Thursday, April 19, 2012

Made the Grade: The Outsiders Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 651 KB | Expected Release Date: March 2012 | Publisher: Silver Publishing | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Love Beyond Sight" [The Outsiders Series, Book 4] by Rebecca Royce

My Book Summary : When Samuel was twelve-years-old, he got caught in a fire that the demon, Sebastian, trapped him in, which happened to burn his face mostly and gave him very horrid scars. Now about twenty years later he has been using his powers to steal other people's looks/features so he doesn't ever have to look like his scarred self. However, because of how he's self-conscious about his looks he knows that he'll never be able to be with his soul mate, Eden. But fate will soon take that decision out of his hands....

Eden loves her fellow Outsiders, but recently she is starting to feel like a burden to them. So, after being told that she is being left behind while the rest of the Outsiders are off to steal back more of their things from Sebastian, Eden decides that she is going to take off for a while. She hopes that while she's away she will gain the confidence she needs to be able to be an Outsider and gain control over her powers so she can finally be an asset to them.

However, when Sebastian finds out that Eden is now unprotected, Samuel is forced to protect the woman of his heart at all costs. Nevertheless, will he be able to protect her from everything, even the things everyone would least suspect?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this novel is about what it's like to get to know a person from who they are from within over what their outward appearance is, along with proving that all you need is love. Both main characters have problems with their looks that seem to put major road bumps in their relationship that for one of them it's harder to get over then the over. However, Eden and Samuel's plot is very intense and surprising, yet I loved reading about them together and I can't wait to see where their relationship will go!

For the other characters ... I'm curious to see what will happen with the new characters that were introduced within this book. Very interesting new possible storylines. Plus, I loved the brief glimpses I got to read about of Gabriel and Loraine! As they are still my favorite couple in this series thus far in this series. However, I am still mad at Alexa, she just seems so dense and I hope she'll shape up soon. =0/

I do recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of the Outsiders Series, as it just opens up the doors to so much more for this series you won't want to miss out!

This review is a part of a Blog Tour through Goddess Fish Promotions -- Be sure to check out the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting at the stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning! Here's my stop for this blog tour. [Blog Tour will run from April 2 - 27, 2012]

My Previous Interview(s) with this Author or the Author's Characters : February 2012 | April 2012

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 3

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
"Reading my mind? I'm going to have to figure out how to stop you from getting in there so easily."
Not going to happen. His back was stiff as he answered her telepathically.
"Turn around and speak to me if you want to say something. At least look me in the eye if you're going to invade my mind."
He whirled around, his blue gaze meeting hers. "You've never minded the so-called invasion before. You like it. You look for me in your head. I love being in there. You don't get to tell me I can't do it anymore when it's the one time of the day that I actually feel like life matters."
She threw her hands in the air. This was an impossible situation. "Wonderful."
The cleaning idea seemed better and better. ~ within Chapter 7
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rebecca, then please check out her website.

Guest Post :: The 5 Things that have Helped or Inspired Us to Write by April Fifer & Danielle Hylton-Outland

Today I'm turning my blog over to April Fifer & Danielle Hylton-Outland authors of "Flesh and Feathers"... So, take it away girls!!

The Five Things that have Helped or Inspired Us to Write

Thank you so much for having us on your blog today. We must say there have been many occurrences that have happened to make us want to write. First, we both read a book (we will not mention the name) that made us so furious about the ending that we wanted to write an ending we loved, our way-our rules. Secondly, we kept asking all the bookstores if there were any paranormal romance books that were less steamy than an erotica but more steamy than YA novels. Their answer was always, “It’s either one genre or the other," **sad face**. Third, we tend to fall-hard for our guys in novels. After all, doesn't everyone? We wanted to create the perfect fictional man. In our case, we created a few. The fourth reason would be we both love to write. Both of us write to relieve emotion, relive experiences the way we really wanted to in real life and generate worlds that are just simply intriguing. Lastly, we write because we want to prove something. For one of us to deal with dyslexia daily and the other to grow up in extreme poverty with an erratic childhood, we owe it to ourselves to be able to say, “I did it.” These are our five reasons we sleep with a pencil in our hands at night.



