Saturday, August 31, 2013

Made the Grade: Tiger Nip Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 329 KB | Release Date: May 31, 2013 | Publisher: BW Books | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Craving More" [Tiger Nip Series, Book 1] by Brandy Walker

My Book Summary : Jett has recently become enamored with the cupcakes that have been showing up at his office, especially after he realizes that the baker happens to be his college roommate's twin sister, Corrine. Determined to find out where this attraction could lead to, Jett pursues Corrine a bit relentlessly. However, quickly into their courtship they have to deal with a protective brother, a psycho ex-girlfriend, and a best friend who is dealing with her own set of issues. Will everything else come between them for good or will they find a way to overcome everything and be together forever?

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars. This novella is more suspenseful then I expected, from the way you can never guess what Jett and Corrine will decide about their love lives next to trying to understand all of the other secondary plots that come along, it'll definitely keep you on your toes.

Even though I liked Corrine and Jett as a match up, I really didn't like how wishy-washy they were about their own feelings when it came to each other. I especially didn't enjoy how it took them until the very end of the book to officially claim each other. Basically, I'm saying I was very disappointed in them as characters.

Nevertheless, the reason I didn't give this novella a lower rating because of Jett and Corrine was because I really liked the potential I saw in this book when it came to the secondary storylines and how they build you up for what seems to be a entertaining book 2!

Therefore, I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys paranormal erotic romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Craving More - Overview & Excerpt | It’s April already! | Cover Reveal: CRAVING MORE | Its the middle of June!?!?!? | Craving More for FREE | Birthday Giveaway

Author's Series Extras : Pinterest: Tiger Nip Series | Tiger Nip Series - Overview | Claiming More - Overview & Excerpt | Finding More - Overview & Excerpt | Happy Birthday to me!

Book Teaser(s) :
Flopping on the bed she snatched up her phone and speed dialed MJ, who picked up on the first ring.
“Please tell me you need me home right this minute . That there’s some emergency you can’t handle on your own,” MJ rushed out.
“Hey, to you too. I take it things aren’t going well there.” Corrine couldn’t help the light chuckle that came out. Just hearing her friend’s voice relaxed her more than she knew she needed.
“Oh my god, it’s even worse than I thought and no one is listening to me at all. They think I’m acting childish and should be grateful they’re doing this for me.” MJ released a sound of disgust. “I’m to the point I’m about to tell them I’m a lesbian and you’re my lover.”
Corrine couldn’t help, but fall into a fit of laughter. It wouldn’t be the first time someone thought that about them.
“Stop laughing, Rini. This is horrible. Plus, you would be lucky to have me as your undercover lover.”
They both giggled and some of the tension Corrine felt coming over the line, died away. ~ within Chapter 6
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Brandy, then please check out her website.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Made the Grade: The Halfling's Lust by Tanilen

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 167 KB | Release Date: October 5, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"The Halfling's Lust" by Tanilen

Author's Book Description : The halfling Seraphina is a ranger in the Tesseraen Imperial Army and is expecting to get a big promotion when she discovers an enemy kingdoms secret military base hidden in the Empire's borderlands.

But while scouting the enemy camp, the halfling gets a big dose of a perverted general's lust inducing dreamsmoke. Can she make it safely back to her own commanders when the only thing she can think about is the burning desire between her legs.

When she encounters a malicious rival, the half-orc Bozeh, Sera hopes she can convince him to give her what she needs, but standing nearly three times her size, he may kill her in the process...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars. This is one passionate erotica that keeps you intrigued with its suspenseful plot and humorous exploits. Plus, Bozeh and Sera were cute together, especially when it came to their mismatched ways.

I recommend it only to those who are looking for a quick erotica to read.

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : New cover finished | It’s Finally Up! | Thank you | Six Months Later...and then some | Works in Progress.

Book Teaser(s) :
"What's wrong, Seraphina? Did you take chill from riding wet at night?"
"Um, no I…" the halfling stuttered, and wondered what to do. What her companion mistook for fever was her entire body flushed from sexual arousal and she was actually trembling from need. "I...oh, hell--Bozeh, there was a censer burning in the commander's tent and I got a big dose of dreamsmoke, and dammit everything they say about it is true!"
Bozeh raised a bristly eyebrow and looked at Seraphina in a new light, then started to laugh.
"Dammit, Bozeh, it’s not funny," howled the halfling in protest.
"Then tell me, little one, what do you want me to do? I could give you what you want, but I'm not sure you would survive." Bozeh was nearly three times Seraphina's size, and she had no trouble deciphering what he meant. ~ within the novel as there isn't any chapters
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Tanilen, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Made the Grade: Temple of Luna Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 199 KB | Release Date: April 3, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Savage Possession" [Temple of Luna Series, Book 1] by Moira Rogers (aka Bree & Donna)

My Book Summary : Ever since she was a young girl, Avani has been infatuated with Rais, the royal heir of their people. Now that she's a woman she finds that her infatuation has yet to lessen, instead it seems to have grown even hotter. However, will she be willing to submit for good to man who may not be willing to commit to her or fall in love with her in the end?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a intense novella about a stubborn match up between a novice girl and a royal heir that could make them both go up in flames, one way or another.

