Review: The Familial Witch

Synopsis:

Lucien Lemione the clan leader of the feared and revered Eternals is faced with the ultimate betrayal. His second in command for two centuries has not only created the most grievous of offenses but also commissioned the creation of liquid silver. When poisoned by this toxin, an immortal suffers a fate much worse than death, frozen in an internal prison. After being wounded when found spying, he hides deep within the eerie woods that encircle the Triad Mountains. Desperate and in pain, he prays to an offended mother goddess for help. Her answer: a woman, but not just any woman. A witch.

After losing her entire coven at the hands of the Eternals, Aisleen is the last of her kind. She retreats from the world to Trinity Forest where she is giving the opportunity of a lifetime, or perhaps a test of principles. It’s there she discovers the man she heals is the Eternal that wiped out her people. Although she is bound as a healer, she could be creative in her revenge. Aisleen knows who and what Lucien his…but does not speak of it. There can be no future with Lucien for she can only be with a mortal man. Even if she wanted to be with him, can she forgive the man that caused the genocide of her people?

Lucien must act quickly for the survival of his clan is at stake. However, Aisleen’s ethereal beauty and emerald eyes keep pushing those thoughts far from his mind. Determined to find out what secret she hides, he prolongs his time with her. When his people need him most what will he choose…duty, desire, or will he make his own fate?

You can choose love but you can’t choose destiny.


Review:


This is a short, novella-length book. Way too short, if you ask me, lol... I didn't wan't it to end. It's about a beautiful, lonely woman named Aisleen - who is a witch. She comes across a man who needs her help, but comes to find out that this man is responsible for the execution of her coven.
Being the wonderful person that she is, she saves his life and tends to his needs. She lets him stay with her not only so he can recover, but because there is a storm coming that eventually keeps them stranded inside her home. During this time, they develop feelings for each other - even though there are so many reasons they cannot be together. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, trust, and a budding romance. The book ends all too soon - leaving you begging
for more and wondering if love can overcome any obstacle. Actually, in a panicked moment - I emailed the author asking if there is going to be a sequel, lol... I was happy to find out that the sequel is a full length novel that will hopefully be out in the Fall. I really loved Ms. Clark's writing, and I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future.




You can stalk, I mean find, Bri Clark in the following places:
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

Follow Me Friday!

Yay, it's that time of week again where bloggers can connect with other bloggers. Today's question is:

Do you judge a book by it's cover?

Ok, yes...I confess! I am such a sinner, I don't know how I live with myself. If I'm at a store and I see a cover that doesn't appeal to me - I don't even pick it up and read what it's about. I have, however, bought books just because the cover was pretty. Why? It's hard to explain. Maybe it's partly because I am a member of the female species and therefore I am attracted to shiny pretty things. Reason #2 - I, being the book nerd that I am, collect books not only because I love to read but because they make my bookshelf look more attractive. Reason #3 - I am an aspiring Graphic Designer. I cannot help but be drawn to attractive things. My goal is to make things look good and I dream of designing book covers one day. Now to defend myself a little, I'm not as vein as this sounds. Really. Books are really the only things I judge. Heck, most days I throw my hair back in a scrunchie, wear jeans with men's t-shirts, and I have an aversion to makeup and jewelry. So, I'm not that much of a girlie girl - but when it comes to books I can't help but want pretty looking ones :) I can admit though that some of the "pretty" books I've bought ended up being really boring. Do I learn? No. Hey - look at that book over there! What a pretty cover! I have no idea what it's about but I'm gonna buy it anyway!

Review: Shepherds (King's X: Episode 3)

Synopsis:

As the stories of two lifetimes converge, the two Shepherds begin to close in.

A great sacrifice keeps Broussard, Khali and Captain Shahin only one step ahead as they struggle to cross the Sinai.

While intrigue and unfathomable betrayal catch Molly and Detective Book in a fatal snare.

"Shepherds" is the 3rd of 4 episodes in the Crusades era story arc. Here is the final lead up to the explosive conclusion, when all questions will be answered in King's X Episode 4: "Thieves"

Review:


Episode 3 picks up from the end of episode 2. I like how these episodes smoothly pick up where the last left off, like it's a new chapter instead of a new book. The action, adventure, and mystery continue with this installment. This episode definitely keeps you on your toes - when you think you've figured it out, there comes a twist that keeps you guessing. A lot of things come to light in this episode that force you to look at different angles in the storyline, and keeps you wondering who's who. I have to admit, that a lot of the books I read don't require that much intellectual thinking. I normally choose books that are a fun, light read that you can just relax and get lost in. These books really make you think, which is a nice change of pace sometimes. When this episode ends, I am left feeling pretty confused - but that just makes me look forward to the next (and last) episode in this series that much more. I'm really excited to know how this story concludes.