About the Authors :

Danielle Hylton-Outland was raised in Virginia. She grew up having a huge appetite for daydreaming; always wanting to live in the spectacular worlds she created in her mind. She now lives with her husband and dog where she is pursuing a degree in literature. Danielle is a strong animal activist. She is currently co-writing the second book in the Flesh Series, "Flesh and Flames."

April Fifer grew up in a small town in Virginia, where it was common practice believing that dreams could only be found in stories. At the age of seven she was diagnosed with dyslexia. She was told that she would struggle through life and would never pick up a book to read for pleasure. Although school was hard, she was able to find her way with the help of two teachers who taught her self-discovery. Ignoring what she was taught growing up, she turned it around and found that your dreams could become stories.



"Flesh and Feathers" [The Flesh Series, Book 1] by April Fifer & Danielle Hylton-Outland

Authors' Book Description :

    Azaleigh's life is simple until, by chance, she meets Kale. Charming and handsome, Az is immediately drawn to him. But long kept secrets lurk in the hearts of those Az holds most dear, and dangerous plans are unfolding around her. As her life begins to crumble and Kale disappears, Gage, charismatic and striking, arrives, providing a calm port in an increasingly violent storm. But with every narrow escape from a far from human bounty hunter who's after her life, Az begins to unravel a secret with the power to change her forever. In an increasingly hostile world of Angel and Fallen, Azaleigh must navigate her own path, chose her own side, and ultimately protect her heart. Faced with two gorgeous men, an enemy she doesn’t know, and a future she cannot understand, Az must make a choice—the man she loves, or the man she cannot live without.

Authors' Book Trailer :



Find April Fifer & Danielle Hylton-Outland :

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Blog Tour - Love Beyond Sight by Rebecca Royce | Character Interview & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Rebecca Royce, who I had a character interview with the main characters from her latest novel "Love Beyond Sight," which is the 4th book in The Outsiders Series!!

I will say, I'm sorry, because I have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to finish reading "Love Beyond Sight." So, I don't have a review for it yet BUT my review will be posted within the next few days! Sorry again but I hope you'll enjoy this SWEET character interview!

-- EDIT on April 20th 2012 -- Check out my review for this novel here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/04/made-grade-outsiders-series-book-4.html

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 - 27, 2012]



My Q&A with the main characters from "Love Beyond Sight" :

Hi, today I am here with Eden and Samuel from "Love Beyond Sight." Thanks so much for being here with me today.

Samuel : Thanks for having us. (Looking at Eden) Do we really have to do this? We’re a little busy.

Eden : Just a few minutes. (Patting him on the arm.) You’ll survive a little exposure.

So, let me see if I have this straight. You two are involved in an epic battle that has been going for generations.

Samuel : We’re members of a group called The Outsiders...oh wait, I shouldn’t have told you that. Please forget I used that word.

Eden : Let’s just say there is a lot at stake and we are deeply involved in the current situation.

I’m hearing stories about problems in New Orleans. Lots of explosions...

Samuel : New Orleans has been the home base for a lot of problems.

Eden : We’re hopeful we’ve gotten that under control now. But every time we think we’ve accomplished something another problem pops up.

How did you two meet?

Eden : Well, we’re soul mates but it’s complicated.

How so?

Samuel : Circumstances have prevented us from actually seeing each other.

You’re telling me that you’ve never seen each other. How can there be love without sight?

Eden : This is a paramount problem in our life. One way or another, Samuel and I have been prevented from really looking at each other’s faces for a long time.

Wow. Hope that works out for you two.

Samuel : (rolling his eyes) Thanks for that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a demon to go hunt down.

Eden : Samuel! We’re not supposed to talk about that.

Samuel : Damn it.



About the Author :

As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.




