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Showing posts with label Paranormal Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paranormal Romance. Show all posts

Friday, February 26, 2021

Audible Book Review: Smoke Bitten: A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12 by Patricia Briggs

I was in the mood for werewolves and this installment in a favorite series hit the spot!
Smoke Bitten
A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 12
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King

Smoke Bitten audiobook cover art
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Release date: 03-17-20
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Genre: Action, Adventure, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 5.0.


Publisher's Summary
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the number one New York Times best-selling series.
I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a 35 pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I'm going to need them.
Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill - until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.
Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything - even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.
It won't, can't, remain.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
©2020 Patricia Briggs (P)2020 Penguin Audio


Review:
Mercy, our coyote shifter heroine, has her hands full with community and spousal stress. In book 10, Silence Fallen, Mercy claimed the Tri-cities areas under the protection of the local Columbia Basin werewolf pack led by her Alpha husband, Adam. The pack has its share of danger balancing issues among the local vampires, witches, werewolves, and fae, while protecting the humans from those with supernatural powers. Of course, this sets up a chance for various outside groups who feel they can challenge the pack while it is spread thin. There is a rogue group of werewolves, led by a dangerous assassin, who think they can take out the edges of Adam’s pack and then challenge him.

Before they even know about the rogue werewolf threat, Mercy finds her elderly, sweet neighbors murdered. Mercy is bitten by what appears to be a wild rabbit until they learn it is an evil, mind controlling creature who has escaped from Underhill into Mercy’s own backyard. Fortunately, Mercy is saved with the help of a creepy ‘stalker’, but it makes her realize that something is wrong with her mate bond with Adam.

Adam has been acting tense and standoffish and Mercy begins to wonder and doubt the strength of their relationship. Will she be able to face the wolf, or worse, and still keep their unique bond? As noted, there are at least three threads of suspense moving in this book. Ms. Briggs presents her impressive creativity with fast paced action and tension. I like how she weaves in a touch of fairy tale classic into the fae situation. The author also has built a strong emotional relationship between Mercy and Adam and she makes it real to life stresses. I love this series and highly recommend it. I do suggest starting from the beginning not only to get to know the characters but also to enjoy the entertainment!

Audio Notes:
Lorelei King is a superb narrator and does a wonderful job with this series. The characters come to life with all their energy and stresses.  I’m sure the story is good if read in print/ebook, but for me it is a great listening experience.

4/13/2020 Audible March Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook, and 2021Alphabet goals.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

#NetGalley Book Review: Uninvited by Heather Graham

I enjoyed the ghostly elements in this romantic suspense.
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Publication date: August 28, 2012
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Ghosts, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.


1777: In the throes of the Revolutionary War, Landon Mansion is commandeered by British Lord "Butcher" Bedford. He stabs Lucy Tarleton—who spurned his king and his love—leaving her to die in her father's arms.
NOW: After the day's final tour, docent Allison Leigh makes her rounds while locking up…and finds a colleague slumped over Bedford's desk, impaled on his own replica bayonet.
Resident ghosts may be the stock-in-trade of stately Philadelphia homes, but Allison—a noted historian—is indignant at the prospect of "ghost hunters" investigating this apparent murder.
Agent Tyler Montague knows his hauntings and his history. But while Allison is skeptical of the newcomer, a second mysterious murder occurs. Has "Butcher" Bedford resurfaced? Or is there another malevolent force at work in Landon Mansion? Wary, yet deeply attracted, Allison has to trust in Tyler and work with him to discover just what uninvited guest—dead or alive—has taken over the house.
Or their lives could become history!


Review:
Allison is a local history professor and a docent at an historic mansion, the Tarleton-Dandridge House in Philadelphia. The house served as a British base in 1777 when British Lord “Butcher” Bedford married, and reportedly murdered, Lucy Tarleton. The Tarleton family were supposedly supportive of the British, but Lucy secretly worked to take information to Washington’s troops. The house has had a history of strange deaths over many years.

At the end of a tour, Allison discovers one of her young colleague’s dead in the study. It appears to be a bizarre suicide but at least one member of the board doesn’t believe this. He calls in a very special FBI “Krewe”, a team that studies paranormal events.

Agent Tyler doesn’t make a good first impression on Allison. That could be because she has been grilled for hours by the police, but more importantly she isn’t thrilled to have ‘ghost hunters’ traipsing through the carefully preserved house. Allison reluctantly works to guide Tyler in investigating the house where they find a ransacked attic. Allison continues to resist the paranormal elements until events force her to see otherwise. Tyler tries to explain to Allison that there may be paranormal forces involved but it is likely that the rummaging and murder were done by living humans.

A second person associated with the house dies in another bizarre ‘accident’. When it looks like Allison may be the next target, she finds herself sticking more closely with Tyler and their closeness turns to personal interest. Can Tyler and his team keep Allison safe while racing to find the true killer?

I liked Allison’s strong character and really enjoyed the quiet, determined personality of Tyler. His teammates are interesting and apparently the subject of other books in this series, which I would be interested in reading. The mystery is full of twists and a handful of suspects with red herring clues that kept me wondering until near the villain reveal.

I haven’t read Heather Graham for a number of years and I was pleased to enjoy this romantic suspense/paranormal romance where the mystery was primary and the romance a secondary element that added to the overall story. I recommend this to fans of paranormal mystery with romance.

Source: 2012 Netgalley. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020NetGalley goals.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

#NetGalley Book Review: Reimagining Mr. Right by Wynter Daniels

This is a fun romance with a touch of magic.
Reimagining Mr. Right
by Wynter Daniels
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File Size: 372 KB
Print Length: 234 pages
Publisher: CPC Publishing (January 7, 2020)
ASIN: B07YSQ6J3X
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Romantic Comedy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.


