Blog Tour - Feasted On: Tempted by the Storm by Maxine Mansfield | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Maxine Mansfield, with a review of her novel "Tempted by the Storm," which is the 2nd book in The Academy of Magical Arts 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 1 - 12, 2013]

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 370; Kindle Edition - File Size: 552 KB | Release Date: October 15, 2012 | Publisher: The Wild Rose Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"Tempted by the Storm" [The Academy of Magical Arts Series, Book 2] by Maxine Mansfield

My Book Summary : Larksong (Lark) was born a spiritmaster. Making her strong in the ways of mind-over-mind and mind-over-matter meaning her emotions can control the weather around her and more. It also meant that she was the outcast of the family and her mother always made it known to Lark that she wasn't who her mother wanted because she wasn't a boy and of her abilities. Therefore, she has become her older sister's--Aryanna--companion knowing that her family will never allow her to marry and have a family of her own.

A few days before Lark is charged with attending The Academy of Magical Arts with her sister so Aryanna can meet her betrothed, Aryanna encourages Lark to attend the Carnalval (a masked party where inhibitions rain free) where Lark meets the man of her dreams...

The only down part is that after a wild night of passion she sneaks a peak under his mask, while he's sleeping, just to fully appreciate his handsomeness only to realize she knows who he is! His name is Sarco and just happens to be the future Lord of the High Elves, as well as, he's Aryanna's betrothed!

Now Sarco and her have to deal with their passions, responsibilities, and find out what is more important to them in the end... honor, love, passion, truth, or all of the above if they can manage it.

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars!! This novel is the perfect mix of hilarity, adventurousness, family love/loyalty, and erotic love scenes!! With its great cast of characters this novel, and series, is one that I feel every adult that reads it will enjoy at least some aspect of it!

I enjoyed reading about Lark & Sarco's struggle between their hearts and their duty. Especially when they both realized that they never truly put themselves first before and no matter how much they want to now they can't because they care too much for their families and their people to do that to them. Nevertheless, these two make a great duo, from their magical talents to their sense of humor they complement each other very well.

Also, even though I understand why they did the things, they did and even though they make a good pair too, I wasn't really a fan of Aryanna & Cyrrick (Lark's sister & Sarco's brother). Mostly because of the way, they handled everything regarding their love and trying to manipulate Lark & Sarco into meeting/being together so that Aryanna & Cyrrick could be together instead of following the prophecy, which was putting Sarco & Aryanna together. --I hope I didn't confuse you ... I know I almost confused myself.-- =0) Anyway, Aryanna & Cyrrick are a good match up too I just wish they did things differently. Yet, I liked how they make up for everything in the last couple of chapters in the book.

Who really stole the show in this novel, though, was Leeky & Laycee (Sarco & Lark's gnomes)! They were a cute little pair with their multipurpose sex dolls Miss Bunny & Tug. While being some of the comic relief in this novel they also held their own by begin the voice of reason for Lark & Sarco. Plus, it was enjoyable to read about Leeky's multitude of "special" gloves he had to wear and his "roguish" ways.

All in all, there was never a dull moment while reading this novel. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did! Now I'm very intrigued to read the rest of this series!

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

- On a side note -
This novel had so many funny moments that I wanted to share in my teaser section (see below) that I had a hard time choosing.

Author's Series Extras : Leekyism's ta live by | Leekyism of the Day | Leekyism of the Day | Leekyism of the Day :) | Leeky's Day | A Leeky Tuesday Afternoon | Another Leeky Tuesday Afternoon | Just Another Leeky Friday Morning | Just Another Slushy Leeky Morning | Touched by the Magic out May 4th | Sinful Sirens Blog Tour | To be, or not to be NAUGHTY :)

Book Teaser(s) :