"Love Beyond Sight" [The Outsiders Series, Book 4] by Rebecca Royce

Author's Book Description :

    In "Love Beyond Sanity," Eden Roan awoke in a mental hospital, unsure of how she got there. Nearly discovered by a demon, she is rescued by a voice in her mind who saves her life by transforming her figure into something the demon doesn't want to look at. The voice tells her she is his but that they will never, ever meet. As time progresses, Eden becomes more and more convinced that the voice is just her imagination playing tricks on her. It can't possibly be her destined soul mate. Or can it?

    Samuel Quinn was horribly disfigured by the demon when he was a child. He can't stand looking at himself and does not want Eden to see him. Luckily, his powers allow him to hide himself using other people's features as his own. But when Eden needs him, Samuel will have to step forward to save her even if he can never let her see the real him.

    Can there be love without sight? Or will the demon finally have them all just where he wants them?

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 3



Book Excerpt :

After he’d put the car back where he’d stolen it from, checking to see if there was any evidence that owner had noticed that lack of the car and finding none, he hoofed it back to his apartment complex. Even though he knew how to dress properly for the cold, by the time he got home he felt frozen to his core. The cold air had helped his burning skin to relax for a while. Maybe he could get one more day out of his new features.

Maybe.

He unlocked the door and hadn’t stepped inside more than an inch when the first blow struck him on the side of the head. He saw stars as he hit the ground. What the hell? He could hardly think. Shit. What had hit him?

Using force of will alone, barely managed to roll to the side before the next whack nearly struck him again. A streak of strawberry-blond flew by his eyes.

“Eden?”

He heard a gasp. “How do you know who I am?”

Samuel managed to open one eye long enough to see she stood above him holding a chair leg over her head. She looked fierce and stunning like some kind of warrior goddess taking down her prey. Hell, she’d broken his chair.

“I know you. It’s hard to explain.” Or maybe it wasn’t but he couldn’t be sure. His head felt heavy and he couldn’t make sense of much. Everything looked sort of blurry.

“Your voice.” Eden’s lovely face came into focus for a moment before it blurred out again. Her eyes furrowed as she tried to make sense of things. He didn’t blame her. This whole thing was damn confusing.

“I know your voice.”

He tried to nod and had to close his eyes. Wow, she’d really gotten him. “Yes, you do.”



Giveaway!! :
  • A $50 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 Rebecca Royce :

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Feasted On: Werewolf Series, Book 9

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 327; Kindle Edition - File Size: 558 KB | Expected Release Date: March 1, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

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

My Book Summary : When her twin brother and his mate (Hunter & Tessa) are away on their honeymoon, Meara plans to play ..... or more accurately, she plans on finally finding her mate. Her first step is to make the rental cabins that Hunter and her own, into a resort type of place and only booking them out to alpha male werewolves that she thinks she might like. However, her plans are foiled when an assassin decides to take his revenge out on her because of a Hunter and his SEAL team ruining his plans.

Thankfully, Finn, one of Hunter's friends and a part of Hunter's SEAL team, already has plans to keep Meara safe after a failed attempt at killing another of Finn's SEAL team members. Nevertheless, when Meara is already a "loose cannon" in regards to her own safety will Finn's protection be enough. Especially against her own heart when their passions run high!

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This action-packed, suspenseful, Neanderthal werewolf romance was one I never expected but thoroughly enjoyed!! Meara is a stubborn alpha female with heart big enough to put those she considers friends/family before her own life, to such a degree sometimes that it has made Hunter even more wary of Meara being on her own. Finn has known Meara for years and has been attracted to her for just as long, but with his promise to Hunter about keeping away from her he tries his best to stay away, but when starts to protect her keeping that distance between them gets harder to do minute by minute. The chemistry between these two is undeniable!! Plus, what helped this novel was that all of the characters are really easy to like, even the bad guys (a bit).

I recommend this novel to anyone who already enjoys Terry's Werewolf Series and to those of you who just like reading suspenseful werewolf romances!!