Avani and Rais make a great match up! They suit each other so well; especially with the way, she soothes all of his hard edges. In addition, I really liked how they were able to work out a way so Rais could court Avani the way she wanted to be, it was sweet. This is one erotica that I would read again!

I recommend this novella to anyone who likes paranormal erotic romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for these Authors : Crossroads | Moonshine | Sabine | Demon Bait | Kamikaze | Tequila Sunrise

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Teaser Tuesdays: Demon Bait | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2012

Authors' Series Extras : Wacky Backlist Contest of Doom | Happy Birthday Donna! Ebooks all around!

Book Teaser(s) :
"Lift your hips," she whispered, stroking a hand over the strong line of his back. "You'll be more comfortable without these."
Rais murmured a protest and reached for her. "Too much trouble. Come here."
She ignored him and tugged at the pants with both hands until he lifted just enough for her to ease them down his legs. They hit the floor a moment later, and Avani found just enough energy to ease her open gown from her arms. She let it slip from the bed before crawling back up to settle in his arms. "In case you didn't notice, the years have not made me less stubborn."
The corner of his mouth ticked up. "You don't say."
"Mm-hmm." She pressed her fingers to his chest, exploring the skin stretched taut over solid muscle with a sleepy curiosity. "Promise me that you'll let me touch you before you leave. The chains are very arousing, but you're so beautiful."
"Touching me now," he murmured, then rolled to bring her on top of him. He snagged the top edge of the turned-back sheet and pulled it over them.
"Yes, but I want you awake to enjoy it." Avani turned to rest her cheek against his chest and listened to his heartbeat slow. With the first desperate need sated he'd sleep, probably the first deep sleep he'd had in months.
And when he woke up... ~ within Chapter 1
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Moira (aka Bree & Donna), then please check out their website.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Feasted On: The Execution Underground Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 384; Kindle Edition - File Size: 417 KB | Expected Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Publisher: HQN Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"Twilight Hunter" [The Execution Underground Series, Book 1] by Kait Ballenger

Author's Book Description : Hunters of the supernatural, the Execution Underground are an elite group tasked with protecting humanity...but what happens when danger collides with desire?

Jace McCannon has one loyalty: the Execution Underground. Despite his mixed blood, his hatred for the werewolves he hunts is legendary. But in his search for a sadistic killer, Jace finds himself face-to-face with a stunningly seductive packmaster...and longing for a night with his mortal enemy.

Nothing can stop Frankie Amato from defending her kind-or catching the rogue responsible for killing women in her territory. For that, this alpha female needs Jace’s skills more than she wants to admit. But as their investigation exposes evil truths, need burns into a passion that dare not be fulfilled. For to do so will have deadly consequences for them both...

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars! Not what I expected, but well worth the read. This novel brings you into the middle of a crime scene and throws you into an unwanted love affair between two people who seem destined for each other if they can only get over the little fact that they are enemies. Action packed, in more ways then one, "Twilight Hunter" reels you in and doesn't let you go. In addition, with it's intriguing mix of characters it'll be interesting to see where the author will take this series next!

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who enjoys paranormal/fantasy romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Twilight Hunter - Overview | "THE CALL" Blog Hop: Part 1 | "THE CALL" Blog Hop: Part 2 | ARCs of Twilight Hunter Arrived! | RT Review of Twilight Hunter! | They’re here! They’re here!