First day of classes, and could a nice, welcoming lecture with perhaps a simple homework assignment be sufficient? Oh, no, not for Sarco “The Tormentor” Sunwalker.
After listening to a full hour of mind-numbing facts on ancient wizard history, the class had retired to the arena for what Sarco “The Sadist” Sunwalker described as weeding out the weak.
Lark closed her eyes and concentrated on trying to suck sufficient air into her lungs. The ache in her ribs reminded her that deep breathing wasn’t a function she’d be performing again anytime soon. Nausea threatened to rid her of what little she’d been able to force down at lunch as images raced through her head of what Sarco “The Evil Spawn from the Valley of Torment” Sunwalker had gleefully labeled Wizard Lab. ~ within Chapter 6

Tears burned the corners of Lark’s eyes.
She caught Sarco’s eye, and he smiled that mischievous smile she so loved. A familiar warmth seeped into her mind.
“I don’t like your mother, Wonderful. How much do you want to bet she has that same sour expression on her face when your father gets up the nerve to actually ask her for sex? I’d wager she even critiques the poor fellow’s performance in bed. ‘To the right...no, your other right, barbarian! Faster, faster—no, slower. Oh, just get off of me and forget it.’”
Lark covered her mouth with both hands, trying her best to suppress a laugh. Her face burned even hotter, knowing none of the other people at the table were privy to what Sarco had just thought. They probably thought she was not only a glutton and a mistake, but an idiot to boot.
“Stop it. You’re going to get me in so much trouble.”
His slow, lazy smile made her heart thump wildly. ~ within Chapter 13

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

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About the Author :

Hi, my name is Maxine Mansfield and I write romantic fantasy. I live in the far northern state of Alaska where the summer days are long and the winter nights even longer.

I have one very special man, our three equally special children, and six delightful grandchildren in my life. Not to mention a very bossy African Grey parrot named Gabriel.

Oh, and Gnomes! many, many gnomes.

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Book Excerpt :

There was only one word that could describe the creature standing before him. Wonderful.

“Did you say something?” the woman whispered.

He shook his head. “Nothing, I just can’t believe my luck. You really are real and here with me.”

She smiled, but her smile didn’t extend to her eyes.

Before another heartbeat passed or another breath taken, he stood at her side. With tenderness, he gazed into her gentle, masked face and took both of her hands in his. He was humbled as her fingers trembled even more than his own did. “We don’t have to do this if you’d rather not.”

She smiled wider, and her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I suppose we might as well. After all, we’re already here, and you’re at least halfway undressed.”

Sliding his hands up her arms and around her shoulders to her back, Sarco felt for and found the clasps holding her gown together. With the flick of a wrist, they gave way, and with a swish, the silky fabric fell to her hips exposing lush, rose-tipped breasts. Just the right size to hold in both hands, to fondle, to caress, to taste.

“Hmm, it seems you’re halfway undressed yourself.”

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Giveaways!! :

• A Tempted by the Storm themed gift bag to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US/CANADA ONLY)

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 Maxine Mansfield :

• Maxine Mansfield - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Goodreads
• Tempted by the Storm : Amazon.com (Paperback) | Amazon.com (Ebook) | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press (Paperback) | The Wild Rose Press (Ebook)

What was I thinking?: Not Quite Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 456 KB | Release Date: November 2012 | Publisher: Montlake Romance | Obtained: Amazon.com | Originally Found Out About On The Author's Facebook Page

"Not Quite Dating" [Not Quite Series, Book 1] by Catherine Bybee

What was I thinking? : I liked the Author's Book Description and a few other of her books so I thought I'd give it a try.

Author's Book Description : Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.

As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way...
To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all...

My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars--a rich man finds the woman who might just be the perfect girl for him, if only he can prove to her that his lying to her about his wealth and who he really was had nothing to do with her personally then everything would be perfect...

I really tried to like this novel. And in some ways, I kind of did like it, mostly because of Jack and his sweet ways of trying to woo Jessie. Yet, even so, I didn't like Jessie all that much. I understand that she's used to guys using her and watching her mother deal with a string of men. Nevertheless, because of all of that she gets into a "non-ish" relationship with Jack. Mostly she sort of uses him for emotional support yet doesn't want anything more from him because she's afraid that he's a "dreamer" and is going to take off on her whenever the time comes. Even though there is no proof, he'll take off or that he plans too other than him not portraying the rich man facade that he actually is.