Former ugly duckling Sydney McCoy yearns to break into television. And the hottest guy she works with—TV sports personality, Chip Haggerty—could be her ticket to the airwaves. Too bad that Chip hardly knows Sydney is alive. Worse, she has no clue how to speak Chip’s sports-oriented language.
Up-and-coming real estate agent Levi Barnett is desperate to convince the owner of a hot downtown property to sell so the company Levi works for can redevelop the site into a multi-million-dollar complex. When he literally crashes into a woman he knew in high school who could champion his cause, he’ll do anything to get Sydney’s help. All she wants from him in return is help communicating with her office crush. No problem! But when Levi starts to fall for the beautiful Sydney, he wonders if he’s making the worst mistake of his life by being her would-be Cyrano de Bergerac.


Review:
Although Sydney is now trim and attractive, she tends to see herself as the overweight nerd she was in high school. She developed an unrequited crush on the popular football player, Levi, whom she tutored. Years later Sydney is a good reporter hoping to break into television. She is set on dating a co-worker, ex-baseball star, Chip, who is a popular TV sports personality. Chip often gets Sydney to fine-tune his reports but he hasn’t noticed her as a woman. Sydney thinks she could get his attention if she could only understand all the sports lingo he constantly throws out.

Levi is now a successful real estate agent who hopes to gain a partnership with his company. He is working hard to talk two downtown property owners into selling to his company so they can redevelop the site. Meanwhile, the boss’s daughter is pursuing Levi to renew their relationship that he ended several months back.

Levi literally crashes into Sydney outside a coffee shop. She recognizes him immediately but had to remind him of who she was. He is smitten and will do anything to renew a friendship with her. He is frustrated when she only wants his help to get Chip’s interest.

With Levi’s help, Sydney manages to start dating Chip. Her dad, a sports enthusiast, is excited to meet Chip and Chip is even able to help Sydney’s ailing mother. But Sydney is conflicted as she is enjoying her time with Levi and beginning to realize that Chip might not be the prize boyfriend she wants.

Levi wants to help Sydney and Sydney wants to help Levi realize his dreams. Along the way, they get crossed messages. Will they deny their attraction to each other thinking it is best for the other?

These are fun characters with vulnerabilities and conflicts that contribute to a star-crossed romance. The story is lighthearted even as it deals with emotional baggage. There is a touch of paranormal in the midst of the story which is fun and interesting but played only a small part. I am curious if it is a larger part of some of the other books and I would be glad to read more in the series. I recommend this as a fun “rom-com”.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020NetGalley and 2020Audiobook goal.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Audio Book Review: Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette by Jeaniene Frost

This is an entertaining, quick paranormal romance.
Pack: A Paranormal Romance Novelette
Written by: Jeaniene Frost
Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
Length: 1 hr and 36 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-23-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Lost in the woods...
Marlee Peters is tired of putting her dreams on hold. So when her friends can't continue on a long-anticipated hike through Yellowstone National Park, she goes on without them. But Marlee isn't alone in the woods: She is being hunted by a pack of frighteningly intelligent wolves. When a fight for survival takes an impossible turn, Marlee realizes that the enigmatic stranger who saves her might be her dream come true - or her waking nightmare.
Big, bad wolf...
As the pack's enforcer, Daniel has sworn to keep the existence of werewolves a secret. He knows that Marlee's bites may change her life in a way she can't imagine, but if they don't, he can't let her tell others about his race. Yet Marlee is awakening Daniel's most primal urges, and soon neither one of them will be able to resist the call of the wild.
©2016 Jeaniene Frost (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.


Review:
Marlee recently broke up with her boyfriend but wouldn’t let that stop her long awaited hike through Yellowstone National Park. Even when her two friends abandon the trip she continues. She loses her way and finds herself being hunted by a pack of wolves. Not just any feral wolves, but wolves who seem to talk. As she is falling beneath a brutal animal a naked man arrives and calls the wolves off.

Daniel is the pack’s enforcer keeping the existence of werewolves secret from the general public. He also has to keep the pack from violating their rules which include not attacking innocents. The pack live quietly, for the most part, in their own community. There is a small group who resent being hunted by humans and have decided they should hunt the humans instead.

Marlee was bitten during the attack so Daniel must watch her to determine if she will turn. She may have to stay with him for several weeks before they can be sure. The romance developed quickly and had strong sensuality without going over-the-top on sex. I do like shifter characters more than vampires I think. This is a ‘nice’ novella to start the series. Although not as steamy as some of her work, fans of Frost may want to read this to start the new series.

Audio Notes: I was initially distracted by the narration by Tavia Gilbert which portrays the female lead in speedy, panicky, shrill mode. I did become absorbed in the story which allowed the narration to be less annoying.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge and "P" on Alphabet Soup.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Tour Book Review and Giveaway Link: Midnight Kiss: Touched by Midnight, Book 1 by Nancy Gideon


I enjoyed this engaging, sensual vampiric experience.
by Nancy Gideon

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Imajinn Books
Release Date: July 12, 2015
Length: 262 Pages
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0



“Dark and compelling, Gideon's novel will appeal to those who enjoy the vampire novels of Anne Rice.” —Library Journal

“A colorful and hauntingly beautiful tale of otherworldly love . . . destined to become a classic!”—Affaire de Coeur
“Incredible, spellbinding reading!” —Rendezvous
Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A DARK CURSE

Miss Arabella Howland is content to forgo the London marriage mill to assist her father in his research, especially when it comes to his intriguing patient, Louis Radman. But it’s not long before Bella’s curiosity alerts her to the danger of her father’s work . . . and to the fact that Louis is not who or what he seems.

A BRIGHT PROMISE

After centuries struggling with his vile existence, Louis Radman will soon be free of his affliction, thanks to his very capable physician. Unfortunately, his heart is less secure around the man’s tempting daughter. His yearning to walk in the light once more is complicated by his desire for the delightful Bella, who is as intelligent as she is fearless. But if history has taught him anything, it’s not to tempt fate.

