Made the Grade: Erotic Elf Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 594 KB | Release Date: November 12, 2012 | Publisher: Dragonfairy Press | Obtained: Smashwords

"Incubus Hunter" [Erotic Elf Series, Book 1] by Kenya Wright

My Book Summary : After Carmen's scumbag of a husband abandoned her and her daughter while leaving her with an enormous debt to a powerful wizard, Adae, to which the deadline is quickly approaching on. All she needs to do is pull of capturing Blaze, a high-level incubus, and then her daughter and her are home free. However, she didn't count on the powerful attraction between Blaze and herself to burn as high as it does, or his immense powers that she isn't familiar with. Will Carmen be able to pull of her heist scot-free or will Blaze break all of her rules and come up with a plan of his own?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is an intense novella about a woman trying to get her daughter back by any means necessary and a handsome demon caught in the middle of it all. I loved the intensity between Blaze & Carmen; it kept me wanting to turn the page! As well as, the way Blaze goes about his feelings when it comes to Carmen, made it all very exciting! =0)

The only thing that threw me for a loop, and something I wasn't too fond of with this novella, was the big twist at the end. It was one of those things that I, kind of, saw coming but was hoping it wouldn't. Yet it makes me even more curious what Ms. Wright has in store for Carmen & Blaze in book 2 and what will happen between them within the rest of the series!!

I recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances!!

Book Teaser(s) :

The salt of the sea landed on my tongue as we walked into the boatyard. I knew the Boto brothers had several yachts here. Carmen strolled alongside me. The wind blew through her ginger curls, lifting them up in the air for a few seconds. I’d destroyed the brunette wig while she was sleeping.
There’ll be no more of that raggedy thing.
Moonlight shined on her creamy skin. The desire to run my fingers across her flesh pulsed within me. I needed to explore the parts of her body I hadn’t yet tasted.
Soon.
Completely energized, I grinned. ~ within Chapter 4 - titled 'Blaze'

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

Made the Grade: Bloodrunners Series, Book 4

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 304; Kindle Edition - File Size: 395 KB | Expected Release Date: December 18, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne | Obtained: NetGalley

"Dark Wolf Rising" [Bloodrunners Series, Book 4] by Rhyannon Byrd

My Book Summary : Chelsea is on the search for her younger sister, Perry, who took off weeks ago and hasn't been heard of since. When she has almost run out of her money she finally finds a solid lead from the strip club where her sister recently worked which leads her into a whole new world full of--secrets, werewolves, and lives on the brink of war--trouble with a capital T. Now her only hope to save her sister is to place her trust in Eric, a dark wolf and a "leader" of his pack, and a group of Runners, half-human half-wolves who protect their pack, if she can get over her past fears. However, Eric is going through his own issues. When he meets Chelsea he knows that he should stay away from her as much as possible but there is a unique quality about her that he cannot get enough of. Will they be able to work together to defeat the other pack's brutalities while saving Chelsea's sister before everything growing between them blows up in their faces? Or will it all fall apart?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a novel about two people overcoming their troubled pasts and creating a better future for those around them and each other. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this series, as well as finding out what the qualities of a "dark wolf" are and mean. Eric I happened to love as a character, he is loyal to a fault, hard working, even though he takes the blame for the things his father did he doesn't hold the hate against anyone in the pack, and he's very brave.

My only issue with this novel was the way Chelsea seemed to always take two steps forward and then one-step back when it came to anything important. I could understand it to a point. However, after a while it because very annoying!

Therefore, I recommend this to those who are already fans of the Bloodrunners Series and who like reading unique takes on werewolf romances.

Author's Novel Extras : Morning everyone! | Here's a little peek at Eric

Book Teaser(s) :

Eric was standing with his back to her, his big hands locked around the other man's arms as they grappled for control. Somehow managing to stay on her feet, Chelsea braced herself against the side of the alcove with one hand, and reached out to tap his shoulder with the other. "Hey, Eric."
"Christ! Not now, Chelse."
She licked her lips, trying to focus on the back of his head. "But I need to ask you a question."
"It'll have to wait." His deep voice sounded a little breathless, and a whole lotta sexy. "I'm kinda busy here," he added, finally managing to shove the guy with shaggy blond hair against the opposite wall.
"But this is important." She frowned, unable to understand why he was being so difficult. "I just need to know if you kissed me last night...or if I dreamed it."
His head cut sharply to the side, his expression stunned as he looked over his broad shoulder at her, and the loss of concentration cost him. Big-time. ~ within Chapter 5

