | Accidentally Yours | Falling For Gracie | Having Her Boss's Baby

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :

"I'm not a cougar," she said, speaking very quickly. "I'm actually allergic to cats. I'm not a man magnet." She could feel herself blushing. The man magnet statement was ridiculous. Geoff could tell what she was and wasn't simply by looking at her. ~ within Chapter 4

He raised his eyebrows. "I don't want to watch people falling in love."
She smiled. "Okay, okay. It's a girl thing. A while ago on Biggest Loser two of the contestants fell in love. It was just the best. My sisters and I couldn't stop calling each other about it."
"But you don't know them. Why does it matter if they get involved?"
"It just does. It's fun to watch people fall in love. Which should make the show more interesting. I guess that's the problem. No one is falling in love." ~ within Chapter 17

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Susan, then please check out her Amazon Page. To find out more about the town of Fools Gold then click here.

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: Fools Gold Series, Book 1	Made the Grade: Fools Gold Series, Book 5	#TeaserTuesday: Yours For Chrismas \| @SusanMallery @HarlequinBooks #BookTeaser #Romance	Secret Christmas Mom Box Swap 2018 \| #SecretSanta	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ M ~ Authors

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Made the Grade: Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 526 KB | Release Date: August 2011 | Publisher: HarperTeen

"Epic Fail" by Claire LaZebnik

My Book Summary : Elise just moved, with her parents and 4 sisters, to L.A. and started at a private school where her parents both work at. Her older sister, Juliana, and her are very close, since they are only a year apart (Elise a junior and Juliana a senior in High School). On the first day Elise isn't so sure about their new place since everyone seems to be wearing designer clothes more so then anything she's used to (or can afford) and she doesn't seem to fit in. However, Juliana fits in real well, so well in fact that they get to sit at the "popular" table because of a guy she hit it off with.

Derek has been going to this same school for years, and is the best friend of the guy Juliana starts hanging out with but he seems to be very standoffish when Elise meets him. One of those reasons he is that way is because of his movie star parents making it so everyone wants to get close to him and be his friend (or more). Because of his best friend and Elise's sister they spend a lot of time together. Making Elise the envy of all the girls and her trying to figure out the mystery that is Derek. But when things are said about another guy that Elise has made friends with but isn't told the reasons, conclusions get made, and things get a bit colder between Derek and Elise especially when their pride and prejudice come into play.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars .... I'm very sorry to say but I was disappointed by this novel, not a Disappointmentville type, but after all of the glowing reviews that I've read I guess I expected it to be a bit more. However, I will say that this author has taken a great spin on the Jane Austen novel "Pride and Prejudice" and turn it into a first rate plot for this century. I do like how she made Elise's younger sisters to have a bit more of a head on their shoulders. I liked the interaction between Derek, Elise, Juliana, Chase, and Chelsea. I am kinda disappointed that she basically drops off on the side story about Elise's mother and the school. And I guess I expected more out of Derek's mother too.

I don't know ... I just wish there was more to it then how it ended I guess. But it was very creative and on amazon.com there are a lot of glowing reviews about this novel ... so you never know, if you like Jane Austen novels then give this novel a try, you might like it a lot more then I did.

Maybe I'd like it better if there was a sequel to wrap all the loose ends up in. *shrug*

Book Teaser(s) :

"Why'd you come tonight?" I asked abruptly.
"Chase wanted to."
"You always do whatever he wants?"
"Pretty much. He's more like a brother than a friend at this point."
"I know what you mean. Juliana's just like a sister to me."
"Now that's a little weird," he said, with that brief shadow of a smile I'd seen once or twice before. ~ within Chapter 6

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Claire, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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Feasted On: Falling for Romeo by Jennifer Laurens	Feasted On: Breathe by Abbi Glines	Feasted On: Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti‏	Idolizing In: Backstage Pass Series, Book 2	My Book Reviews & Book Index: ~ L ~ Authors

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Made the Grade: Learning Curves by Elyse Mady

- This is an ARC book - Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 383 KB | Release Date: June 2011 | Publisher: Carina Press

"Learning Curves" by Elyse Mady

My Book Summary : Leanne has had to deal with her mother pushing her to be more like her (a beauty queen type) all of her life but it seems she was good enough. Or at least never as good as her mother's goddaughter, Gillian, who can seem to do no wrong in Leanne's mother's eyes. Because of all that, Leanne went in the complete different route, then what her mom wanted, by being the studious type of girl.

