Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Undone by Sara Humphreys

Another enjoyable paranormal romance with intrigue and action.
Undone (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphrey 

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 7, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402258526
• ISBN-13: 978-1402258527

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: May 7, 2013 | Series: The Amoveo Legend
The Amoveo are shapeshifting animal clans who live secretly among humans and must find their pre-destined soul mates while avoiding the enemy that seeks to destroy them all.
Party girl Marianna Coltari is an unmated pureblood Amoveo who wants nothing to do with the ongoing war that took her father's life and continues to consume her brother Dante's. But when she is targeted by one of the clans, she has little choice but to run and hide in a cabin with Pete Castro, a retired cop from her brother's security firm. There, Pete and Marianna explore an intensifying attraction between them until danger is at the door and there's no escape.

Review:
Marianna is a pureblood Amoveo from the Bear Clan who feels time running out to find her soul mate. She doesn’t want to take sides in the Amoveo war that has pitted those who promote only “pureblood” mates, the purists, and those who are taking hybrid, half-Amoveo mates. Her father was a Purist who lost his life while her brother, Dante, is married to a hybrid.

Marianna buries her frustration by partying and hanging out at a Vampire nightclub. Hayden, another Pureblood Bear is tagging along hoping to convince Marianna to mate with him even though he isn’t her mate.  Dante has appointed Pete, an ex-cop and security man, to guard Marianna by posing as her chauffeur.

Pete has always been attracted to Marianna but knows that he doesn’t stand a chance with her since he is merely human. Marianna recognizes the attraction, and even senses some dream and mind telepathy between them. But she knows that line of interest would be a dead end. When other pureblood females start disappearing, Pete temporarily neutralizes Marianna’s powers so he can move her to a safe place and her powers won’t be tracked. This puts them in isolation and tempts the chemistry.

As soon as Marianna’s powers return she blithely goes for a walk on the wild side and trouble appears in the form of the Purists to kidnap her. Pete is livid and discovers something new about his own nature–something that just might give him an edge in the battle to rescue Marianna and the other missing femailes.

I liked Pete and Marianna and their warm--well hot, really–connection. There is enough plot story and action to keep the book interesting beyond the love scenes. I wasn’t totally surprised by Pete’s discovery and I was totally disgusted by Marianna’s idiot free romp when they were supposed to be in hiding. That was a “duh” moment. I have really enjoyed this series and I appreciate how Ms. Humphrey’s is able to keep the writing and plot fast paced. It makes for a satisfying romance read.

I received this book for an honest review for Sourcebooks.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Review Copy:

 ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

 * This contest is open US ONLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 31, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on June 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Untamed (The Amoveo Legend) by Sara Humphreys

This is another warm, fast-paced installment in the entertaining Amoveo series!
Untamed (The Amoveo Legend)
by Sara Humphreys

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402258496
ISBN-13: 978-1402258497Product Details
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
   

Book Description
Release Date: November 6, 2012 | Series: The Amoveo Legend
An ancient race of shapeshifters has lived secretly among humans for thousands of years...they are...the Amoveo

HER WORST NIGHTMARE IS COMING TRUE...
Layla Nickelsen has spent years hiding from her Amoveo mate and guarding a devastating secret. But Layla's worst fear is realized when the man who haunts her dreams shows up in person ...

HE HAS FINALLY FOUND HER...
William Fleury is as stoic as they come, until he finds Layla and his feelings overwhelm him. She won't let him get close, but then an unknown enemy erupts in violence and threatens everything Layla holds dear...

Review:
William Fleury, an Amoveo from the Gryfalcon clan, is a straight-laced, stoic man and attorney for the Amoveo Counsel. He has watched his friends find their mates in half-breeds and he looks with longing and envy on their affectionate, and passionate, relationships. He had almost given up hope of finding a mate for himself. Then he saw Layla and knew he must pursue her.

Layla is a half-breed who has known about her nature for years as she was raised with twin half-breeds on a farm with their ‘foster’ mother, Rosie.  She is able to share telepathically with her foster siblings and she can read of auras through her photography. She can also dream in her cheetah form but she has never been able to shift in the real world. She is freakish in the human world and feels substandard in the shifter world-- what little she knows of it.

Layla saw the pain of abandonment and destruction of other females, including her own mother,  who loved Amoveo mates. Layla is fiercely independent and intent on never falling in love or being controlled by another. When Will begins to pursue her in the dream realm, she wants nothing to do with him. When Will shows up in person she considers him a stalker.

