Sunday, April 29, 2012

New Releases

Lots of great books have released this past week!!! 


 Title: Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1)
Author: Bethany Griffin

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.


Find it at the following places:
BAM

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Title: Wicked Road to Hell ( League of Guardians #1)
Author: Juliana Stone

With the legions of the underworld gathering and chaos close at hand, Sorcerer Declan O’Hara’s deadly skills will be tested. But nothing will sway him from his duty, not even her…

Rescued from eternal darkness, vampire Ana DeLacrux owes her life to a mysterious stranger who asks for only one thing—her absolute allegiance. She serves this master without question until Declan, the one man who can make her forget her vow, returns. His magic is stronger, darker…more compelling than ever. His blood awakens a hunger she must resist, or risk deadly consequences.

As Ana and Declan join forces, the streets of New Orleans become a dangerous place for both humans and the otherworld. And the most dangerous place of all is a road Declan’s traveled before…the wicked road to hell.
Find it at the following places:
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 Title: Obsidian Flame (The World of Ascension #5)
Author: Caris Roane 
She needs more than a lover.

For a hundred years, Marguerite has been imprisoned and used for her powerful psychic abilities. Her only relief comes from her regular visits with Thorne, her vampire lover. His every touch leaves her hungry for more...and aching for their next encounter. When Marguerite is finally set free, she returns to Mortal Earth to begin a new life for herself. She dyes her hair white-blonde, paints her nails blood-red, and seduces a sexy-hot stranger. Why can’t she stop thinking about Thorne?

He needs more than her blood.

Now that Marguerite is gone, Thorne craves her more than ever...and follows her to Mortal Earth. Unfortunately, he is not the only vampire who wants her. As one of three powerful women with obsidian flame abilities, Marguerite is a valuable treasure—and a dangerous weapon. For Thorne, she is a soulmate he must protect at any cost...even his own life.
Find it at the following places:
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  Title: Unraveling
Author: Elizabeth Norris
Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.
Find it at the following places:
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 Title: Wishful Thinking (Time of Transition #3)
Author: Gabi Stevens
Free-spirited artist Stormy Jones-Smythe was raised by two talented Wizard fathers but never showed the slightest hint of magical abilities. Which is why she’s totally surprised when three famous fairy godmothers show up at her door to tell her she’s one of them.

Surprised, and none too happy.  The godmothers are fugitives, framed for treason, and the last thing the magical Council wants is another fairy godmother going rogue. Hence Stormy’s new full-time Guard, Hunter Merrick.

Stormy quickly realizes she’s not going to escape Hunter’s watch…and before long, she’s not sure she wants to. But her freedom depends on her ability to expose the plot against the godmothers, and that means getting control of her magic. Despite the growing chemistry between them, Hunter is fiercely loyal to the Council—and duty-bound to keep Stormy from doing either of those things.

But he didn’t count on Stormy’s irrepressible exuberance and passion for life. Before long, even Hunter isn’t sure which side he’s on, and he can’t contain Stormy either way.
Find it at the following places:
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 Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
 
Find it at the following places:
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Title: Under a Vampire Moon (Argeneau #16)
Author: Lynsay Sands

Christian Notte's story, the sixteenth book in the Argeneau series is set on an island paradise called St. Lucia. After a bad relationship and an even worse divorce, Carolyn decides to go on a long overdue and much needed vacation with the 'girls'. Only the rest of the vacationers didn't get the memo. Around every corner there seems to be another couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary and the few single men she does see are far too young to even consider, including an irresistibly attractive rock violinist she meets. It's really too bad he's so young but in the end it doesn't matter because according to his cousin, Giacinta, women in general aren't Christian's type. But there's a catch, Christian needs Carolyn's help. He needs her to be his beard (to play the part of his fake girlfriend) for the week to appease his 'machismo' family. Carolyn just can't seem to say No and decides to help Gia's cousin. The only problem is that being around Christian and acting like they are a loving couple is wreaking havoc on her emotions. Carolyn's thoughts keep drifting back to places they shouldn't, like kissing his full lips or feeling his broad shoulders under her fingertips... good lord, she's in trouble.
Find it at the following places:
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Title: The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)
Author: Julie Kagawa

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.


Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.
Find it at the following places:
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 Title: The Claimed (Sin Hunters #2)
Author: Caridad Pineiro

Victoria Johnson loves her life. She's her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It's Victoria's duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.

A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she's his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don't want peace-and they'll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever . . .
Find it at the following places:
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  Title: Storm (Elementals #1)
Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .
Find it at the following places:
Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-- a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.