AN UNFORGIVING PAST

Still, happiness has a price and Louis is soon reminded that mortality comes with unfortunate limitations. To protect his new bride, he must face the demons from his past who wish to pull him back into their vampiric fold.
Yet, if he’s forced to return to his midnight world, will he lose his beloved Bella forever?


Review:
Arabella isn’t interested in the marriage mart but loves aiding her physician father with his medical research. She is particularly interested in his mysterious patient, Louis Radman. Radman is a handsome, reclusive, dark nobleman. Dr. Howland refuses to tell Arabella any details about his treatment for Radman. Arabella is startled one night when she greets Radman in her father’s absence. He is gaunt and pale and she doesn’t know how to help him. But even with her innocence, she is strangely drawn to Radman in a sensual fog.

Louis Radman is sick of his dark life with its evil compulsions. He has sought the help of Dr Howland seeking medical treatment to return him to a human state, including mortality. Louis is surprised by his attraction to Arabella. He knows he should stay away until the treatment is successful but he finds it hard to resist her. He also isn’t willing to let the Dr.’s ambitious assistant put Arabella into a compromising position.

Just as Louis appears to be on the verge of success some old ‘friends’ appear seeking revenge for past hurts. Louis knows he will have to face his fiercest enemies in order to protect Arabella.

I enjoyed the different perspective of this story with its initial hopeful tone. I appreciated the action and danger and when things turned dark I was fully engaged wanting to know what would happen. Having just read a more erotic vampire story, I was glad to choose this title as it appeared to be less raw. There is wonderful chemistry between Arabella and Radman and their relationship heats up in sensuality but never becomes truly graphic. This story wraps with a few surprises and the other two books look like they would be engaging as well.

I received this title for Series Tour through Novel Book Tours.

ABOUT NANCY GIDEON
Nancy Gideon is the author of over 55 novels ranging from Regencies, historicals and contemporary suspense to dark paranormal romance, with a couple of horror screenplays thrown into the mix.

​When not at the keyboard or working full time as a legal assistant in Southwest Michigan, she can be found feeding her addictions for Netflix and all things fur, feather and fin, enjoying Grammy time (usually watching The Avengers), and meeting new friends and readers through her GoodReads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group. Her books can also be found under the pen names Dana Ransom, Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings.

Midnight Kiss - Excerpt


Midnight Temptation (Touched by Midnight - Book 2)

Midnight Temptation (Touched by Midnight - Book 2)
by Nancy Gideon
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance | Kobo Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Imajinn Books
Release Date: August 14, 2015
Length: 256 Pages

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A WICKED LEGACY

Terrified by her unusual strength and frightening urges, Nicole Radouix’s sheltered country life is shattered when she discovers her family’s secret— she’s the daughter of a mortal mother and vampire father. Stricken, she flees to the seductive lure of the city to discover the truth about who and what she is. But the turmoil of post-revolution Paris is no place for an innocent.

A WILD DESIRE 

Finding herself under the protection of noble ex-patriot Marchand La Valois, Nicole is pulled into deadly underworld struggles, both political and vampiric. As their passions ignite, Marchand soon realizes the lovely Nicole is more predator than prey and may be more of a threat than the unruly streets outside.

AN UNTHINKABLE DILEMMA 

Desperate to control her dark desires, Nicole accepts an offer of guidance from a hypnotic enemy, ensnaring both her and Marchand in a dangerous web of centuries’ old revenge. To escape their deadly nighttime games, Nicole must embrace her immortality. But will it cost her Marchand’s eternal love?

“A treasure trove of unearthly delights! Readers will want to induct Ms. Gideon into the vampire storyteller’s Hall of Fame!”— Romantic Times

“An extraordinary, moving and sensual tale of supernatural love powerful enough to defy death. Nancy Gideon is a bright artistic star of epic proportion in the supernatural galaxy. Five Star!”— Affaire de Coeur

A fast-paced, surprisingly believable look into a dark and mysterious world where only the greatest of loves can flourish!”— The Literary Times

Midnight Temptation - Excerpt



Midnight Surrender (Touched by Midnight - Book 3)

Midnight Surrender (Touched by Midnight - Book 3)
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Imajinn Books
Release Date: October 1, 2015
Length: 266 Pages

Hunt or be hunted . . . A centuries-old obsession stalks a noble family fighting to hide their dark secret from an ever-changing world. Sink your teeth into Nancy Gideon's Touched by Midnight series.

A RECKLESS QUEST 

A savage killer stalks the dark streets of turn-of-the-century New York. To keep her father’s newspaper afloat, publisher Cassie Alexander chases the story. But what she catches is a madman’s attention.

A DARK DECEPTION

When her reclusive neighbor Louis Radcliffe rescues her from an attack, Cassie finds her vow of independence shaken by the strong attraction between them. It’s an attraction Louis denies, even as the invalid grandmother he cares for pushes to bring them together—for reasons that will break both their hearts.

AN INEVITABLE SACRIFICE

Determined to hide his secrets from her, Louis soon becomes the cornerstone of Cassie’s investigation. He can’t allow her stubbornness to place her life—and his immortal soul—in danger. But as much as he tries to keep her safe in his arms, it soon becomes evident that Cassie’s become a target. And Louis has no choice but to find out if their love is strong enough to withstand the truth . . .