Author's Series Extras : The Execution Underground Series - Overview | Shadow Hunter - Overview | Explore the E.U. World | Meet the Rochester Division | Shadow Hunter Blog Tour | Twilight Hunter Blog Tour | "THE CALL" Blog Hop: Part 3 | COVER REVEAL: After Dark ft. Shadow Hunter | After Dark Release Day! | Cover Reveal: Immortal Hunter

Book Teaser(s) :
Think, Frankie. Think.
Trying every handle and unlock button---no easy feat while handcuffed---hadn't yielded any luck, either. The hunter hadn't lied---there was no way in hell she could get out of this gas-guzzler unless he allowed it.
She kicked the window out of sheer annoyance. Though it had proved impossible to break earlier, she had to keep trying. Her foot slammed into the glass. The release of tension calmed her, and she side-kicked harder, finally leaving a solid crack, but the window refused to shatter. It had to be bulletproof.
Tomorrow. She would escape tomorrow. When the mating call had passed and she was back to her full power, she would take the bastard down. She would be in top shape. Already the knife wound and her scrapes had healed, despite the weakness associated with her mating cycle. But until then, she was stuck. Damn.
"Stupid. Handsome. Kidnapping. Psycho," she grumbled, timing a word with each blow. Cracks splintered across the glass, but it still refused to break.
"What the hell are you doing to my car?" ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kait, then please check out her website.

Blog Tour - D.T. Dyllin's Birthday Bash

new_edited-1

Book 1 of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
New Adult Paranormal Romance
299 pages
by D.T. Dyllin

For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience.

To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes.

As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.


Book 2 of the P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy
New Adult Paranormal Romance
241 pages
by D.T. Dyllin
P.J. Stone is a Seer who saw too little, too late.

In the past, her biggest worries were boys and school—but war has a way of changing things. Now, the alien Riders are trying to overrun the world. As the last of their kind, P.J. and her friends must find a way to save humanity before there’s nothing left to save.

After choosing a mate, P.J. hoped she'd have time to enjoy her love life. But with everything changing so quickly and major secrets revealed, who knows what the future will bring?



Book 1 of the Death Trilogy
Erotic Paranormal Romance
307 pages
by D.T. Dyllin

Samantha Bevans is having the best sex of her life—but it's not with her husband. Fortunately for her marriage, the affair is all in her mind. Isn't it? As an empath, she senses other people's emotions. But her connection to the man with the the chiseled face and haunting eyes seems so real.

There's no time for fantasies with a serial killer loose in Pittsburgh. The killer is targeting dancers at a strip club where Samantha used to bartend, back when drugs were the only cure for the torment of her abilities. As a member of a special task force, Samantha uses her talents to sense the victims’ final thoughts. Just when she thought the case was complex enough, she discovers one of the victims was thinking about her fantasy man when she died.

Who can Samantha trust when she can’t trust her own mind? An empath feels the emotional environment around her...and Samantha is surrounded by death


About the Author :

Cynical-Optimist. Chocolate-holic. Sarcasm Addict. Paranormal Believer. Self-Imposed Insomniac. Sci-Fi Geek. Animal Lover. Writer...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 two very spoiled GSDs.



Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Jess' Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - Enemy Through The Gates by D. T. Dyllin | Guest Post & Giveaway


Giveaway :

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Idolizing In: Indelible by Bethany Lopez

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 254; Kindle Edition - File Size: 548 KB | Expected Release Date: June 20, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: InkSlinger PR

"Indelible" by Bethany Lopez

My Book Summary : Samantha's (Sam) life completely changed a little over two years ago during her sophomore year of college at a frat party, when a quick one-night stand left her pregnant and a single mother. Since then she has always been careful as to who she would bring in her life and hasn't had any serious relationships because of that.

Therefore, when Judd--motorcycle riding, sweet bad boy, and college baseball player--comes into her life, everything is thrown for a loop. There attraction is undeniable, while Judd keeps getting more and more intrigued with Sam's elusive ways.

However, once the secret of Sam's daughter comes out will Judd and Sam be able to deal with the difficulties that hit them not long afterwards or will everything break them up for good?

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars!! Love finds you in unexpected places and people. Judd and Sam have had to deal with hard circumstances in their lives that have made them grow up more then the typical college student would have had to put up with. Together these two made a great team, one hot couple, and a fun duo to read about! I loved this novel and I didn't want it to end, even though I was very happy with how it wrapped up!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary new adult romances!

Purchase This Book Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest: Indelible | indie-licious blog hop ~ Untitled WIP | Indie-licious Blog Hop - Untitled (2) | Indie-Licious Blog Hop ~ Untitled (3) | Indie-licious Blog Hop ~ Untitled (4) | Indie-licious Blog Hop ~ Untitled (5) | indie-licious blog hop - Indelible (6) | Indie-Licious Blog Hop ~ Indelible (7) | Indie-licious Blog Hop - Indelible (8) | Update and Blurb for Indelible | Indie-licious Blog Hop ~ Indelible (9) | Indelible Cover Reveal | Release Day Blitz ~ Indelible


Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
I was walking through the grocery store with Karrie, trying to pick up some quick items for her and Thomas, when all hell broke loose.
I had most of the items I needed in the cart when we passed the aisle in the grocery store that had the small crappy toys.
When I realized we were passing it, I prayed that Karrie wouldn't notice. I tried to push the cart a little faster, but it was no use.
"Mommy, want," Karrie pleaded in her little voice when she noticed the stupid toys.
I mean, seriously, what kind of sadist puts toys in the grocery store? Probably the same genius who puts the candy by the check-out counter. ~ within Chapter 9 - titled 'Samantha'
She laughed again and then walked passed me toward the door. Before she reached it, she turned and blew me a kiss, mimicking James.
I was about to do that thing where you catch the kiss in your hand, but I stopped myself, saving myself from looking like a total douche.
Instead I lifted my head in a nod, before turning and heading back the way we came. And if my step was a little lighter, and I whistled as I walked...what the fuck was wrong with that? ~ within Chapter 20 - titled 'Judd'
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Bethany, then please check out her website.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: The Wizard's Heart by S. R. Howen | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to S. R. Howen, with a review of her novel "The Wizard's Heart," which is the 1st book in the Tales of the Zingari 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 August 19 - 23, 2013]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 508 KB | Release Date: May 29, 2013 | Publisher: Wild Child Publishing | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Wizard's Heart" [Tales of the Zingari Series, Book 1] by S. R. Howen

Author's Book Description : "The old one will come. When he comes, his one true wife must carry within her a child of the old one who would be king. Only then can the heart be found and the evil of the world kept in its bounds." –The Prophecy of the Land

Sorann is the queen's daughter and training to be an empathic healer. Javert is a member of the wandering tribe called the Zingari and their future king. When Sorann's failed healer's magic test brings them together, they discover the prophecy governing the land is false. In order to prevent magic, and the Zingari, from being wiped from the land, Sorann must become Javert's wife and leave everything behind that she once held dear.

Tricked by demons, and followed by the queen's soldiers, they must find the fabled Wizard's Heart in the frozen Winter Valley.

What sacrifices will they have to make along the way, and will Javert ever discover the true meaning of the Wizard's Heart before his people and the love of his life are lost?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this unique tale follows the story of Sorann, a powerful empathic healer, who quickly finds out that her upbringing was based on a bunch of lies, and now has to deal with a new (and at times unwanted) husband while finding out who she is and who she wants to be. This novel will fascinate your imagination, with its intense dialogue to its unusual twists that keep you guessing the whole way through. It'll be interesting to see where this series will take it's main characters and to see if they have the power, love, and heart to lead a new kingdom whilst being able to grow their relationship into something better.

I liked Sorann and Javert as a couple, but I don't know how I liked the way this novel wrapped up everything between them. I guess I just hoped for more. Hopefully, as the series progresses it'll turn out the way I'd like it too. =0/

Nevertheless, I do recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes fantasy thriller romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Takes if the Zingari The Wizard's Heart | Blog Blitz with Author SRHowen | Review tour starts tomorrow!

Book Teaser(s) :
“Binsee, what am I to do?”
“Javert is a handsome one. He’ll be a fine husband. You will be his queen, and he will one day be king.”
Sorann let out a breath of disgust. “And if I don’t want a husband?”
“Ah, Lizza’beth, every woman wants a husband.”
Sorann made a sound of disgust. “What for?”
“You want to change a wagon wheel? You want to kill a stag in the woods?”
“And I can trade my healing for all those things without having a man tell me what to do,” Sorann told her.
Binsee sat on a thin branch and used a leaf as a shade. “And at night in the deep of winter? You be buying a man with your healing to keep you warm?”
“I be buying wood for my stove to keep me warm,” Sorann said.
“A wagon, and all that goes with it, costs a lot of coin, Javert he be having a nice wagon.”
The lack of her own wagon did bother her. How did a person get a wagon? She’d seen traveling wagons for sale in the city, but they looked nothing like the ones the Zingari used--rather bare and designed for travel from one permanent home to another.
“There is so much more to sharing your life with a man, with others. Elizabeth, Lady Sorann, did you feel nothing when you kissed him?”
Heat rose from her toes to her cheeks. Binsee dropped off the branch and fluttered right in front of her face. One minuscule hand touched her. The tiny fairy laughed. ~ within Chapter 15
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by S. R., then please check out her website.



About the Author :

S. R. Howen grew up on a farm for the most part, spending part of her childhood as a military brat. The one constant in her life is story telling. She's always been a story teller--not a popular thing to be when you are five.

She's been with Wild Child Publishing, since 2000 as either an author or an editor. Currently, she lives in Texas with her family and assorted animals.

She follows a Native American life style--believing that each thing does indeed have its own spirit, and avoiding processed foods. If she couldn't kill it, catch it, or pick it in the wild, she doesn't eat it. Other than that she loves fast cars, good writing, and good editors. They are a writer's best friend.