 




Review:




 


Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. It's another well written book that is very thought out. It started out a little slow, but things ended up moving along rather quickly. There were a lot of plot twists, action, and suspense to keep this book entertaining.

(Spoiler here ---->) I did not want to read about another Hunger Games. When it was announced that Katniss and Peeta had to enter the Hunger Games again, my heart sunk a little. I wanted to move past that and read about rebellions against the Capitol or something. This time around, Katniss and Peeta became allies with some of the other tributes. I actually ended up liking the character of Finnick, though I didn't think I would in the beginning.

I really wanted to read more about Gale. I think I said that same thing in my review for the first book. I really think that him and Katniss are meant to be together, and I'm anxious to see what happens between them in the last book. Don't get me wrong, I love Peeta. He's a really nice and caring guy. I just don't feel that spark between him and Katniss. You can see how much Peeta loves her but I don't think she feels quite the same way. Since the start of the Hunger Games, she has been pushed toward Peeta and away from Gale against her will. I want all three of them to be happy, but that's the thing with love triangles – somebody is going to end up heartbroken.

There was definitely a twist in the ending. I won't give it away, but it's something I didn't expect. It left so many unanswered questions for me. I am looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how this story comes to an end. 

Find this book at the following places:

Friday, April 27, 2012

Review: Red Velvet and Absinthe

Title: Red Velvet and Absinthe
Author: Various
Source: Received through editor/author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:


Red Velvet and Absinthe explores love and lust with otherworldly partners who, by their sheer fantastical nature, evoke passion and desire far beyond that which any normal human being can inspire. Although the greats such as Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, and Daphne du Maurier are long dead, these contemporary authors keep the Gothic spirit alive and well by interpreting it in new and exciting ways. Red Velvet and Absinthe offers readers a collection of unique and original stories that conjure up the atmospheric and romantic spirit of the Gothic masters (and mistresses) but take things a bit further by adding to the brew a generous dosage of eroticism. Lie back and listen to the wind howling outside your window as you read these stories in the flickering light of a candle, the absinthe you’re sipping warming your body like the caressing touch of a lover’s fingers . . .


Includes:

Snowlight Moonlight by Rose de Fer
Cover Him with Darkness by Janine Ashbless
A Rose in the Willow Garden by Elizabeth Daniels
The Blood Moon by Mitzi Szereto
Painted by Anna Meadows
Dolly by Charlotte Stein
La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne
The Persistence of Memory by Even Mora
Scratched by Ashley Lister
Bitter and Intoxicating by Sharon Bidwell
Tea for Two by Claire Buckingham
Milady's Bath by Giselle Renarde
The Way Home by Cary Williams
The Queen by Tahira Iqbal
Benediction by Bonnie Dee



Review:




Red Velvet and Absinthe is a collection of dark and erotic paranormal stories. All of these stories are well written and have a gothic feel to them, but yet they are so different from each other. My favorites were Cover Him With Darkness by Janine Ashbless and La Belle Mort by Zander Vyne. Since these are all short stories, I feel like I can't say a whole lot about them without giving anything away. Honestly, most of these left me feeling confused. In a lot of these, there was so much mystery involved that never got explained. Basically, I learned something new about myself – I just don't enjoy short stories all that much. I like time to get to know the characters and to understand what all is going on. Also, when it comes to sex, I like for the characters to get to know each other a little first. These are just some personal preferences of mine, and I'm sure that many will love this steamy anthology.

Find this book on Amazon

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Review: Demonically Tempted by Stacey Kennedy

Title: Demonically Tempted (Frostbite #2)
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Source: Received from author in exchange for an honest review


Synopsis:

Tess Jennings, now a member of the Memphis Police Department, is on her first cold case. The suspected suicide of Lizbeth Knapp ten years ago isn’t a theory her family accepts—they believe she was murdered.

But the case is only one of Tess’s worries. Ghosts are talking, and word of her abilities rapidly spreads. A dark ghost is terrifying the spirits of Memphis, and she must force the entity to cross over.

Tess doesn’t have to do this alone. Not only does she have her ghost-lover, Kipp McGowen, but the department has brought in a medium. Dane Wolfe might answer all her questions, but he also brings a world of trouble. Will Tess finally have all she’s ever wanted, or will everything she’s vowed to protect be ripped away?



Review:




Demonically Tempted is the second book in Stacey Kennedy's Frostbite series. The first book is called Supernaturally Kissed and has actually been re-released – that book was previously called Stolen Dreams and you can read my review of that HERE. In Demonically Tempted, Tess now works with the Memphis Police Department using her abilities with ghosts to help solve murders.

