Book Review and ARC Giveaway: The Officer Breaks the Rules by Jeanette Murray

This is a fun romance with some interesting conflicts.
The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful)
by Jeanette Murray

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 8, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402265433
• ISBN-13: 978-1402265433

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Release Date: January 8, 2013 | Series: Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

Some Rules Are Meant To Be Broken

He's Ruled by Loyalty...
Every man knows that you don't date your best friend's little sister, but Captain Jeremy Phillips can't seem to be convince Madison O'Shay to stay away. And he can't convince himself to stop thinking about her, either.

She's Ruled by Love...
Madison knows exactly what she wants...and whom. But she won't give up her career in the Navy for any man, not even Jeremy.
They're both about to learn that in the game of love, it's all about breaking the rules.

Review:
Madison is a strong minded, competent, Navy nurse. She’s had a crush on Jeremy for a long time. She’s determined to show him she’s not his best friend’s little sister - she’s his best friend’s all grown up sister who knows her own mind and what she wants--him.

Jeremy sees that Madison is smart, sexy, impressive and awfully hard to resist. He has to remind himself that you don’t mess with your best friend’s little sister. Besides, Jeremy has other problems without the extra temptation of Madison. It’s time for him to sign on for another tour, committing to become a career corpsman just as his father expects of him. But Jeremy has been writing a novel and wonders if there might be another path possible. His father also expects Jeremy to find a nice military wife to wait at home for him and Madison doesn’t fit that bill either.

Madison just won’t quit on her campaign to get Jeremy and finally he caves. He thinks maybe he can keep it as a passing fancy since he’s going to try to hide it from Madison’s brother, Tim (first book), and his father.  Madison doesn’t want a limited affair but she can’t argue when she recognizes that two military careers will make it difficult for a family relationship. The one thing she cares about more than Jeremy is her career.

I had expected some action with the military romance but this story is just a full on romance with characters who happen to be in the military. I did like the characters and their conflicted circumstances. Not only does Jeremy have to decide between his personal desires and his father’s expectations but the story reflects some of the problems that would be faced by a military couple.  There is the added side story of a nice bit of interest developing between Veronica and the third marine buddy, Dwayne.

Ms. Murray infuses the story and romance with lots of humor. The story is well written and if you enjoy pure romance you’ll get one in this read.

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

Madison's thoughts trying to make sense of Jeremy:

Too bad men were born without a logic gene. That one, she reasoned, must be connected to the second X chromosome.  Location 858.

The passion hits:

And the laughter suddenly evaporated. The atmosphere shifted, morphed, grew into something completely different. Not playful any longer, but almost desperate with need. Location 2897.

I received this for Review from Sourcebooks. 

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR ARC 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 and Canada Only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on February 8, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on February 9, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle

This is very engaging action with a star crossed romance.

Immortal Craving
by Kendra Leigh Castle

• File Size: 542 KB
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever (January 29, 2013)
• Sold by: Hachette Book Group
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007ZFIU0K

Genre: Paranormal Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Release date: January 29, 2013 | Series: Dark Dynasties (Book 4)
The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .
Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.

The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay's gentle touch can subdue Tasmin's inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

Review:
Bay is comfortably human but she has powerful, non-human friends. Her relationship with her best friend, Lily, is starting to show strain as Lily’s attention has shifted to her new mate, Ty, and to her stressful duties as the vampire queen of the Lilim. Bay has met various Cait Sith, vampires and werewolves who are gathering with Lily as she negotiates alliances to fight the power hungry and evil Arsinoe, Queen of the Ptolemy, an enemy sect of vampires.

Bay dreams of finding a normal mate until a gorgeous man, with strange amber eyes, comes seeking information about Lily and collapses in Bay’s shop. Bay sees below the fierceness to the fear and tenderness within the powerful but confused Tasmin. He is the last of his kind, a lion-shifting Rakshasa. He should be dead but instead he has awakened four hundred years after his pride was killed at the urging of Arsinoe. And he hasn’t awakened alone - apparently Arsinoe cast a spell that put a demon within his body. Now she wants the demon for her own purposes.

The demon is Hunger and he is a vicious killer.  He wants revenge against the Queen who imprisoned him. Hunger and Tasmin battle internally for control of Tasmin’s physical form. If Tasmin can’t maintain control he would rather die than kill with such dishonor. Yet Tasmin may have to make a deal with the demon to protect the woman he has come to love; the woman who accepts him for who he is and brings him a measure of peace.

Bay and Tasmin are the targets that trigger war between Arsinoe and the other clans. Tasmin may find a way to protect Bay but it is going to mean giving up any chance of a future with her.