Basically, it was very annoying at times. So much so that by the time I got to the middle of Chapter 11, I was done with the novel.

I do hope that if you decide to read this novel you'll enjoy it more than I did. However, I do not recommend it.

- On a side note -
I liked what I read about Jack's best friends and I'm interested to see (if they're the heroes in this series) who they'll end up with.

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Before the Moon Rises

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Not Quite Dating - Excerpt | Happy New Year! | Bybee and Montlake | Six Sentence Sunday ~Not Quite Dating | Six Sentence Sunday ~ Not Quite Dating | Short Excerpt ~ Not Quite Dating ~ | Squee! I have Cover Art! | Three More Weeks! Not Quite Dating | Amazon Top 10 Bestseller | Not Quite Dating Trailer | Release Day for Not Quite Dating | I'm giving away signed copies... | One Month Ago Today... | Goodbye 2012 | I'm On Sale! | Gold Digger or Just Smart?

Author's Series Extras : Writing Romance is Hard Work | Not Quite Mine has ART! | Video Blog Reading | ARC's? Who wants one?

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

“Third table down from the buffet table. Dark hair, a little thick around the middle.” Jack moved to the side so she could see whom he was talking about.
Thick? “At least he couldn’t be my dad, but please, Jack. He looks like a gangster.” Boy did he, short, calorically challenged, and with too much flashy jewelry.
“He probably is. He has what we call ‘family money.’ I don’t think he’s worked a day in his life.”
“A bum with deep pockets,” Jessie said.
“Right.”
“No bums, rich or not. A man has to make his own living. I don’t want someone who will drown if the stock market drops. The guy has to be able to dig himself back out.” Jessie glanced over the heads again.
“So let me get this straight. Rich, not too fat, self-made, young... did I leave anything out?”
“He’s gotta like kids.”
Jack blew out a long breath. “That’s a tall order, darlin’. You sure that kind of guy is out there?”
It was a lofty list. “I’m not sure of anything, Jack. This was your idea.” Her tone was short.
“OK, all right, don’t get all defensive. The night’s still young.”
She glanced at her watch. Actually, it was past eleven already. And no one new was walking in the door. ~ within Chapter 4

“I’m beat.”
“But I want to hear more about this date.”
“It wasn’t a date.”
“He drove you home.”
“That’s because my car wouldn’t start,” she said, explaining the situation.
“He kissed you at the door, and it’s almost three in the morning.”
“We talked in the back of the limo, watched the planes take off.”
“You were in a limo?”
Oh boy, not the information her sister needed to hear if Jessie was going to get any sleep before her son woke her up. “The hotel limo. Jack finagled it to give me a ride home. It wasn’t a date.”
“Sounds like a date to me.”
Jessie had spent the whole night in Jack’s presence, driven home with the guy, talked about their past, their futures. That kiss wouldn’t be forgotten any time soon. “Not quite a date.”
Monica pushed in between the covers of her bed with a catty smile. “If what I saw is ‘not quite dating,’ I want some.” She air quoted the dating statement and then turned off the light.
“Good night, Mo.”
“Night, sis. Have amazing, ‘not quite kissing’ dreams.”
Jessie tossed a pillow at her. “Brat.” ~ within Chapter 6

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

Disappointmentville: 'Neath the Veil Series, Book 2

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 240 KB | Release Date: February 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"A Taste For Moonlight" ['Neath the Veil Series, Book 2] by Aimee Roseland

My Book Summary : Ever since the veil was lifted Anne knew that she wanted to raise her two boys not to be prejudice to the other beings that existed, but to do so she knew she needed not to just talk-the-talk but walk-the-walk. So, when her co-workers plan on taking her out for her birthday to see an "art exhibit" where paranormal people frequent Anne agrees to go...only to find out that they are taking her to a werewolf male strip joint! Anne feels out of place the moment she gets there so after a while she decides to go leaving the hunky werewolf who stopped by her table without a backward glance, believing that she wasn't his type.