There are a couple of new characters in this book. One of which is Dane – who tries to come between Tess and Kipp. He just doesn't approve of her relationship with a ghost. I love the character of Kipp – I just wish there was more of him in this book. I also like seeing Tess interact with the police department. These guys have become like family to her.

Not only is there a murder mystery in this book, there is also an evil being that Tess must get rid of. I think that anyone who loves the paranormal will love this series. It's a unique take on a ghost story, and if you think there can't be any sex scenes involving a ghost – you are wrong! There is a big cliff-hangar at the end that I love. At the same time though, the wait for the next book is going to drive me crazy. I can't wait to see how Stacey Kennedy plays this out.

This ebook is newly released! Find it HERE ON AMAZON!


Visit the author at her website:
http://www.staceykennedy.com

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent (Divergent #1)
Author: Veronica Roth
Source: library

Synopsis:

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.




Review:




Divergent is the first book in the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth. It's a dystopian novel featuring a 16 year old girl named Tris. It is set in the future in the city of Chicago. The city is divided into 5 factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), and Erudite (the intelligent). Tris was raised in the Abnegation faction, but at the choosing ceremony she must decide if she wants to stay with her family or choose to join another faction.

While reading this book, it is easy to forget how young the characters are. The book doesn't deal with normal teenage issues, so I think that people of any age would enjoy this book. It is wonderfully written and has great characterization and world building. It makes you grateful to be able to live in the world we currently live in.

Tris is a very brave character, which is kind of surprising considering that she has grown up in such a rigid faction. She is a likeable character and someone that young girls can look up to. She goes through initiation training with several other people her age – some you will instantly like and others you will wish you could push off a tall building. I really liked the character of Four. I like the relationship that slowly builds between him and Tris. I love the fact that Tris isn't the typically attractive heroine, but Four falls for her anyway.

If you are a fan of The Hunger Games or other dystopian novels, then I highly recommend this book. It's a nice mix of action, adventure, and suspense mixed with a bit of romance. I think that a variety of different readers will enjoy this book. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, Insurgent, which will be coming out very soon!

Find the author here:
http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/

Find Divergent at the following places:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
BAM

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to the Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop - hosted by I Am Reader, Not A Writer, Page Turners, Fire & Ice, and Just Another Book Addict. Autism Awareness is important to me because my son has what we think is a mild form of Autism. Autism can be really hard to diagnose and I hope we can spread some awareness through this hop! Autism affects approximately 1 in 54 boys. For more information, visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/


For my giveaway, I made a bottle cap necklace:

This picture didn't turn out the best, so the colors look a little better in person ;) This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only - sorry! I will leave this giveaway open for one week. All you need to do to enter is leave a comment with your email address so I can get in touch with you if you are the lucky winner. Good luck!

Here are the other blogs participating:


Laura Kaye’s WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event!

I'm excited to be a part of Laura Kaye's West of Want Preview & Prizes event. I've read the first book in this series, North of Need - and I loved it! You can read my review HERE. Now onto the fun stuff:


Happy WEST OF WANT Preview & Prizes Event, everyone! Today, April 10, was the original release date for Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want. And then some really cool things happened: my publisher, Entangled Publishing, signed a huge deal with the nation’s biggest book distributor, which means for the first time ever, my books will be shelved in brick-and-mortar bookstores. And then, West of Want received a very nice pre-sales estimate by the booksellers and Barnes and Nobles bought it for all their stores nationwide (and it got bought for airports, too—squee!). The only bad news in this whole scenario was this: the release date got pushed back, by three LONG months! LOL So, I thought I’d celebrate the original release date with a preview of the book and a big contest, and give you a small taste to whet your appetite until the actual release date arrives.

"Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans."
~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series

Forty sites are celebrating with me today, and there are different posts at those different sites. To see the whole list of participants, click here. Now, without further ado, here’s the book blurb and one of four different never-before-seen excerpts from the book available for you to enjoy:



WEST OF WANT BLURB:
Betrayal is all he's ever known, but in her, he'll find a love strong enough to be trusted...

When Marcella Raines' twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she's gravely injured--and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce--Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn't protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he's sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph's heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting...everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want--a love that can be trusted.


WEST OF WANT EXCERPT:
Restrained power made Zephyros’s hands tremble. At first, he’d wanted to help Ella because he owed it to her. Now, want bloomed into need. When he’d held her soft curves, the strength of her life force soaked into him. Seldom did he have any cause to interact with humans, let alone touch them, but the soft yellow aura that surrounded her body told him this woman was good, pure, true. A rare character, in his experience.

And then she’d said his name. Whispered it, really, but that didn’t keep him from fully enjoying the way her lips wrapped around the sound.