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

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1
"Hunter? I'm all right."
"Who is he? Why did you hang up on me?"
"He wouldn't let me talk to you and ended our call. Anna says she thinks he works as a deep undercover operative."
"Hell. You were alone? With him?"
"I was with him in the lobby. Full of people."
Anna smiled at Meara's little white lie.
"I didn't hear anyone conversing in the background, Meara. It's late there. The damned place was probably empty. Don't cover for him. Where was Finn?" ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Terry, then please check out her website.

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 :

    Thursday, April 12, 2012

    Made the Grade: Cat Scratch Fever by Jodi Redford

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 298 KB | Expected Release Date: April 2012 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Jodi Redford

    "Cat Scratch Fever" by Jodi Redford

    My Book Summary : Years ago, Lilly's grandfather was swindled out of a big plot of land while playing cards with Dante's father. Therefore, for a while now she has been hounding Dante to sell that plot of land back to her without any success. Nevertheless, is she willing to do just about anything to get back what rightfully belongs to her family, even if it means taking Dante's proposition?

    Dante has been avoiding Lilly and her demands for years, but now with his father's mate-bond ultimatum he is in desperate need to find someone to mate with that isn't the girl his father wants, and Lilly seems to be the perfect choice. Especially with the chemistry that flies between them and with Lilly currently being in heat right now the sexual tension is flying high. However, will Dante's pack or Lilly's family allow or approve of this match between them? Will Dante & Lilly be able to keep this proposition only a business agreement between them without letting their hearts get evolved? In addition, will Lilly be able to stand up to the competition that wants to mate with Dante and have Lilly out of the picture?

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this sexually intense novel is entertaining with all that the drama that ensues between the main characters' budding relationship! I really enjoyed the sarcastic comments and sassy comebacks that fly between Dante and Lilly. Along with reading about the unusual type of things, Dante decides on using as foreplay items. It's really a quick but fun read that is overloaded with sex between the stubborn main characters.

    I only wish it didn't end where it did, meaning, "I wish there was more!!" Since where it ends leaves a bunch of questions in the air ... Is Lilly really okay? What happened to Anna? Did Dante's father know anything about what she did? How is there relationship now? If this novel was a part of a series, then I could possibly let the unknown questions slide but since as far as I know it isn't then I wish I could have answers to my questions. However, I AM very happy with how Lilly and Dante's relationship ends up in the book it was quite charming.

    I recommend this novel to everyone who's a fan of Jodi's, as well as, those who enjoy reading paranormal erotic romances!!

    -- Check out Jodi's response to my questions above!! --

    My Previous Interview(s) with this Author or the Author's Characters : November 2011 | February 2012

    My Previous Review(s) for this Author : That Voodoo You Do | The Naughty List | Maximum Witch | Getting Familiar With Your Demon

    Book Teaser(s) :
    Dante turned and watched the approach of Lilly’s SUV. Even with the distance separating them, he could clearly see the wide-eyed apprehension overtaking her face as she took in the amount of Morgans camped on his porch. He had to give her credit for not flooring it in reverse and hightailing it the fuck out of there.
    Hell, it was probably what he would have done.
    A weighty silence descended on the group as Lilly parked her vehicle and made the slow trek toward the porch. Dante’s gaze dipped toward her neckline, where the tag for her sweater was hanging out in plain view. She’d jumped into her clothes so fast earlier, he hadn’t noticed she’d put the sweater on backwards.
    His mouth quirked, and Lilly glanced down. A groan fell from her. “Aw crap.” Her motions swift, she tugged her scarf in place to cover up her wardrobe malfunction.
    Something about her obvious embarrassment stoked his protective instincts. Cupping her elbow, he pulled her close and dropped a kiss on her forehead.
    The collective spell of silence that’d gripped his cousins shattered as they all began talking at once. In his typical fashion, Theo outshouted everyone else. “Holy shit, Shane wasn’t talking out of his ass.”~ within Chapter 10
    For more information on this book and/or any other books by Jodi, then please check out her website.
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