Book Excerpt :

Standing in the makeshift shower, peace descended in a comfortable blanket. Nighttime birds sang and whistled to each other, a frog croaked bass, and the crickets formed the string section. Conceivably, Cryant lived far enough away from the city for the emotions of those in the city not to carry into his compound, to reduce the overflow from battering at her shell.

Sorann let down her guard, expecting a deluge of energies to cause her to feel dirty again. A dog barked and went silent. The pig grunted in its pen, perhaps upset at having its mud rearranged. But no feelings invaded her. In her palace rooms, a shield stayed in place to protect her from the invasion. Could the same be true of Cryant’s canvas?

Dim moonlight spilled in when she pushed the flap aside. She stepped outside marveling at the emotional vacuum she found herself in. Silly to think Cryant could afford the spell needed to empower a canvas to keep out the extended aura of others.

The sky above her wore a sprinkling of bright stars on an inky background. The cool night air caressed her skin. Goose flesh rose over her entire body. The hard ground under her feet felt warm with leftover heat from the day. The stones she stood on glowed in the faint luminosity of the yard light, wet here and there, the water from the shower ran in twin streams on each side of the stone path.

The clarity of her mind extended beyond her in the absence of others emotions and feelings. The world came to her in clear brightness--a veil of gauze lifted. She ran her hands over her stomach, her own skin felt different. The bumps caused by the cold felt alien and as she ran her hands over them, she could feel the tiny hairs on her skin, a chill shook her. She hadn’t even realized a barrier existed between her own hands and her flesh before.

Animal smells came to her, the scent of the soap was even stronger. Why did everything feel magnified? Perhaps subdued?

A result of the shell she kept in place? She’d lowered the shell before, and it wasn’t like this--not even in her rooms with their encasing spell. She spun around holding her arms out in the moonlight. She caressed her own arms, enjoying the feel of the gooseflesh on them. She laughed at the feel of the mud between her toes. She stepped off the path and took slow steps with her toes spread, so the mud curled as it squished between her toes. More laughter escaped her. Her hands traveled to her breasts, her nipples went hard in the cool breeze--had that ever happened to her before? Perhaps she hadn’t felt it?

“Sorann, you dressed?”

With a gasp, Sorann scrambled into Cryant’s robe. It stuck to her wet shoulders; luckily, it was over large for her. With quick movements, she wrapped her hair in the towel.

“Yes,” she called back. “I just need to re-rinse my feet. I . . . I accidently stepped off the path.”

“I’ve got soup on.” Cryant stood holding up the door flap. “Stay on the path.”

She quickly rinsed her feet in a clear puddle that remained on the platform under the barrel--the water mixed with mud creating patterns as it ran off her feet. Still puzzled, but prepared for the onslaught of Cryant’s life, she moved to the slice of light coming from Cryant’s doorway.

Cryant moved back so she could enter without touching him. Sorann almost tripped over the threshold. Nothing came from Cryant, no feelings, no buzz singing along her nerves in a stinging assault.

The upper wall revealed how the home stayed warm. Inside, plaster coated it, and, going through the door, she saw the wall consisted of two parts with what looked like straw stuffed in between.

The inside of his home held the aroma of potato soup and fresh bread. A slightly musty smell road on the tail of the soup. She rubbed her nose. Things in the room, a small wooden table with two chairs, a handmade broom leaning in the corner, two glow lamps, and a braided rug jumped into clarity. Things in her life were always fuzzy, smells, sizes, shapes, colors--all made so, she assumed, because of her constant battle to keep out the everyday life of others.

Perhaps the hog knocked her unconscious and this was the result? A dream? She pulled Cryant’s robe up around her neck, aware of how low the neckline rested over her breasts. The fabric carried a slight scent--a slight male scent. Cryant’s robe hadn’t been laundered since the last time he wore it.

“Here, sit by the fire,” Cryant told her. He stood near a makeshift clothesline stretched across the room. Using wooden clothes pins he hung her now clean clothes so they would dry.

Sorann carefully sat on the chair nearest the fire. Cryant finished hanging the clothes before he retrieved two wooden bowls from a homemade shelf hanging over a tin washtub. He spooned soup into both of them and set them on the table.

“Thank you,” Sorann managed. Questions tumbled through her mind. Why could she let her guard down in Cryant’s house? Why had she been so overwhelmed at first, but now--now since Cryant touched her in the pig pen--skin to skin, she didn’t need to be on her guard? Was it possible Cryant’s left over aura on his clothes allowed her a measure of control? Maybe Cryant himself?