“Gripping! Readers are pulled into a whirlwind while surrendering their souls!”— Gothic Journal

“Darkly sensual and suspenseful Midnight Surrender is nothing short of special! Lovers of vampire romances take notice!”— The Literary Times

“Gideon mesmerizes with this chilling tale. You’ll read it and read it again. Superb!”— Rendezvous

Midnight Surrender - Excerpt


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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Book Review: Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight BreedSeries Book 1) by Lara Adrian

This has crisp writing, compelling characters and a good plot with intrigue and danger. There is just a bit too much sex for my tastes.
Kiss of Midnight: A Midnight Breed Novel (The Midnight Breed Series Book 1)
by Lara Adrian

File Size: 969 KB
Print Length: 434 pages
Publisher: Dell (May 1, 2007)
Sold by: Random House LLC
ASIN: B000QCQ8XK
Genre:Paranormal Romance, Vampires
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


He watches her from across the crowded dance club, a sensual black-haired stranger who stirs Gabrielle Maxwell's deepest fantasies. But nothing about this night--or this man--is what it seems. For when Gabrielle witnesses a murder outside the club, reality shifts into something dark and deadly. In that shattering instant she is thrust into a realm she never knew existed--a realm where vampires stalk the shadows and a blood war is set to ignite.
Lucan Thorne despises the violence carried out by his lawless brethren. A vampire himself, Lucan is a Breed warrior, sworn to protect his kind--and the unwitting humans existing alongside them--from the mounting threat of the Rogues. Lucan cannot risk binding himself to a mortal woman, but when Gabrielle is targeted by his enemies, he has no choice but to bring her into the dark underworld he commands.
Here, in the arms of the Breed's formidable leader, Gabrielle will confront an extraordinary destiny of danger, seduction, and the darkest pleasures of all. . . .


Review:
Gabrielle is a photographer who is drawn to the lonely, abandoned and shadowy images of buildings and other aspects of life. One night she reluctantly goes to a club with friends where she shares glances across the room with a dark, brooding man. As she leaves the club she witnesses a savage murder. She manages to get a few pictures on her cell phone as she flees the alley. The police only mock her when they find no evidence of the gruesome scene. But someone heard her and believed her and now she is a target of those dark forces.

Lucas Thorne is a man of darkness and violence himself. But unlike the Rogue killers of his kind he is a Breed Warrior – one of a few specially chosen vampires who are committed to protecting their race by keeping the evil element under control and hidden from public exposure. A few of his closest brethren have Breed mates, the specially marked human females who become bonded with their vampire mate and produce children. Lucas has never been interested in finding a mate as his duties as a warrior protector has been his driving force for hundreds of years.

Lucas saw Gabrielle escape from the Rogues he was hunting. He needs the images on her phone and he suspects the Rogues will come after her too. He is drawn to her sensual beauty and then is alarmed to discover secrets even she is unaware of. Now there are multiple reasons to protect her and bring her to his compound even though he is facing a Rogue uprising and her nearness causes him confusion that brings him near the edge of his own control.

Gabrielle and Lucas are both conflicted characters and I found their struggle and story compelling. They sense they shouldn’t be drawn to each other but the pull is irresistible. I loved the background story with danger, action, tension and the intrigue of betrayal. There are some different vampire aspects that added interest. However, I was a little wary of this title as I suspected it might be pretty graphic sexually. My suspicions were right as it is full of sexual scenes that were just a bit too many and too erotic for my tastes. The writing is crisp and fast moving and if it wasn't so edgy I might have continued with the series. Those paranormal romance readers who enjoy fast-paced tension and a steamy, sexual ride should enjoy this book and the series.

This is from my free Kindle Library as a free book downloaded in 2009. It is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge list and "K" for the Alphabet Soup Challenge.

I owe a copy of this ebook or a $5.00 GC to LILLY based on my Giveaway back in December 2014. Sorry it took so long for me to get around to reading this one! I had to laugh at myself when I went back and found the giveaway post. I don't think I even got beyond posting that first group of 23 books although I plenty more to go! I may host a few more "help me pick" giveaways over the next three months as I prepare title for next year's TBR pile list.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Audible Review: Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1 by Kerry Adrienne

This is an engaging, quick story with danger, action and romance.
Waking the Bear: Broken Chains, Book 1
Written by: Kerry Adrienne
Narrated by: Jason P. Hilton
Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-24-15
Publisher: Earthshine Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Overprotective bear shifter, Griff Martin, reluctantly rents his mountain cabin to an artist, Amy Francis. He quickly realizes the plucky artist is his mate. But danger is brewing in the forest, and Griff has to be ready to safeguard both his female and his den, at the risk of losing both.
©2015 Kerry Adrienne (P)2015 Kerry Adrienne.


Review:
Amy Francis has lost her job and left her lackluster boyfriend behind. She arranged to rent a cabin in the woods where she hopes to concentrate on her art. While signing the lease she meets her landlord, the local ranger, Griff Martin.

Griff is a big, dark, ruggedly handsome man who has awakened from a winter sleep. Even through his drowsiness he quickly recognizes that Amy is his mate. Now he has the problem of keeping her safe as well as explaining to her who he is and who she is to him. This is especially important because a rival shifter clan, the mountain lions, are moving in and threatening the bear territory.

This was a very quick story with danger, action and romance. The romance moves along quickly which is to be expected for a novella. Once Griff gets Amy to accept what he tells her their romance jumps in sexual heat. The interaction was nicely done even if the language is a bit raw.

The writing flowed well from the very beginning, pulling me in. Amy is a lovely heroine but Griff is a great male hero: strong and gentle; forceful and loving. Even with the sexual undertones and strong sexual encounter I really enjoyed this. Readers who like a strong romance, with spice, will appreciate this quick read.

Audio Notes: Jason P. Hilton does a fine job of narration. It was a little odd to hear a man’s voice but he gives the characters, especially Griff, just the right inflection. I enjoyed listening to this in audio although I recommend this in digital for those who don’t listen to audio books.

I received this for review from Barclay Publicity. This adds to my Audio Challenge.