Only to find out the next day when he stops by her job that his name is Thomas and he's really interested in her!

However, Thomas has an uphill battle ahead of him if he wants to win Anne over, which only gets harder when a female werewolf sets her sights on him and makes it her goal to get him to mate with her by any cost...

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars--a woman who doesn't have much self-esteem but enjoys her life finds herself a "man" who worships her, if only he can make her believe it...

I enjoyed the buildup of this novel from learning about the lifting of the veil to how those who are paranormal deal with their day-to-day issues to reading about the growing relationship between Thomas & Anne. It was very sweet. I liked how Thomas handled Anne's fears while not pushing her into something she didn't want to deal with.

However, I didn't like how the last few chapters wrapped up everything so quickly in a way that it wasn't that believable. Especially with the way the 180 the other female werewolf handled the situation at the end was a bit mindboggling. *sigh* I just wish it wrapped up a bit better or a bit differently. =0/

Nevertheless, I loved Sasha (Thomas' best friend) and I can't wait to see who he'll end up with! His novel is called "A Darker Shade of Dawn" and will be out in the spring of 2013!

I recommend this series to those who like paranormal romances with unusual twists! This series definitely has potential!

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: A Taste For Moonlight

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1

He shook off his irritation and focused again on the shop, ready to knock on the front door if they didn’t open soon. Their sign said open at 6:00 am, and it was now....5:58 am!
Thomas figured if he walked slowly that by the time he made it to the front door, it should be open. And if it wasn’t-
“Coffee! My favorite! Love the Joe. The good old brown brew. Give me mud in a jug, I always say. Right, my friend?” Sasha said jovially, appearing at his side without warning. Thomas turned to him in annoyance, only to find that his friend hadn’t interrupted Thomas’s stakeout alone. Seven of the Red Wolf’s burly strippers were jogging down the street behind him, shoving and tussling with eachother.
Thomas grabbed Sasha’s jacket, ready to shake him in frustration when a bell chiming across the street brought the other men’s heads around.
They took off toward the coffee shop leaving Thomas and Sasha behind. “Wait! You- I- Sasha!” Thomas snarled. His friend laughed as Thomas dropped him and loped after the other men.
“What? Can’t a friend join another friend for coffee without getting their head chewed off?” Sasha called as Thomas followed the pack of strippers through the doors of Peaberry. ~ within Chapter 4

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

Teaser Tuesdays: A Taste For Moonlight

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"A Taste For Moonlight" ['Neath the Veil Series, Book 2] by Aimee Roseland

Book Teaser:

The girls she worked with at the coffee shop had finally convinced her to go out with them, something Anne had been reluctant to do. For one, she was almost a decade older than most of them, and for another, she was about twice as heavy. Chubby girls didn’t hang well with twiglets, but the coffee house girls were nice and it was Anne’s birthday. Plus she had the no-fear promise shaking a finger at her from the corner of her mind, so she went for it. Hillary had described the venue they were attending as an “art exhibit”, a safe enough adventure for Anne’s first foray into the world that came alive after dark.
Art exhibit. Yeah, right.
That might have been true if the art you enjoyed was of the naked male variety. And you couldn’t argue that it was definitely on exhibit.
Anne slapped a hand over her eyes when the beefcake on stage slowly tore his jeans off, an impossible feat for a human that made it quite clear this man was other. ~ within Chapter 1

Feasted On: Mindlink by Kat Cantrell

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 503 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: April 1, 2013 | Publisher: Carina Press | Obtained: NetGalley

"Mindlink" by Kat Cantrell

My Book Summary : Ashley (The Redhead/Eleanor) is a movie star whose life has gone down the toilet lately and nothing seems to make it better, especially when the gossip magazines keep bringing out all of her flaws. Therefore, when she hears about aliens asking the people of Earth to send 10 specially trained scientists---so they can meet, talk, and possibly find out the meaning of a few things they aren't aware of---she makes plans to be one of them. As she just knows that if she can fool everyone into believing that, she is one of the scientists her life will fundamentally turn around for the better.