Cryant picked up a small crate from near the fireplace and brought it to the table. He set the box on the floor in front of Sorann and set the thin towel covering the top aside. Small bird voices started up in a demand for food. Sorann pushed the chair back ready to spring away from the birds. She stopped.

“You saved the birds?”

“Some of them,” Cryant answered.

She peered back into the box. Birds. Young birds. The way they looked--one with a bandaged wing, another laying with its neck outstretched and its sides heaving as it tried to breathe.

“I can’t heal them,” Cryant said. His voice carried a note of sadness.

Slowly, Sorann reached into the box. She touched the gasping bird and almost shrieked when she felt its young body hit the pavement. Instantly, she knew about the bird’s broken bones, its injured ribs--the bird struggled in her grasp. She set him back in the box where he strutted around the other injured birds squawking and chattering at her.

“You healed him,” Cryant blurted. “But . . .”

Sorann reached into the box and one at a time she picked up the hurt birds. When she set them down they strutted about whole and healed. Cryant leapt to his feet and brought out a small cat from behind a curtain hanging around his bed.

He held the tiny black cat out to her. Sorann took the kitten in her hands and saw from the cat’s point of view the cart coming towards it and felt a flash of pain as the cart ran over the kitten’s leg and hip--her body didn’t feel as though she’d been run over. The cat’s feelings didn’t overcome her. She used her hands to completely surround the cat and in moments it struggled to be free. She let him go, and he ran to the box of birds and began batting at them. Cryant picked the kitten up.

“Out you go, but not in the street this time,” he said. He shut the crooked door over the curtain after he scooted the cat outside. “What they say about you, it isn’t true.”

Sorann looked up into his blue eyes. Lines creased his forehead, his thin face betrayed his puzzlement. She’d never noticed the shadow of stubble on his face before, or the tiny scratches, perhaps inflicted by an injured animal, like the kitten.

“It is true. I can’t heal. I get caught up in the emotions and can’t even diagnose what’s wrong because I feel as if all the things are happening to me. I don’t understand this at all. With animals, you aren’t supposed to receive the clarity to diagnose and heal the way you attain it with a person, but I didn’t expect to simply hold them and poof they are back to normal.” Her stomach rumbled, and she felt as if she’d eaten her last meal weeks ago.

“Eat, eat,” Cryant said and shoved both bowls of soup toward her.

She picked up the slightly bent spoon and touched a small bite to her tongue. Flavors exploded across her mouth, rich deep flavors of spices and onions she’d never experienced before. Spoonful after spoonful, each one a new adventure in taste and satisfaction until she cleaned both bowls of soup without a thought.

“Do you think the stories, you know from the Lost Lands, the ones about The Dark Towers are true?” He spooned more soup into the bowls.

Sorann glanced up at him and continued to shove food into her mouth. Her stomach kept begging for more with rumbles and demands she couldn’t ignore.

“I mean, the orange cat, outside, the one with three legs, sometimes, it almost feels like she is trying to talk to me.”

“The stories about those dark wizards turning their enemies into animals?”

Cryant nodded.

Sorann chewed more food. She let out a small laugh. “I don’t think there is enough magic left in the world, dark or otherwise to turn people or animals into something else.”

“But isn’t that what we do with our gift?” He sat back and spread his hands on the table in front of him. He snapped his fingers shut. “Isn’t what we do magic of a sort? We take broken bones and turn them into whole bones, something other than what they were.”

Sorann stared at him a moment before she spooned more soup into her mouth. Around the food, she said, “Broken bone that was once whole bone, not something entirely different. Take the cat, where would all the difference in mass go?”

“Still, I think I would like a cat who could talk to me and could understand what I say.”

“I had a cat once, when I was small, I used to think she understood what I said. I think they do on many levels, if I can feel what they have eaten and their enjoyment, then . . .” Sorann shrugged. She looked up at Cryant after her spoon scraped the bottom of the wooden bowl.

“I’m sorry. You lied when you said you weren’t a good cook. I’ve never tasted anything, well, anything so full of flavors. I didn’t mean to eat all of it,” she added with a glance at the empty pot.

“Never mind. I have more friends in need, will you . . .?”

Sorann laughed, energy jumped along her nerves--she could heal. A miracle had happened this night--the speck of dust that sparkled with light--a wish fairy, if any still lived with the bounty on most things magic? Sorann laughed again, whatever had happened, she could heal. “Yes, yes, I will.”