Will doesn’t really know how to woe Layla but he is insistent on making her give him a chance. He is also determined to protect her from the Purist threat especially after there is an attack that puts Rosie in a coma.

Will loosens up around Layla and she begins to fall for his gentle and almost bumbling charm. Rather than wait for an attack she decides that the half-breed ladies should confront the Council to force the hand of the Purists. The confrontation will have a greater impact than anyone realized.

I love the great, underlying warmth that Sara imparts in this romance series. Once again she created interesting characters and drew me into their story immediately.  Their slowly growing relationship is the primary story but there is also good suspense building up to the later part of the book when there are new and alarming developments in the Amoveo loyalties.  This changes the character of the Council and sets the stage for civil war among the clans.  I look forward to the next book!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William's reaction to Layla

    That day in the bayou, Layla’s energy signature had slammed into him with a voracious intensity that took him completely by surprise... and William was not accustomed to being surprised. He prided himself on his innate ability to alwys remain calm, keep a cook head, and maintain a sense of order.
    All of that changed the second he found her.  Location 489.

    Put him in the heat of battle, in a courtroom, or in the sights of the Caedo, and no one could shake him, but put his brokenhearted mate in front of him, and he truned into a fumbling oaf without the slightest clue how to help her. Location 3457.

I received this from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

A good portion of this takes place in rural Marylanda.
If you haven't read this awesome series yet you can try a taste with the free Novella: Undenied .

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries tell me if you know any of the songs or artists that Sara thought of while writing this book:

Here's the soundtrack I created when I was writing William and Layla's story. Enjoy!
    "Promise's Demise"--Amy Petty *this song is used in the book trailer
    "Paris (ooh lala)"--Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
    "I Run to You"--Lady Antebellum
    "Can't Be Tamed"--Miley Cyrus
    "The Edge of Glory"--Lady Gaga
    "I Go to Extremes"--Billy Joel
    "Going Under"--Evanescence

* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 30, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on December 1, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Author Hosts US Military Wives Contest!

4th Annual U.S. Military Wives Contest—Open for Entries!

For the past couple of years, as a special thank you to our service members and their families, I have held a contest just for Military Wives. It turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the privilege of meeting several incredible women and their beautiful families. It's so easy to forget that there are real people who are deeply affected by the conflicts overseas. Hearing the personal stories of these families helped me remember that our troops are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons who are immensely loved and sorely missed.

This contest will run from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend but start sending those entries in now!

Who is eligible? Wives of any U.S. military service member may enter. Retired or active-duty.

How do you enter? Send an email to info@novelromance.net with a picture of you and your family member in uniform. Tell us a bit about what branch he serves in, where you've been stationed, challenges and so forth. We want to hear your story! Please put "4th Annual Military Families Contest" in the subject line.

Once a week, beginning Memorial Day weekend, I will pick one entrant to be highlighted on my blog. These weekly entrants are semi-finalists. Labor Day weekend I will select three winners.

Second Prize: A $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched

First Prize: A $50 Amazon Gift Card, and signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched

Grand Prize: A $100 Amazon Gift card and signed copies of Unleashed and Untouched

For more information about the contest and Sara Humphreys, please visit http://sarahumphreys.com/ and follow Sara on Twitter, @AuthorSara.

Check out the Huffington Post Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sara-taney-humphreys/military-families-_b_1533949.html?ref=tw

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sara Humphreys has been attracted to the fantasies of science fiction, paranormal, and romance since her adolescence when she had a mad crush on Captain Kirk. An actress and public speaker, Sara lives in Bronxville, New York with her husband, who is very considerate of her double life, and four amazing boys. For more information about the contest and Sara Humphreys, please visit http://sarahumphreys.com/

 

Book Review: Untouched by Sara Humphreys

I absolutely love the warmth and charm of the Amoveo shifters...at least the good guys.  The bad guy  “Purists” are suitably twisted and evil!
  

Untouched 

by Sara Humphreys

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (April 3, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1402258461

ISBN-13: 978-1402258466

Also available in Kindle and other ebook formats.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012 | Series: The Amoveo Legend

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.

Praise for the Amoveo Legend series:

"Sizzling sexual chemistry that is sure to please."—Yankee Romance Reviews

"A moving tale that captures both the sweetness and passion of romance."—Romance Junkies, 5 Blue Ribbons

"Fascinating...the characters haunted my dreams...I'm dying for the sequel."—Long and Short Reviews Best Book

Review:

Kerry has been an outcast all her life because touching others brings her pain and overload of negative sensation.  Even her adopted parents learned not to share affection with her. The only person she could safely touch is Samantha and whenever they touch Kerry sees a large gray wolf. Now, surprisingly, Kerry discovers that when her persistent and sexy bodyguard, Dante, touches her she feels all sorts of wonderful tingles!