Format: Digital eBook
Release Date: April 24, 2015
Page Count: 65 pages
Publisher: Earthshine Publishing
AISN: B00WOVSAMS

Available at: Amazon | Goodreads | Audible

About Kerry Adrienne:

Kerry loves history and spends large amounts of time wondering about people who lived and walked on Earth in the past. She’s a mom to three daughters, six cats, and various small animals, including a panther chameleon. Her shoe horde will attest to her fine shopping skills.

In addition to writing, she’s a college instructor, artist, costumer, and editor. Her new love is her Mini Cooper Convertible, Sheldon, and they have already gone on many adventures.

Kerry is represented by Marisa Corvisiero.

Website | Facebook  | Twitter | NewsletterGoodreads | Amazon Author page

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Ride: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Puca Mates Short Book One) by A.C. James

This is an engaging beginning to what promises to be an interesting, albeit steamy, romance.
by A.C. James
  • File Size: 1203 KB
  • Print Length: 56 pages
  • Publisher: Wandering Impulse Press (April 29, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00WC20C02
  • Genre: Paranormal Romance
  • My Rating 4.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
PUCA MATES SHORT #1
*** This a not a full-length book. This novella is part one of a serial romance.***
Felicity Forrest has the perfect job as an investigative blogger for Everyday Supernatural. This curvy girl gets sent to the Aran Islands to find out whether a púca shape shifter is responsible for the strange accidents haunting a construction site.
Niall O’Leary is tall, broody, and totally alpha. His mission is to discover why the veil between the human world and the Realm has lifted. And as the Chieftain’s son he must find a mate or his twin will be promised to a stallion he despises. He has a duty to his family, his clan, and a need for offspring. Otherwise the púca could become nothing more than folklore.
Passion and frustration ignite when a curvy human female tempts his inner stallion like no other. There’s only one problem... She just got out of a relationship that left her broken hearted. Is she ready for a second chance at love?
Reader Note: This book is for those who are 18+. It contains explicit language, sexual situations, and one helluva cliffhanger. However, if you like curvy shifter romance, a stallion who can’t resist his curvy woman, and a dash of humor, then this is the story for you. Please read these installments in order. Enjoy!

Puca Mates Series/Serial Reading Order:
Ride: Awakening – Episode One
Ride: The Bet – Episode Two
Ride: Out Cold – Episode Three
Ride: The Veil – Episode Four

Categories: BBW Short Stories, Two-Hour Romance Short Reads


Review:
Felicity is a young woman who was hurt by a boyfriend who belittled her curvy proportions. She has avoided men for the past six months while she tries to get over the ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile she has focused on her interesting job as an investigative blogger for a site that explores and reports on the claims and mysteries of supernatural events.

Felicity is planning to spend a night celebrating a birthday with her good friend, Cyn (think ‘Sin’). Instead, Felicity is sent on assignment to the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland, where she is to investigate a claimed sighting of a puca shape shifter. Felicity invites Cyn to join her for some fun away from home.

Niall is a tall, strong and gorgeous. His father has given him an ultimatum to choose a mate as they must continue their species. Niall isn’t interested in settling down but he knows he will comply eventually because of special circumstances in his family. His priority right now though is to find out why the veil hiding his world has lifted several months before the usual time of the Samhain (October).

The girls visit a local pub and are soon joined by two handsome locals, Niall and his friend, Tomas. Tomas walks Cyn home and Niall takes Felicity for a walk and talk. Although Niall may be resistant to finding a mate, his inner stallion has other feelings. The puca spirit immediately wants to claim Felicity as his own. Although Felicity is shocked to be invited for a surprising ride on a beautiful horse, that doesn’t mean she is going to give in so easily to a rather arrogant man, no matter how sexy he is.

Ms. James does a good job developing the characters and setting up an interesting story. I enjoyed the presentation through alternating point of views of Felicity and Naill.  I admit I was a little leery of this after agreeing to read and review it as I thought it might be too bold for my tastes. I was pleasantly surprised that this first installment begins a good story and has limited sexual exposure. Yes, there is some innuendo, a few stark words and a few ‘stark’ sights.

 I am not sure if I will continue with the series due to the warnings of explicit language and sexual situations. On the other hand - I am intrigued by the storyline and would like to know the mystery tied to the Pucas and what trouble is being stirred up by whom. I recommend this for readers who enjoy sexy, steamy, shape shifter stories.

I received this first installment for Blog Tour and an honest review.


Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WC20C02
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WC20C02
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00WC20C02
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00WC20C02

Author Bio: A.C. James

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal romance and erotica, including Eternal Ever After which was featured in the bestselling Spice Box anthology. She pounds out sexy scenes at her keyboard where romance is laced with horror in hot stories of vampires and bad boy werewolves. Her stories feature strong heroines and alpha heroes, with plenty of action, twists, and turns that will keep you turning pages.

A.C. resides in northeast Pennsylvania where she entertains her husband with her imaginative yarns and quirky sense of humor. She spends her time drinking large vats of coffee while taming two toddlers by day and writing by night. Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew-up going to cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.

Some Random Facts About A.C. James (in case you were wondering or if you’re just really, really bored)
Favorite Fictional Characters: Buffy & Damon Salvatore
Eric Northman or Bill Compton? Eric Northman every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Favorite Films: The Princess Bride, Idiocracy, & anything with Paul Rudd or Seth Rogan. She also displays a weakness for musicals.
Television: The Walking Dead, True Blood, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, & Big Bang Theory
Astrological Sign: Taurus
Addictions: Coffee, Wine, & Sushi… Oh, and sometimes Tuaca or Sake. Hula hooping and singing to 80s songs in her minivan while no one is looking.
Memberships: The Pocono-Lehigh Romance Writers (Romance Writers of America Chapter 174)
What she likes to read? She grew up reading the Choose Your Own Adventure series before graduating to L.J. Smith’s paranormal romance books long before television made the Vampire Diaries popular. Loves reading erotic romance, bdsm romance, and erotica. She’s a huge Tiffany Reisz fan girl. But who doesn’t love hot Catholic priests that are into BDSM?