I really liked this action packed story and the warm, intense relationship that builds quickly between Tasmin and Bay. He is a tortured, vulnerable hero and she is the mere human who proves stronger than anyone realized. Their star crossed romance is beautifully written with intense warmth and light humor. There are a couple of heavy scenes when they finally give in to their doomed attraction but it fits well and is just a small portion of the bigger action plot.  I didn’t want to put it down and read this in one day. This releases 1/29 and, if you love action with warm romance, I recommend you pick this up and enjoy!

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

Bay’s reaction to Tasmin:

How something so fierce could hide this kind of gentleness amazed her–but Tasmin was a creature of contradictions.  Location 1882.

Tasmin’s reaction to Bay:

He supposed it should shame him, that he would want her so desperately as an anchor when things around him–and within him–kept shifting. He had never been a weakling. Location 2002.

I received this from Forever Romance through NetGalley.

The first half of the story is set in Tipton, Massachusetts for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

January 2013 MBS Flash Giveaway

It's time for my first 2013 FLASH GIVEAWAY! I have been trying to find a date to post this that wasn't during one of the Giveaway Hops because this gives my REGULAR followers more of a chance - as you well deserve! :-) I am surprised to see the GFC numbers continue to rise but I know I have about 25-40 of you who really visit regularly and these Flash Giveaways are a way to THANK YOU for participating at my blog.

I want you to know that I think of my followers even when I am traveling. :-)
Here are eight 2013 Hawaiian Calendars as gifts for this Giveaway. (Sorry they are going to be a month+ late by the time they get to winners.) Four wall Calendars for US winners; 4 small ones for International or US.

 Also Bookmarks from several trips!   ALASKA CRUISE

SEATTLE VISIT

HAWAII VISIT

Here are the prizes:  Five winners get $5.00 GC - Amazon or PayPal plus choice of Calendar and bookmark if desired.
Three additional winners get a Calendar plus choice of bookmark if desired and to the extent still available.
WATCH FOR MORE FLASH GIVEAWAYS WITH SOME LITTLE GIFTS PICKED UP WHILE TRAVELING. :-)

TO ENTER:

•  Must be a follower and state how you follow in the Entry Form (GFC, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads; email); all links are on the sidebars.

•  ENTRY FORM

Open Worldwide. Winners will be picked by Random.org. The first five winners selected get their choice of GC + calendar and bookmark; next three get calendar and bookmark choice- I'll match choices as best I can. :-)
Ends January 31, 2013 at 10 PM Central. (The next Hop starts 2/1)

BookBlast with Giveaway Link: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Tour Schedule

Jack Templar: Monster Hunter

Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

Author Jeff Gunhus

Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Kirkus Reviews

"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "

Amazon Reviews

Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar

Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein

Fast paced adventure through and through

Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean

Kids will love it!

Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

WARNING

Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.

     But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.

     First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.

     You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.

     I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.

     This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.

     But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.

     Make sure you understand what I’m saying.

     If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.

     And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.

     So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.

     Ever.

     Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.

     See you on the other side.

     If you’re brave enough.




Book Blast $50 Giveaway

Ends 2/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday January 28, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JANUARY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Lori's Reading Corner!

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I didn't add quite as many books this week!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles

I received an Audible credit for Ever After: The Hollows, Book 11 by Kim Harrison! I will be reviewing this for Harper Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

I will start A Perfect Blood, Book 10, from my Audible Library at the end of this week so I won't miss anything in between.

I did receive two print books from Forever Romance (Hachette). However they are in the office and I didn't go in yesterday so I don't have the titles. I'll list them next week.

Wins

Yay - I had some wins this week! Some aren't in yet but here are three that I did win from Shelley Adina by visiting the Steampunk blog the past couple of weeks @ Coffee Time Romance blog:

Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina

Her Own Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices)
by Shelley Adina

AND
Magnificent Devices: A steampunk adventure novel
by Shelley Adina

Thank you Shelley and Karenne @ Coffeetime
I am adding the first book to March review list. :-)

Purchased

Actually I picked up about 30 books at our local Hospice thrift shop as they were moving locations and everything was on sale. The books plus a big teddy bear and four or five picture frames my daughter picked cost all of $5.35! I planned to go through the set of books for Friday pick offerings but my daughter took them home. She returned with a bag of less than 10 saying "Mom, I got to looking at the blurbs and they sounded so good I kept them to read. I'll bring them to you later!"  LOL

Free

I received more free books from Free Par-tay.
I also downloaded more free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.