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

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: The Trouble With Cupcakes by Kristi Ahlers | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Tirgearr Publishing & Kristi Ahlers, with a review of Kristi's latest novel "The Trouble With Cupcakes," which is the 4th book in The Trouble 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 November 5 - 16, 2012]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 154 KB | Expected Release Date: August 2012 | Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Trouble With Cupcakes" [The Trouble Series, Book 4] by Kristi Ahlers

My Book Summary : Heather has worked hard for all she has, yet she hopes that once she wins the coveted Krewe of Bacchus after-party contract it will turn her small thriving cupcakery into a hit. All she has to do is impress the leaders of the Krewe and she in. However, as soon as she finds out that one of the leaders is none other then her unrequited high school crush, Alec Carlisle, she's more nervous than ever.

Nevertheless, Alec has been keeping a secret of his own, Heather's crush wasn't unrequited at all their timing was just never right and now is his chance to prove it and make it up to her. If only he can keep his ex-girlfriend--Lila who's a bitchy socialite and is also in the running for the after-party contract--from ruining all of his plans...

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars! This novella is so sweet it'll give you a toothache! I enjoyed reading about these two characters. Heather is a bit scatterbrained but she seems cute and fun too, enough to keep you wanting to reading about her. Whereas Alec is strong and seems to be used to getting what he wants, which makes him even more determined when it comes to Heather, but it is all in a very hot and sweet kind of way.

I liked the plot, yet it did fall a bit short for me in that I felt it was a bit rushed in some scenes. With that being said though, I liked how it all turned out between Alec, Heather, and Lila in the end. I'm now just curious as to the whole "Where are they all now?" question when it comes to them.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading quick sweet contemporary romances that are just enough to put a smile on your face. =0)

Author's Series Extras : A new Life! | Tirgearr Publishing Gets Some Love | Coming Soon from Tirgearr! | IT'S OFFICIAL!!! | I've been a bad, bad author and I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with this blog! | THE TROUBLE with CUPCAKES is available now...

Book Teaser(s) :

“Hi. Sorry, I’m a little early.”
Heather nervously wiped her hands on the dish towel she held in her hands. “It’s okay. I just took the cupcakes out of the oven, so they’ll be too warm yet to ice or eat.”
“That’s fine.” Alec moved further into the store looking around at the displays of assorted cupcake themed items. “Have you had dinner?”
“Ah, no.” Heather looked down at her flour covered jean shorts and lavender tank top. Her apron hadn’t protected her clothes very well. Why, oh, why couldn’t she look put together just once? ~ within Chapter 4

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

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About the Author :

Kristi Ahlers is a California girl! She grew up in Northern California in a small city called Yuba City. Since then she's lived in Brussels, Belgium, and England along with a myriad of other locations. A former flight attendant, she was able to continue to feed her love of travel. This has greatly influenced her writing, allowing her to pen stories about places she's managed to visit and things she's experienced.

Kristi loves to hear from her readers.

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About the Publisher :

Tirgearr Publishing is a small independently-owned publishing company of adult genre fiction, specializing in romance and erotica.

We offer full-circle services, working with authors on a one-on-one basis to ensure each book we publish is of the highest quality.

Using our expertise from nearly twenty years in the publishing business, we work side-by-side with our authors to develop effective marketing plans and promotional programs, advising on career choices and forward career planning, and assist in setting up the author's overall image.

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Book Excerpt :

“911 what’s your emergency?”

“Yes, my name is Heather Ryan. I need to cancel the fire trucks that are on their way to 218 Royal Street—Cupcakes on Royal. It’s a false alarm.”

Heather waited for the space of a heartbeat while she wiped cake batter off her face before looking at the mess dripping from the wall and yes, she noted, the ceiling fan. Perhaps she was going to have to rethink this whole brilliant idea of her cupcakery.

Dark smoke billowed out of the industrial oven. She waved a potholder ineffectively, trying to clear the air. The pan of burnt cupcakes rested on the stainless steel counter, mocking her and once again proving she wasn’t a baker.

“You want to cancel the alarm?” The dispatcher asked, incredulous. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Once the trucks roll, we can’t cancel them.”

“Damn,” Heather muttered to herself as she walked through the black lacquered doors into the main room of the cupcakery, looking though the large windows into the predawn morning looking for the trucks. This was going to make the third time the fire department had come to her little shop and she really hoped the crew who showed up this time was not the same one from last time. The lieutenant had been old and cranky and swore he’d fine her the next time.