Dante knew from the first time he saw Kerry (see Book 1 - Samantha and Malcolm’s story) that she was his mate, even if she is a hybrid, like Sam, half human and half Amoveo.  Dante isn’t really trying to crowd her but he is anxious to convince her that he wants only her happiness and he needs to protect her from the Amoveo natural human enemies, the Cadeo.  He knows she is also in danger from attack by the “Purists” who object to any human mingling in the clan lines.

Dante (a red fox) knows he can trust Malcolm (an eagle) and Sam (a wolf) but they are trying to celebrate a little honeymoon time.  He is pretty sure he can trust his friends, easy going Steven (a coyote) and stoic William (a gyrfalcon). Beyond that group they are not sure who can be trusted, even those in the Amoveo Council, since Dante’s own father, a Council member was one of the Purists who attacked Sam and Kerry before.

The rolling banter between lonely but confident model Kerry and eager Dante is great fun. He calls her “Princess” and she calls him neanderthal or “Tarzan.”  The setting of her lingerie fashion shoot is a run down plantation in the Bayous of Louisiana. The place is creepy and nearby in New Orleans are Voodoo shops and the purveyors of spells and witchcraft.

The story moves along well with the fun sensual banter, the repeated threats against “the traitors” and finally with the action of the attack and rescue.  There are twists revealing characters as friends and foes.  There are a few bad words but I’m willing to read over those for the sheer joy of the strong love reflected in this series. If you like shifters who are not only hot but romantic, and a romance spiced with danger, this is a perfect series for you! I’m definitely looking forward to William's story and more excitement in the next installment.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Feel the warm glow:

She'd never been the focus of such love, devotion and fierce protection. As a model she'd had total strangers fantasize about her ... but no one--no man -- had every really loved her. Page 226.

Samantha kept saying he was the missing piece to Kerry's puzzle, but the truth was that Kerry was his. They fit. He wouldn't lose her. Not now. Not ever. Page 257.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing this book to read and review. Sourcebooks is also sponsoring a Giveaway of TWO Copies which I have included with the author interview. And don't miss the interview answers from Dante too!

A good part of this story is set in or near New Orleans, LA for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also include this book on my ARC challenge.
 

Giveaway + Interview with Sara Humphreys, Author of Untouched

Hello Sara! Thank you for sharing at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf. I have really enjoyed your characters and exciting action in the Amoveo Series!

Questions for Sara:

Q1  Congratulations on your successful Amoveo Series! I believe there are to be five books - is that right?  I love to ask this question about series:  did you have each book plotted out before you started the first one or did the subsequent books flow from the first book?

SH: Hi! Thanks for the congratulations J Yes. There are going to be five books in the series but I did not have them all plotted out. When I was writing UNLEASHED, I figured out the story for UNTOUCHED. It pretty much worked out that way for the whole series. I get the idea for the next book as I’m writing the one prior and sometimes it changes. For example, in the original version of UNTOUCHED the villain was different but I realized that I liked that character far too much to make him evil and kill him off.

Q2   Have you found that any of your skills as an actress add extra help to your career as an author?

SH: Definitely. I use sense memory recall when I’m writing, just as I did when I was performing. As a writer, you have to be able to get inside the head of the characters and understand where everyone is coming from and what their motivations are. It’s actually quite similar to acting.

Q3  Please share with us one surprising thing about your experience writing Untouched, or about something else related to your career as a writer.

SH: When I was writing Untouched, it was the first time that music played a significant role in the creative process. I heard the song Honey on the Skin and it sparked a wealth of ideas for the story. Now I use music all the time, but it’s especially helpful when I need to spark a lazy muse.

Q4  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?

SH: Tenacious. I’m like a dog with a bone and won’t let go until I get where I want to go. My mother calls it tunnel vision and it can be both a blessing and a curse. I try to use it for good and not for evil.

Q5  How did you come up with the idea for Sara’s Angels?

SH: I heard the term “street team” and just kind of ran with it. I put the idea out on Facebook and asked if any of my readers would want to help do some promo in their hometowns. I was shocked by the response! We’re up to 50 angels in 29 states and 3 countries. I’m always looking for more. J  The girls on the team came up with the name. I really like it and I’m so lucky to have this vibrant group of women on my side.