Social Media Links
Website: http://www.acjames.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-James/129228540578101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ACJamesauthor
Pinterest :https://www.pinterest.com/authoracjames/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ACJames/posts
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0shR7xrlQuD4tfx3D8sXQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7126571.A_C_James
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/A.C.-James/e/B00D9DT7Y0/

A.C. James’s Ride: Episode One – Awakening
Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card
$20 Amazon Gift Card
Paperback Books: Leopold's Wicked Embrace by Kym Grosso & Within The Shadows by Julieanne Lynch

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

Book Review: Shades of Moonlight by Karen L. McKee

This story contains a dark, rich mystery of spirit possession in an exotic culture. 
Shades of Moonlight
by Karen L. McKee

  • File Size: 932 KB
  • Print Length: 344 pages
  • Publisher: Twisted Root Publishing (December 5, 2010)
  • ASIN: B004FEFB60
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Adventure
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0  (4.0 for the story but minus for the lead female character who was annoying for me.)


Book Description
Publication Date: December 5, 2010
When Kalla Jervis, folklorist, arrives in Burma as part of a team of archeologists researching the end of an ancient civilization she expects problems translating the ancient Burmese language. Then she meets her translator, tall, dark and dangerous Simon Renault, a man who both infuriates and attracts her. When dark dreams haunt Kalla’s nights, they hint at a terrible secret that entwines the fates of Kalla and Simon and all of Burma.

Karen L. McKee once again delivers a rich story that evokes the mysteries of an exotic culture. Shades of Moonlight is a fantastic paranormal romance that wraps together past, present and future in one of the most mysterious of Asian cultures. Readers will love the fast-paced story of unforgettable characters caught in the strangeness of a world few westerners have visited.


Review:
Kalla is a folklorist working with other archaeologists to help develop the history of a place through the stories the people tell. She joins a team in Burma where she hopes to rekindle her college romance with the leader of the team, Alex. She and Alex couldn’t make their relationship work due to their competing, controlling natures. Kalla is still fixated on being in control because she thinks it is the only way to protect herself from being hurt by those she loves, like her dad, sister and Alex. She is really intent on winning Alex back because she thinks it will make her dying father happy. Kalla is not prepared to deal with the tall, dark, too handsome and clearly dangerous translator, Simon, who greets her.

Simon is a man of two countries and two beings. When Simon found himself being overwhelmed by a strong, ancient warrior “Nat”, his mother helped him learn control. Simon’s spirit “guest” gleans onto Kalla as his long lost mate causing Simon to have to contend with the spirit’s lustful powers as well as his own interests in Kalla. Simon knows that his spirit-man can be very dark and dangerous so it is a real battle to control him. It is even harder trying to tone the urges down when Kalla makes it clear she is a woman who takes charge and is not a woman to be ‘handled’ or controlled easily.

There is a dark, rich mystery that flows from the past of Pagan, Burma to the people of the present. Some of the players are locals, who want to protect the secrets and treasures of the land while others would exploit them. Kalla and Simon have no ulterior motives towards the country or its secrets but they get caught up in the battle because their own inner spirits and personal histories have brought them to this situation.

Mei, the other translator, is a lovely, gentle-spirited local woman who shows a distinct opposite to Kalla’s stubborn will, yet Mei has her own strengths. There are some romance conflicts and jealousies in the story with Kalla and Mei wanting Alex, Alex wanting Mei and Simon wanting Kalla.

I truly enjoyed the rich history and found the aspect of the folklorist fascinating. The plotline is interesting as well although the spirit possession is rather creepy and scary. What made the story difficult and long for me was Kalla’s character. I would say that her control issues resulted from a lack of confidence and lack of self acceptance which I found very annoying in a woman of her age and with her skills. Unfortunately Kalla’s stubborn control and refusal to trust or accept help from others was dragged out throughout the story in not a good way and adding unnecessary length. It caused her to make stupid decisions and act in idiotic ways which seemed forced at times to help the plot but lessened my enjoyment of the story.

I would recommend this story to those who would enjoy the history and rich tone fitting a dark, exotic culture. The reader just has to be prepared for the involvement of spirit possession and prepared to deal with a control freak female lead.

I received this as part of a Romance StoryBundle a couple months ago. There are three StoryBundles available now offering multiple stories for one low price. I am soooo tempted!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Book Review: Simply Irresistible by Kristine Grayson

This is a fun story with good characters- the nice ones and the evil ones.
by Kristine Grayson

  • File Size: 641 KB
  • Print Length: 326 pages
  • Publisher: WMG Publishing (March 3, 2011)
  • ASIN: B004QZ9XYY
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: March 3, 2011
Dexter Grant, the inspiration for the greatest superhero of all time, lives in reduced circumstances. Now he runs a pet store in Portland, Oregon, and privately calls himself a Kitten Superhero because he saves stray animals. He aspires to something greater, but his magic has been restricted—by the Fates.
The Fates, three women who control the magical universe. Only they’ve lost their position, and they’re on the run. They’ve turned to an old friend for help, but that friend is dead. Her niece, Vivian Kineally, runs her estate. Vivian, who doesn’t even know magic exists. Vivian, who loves comic books. Vivian, who also happens to be psychic.
The Fates steer Vivian to Dexter Grant. They want his help. He’s not willing to give it. But now that he’s met Vivian, he’s not willing to give her up either. Dexter Grant must save the Fates—and discover his own fate, all at the same time.
Book One of the Fates Trilogy.