Now years later Leanne is just about finished getting her PhD in English, and because of her mother she gets dragged to Gillian’s bachelorette party. While at the party, located at a strip club, Leanne is enamored with one of the male strippers and Gillian soon decides that she wants to proposition that same stripper. So, out of regard for Gillian's fiancé Leanne decides to make sure that nothing will happen between Gillian and the stripper. But once she gets into the greenroom in the back things completely change for her when she meets Brandon, the stripper she liked, and they have scorching encounter, afterwards though they go their separate ways.

That is until they both find out that they go to the same college for their PhD's, so it's harder then they thought to not be involved. Especially when Brandon starts acting like a friend and whenever they get close to each other their attraction seems to get harder and harder to deny. However, just when things start going good for each of them, the bottom seems to fall out when a certain nemesis makes plans to ruin both of them and their relationship.

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This novel was sweet and sexy!! The sex scenes were very HOT and I could not get enough of Brandon!!!! Brandon pretty much made this novel for me! Since Leanne is nice, but the way she acted within the first half of the book made it hard for me to relate to her, but in the end the plot was great and everything fell into place.

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1

Brandon was going to explode.
Here, in his pants, next to his ten-speed, in his narrow hallway. Next to his ten-speed and just down from his closet.
And it was all Leanne Galloway’s fault.
She was driving him out of his ever-loving mind. ~ within Chapter 9

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Elyse, then please check out her Amazon Page.

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Destined

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

"Destined" [House of Night Series, Book 9] by P. C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Publication Released Date: October 25, 2011

Author's Book Description:

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more – or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

I hope this novel will be good since the series is getting a bit dragged out now ... but I still love the characters so I'll definitely be reading it!

My Previous Review(s) for these Authors : Tempted | Divine By Blood | The Avenger | Burned | Elphame’s Choice | Awakened

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Teaser Tuesdays: Learning Curves

Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Learning Curves" by Elyse Mady

Book Teaser:

Either one of them had only to move a fraction of an inch for their mouths to meet. He wanted to kiss her so badly but forced himself to be still as he whispered, “You were sitting so still, but I knew you were thinking about me. Tell me, what were you imagining I was doing to you?”
Their eyes met, the unspoken answer hanging between them, drawing them even deeper into a bewitching, erotic haze. ~ within Chapter 2

Related Posts :

Made the Grade: Learning Curves by Elyse Mady	Teaser Tuesdays: Almost Famous	#TeaserTuesday: Love in Bloom	Teaser Tuesdays: Crush On You

Monday, August 15, 2011

Feasted On: The Mercian Trilogy, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Format: Hardcover | Pages: 263 | Release Date: September 27, 2011 | Publisher: Egmont USA

"Blood" [The Mercian Trilogy, Book 1] by K. J. Wignall

My Book Summary : For over seven hundred years Will (William of Mercia) has known the thing that bit him, in 1256, changed him. Until the recent years, through knowledge he gained in books, he wasn't sure of what one of his "type" was called, as no one was there to tell him or show him what he could or would have to do now. However, he does plan to get vengeance on the one who did this to him and his family though, no matter what happens.

Now during his recent exit from "hibernation," Will is in another time period and it seems the rules have completely changed. Especially when you now have your "food" giving you prophesies about your destiny, a person comes into your life that you would now do anything for, and you have spirits/demons and other magical beings out to see you killed.

For a guy who always wondered why this happened to him, or what the purpose might be for this to have happened, it looks like his questions might start being answered ..... if he can just not get killed (or any of his new friends killed) along the way.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!!! This is an EXCELLENT novel, that takes on a wonderful new twist to the YA vampire theme!! I love how this novel tells you what happens in a rapid pace format but then also fills you in on Will's past in a diary-type setting. Very well written. And for someone like me who doesn't like mystery novels that much, this one kept my attention the whole way through!!

Book Teaser(s) :

"What happened?"
Will turned to look at the girl who was sitting on the edge of the step, rubbing her head.
"I think you banged your head."
"Cute but dumb, just my luck."
"Sorry?"
"Nothing. I know I banged my head. What I mean is . . ." She sounded incredulous as she said, "Did you beat them up or something?"
"No, not really," he said, relieved that she hadn't seen most of what had happened.
"So I don't owe you anything?"
"Of course not, nor would you if I had fought with them." ~ within Chapter 7

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by K. J., then please check out his Amazon Page.