However, that was before she arrived on this other planet and learned that the aliens lied about their plans. Now, with the help of an alien she calls Sam, she'll find a way back home. If only she can stop herself from falling in love with Sam during her stay...

ZXQ-One (Sam) had plans to become the head of his research division and believed that the life he led was the one he was supposed to lead. That all changed once Ashley fell into his life, making him question everything and all of his beliefs, which leaves him being a traitor in his leader's eyes and sent to be "recycled." While waiting to be recycled Sam and Ashley really meet and accidentally mindlink. Together, and much to their both initial annoyance, they work out a plan to escape the confides of the prison and the only city/world that Sam knows to face the unknown and a future that Sam never expected could exist or plan for...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars--this novel is full of deception, lies, mixed truths, and two people learning more about themselves and what they are capable of then they ever thought possible. I found the "mindlink" between Sam & Ashley to be similar, in a way, to Ms. Royce's Outsiders Series especially in regard to her novel "Love Beyond Sight" because of how the hero & heroine in Ms. Royce's novel use their link like the way Sam & Ashley do. While I also found that "Mindlink" has, a unique alien-Egyptian flare like Ms. McHugh's "Tangled Web" that reels you into its world and keeps you captivated and curious as to see where the author will take you.

I enjoyed reading and learning about how the "mindlink" worked. As well as, seeing how Sam & Ashley's relationship grew because of the link. Sam grew to turn into as "normal" a human he could become, while Ashley learned to overcome her past mistakes because of Sam's gentle touch and help. They were just like Natalie (another character in this novel) said:

“You guys are like yin and yang, finishing each other’s sentences, and staring at each other all googly-eyed. I’m so jealous it makes my teeth numb.” ~ within Chapter 17

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes sci-fi romances!

Author's Novel Extras : Mindlink is available in Audio! | MINDLINK releases today! | Release Party! Kat Cantrell’s MINDLINK | Would You Be On The List?

Book Teaser(s) :

“Do you have a name?”
He hesitated and she narrowed one eye. “Too hard of a question?” she asked. Maybe the aliens didn’t have names.
“I am ZXQ-One.”
She snorted. “That’s not a name, that’s a model number. I think I ordered something online with that exact one. Do Telhadas not have real names?”
“I am not a Telhada. The Telhada is the ruling class to whom all citizens of Alhedis pledge loyalty and obedience. Only the noble members of the Telhada have proper names.” He rubbed his forehead and blinked hard. It looked like his vision was coming back. “You ask a lot of questions.”
“You started it.” She reeled back her temper and the edge to her voice. Attacking him wasn’t going to get her anywhere. “Well, I’m not calling you ZXQ-One, like you’re a Terminator or something. My friend Sam played an alien in a movie and you look a little bit like him, so that’s what I’m going to call you.”
Sam suited him better anyway. A good, upstanding name for a solid sort of guy. Even if he was on the thinner side, he had a responsible air about him like he never forgot to file his taxes or fill up his car with gas. A guy named Sam was dependable and never late for anything. “So, Sam it is. My friend Sam’s alien movie grossed—”
“You also talk a lot.”
Okay. Of course he wasn’t impressed by who she knew. ~ within Chapter 3

He lunged into action before further analysis could give him pause.
He crashed into UBA and caught the High Priest in a tight bear hug, flung them both to the ground and rolled. Their similar weight and build might have evened the odds but One had surprise and determination to his benefit.
At the perimeter, he released UBA and kept going. His world narrowed to this one singular act. His breath caught as he rolled past the pylons and into the Badramun. Everything hinged on The Redhead’s assessment of the implant’s functions and his faith in her quick mind.
Needlelike pricks exploded behind his eyes. In that split second, he prepared to die, to join with the Ancestors in the afterlife, where he would beg for mercy in failing his charges.
One of The Redhead’s images from Earth sprang into his mind, of a human wearing a cape and a tight uniform with an “S” on the chest.
Not dead. Alive. Pent-up breath hissed out. ~ within Chapter 8

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