Review:
Vivian is a physic who has always lived a bit apart because of her ability to read the thoughts of others. She has always struggled with her ‘gift’ because most people wouldn’t believe her or they would consider her a freak. Only her beloved Aunt Euginia, assured her it was okay to be different and it would work out. Aunt Eugenia had tried to get Vivian to visit her but Vivian was too busy being independent. Suddenly Aunt Eugenia is murdered and Vivian comes to Portland to administer her estate.

Vivian has boxes of books and papers Eugenia instructed her to read but, before she has time to look at them, Vivian's life is disrupted by frantic knocking. The Fates demand entrance to her apartment claiming they are being stalked and they need Vivian’s help. The Fates are distressed to discover that Vivian doesn’t know who they are and she hasn’t been mentored or prepared for her magical abilities. The Fates have given up their own magical powers and someone really is trying to get to them. There is no time for training but they have to call on Vivian’s skills telling her what to do to protect them, at least temporarily. They send Vivian off to find Dexter Grant who they hope will help them.

Dexter is a mage who has been warned and threatened by the Fates to the point that he lives a stoic, humble life, running a pet store to save stray animals instead of saving humans from bad guys like he would like to. He doesn’t understand why it is wrong to help especially since it wasn’t his fault that some young observers wrote comic stories about his superhero good deeds.

Dexter immediately senses that Vivian is ‘the one he has waited for’. He doesn’t really want to help the Fates but he does want the chance to keep Vivian around. That means getting the Fates out of her hair and then protecting Vivian by uncovering and stopping the evil mage who is seeking to kill the Fates. Dexter has a menagerie of animals to care for as well as hidden dwellings to be revealed.

I discovered quickly that this is a tongue-in-cheek, fun story. Vivian and Dexter are lovely, kind, generous characters and it is a turn of the tables to have the Fates powerless, helpless and pretty much clueless in a modern world setting. The vengeful mage and her bumbling son make for dastardly, nasty villains.

The story has plenty of action, suspense and humor to keep the reader engaged. The writing is an easy style making for a quick read. This story reminded me that I enjoy Kristine Grayson’s light style of mixing fantasy, mythical characters with modern day, real life characters. I would like to read more in this series especially since there are a few loose ends at the conclusion of book one.

I received this title for review as part of the Romance books from StoryBundle - a great bargain based on the five books I have read so far!

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Audible Book Review: After Dark: Ghost Hunters, Book 1 by Jayne Castle

This solid paranormal romance makes an engaging listen. 
After Dark: Ghost Hunters, Book 1
Written by: Jayne Castle
Narrated by: Joyce Bean


Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
Series: Ghost Hunters
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:06-01-09
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary
Life is tough these days for Lydia Smith, licensed para-archaeologist. Seriously stressed-out from a nasty incident in an alien tomb, she is obliged to work in Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors, a very low-budget museum. She has a plan to get her career back on track, but it isn't going well. Stuff keeps happening.
Take the dead body that she discovered in the sarcophagus exhibit. Who needed that? Finding out that her new client, Emmett London, is one of the most dangerous men in the city isn't helping matters either. And that's just today's list of setbacks. Here in the shadows of the Dead City of Old Cadence, things don't really heat up until After Dark.
©2007 Jayne Castle; (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.


Review:
Lydia Smith lives in a world with alien past that left tunnels full of dangers of ghostly attackers and webs of traps that disrupt the victims memories and sanity. Although a strong woman, Lydia is struggling back from a bad incident that others believe has impacted her abilities as a para-archaeologist. She has been let go by University officials who do not think she can be trusted to preform her ghost trap untangling skills on future expeditions. Lydia has developed a strong distrust for ghost hunters as she feels that the two who were with her on the disastrous trip failed to protect her when it was their job.

Lydia is working at a low-budge museum while she tries to rebuild her reputation helping private clients. She didn’t need the difficulties of finding a friend dead in a museum exhibit. She is glad to track down an artifact for her first major client, Emmet London, until she learns he is a powerful ghost hunter and considered a rather influential and dangerous man. But she can’t afford not to fulfill their contract.

Emmet is attracted to Lydia and he is willing to give her a chance to regain her reputation. When her apartment is attacked, Emmet suspects that his investigation may be drawing danger to her so he decides he will have to stick close by to make sure she is safe. Lydia isn't happy when Emmet pulls her into some political wrangling with the local guild boss and his new wife.

Trust is a fragile thing and it takes a bit for Lydia and Emmet to open up. Their initial at-odds relationship slowly grows into more even though they try to resist temptation. I enjoyed the reluctant attraction between these two head strong characters and the mystery and danger added a good element of suspense. I love the cuddly and fierce pet dust bunny.

Audio Notes: I found this book much more satisfying than the later book, Ghost Hunter, that I listened to out of order in the series. I think this may be attributed to the narrator as I was much more comfortable with the narration by Joyce Beau of this story. She managed to give appropriate strength to the characters and still convey some vulnerabilities as well. The narration added to the romance to make this an engaging listen.

This book is from my own Audible library.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my used Print Copy.

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
 visit THE AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May  6, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after May 6, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Audible Book Review: Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8 by Patricia Briggs

This is another hard to put down addition to a wonderful series.
Night Broken: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Written by: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
Series: Mercy Thompson, Book 8
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:03-11-14
Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0


Publisher's Summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series has been hailed as “one of the best” (Fiction Vixen Book Reviews). Now Mercy must deal with an unwanted guest—one that brings a threat unlike anything she’s ever known.
An unexpected phone call heralds a new challenge for Mercy. Her mate Adam’s ex-wife is in trouble, on the run from a stalker. Adam isn’t the kind of man to turn away a person in need—and Mercy knows it. But with Christy holed up in Adam’s house, Mercy can’t shake the feeling that something about the situation isn’t right.
Soon her suspicions are confirmed when she learns that Christy has the furthest thing from good intentions. She wants Adam back, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get him, including turning Adam’s pack against Mercy.
Mercy isn’t about to step down without a fight, but there’s a more dangerous threat circling. Christy’s stalker is more than a bad man—in fact, he may not be human at all. As the bodies start piling up, Mercy must put her personal troubles aside to face a creature with the power to tear her whole world apart.
©2014 Hurog, Inc. (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.