Was it her fault she got so caught up in something she lost track of all the other things needing to be done? “Well, duh, Heather, yeah it is,” she muttered to herself as the trucks pulled up.

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Giveaways!! :

• A $50 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour
• A copy of their whole library, which includes the next six books which are publishing soon (one at the end of the month, the last five over five days the first week of December, including their year end special publication). Total retail value of $150 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 Kristi Ahlers :

• Kristi Ahlers - Website
• Kristi Ahlers - Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads

Find Tirgearr Publishing :

• Tirgearr Publishing - Website
• Tirgearr Publishing - Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Goodreads
• RSS Feed
• Tumblr
• LinkedIn
• RomanceWiki

Authors/Publishers/Small Businesses/Book Bloggers :: Can You Help or Do You Want to Participate?

Hello all!!

I've been tossing this idea around for a few days now and--even though it's last minute--I'd like to see if anyone would like to help me out. The idea came when I saw this photo/sign (show below) on November 12 about it being small business Saturday on November 24th, actually it was because my local bookstore that was sharing the photo (when I saw it) that I got this idea.


Basically my idea is this ... starting on November 24th to November 30th (might be longer or shorter depending on how many people can help me out) I'd like to run a couple of giveaways one with a few books from my local bookstore (not sure which ones yet) and another with a few books from my local used bookstore (again not sure which ones yet) .... then here's where I need everyone's help ... I'd also like to do giveaways from authors (probably ebooks or whatever you're willing to give away). I was thinking that since this is based around small businesses I would like to have any self-published or indie authors helping me out but really I'll be happy with anyone who would like to participate.

Other then giveaways ...

The other things I would like to do between those dates above is to host GUEST POSTS having you explain what YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BOOKSTORE IS or WHY SHOPPING LOCAL IS SO IMPORTANT or YOU CAN PROMOTE A LOCAL BUSINESS OR NEWish BOOK THAT MEANS SOMETHING TO YOU!

If you are interested please comment on this post (remember to leave your email addy) or email me at frommetoyouvideo@hotmail.com.

Thank you ahead of time to all that choose to participate!

Take care, Jess

Made the Grade: Relentless Seduction by Jillian Burns

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 218; Kindle Edition - File Size: 294 KB | Expected Release Date: December 18, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Blaze | Obtained: NetGalley

"Relentless Seduction" by Jillian Burns (aka Juliet Burns)

My Book Summary : While in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras Claire's best friend--Julia--disappears. Because it being Mardi Gras time the cops are busy and they believe that Julia has just met a guy and is just avoiding Claire so they don't help her out. Therefore, Claire decides to take matters into her own hands and looks for Julia on her own.

Claire's first clue is a "vampire bar" called Once Bitten where she knew Julia went to the night before. The only thing she never expected was getting the hot and spicy owner of the bar--Rafael (Rafe)--to help her in the search, whether he likes it or not. As they go through the dirtier areas of New Orleans, they learn more about each other than they ever expected and become more and more drawn to each other. However, when they finally find Julia and find out what happened to her will it be good or bad news? Also, when the time finally comes for Claire to head home will she want or be able to?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, follow Claire through the seedy side of New Orleans while she searches for her best friend finding her who she really wants to be and a possible love interest in the process. This novel was a surprise since when I read the description I believed it was going to be paranormal romance, especially since Rafe owns a "vampire bar," yet that is so not what I got. With that being said, it might not be what I expected but I liked this spicy thriller romance! Rafe & Claire grow throughout this whole novel, which keeps you guessing as to what they'll do next. Then to top it off, you float through the major twists that come with what happens/happened to Julia--Claire's kooky best friend--and romantic seduction between a relentless/determined woman and a stubborn man throughout this novel.

I recommend it to those who enjoy romantic thriller and contemporary romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Inspiration for Relentless Seduction | Vampires and Werewolves and Aliens, Oh MY!