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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Made the Grade: Return to the Double C Series, Book 18

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 224; Kindle Edition - File Size: ??? KB | Expected Release Date: September 17, 2013 | Publisher: Harlequin Special Editon | Obtained: NetGalley

"A Weaver Beginning" [Return to the Double C Series, Book 18] by Allison Leigh

My Book Summary : Abby moves to Weaver with hopes to raise her little brother and give him the stable life she had with their grandparents. She wasn't expecting to find love not even with her hunky next-door neighbor--Sloan--but feelings growing between them seem to be stronger then ever. If only they can overcome the demons from Sloan's past so they'll be able to possibly create a better future for them all...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a sweet, fun, and charming novel! It's about a young woman protecting her little brother while trying to raise him right, falling for her "dangerous," handsome, and protective neighbor with hopes of a great future for them all. I really liked how Sloan fights himself over his feelings for Abby throughout this novel, because of what he believes himself to be so he tries to protect her and Dillon as much as possible. Also, their attraction is undeniable and so captivating that I couldn't get enough. However, at the end of the novel I wish Sloan dealt with his past better then how he did and wish their was an epilogue or something more to see where they go from there.

Since this was the first book I've read in this series, I will say I liked learning about the Clay family and can't wait to read some more about them!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a bit suspenseful contemporary romances!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Billionaire’s Baby Plan

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

Author's Series Extras : The Clay Family Tree

Book Teaser(s) :
"Look," she whispered, leaning to the side to peer around him. "The ball in New York is nearly down."
He glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, the TV showed the famed crystal ball inching its way down while a mass of people around it cheered and screamed.
"Three." He turned back to watch Abby, whose gray gaze was focused on the countdown.
"Two," she whispered on a smile.
"One," he finished.
Her pretty eyes lifted to his. "Happy New Year, Sloan."
Maybe it was the devil. Maybe it was the angel.
Maybe it was just him.
"It is now," he murmured. And he leaned the last few inches across the counter and slowly pressed his mouth against hers. ~ within Chapter 2
"There's nothing wrong with being a virgin."
"Really?" She didn't look at him as she pushed off the counter and bent to retrieve her sweater. "Then why are you looking at me with such horror?"
"It's not horror. It's surprise." He turned his back on her because watching her put on her sweater was torment. He wished he could rewind time and undo the past hour or so.
Hell, if he was wishing for the impossible, why not rewind the past ten years?
The devil on his shoulder laughed maliciously. She'd have been thirteen. ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Allison, then please check out her website.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Idolizing In: Goddesses Rising Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 352; Kindle Edition - File Size: 609 KB | Expected Release Date: August 27, 2013 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: NetGalley

"Heavy Metal" [Goddesses Rising Series, Book 2] by Natalie J. Damschroder

My Book Summary : After dealing with so many of a life changes recently, Riley--a girl who never thought she'd have Goddess powers yet now does--decides to get in contact with Sam. Riley hopes that after meeting Sam she'll be able to see if he can help her and if he can let her know if The Society for Goddess Education and Defense is a organization she can trust or not. Since based on her family's experience, and rants, the society isn't someone she should trust.

Once Riley and Sam meet they notice their immediate attraction and connection to each other that is undeniable yet both find excuses to try to keep distance between themselves because of various reasons even if it's hard to follow through.

Sam reluctantly agrees to bring her to the society. Not long after they get there, they both fall into secrets and personal missions that need to be taken care of soon. This will test Riley's trust in the society and in Sam, as well as their budding relationship...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars, this novel takes up where "Under the Moon" left off and throws you into a world of intrigue, suspicion, romance, passion, and a whole lot of suspense! I loved Riley as a character. She is smart, brave, courageous, and wise beyond her years. Then add Sam with her and I could not get enough of this novel or it's duo!

In addition, if you are like me and haven't read the first novel in this series, DON'T WORRY because you don't need to have read it for you understand the plot or to like the characters!!

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

Author's Novel Extras : Heavy Metal - Overview | Heavy Metal - Excerpt | Heavy Metal Cover Reveal | Heavy Metal is Available for Pre-Order! | Pre-Order Heavy Metal on iTunes | Heavy Metal Goodreads Giveaway

Author's Series Extras : Goddesses Rising Series - Overview | Under the Moon - Overview | Sunroper - Overview | Sunroper Cover Reveal