Questions for Dante:

Q1  Which word would you use to describe yourself and your personality?

D:  Protector.

Q2  Briefly, can you share with the readers if you have any special plans on how to win over Kerry?

D: I’m going to show her that she has nothing to fear from me and that my only desire is to make her happy. If that doesn’t work, I’ll be tempted to throw her over my shoulder and carry her off like the Neanderthal that she thinks I am. But since I doubt that would get me anywhere, I’d probably ask her best friend, Samantha what the hell I’m doing wrong.

Q3  Do you have any special vulnerabilities?

D: Yes. Kerry. I’ve never met a woman who can set me on edge with one look but she sure has managed that. It’s both unsettling and sexy as hell.

Q4  What is something you would never be caught dead doing/saying?

D: Where can I get a good mani-pedi?

Q5  What is the one thing your readers would be surprised to know about you?

D: I’m an excellent cook and my specialty is breakfast…in bed.

Final Question:  If you could have readers finish a sentence what would it be?

SH: If Dante were to bring you breakfast in bed….he would bring….?

UNTOUCHED BY SARA HUMPHREYS – IN STORES APRIL 2012

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 heavenly 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.

 

“Red-hot love scenes punctuate a well-plotted suspense story that will keep readers turning pages as fast as they can.”

—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Humphreys has been attracted to the fantasies of science fiction, paranormal, and romance since her adolescence when she had a mad crush on Captain Kirk. An actress and public speaker, Sara lives with her husband--who is very considerate of her double life--and four amazing boys, in Bronxville, New York. For more information, please visit http://sarahumphreys.com, Like her on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Amoveo and follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/authorsara.

 Sourcebooks has graciously offered TWO Copies of Untouched for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY: 
1.  Answer the Author's Question above (the last of the interview questions.)
2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.
3.  For an extra entry, make a meaningful comment on the interview.
4.  One more entry for commenting on the Review.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO WINNERS.

* This contest is open US and Canada only.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on May 4, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on May 5 with 72 hours to complete the winners' form.

Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Unleashed by Sara Humphreys

I like strong shape shifters and sexy, cherishing men - this fits the bill! 

Unleashed 

by Sara Humphreys

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402258437
• ISBN-13: 978-1402258435

     Genre: Paranormal
     My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description:
What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you'd ever imagined...

Samantha Logan's childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans...but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she's one of them...

And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way...

Get swept away into Sara Humphreys's glorious world and breathtaking love story...

Review:  I was interested in this book although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  I really liked the characters and the story kept me interested.

Samantha, “Sam”, struggled as a waitress in New York while hoping to have her artwork bring success. Then she begins to experience vivid dreams of a mysterious, faceless man calling to her. The dreams draw her home to her grandmother’s house in Rhode Island where she discovers a gorgeous man living next door. 

Malcolm is a member of the Amoveo shape shifting people. He shifts into a magnificent golden eagle with sharp yellow eyes.  He has reached an age where he is weakening and will die if he doesn’t find his mate.  He knows that he has found his mate but he doesn't know how is he going to explain to Sam that she is his mate and on top of that she is half wolf.

Sam is attracted to Malcolm but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed. She has just gotten away from one overbearing, arrogant and controlling boyfriend. She is not ready to have someone step in and try to control her. Yet there is something going on as she begins to hear Malcolm’s thoughts in her head. Then there seems to be danger that not only interferes in her life-like dreams but is stalking them in real life too. Can Malcolm protect them both? Can she trust him with her life and her heart?

The characters are very strong and warm. Malcolm is particularly yummy as a gorgeous man who can fly, teleport and communicate telepathically. All that plus he is prepared to cherish Sam. It may be hard for him to adjust, but he is willing to do what it takes to win the beautiful and feisty woman whom he knows is destined to be his lifelong mate.

The story reads very quickly. There is enough action and danger to keep it interesting and the romance is sexy without being unpleasantly graphic.  I felt there could have been some tighter editing to eliminate repetitive words and phrasing. Although I noticed this, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the entertaining read. If you like different shape shifters and a quick active read you should try this. I look forward to the next book in the series with Sam's best friend and another Amoveo cousin. No doubt there will be continuing danger from the unexposed enemy.

~~~~~~~

Thank you to Sourcebooks for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy:
1. Visit the author's website and tell me something of interest you found there. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3. For two entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on November 11, 2011.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
The WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on November 12. 
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.