Book Teaser(s) :

"The Delacroix Asylum used to be a stop on all the ghost tours until the building was officially condemned."
She rubbed her arms and shivered. "Condemned?"
He chuckled. "That's what bothers you? Not the ghosts?"
"I don't believe in ghosts. Do you?"
"Cher, I'm from New Awlins. I was raised on all kinds of supernatural stories from ghosts to ghoulies to voodoo and vampires."
"Well, I'm from Missouri. The 'Show Me' state."
He caught her mouth curving up at the corners. ~ within Chapter 8

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

Feasted On: Eloisa's Fairy Tales Series, Book 4

Format: Paperback | Pages: 384 | Release Date: August 2012 | Publisher: Avon Books | Obtained: My Mom (previously read it and gave it to me saying I had to read it)

"The Ugly Duchess" [Eloisa's Fairy Tales Series, Book 4] by Eloisa James

My Book Summary : Throughout her life, Theodora (Theo/Daisy) has known that she isn't as pretty as the other girls/women of the ton are. The only ones who have never agreed with everyone else's assessment of her is her mother and James (her best friend--who's 2 years older then her). Therefore, when her season begins--when she is 17-years-old--Theo has to deal with a lot of fortune hunters but she is committed to want to marry for love.

At 19/20-years-old, James isn't ready for marriage. However, when his father informs him of the poor state that their estate is in (because of his father's gambling debts) and that all James is able to do is either convince Theo to marry him or loose everything but his title, James feels pinned to the wall no matter what he chooses.

Nevertheless, after thinking about Theo in more of a relationship kind-of-way he falls into his father's plan only because she is his best friend and he doesn't want to loose her to another man. Yet not long after their marriage, Theo finds out about James father's scheme. Believing that James doesn't love her and everything was a lie, she kicks James and his father out.

Only instead of sticking around and trying to win Theo's good graces back, James--full of heartache and thinking he has lost her forever--takes their ship and sails away for seven years. Once he arrives back home will Theo have forgiven him? Can they repair the longtime friendship and love they once had? Or will old hurts make Theo want to create a new life for herself once again?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Two people find that love grows where you least expect it and that it'll never go away no matter what life throws at you. I was thoroughly entranced by this novel! Even though the plots had very little similarities it reminded me of a mix between Elizabeth Essex's "Almost a Scandal" and Julia Quinn's "Ten Things I Love About You," mostly because they have both very strong female lead character's just like "The Ugly Duchess" and I couldn't get enough of those novels just like this one!

It was intriguing to read about Theo and James' separation because it seemed to let them both grow into who they were truly meant to be. I mean they both loved each other in the beginning of the novel. Without a doubt, but I think if they had the chance to stay together instead of separating they would still have had a wonderful marriage yet I think neither of them would have grown as much as they did if they stayed together during that time because of how young they both were. Yet with that being said, I do wish James came back to Theo sooner then he had. Nevertheless, I'm glad with how everything turned out. It kept me laughing throughout while leaving me sentimental and chocked up at times too.

Definitely a keeper! I recommend this novel to anyone who likes fairy tales with a twist and/or historical romances!!

- On a side note -
I'm curious as to what will happen between Sir Griffin Barry (James' cousin) and his wife in "Seduced by a Pirate," the latest novella and book 4.5 in this series.

Author's Novel Extras : Exclusive Excerpt | The Inside Take | Reviews in the Press | Hurrah! | News About The Ugly Duchess | Accolades for The Ugly Duchess | The Ugly Duchess is now Available! | The Ugly Duchess is a New York Times Bestseller! | The Ugly Duchess is a New York Times Bestseller!

Author's Series Extras : Eloisa's Fairy Tales | In Stores Now: The Duke is Mine

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 6

He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a small flannel pouch, which he proceeded to open.
It held a locket.
And inside the locket . . . a curl of hair whose color ranged from bronze to brandy.
“I fail to see the significance of that object you hold,” Cecil said, leaning back with a wave of his hand. “A tarnished locket with a piece of hair—” He looked sideways at Theo and broke off.
“It is my hair,” Theo said, her lips moving with difficulty. “James cut it on our wedding night. Actually,the following morning.” She reached out her hand. “May I have it, please?”
Mr. Badger handed it over. The locket was, as Cecil said, a tarnished and not particularly valuable one. Yet there was no mistaking her own hair. She’d spent too many years deploring its odd streaks to mistake it.
“That need not be your hair,” Cecil said, peering down at her hand. “I agree that there is some similarity,but your color is much lighter than that, my dear.”
“James cut it from underneath so that no one could see. The hair is darker, but you see it has all the oddness of my hair. Like a yellow zebra, James always said.” To her distress, she heard her voice quaver. ~ within Chapter 21

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

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Rogue Rider

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

"Rogue Rider" [Lords of Deliverance Series, Book 4] by Larissa Ione
Expected Publication Released Date: November 20, 2012

Author's Book Description:

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?