Review:
Mercy has begun to settle in with her mate, Adam, who is the head of the Tri-City Ware pack. Although she has been brought into the pack as the alpha’s mate, not all the members totally support her since she is a coyote shifter not a wolf. This problem intensifies when Adam’s ex-wife, and Jessie’s mother, Christy, seeks refuge with Adam as she is running from a stalker. Jessie feels that Christy abandoned her and Adam but several of the female pack members were friends with Christy and they are quickly sucked back into her helpless, self-absorbed, manipulative acts. Mercy has to struggle to choose the higher ground rather than call Christy on her bad behaviors.

The tensions are running high in the household and then the stalker shows up and attacks Mercy. Mercy could hide but she knows that the confrontation will be on the monitors. She decides she has to take a stand and face the guy with his vicious dog. Of course that was before she learned the guy and his faithful companion are far from ordinary. The guy is some type of volcano god who is nearly indestructible. Fortunately Adam arrives just in time to help protect her. Tad, who helps at the garage, uses unrevealed fae magic to temporarily secure the enemy who then escapes through the concrete floor. But the obsessed, evil god-man is mad and convinced that Christy is his long lost mate. He is prepared to take out the pack to get to her.

Adding to her worries, Mercy has been approached by a powerful fae who wants her to return the walking stick that used to follow her around. After the stick turned itself into a deadly weapon Mercy gave it to Coyote. As Mercy searches for Coyote she discovers she has a half brother, Gary Laughingdog, who has visions and reluctantly realizes he is going to have to stick around and help the pack face this evil god-like creature.

I love all of the action and creative danger in this series. I also love the extreme warmth portrayed through the family and pack bonds. Ms. Briggs does both of these elements beautifully keeping the series successfully entertaining and fresh.

Audio Notes: Lorelei King does a great job with this series. She manages to convey the emotions and personalities, particularly of the primary characters. The narration enhances the reading experience for me as it makes it an easy, gripping listen.

I really like this series so I purchased this with a February Audible credit! 

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway: Tall, Dark & Fangsome (Immortality Bites) by Michelle Rowen

There is humor in this light read even though not my cup. 
Tall, Dark & Fangsome (Immortality Bites)
by Michelle Rowen
  • Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (September 1, 2009)
  • ISBN-10: 0446505854
  • ISBN-13: 978-0446505857

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: August 11, 2009
Sarah Dearly's vampire life is not all B-positive cocktails. A curse made her a nightwalker, the most vicious vamp there is; the charm she wears to curb her deadly tendencies is losing its juice; and a hunter from hell is turning up the heat. Gideon Chase will kill the ones she loves most if she doesn't obey his orders. That includes breaking up with master vampire Thierry and turning Gideon into an immortal vamp so he can escape a doom of eternal hellfire.

Making things worse are Sarah's growing feelings for Gideon, a bad boy who keeps showing a vulnerable side . . . but is it for real? Will Sarah's dark side take over? Or can she cure herself of the nightwalker curse in time to stop Gideon and finally live happily ever after with Thierry . . . forever?


Review:
Sarah Dearly has only been a vampire for a few months but they have been busy months. She has escaped the vampire hunters at least twice and fallen in love with a somber, dark master vampire, Thierry. Escaping vampire hunters has given Sarah a reputation as the Slayer of Slayers. An unpleasant encounter with a witch got her cursed as a nightwalker which means she can’t walk in sunlight and she has an uncontrollable craving to feast on real, living blood. Sarah wears a heavy gold charm on a chain to help control the curse. Others are worried that the charm will weaken so the vampire counsel is talking about killing Sarah.

Another complication in Sarah’s life is that a vampire hunter, Gideon, has been burned by hellfire and is in extreme pain. Gideon has threatened all of Sarah’s loved ones if she doesn’t perform a ritual turning him into a vampire so he can escape the hellfire. Although most of Sarah’s friends try to convince her Gideon is an evil enemy, she has a tendency to have compassion for everyone, even Gideon in his pain.

Sarah and Thierry think they have found true love even though his long time estranged wife, Veronique, has refused an annulment. Sarah and Thierry have told their friends they have broken off their relationship as a means to protect Thierry from Gideon’s threat. Gideon has promised her a spell to remove the nightwalker curse if she will betray the Red Devil to him. Currently Sarah is hiding that she has become a “gopher” running errands for Gideon as she tries to determine whether it will be safe to turn him and how else she might get the spell to lift her curse. Thierry is suspicious of Sarah’s feelings for Gideon so he has convinced a dangerous vampire known as the Red Devil to come out of retirement after 100 years to spy on/protect Sarah.

Sarah has a very sassy and humorous attitude that makes the story fun and light. Unfortunately she makes me think of the stereotype ‘dumb blonde’ (regardless of true hair color) as she can’t make up her mind how to feel about Gideon, she doesn’t seek help from anyone and she continues to do things that she knows are dangerous and not good actions. I really found it rather difficult to like her and therefore hard to become fully engaged. There were some interesting characters including a teenage warlock who plays with spells and demons. I pushed on through, shaking my head at Sarah’s indecision and several improbable scenes.

My conclusion is this is a fun, light read even if it doesn’t make good sense. This series may not be for me but there are lots of positive reviews so plenty of readers apparently like the snarky fun.

I picked this from my "won" books.
ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for my Print Copy.

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I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review, OR
 visit the author's website and tell me something you like/learned there.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only for print.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April  4, 2014.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after April 4, 2014.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

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