Silently, he summoned the ancient, elemental power, the one that flowed through him, that made him what he was. His palms warmed. Soft white light spilled from between his clasped hands.

Ella’s eyes cut to his glowing hands, went wide. “What? Don’t hurt…” She swallowed thickly. A tear leaked down her temple into her hair.

He met Ella’s barely focused gaze. “Fear not, I promise to hurt you no more.”

Her only answer was a shiver that racked her whole body.

Normally, a healing of this magnitude required sacrifice. It was how the gods worked. Quid pro quo, and all that. But, in this case, Ella’s case, that was hardly appropriate. After all, she wouldn’t need to be healed if he’d kept better control of himself.

Words in his native tongue spilled into the quiet of the room. He parted his hands, held them over her prone form, and let the healing energy cover her. The pale, white glow infused her aura, which absorbed the curative force, distributed small doses of it throughout her body.

Ella sucked in a breath.

“Be well, now,” Zeph whispered.



Pre-order West of Want on Amazon | B&N


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So, what d’ya think? Want more Zephyros and Ella? Visit more participating sites to read all the excerpts, meet the characters, see the the West of Want romance trading cards, and enter to win! Thanks for reading! July 10 can’t get here soon enough for me! *grins*

~Laura Kaye

“Using ancient winter mythology as an allegory for grief, Kaye has written a sexy story that packs a powerful emotional punch. NORTH OF NEED is pure winter magic and Kaye’s sparkling talent warms the heart.”
~Stephanie Draven, author of the Mythica series about
multi-award-winning Book 1 in the Anemoi series, North of Need



WEST OF WANT PREVIEW CONTEST!

Event wide contest:

Seven participants who enter through the Rafflecopter form will win gift cards from winners’ choice of Amazon or B&N valued between $15 and $100! Those prize winners will be announced on West of Want’s release day, July 10, 2012. As a special thank you to those who have pre-ordered the print West of Want through Amazon or B&N, you'll receive extra entries - just enter your order confirmation number on the appropriate Rafflecopter line. Pre-orders are hugely important for an author because they determine how many books bookstores will actually stock and they count toward an author’s first-week sales which is when most authors have their best chance to hit the big bestseller lists. However, pre-orders/purchases are not required to enter. Commenting is the only required entry. Open to international.


Site-Specific contest:

One commenter from each participating blog site will win a West of Want bookmark and the romance trading cards for North of Need and West of Want. Simply comment to enter to win and be sure to leave your email address. These prizes will be announced soon after May 10. Open to international.



About Laura Kaye:
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is a bestselling and award-winning author paranormal and contemporary romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, April 8, 2012

New Releases



Title: Alien Diplomacy (Katherine "Kitty" Katt #5)
Author: Gini Koch


Being newlyweds and new parents is challenging enough. But Jeff and Kitty Martini are also giving up their roles as super-being exterminators and Commanders in Centaurion Division while mastering the political landscape as the new heads of Centaurion's Diplomatic Corps. Enter a shadowy assassination plot and a new set of anti-alien conspirators, and nothing will ever be the same...

Available at the following places:
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
BAM


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Title: Savage Awakening (Alpha Pack #2)
Author: J.D. Tyler


A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

After a mission goes wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Half-dead and despairing, he makes a stunning discovery: his Pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. When the Alpha team goes into full-rescue mode, accompanying them is an absolute stunner with sable hair—and a spine of solid steel.

LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah’s recovery. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has—however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric’s life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of love, for the man fated to be her Bondmate.


Available at the following places:
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
BAM


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Title: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)
Author: Holly Black


Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

Available at the following places:
Amazon (hardcover)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
BAM


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Title: Crystalfire (DemonSlayers #4)
Author: Kate Douglas

The Demon King still lives, stronger than ever, devouring souls in search of immortality. Against him stands the scholar Taron, a newly-minted warrior of Lemuria, and Willow, a woman of unearthly loveliness, born of mist…
Spellbound

Taron must pass through the waterfall of molten gold that shields the secret portal to his beloved land. His brilliant mind and the speaking sword called CrystalFire are his weapons against evil. But nothing can protect him from the power of love. Willow, whom he once knew as a sprite who could dance in his hand, has been changed by a master stroke of magic into the form of a beautiful, highly sensual woman, desiring a thousand pleasures that she insists he alone can give her.

Innocent and eager, Willow arouses his deepest needs and sexual hunger--and his love. He will risk all to save her, even if it means a battle to the death with the ultimate foe...

Available at the following places:
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
BAM


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Title: Immortal City (Immortal City #1)
Author: Scott Speer


Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them.