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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Feasted On: New York Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 582 KB | Release Date: April 2010 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

"A Table for Three" [New York Series, Book 1] by Lainey Reese

My Book Summary : Riley has just moved to New York, starts her new job in two weeks, and plans to spend her first night in New York checking out the night scene. After she tells her cabby to take her to a club that has a mixture of celebs with the everyday people ... she finds more then she may have bargained for, but she's willing to try it out!

When Cade comes across Riley in his club, he plans to tell the "little innocent" that this isn't the right club for her, but after he first meets/sees her she meets all of his expectations in the type of girl he likes and he can't seem to turn her away. By the next morning he thinks he may have found the girl for him ... now he just has to see if his best friend, Trevor, agrees. Since Cade and Trevor have been sharing their women for years now and it soon looks like Trevor just might agree. Now all they need to do is convince Riley that this is more then a fling.

However, just when it seems that things are working out for all of them, someone from Cade and Trevor's past comes in and tries to destroy everything they have with Riley. Will that person succeed? Or will the three of them prove true love can survive anything??

My Book Review : THIS BOOK WAS A REREAD:: Then (February 2011): 3.5 out of 5 stars | Now (August 2011): 4 out of 5 stars!! This book is full of m/f/m ménage, bdsm, and steamy PDA to keep the mouth watering and your mind wandering!! It's one of those books where you learn that love can come from any type of relationship! It definitely opened my eyes ... and kept me wishing it was me instead of her at some points! =0)

These three characters you just can't get enough of!! The guys are smart, funny, and domineering ... and the girl is sweet, loving, and experimental! The plot was great and the epilogue was the perfect cherry on top!

Author Book Trailer :

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.
Book Teaser(s) :

He turned his head and looked at Riley sandwiched between him and Trevor. She was wide-awake. The cell phone hadn't done it, he knew because she hadn't shifted or stretched or even moved when it rang.
"How long have you been awake, Riley?"
"Your heart beats sixty-eight times a minute," she said instead of answering. "You breathe thirteen times a minute. Trevor is seventy-two and fifteen. Only, every three minutes Trevor's breathing stutters a little, and for that minute he breaths twelve instead."
Cade stared at her, giving her his best boss stare.
"About an hour and a half." When Cade groaned she added, "I told you I was a morning person." Cade ran a weary hand over his eyes, and Trevor spoke against the back of her neck. "My breath stutters?" ~ within Chapter 8

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

Related Posts :

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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Giveaway - Claiming Their Mate by Stacey Espino

Today I was able post my interview with Stacey Espino!! Also ... Stacey has offered up an e-copy of "Claiming Their Mate" [Pack Seduction Series, Book 1] by Stacey Espino for one lucky commenter!!

"Claiming Their Mate" [Pack Seduction Series, Book 1]

Format: E-copy | File Size: 141 KB | Release Date: April 2011 | Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Author's Book Description :

Pack Seduction Series

Carna and her sisters carry the last of the royal blood. Every male shifter in the world craves to mate with one of the elusive princesses to secure their place in history. Only royal blood will ensure the continuation of all shifter species.

Although she may be the heir to future generations, Carna wants no part in a forced seduction. She's independent and wants to make her own choices, and mate for love, not out of necessity. Carna and her sisters split up and go into hiding, but not for long...

When a rogue group of shifters captures Carna and insists she choose one of them as her mate, she puts up the fight of her life, escaping into the forest. Once on the run again, she quickly learns that running and hiding are taking their toll on her. She needs to settle down and why not with one or more of the sexy men begging for her affections? But can she find love amongst all the chaos?

Be Warned: menage a cinq romance, menage sex, anal sex

RULES ::

This contest ends on August 31st and the winners will be selected using Random.org.
You must be at least 18 years-old and must comment on my blog (somewhere and no later then a month ago) to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry. Additional entries are possible but links must be provided.
The form below must be filled out to enter.

Related Posts :

Interview with Stacey Espino	Giveaway Winner - September 2011	Made the Grade: Pack Seduction Series, Book 1	Jess' Update :: September 20th 2011

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