You can find author Stephen Harper at the following places:
Blog
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Facebook
Goodreads

Interview with Edie Ramer and giveaway!

Edie Ramer is an indie author of paranormal romances. Her ebooks include Cattitude, Dead People and Dragon Blues. I recently got the opportunity to ask her some questions! Here is the interview:

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Usually, the characters come first or the plot stems from something that fascinates me. The cat changing bodies with a woman plot in Cattitude came because I love my cat, and I wondered what that cat attitude would be like in a woman. For Dead People, I’ve been reading books about life after life for years, and I think that interest is why I wrote about a woman who talks to ghosts.

Dragon Blues started with my fascination with dragons. I think they’re glorious creatures. They flame plumes of fire and they fly. Hot and sexy. It took me three years to find a plot and a heroine to fit my dragon who turned into a man.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Mostly, I spend too much time on the internet. It’s an addiction. I also read, watch favorite TV shows, walk my two dogs. Go out to eat, movies, see friends and family. The usual. (Reading this, I think I should make something up that makes me sound more exciting.)

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

About twenty years ago. I was a voracious reader, and one day I started to write and write and write. And I didn’t stop. I was like Forrest Gump when he started to run. Unlike Forrest, I’m still writing.

Along the way to being an indie author, I sold short stories, nonfiction and greeting card verses. I had four agents, writing contest wins, and close brushes with traditional publishing. Self-publishing is the best thing I’ve done for myself.

What is the hardest part of writing?

For me, it’s the beginning of the book. I usually start a book with a premise, main characters and a sketchy idea of where the story is going. Some days writing is like trying to catch a sunbeam. When I reach the middle of the book, I normally have a better idea of the second half, and it goes more smoothly.

How long does it to you to write a book?

About four months, and that usually includes a couple of major revisions and minor ones. I’d love to get books out faster, but I don’t want to skimp on quality. My goal is to make every book better than the last.

Who are your favorite authors or books?

I have so many. In historicals, I love Loretta Chase and Mary Balogh. My critique partner, Michelle Diener, has her first historical suspense coming out in August, In a Treacherous Court, based on real people in Henry the VIII’s court. She’s brilliant, and I’m sure the series will be a huge success. I’m a friend of Lori Brighton, and I love her paranormal historicals and contemporaries. For romantic suspense, I’m a Cynthia Eden fan. Women’s fiction, Marilyn Brant. I just read an ARC of the first book of Jennifer Estep’s new YA Mythos Academy series, Touch of Frost. I loved it! I predict it will be a big hit.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the second Haunted Hearts book (the first was Dead people). The hero is Joe, who was the heroine’s ghost best friends in Dead People. He’s fun to write, not as tortured as my usual heroes.

********************************************************************

Thanks so much for answering my questions Edie! I always love to find out how authors get ideas for their books. I would love to be an author but I just don't have a very good imagination, lol... I think I'll stick with reading!

Edie has generously offered to give one lucky commenter an ebook of their choice. You can choose from one of the books below:

Dragon Blues

Cattitude

Dead People

To enter - leave a comment below and let us know which book you would like to win. Contest open through April 12th - a winner will be randomly chosen and announced on April 13th.

You can find Edie Ramer at:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Review: Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...


Review:

Ghost Town is a really good book, and I give it 4 stars. I really enjoy the Morganville Vampire series – I can't believe this is already book #9. I really enjoy the 4 main characters – Claire, Shane, Eve, and Michael. Claire and Shane are one of the cutest couples ever. There are a lot of funny moments, but also some sad moments when members of the town (including Claire's friends) start forgetting the past 3 years of their lives. Since Claire has been in Morganville for less than 3 years, nobody knows who she is once they start losing their memory. I felt really bad for Claire when her boyfriend Shane forgets who she is as well, though it was nice to know that he was still attracted to her even though he has no memory of their time together. Poor Shane has to relive finding out about his mother's and sister's deaths. One of my favorite vampires in the book is Myrnin, who is very eccentric and somewhat crazy. With Myrnin in the mix, things are always interesting – but when he loses his mind, things get downright dangerous. Things are never boring in Morganville!

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop Winner!

I know, I know...I'm a little late announcing this - but the winner of the Wither giveaway is.....

Susan from A Soul Unsung!!!

Fool for Books Giveaway Hop!

My giveaway: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

I'm going to be jealous of whoever wins this because I don't even have it yet :)

Ends April 2nd - I will post the winner on April 3rd

All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address
to enter - easy peasy!
No requirements - open internationally

Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the blog hop!