He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat & and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.


Available at the following places:
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Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
Author: Robin LaFevers


Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


Available at the following places:
Amazon (hardcover)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
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Title: Enraptured (Eternal Guardians #4)
Author: Elisabeth Naughton


Orpheus may have joined the elite protectors known as Eternal Guardians, but they've never trusted whose side he's really on. And the half-daemon couldn't care less. Orpheus has only one goal: rescue his brother from the Underworld. He's not expecting a woman to get in the way, especially not one sent by Zeus to seduce, entrap, and then ultimately destroy him. A woman who will dredge up a past he doesn't remember, a love that once condemned him, and a dark and deadly secret as old as the Eternal Guardians themselves.

Available at the following places:
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
B&N
BAM


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Title: The Marked (Delcroix Academy #2)
Author: Inara Scott


In her second semester at a boarding school for teenagers with special powers, Dancia Lewis faces danger from both inside and outside of Delcroix Academy.

All of her life, Dancia Lewis has wanted to use her powers for good. And now that she’s learned the truth about Delcroix Academy—and herself—she may just get the chance. But being part of Delcroix’s top secret Program isn’t anything like Dancia expected. She has to ask herself: what happens to the Talented kids who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the Program? And why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? Dancia’s adorable boyfriend Cam insists they need the help of every Talented student to defend Delcroix from dangerous enemies outside their gates. But Dancia has to wonder: what if Delcroix’s most frightening enemies come from within?


Available at the following places:
Amazon (hardcover)
Amazon (kindle)
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Title: Beneath the Skin (de La Vega Cats #3)
Author: Lauren Dane


A whole world exists…beneath the skin.

Gibson de La Vega is the Bringer, one of the Alpha’s right-hand cats. It is his job to mete out justice and defend the law that holds their jamboree together.

After a contentious meeting with another jamboree, he’s shot—Mia stumbles onto the scene and saves his life. He’s immediately drawn to the female who dug three silver bullets from his body. Even after he discovers she’s a Porter, a family his own harmed grievously half a century before.

Mia has enough in her life. She’s recovering from a vicious hate crime—an attack using silver has affected her ability to do what she loves most. The last thing she needs is a bossy alpha cat like Gibson. A de La Vega no less.

Despite the myriad reasons to stay away, even as they continue to hunt down the would-be killers, their attraction deepens into something else entirely.

The answers they find bring that threat far closer to home than anyone could have imagined and it’ll be up to Gibson to end the mess once and for all. And up to Mia to stand at his side, even as he risks his life…

Available at the following places:
Amazon (kindle)
B&N


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Title: Untouched (The Amoveo Legend #2)
Author: Sara Humphreys


SHE SHOULD BE SEEN, BUT NEVER TOUCHED…

Kerry Smithson’s modeling career ensures that she will be admired from afar, which is essential since mere human touch sparks blinding pain and terrifying visions.

EVERY GOOD MODEL NEEDS A HEAVENLLY BODYGUARD…

Dante Coltari is hired to protect Kerry from those who know who she is—or more importantly what she is—and want her dead because of it. Nothing could have prepared him for the challenge of keeping her safe. But, strangely, his lightest touch brings her exquisite pleasure rather than pain, and Dante and Kerry have an otherwordly connection that might just pull them through.


Available at the following places:
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (kindle)
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Thursday, April 5, 2012

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)
Author: Robin LaFevers
Source: Netgalley

Synopsis:

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?



Review:




Grave Mercy is the first book in the series His Fair Assassin by Robin LaFevers. Ismae is a 17 year old girl who has had an awful life. She is taken to the convent of St. Mortain where she learns that she is the daughter of Death, and trains to be an assassin.

I believe this is considered a young adult historical fantasy. It almost doesn't seem like a YA book to me though, I think anyone of any age would enjoy it – if they like historical books anyway. I haven't read many historical novels so the reading was slow going for me. I'm not used the the words and phrases of this time period, so the text was sometimes distracting to me. The plot was good, but a little complex. There was so much political stuff, as well as a lot of characters.

I would liked to have seen more romance between Ismae and Duvall. They dislike each other from the start, so it took a long time for them to warm up to one another. The chemistry builds very slowly and there are a lot of slow parts of the book. Even so, I had trouble putting it down from the anticipation of what would happen next. There is a lot of mystery involved to keep you guessing. I thought it was very well written, and the author must have put a lot of research into this book. I didn't love it, but I did like it. I would be interested in trying more books by this author.

Find the author here:
http://www.robinlafevers.com/blog/

Find this book at the following places:
Amazon (hardcover)
Amazon (kindle)
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