Book Teaser(s) :
Riley took a deep breath and let it out slowly. And then she did it again. She’d stepped outside after her shower thinking to check the temperature to determine how cold she’d be with her shirt still damp at the seams after washing it in the sink last night. She hadn’t expected to see Sam standing out there, half naked, fairly magnificent, and petting a damned cat with more gentleness than those big hands should have been capable of. Now she was all flustered and flushed. And maybe some more F words.
So inappropriate. ~ within Chapter 2
“I want to know about your Riley. You like her.”
“She’s likeable.” He tried not to fidget under her stare, but his fortitude crumbled in seconds. “I was trying not to.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “She’s young.” Of course Quinn laughed, and even he had to smile. “Younger than I was,” he tried, but he couldn’t keep it up. “Okay, the age doesn’t matter.”
“Not unless you want to be a hypocrite.” She bounced her knee to rock the chair. “I talked to Marley about her. She’s tough. Riley, I mean. Pretty strong considering all she’s been through.”
“Yeah.” He told Quinn about the night they’d met and everything that had happened since. “I think she’s still not sure who to trust, especially anyone tied to the Society.”
Quinn grinned. “And yet she followed you there, and you’re the first person she called when she was in trouble again.”
“Well, I convinced her to give them a chance. That’s all.”
“Nick would say it’s your puppy-dog eyes, but I know it’s more than that.” Her eyes twinkled, and she briefly looked less tired. “The attraction’s not one-sided.” ~ within Chapter 11

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

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Feasted On: Games Series, Book 3

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 346 KB | Release Date: July 29, 2013 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Ice Games" [Games Series, Book 3] by Jessica Clare (aka Jill Myles)

My Book Summary : When Zara was fourteen she ruined her Olympic skating career when she stomped off the ice during the middle of her performance. Since then life hasn't been the best for her, but now--about eleven years later--Zara thinks she will be able to redeem herself by being a replacement as one skating professionals on Ice Dancing With the Stars. However, her world is in for a major twist when she finds out the celebrity she'll be working with happens to be MMA Fighter, Ty Randall, who's known as "Ty the MMA Biter" for quite a good reason and who has no real interest about being on the show other then making sure he'll get some good PR.

This duo is in for one hell of a ride throughout the show. Will they be able to make it through, win the game, and end up together for good? Or will all of Zara's bad juju get in the way?

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars! Two former high-end stars are trying to turn their pride-ruined careers into something better, while finding love in unexpected places. I really liked this duo. Zara and Ty are more alike then they'd like to admit at first when they meet but as they become friends during their time together sparks begin to fly and soon they both know it's not a question about if they'll get together but when!

This novel was spicy, intimate, fun, creative, and one I didn't want to end. Yet, even though I liked it, there were a few (not all) twists that I didn't enjoy and wish had happened a bit differently.

Overall, I would still recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances, especially ones about strong/fierce men showing off their steamy and tender sides.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 2

Author's Novel Extras : Ice Games - Overview | Covers and a few upcoming releases! | Teaser chapter of ICE GAMES | ICE GAMES is out, baby!

Author's Series Extras : Wicked Games - Overview | Playing Games - Overview | I Lied | Wicked Games has a new cover | But what about... | I stink at updating! BUT I HAVE COVERS!!

Book Teaser(s) :
Ty Fucking Randall.
I didn’t watch Mixed Martial Arts, but I sure knew who he was. Everyone did. He’d made headlines about a month or two ago when he’d been headlining a fight in Vegas, and he’d bitten his opponent. Bitten. As in, chomp chomp. As in, tore a hunk out of his nose. People had been scandalized, and he’d been put on hiatus. No one wanted to fight him. It wasn’t exactly that you were expected to fight clean in MMA, but you didn’t tear your opponent’s face apart. I mean, Jesus. He’d made public apologies through his reps, but the incident was still too new and fresh on everyone’s minds for this to be anything besides a shock.
And I was filled with a cold ripple of dread, thinking of all the beer in the fridge. Something told me that Michael Michaels wasn’t going to be my partner. Oh no. Oh, nonono.
I didn’t want to be with Ty the Biter.
It was clear he didn’t want to be here. He leaned against the sedan and crossed his legs, and then crossed his arms over his brawny chest. He looked bored. Pissed.
He wouldn’t want to win. I had a feeling he was just here for some good PR. He sorely needed it. But my guess was that he’d also be just fine with last place. Not me. I needed to win.
If he were my partner, I was screwed. ~ within Chapter 2
“A virgin. I so did not need this.”
I tried to squirm out of his arms. “You dick. Aren’t guys supposed to be excited when a chick’s a virgin?”
“Why? I thought we were going to have some sexy, no-strings-attached sex. Now I have to freak out about hurting you because you’re a fucking flea, and I’m a big guy.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know what? This is really killing my mood right now. Forget I said anything.” I tried to get up again.
He pulled me back down once more, and I thumped back onto his lap, earning a small groan from him. “You sure as shit can’t go now.”
“Why not?” ~ within Chapter 11
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Jessica, then please check out her website.
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