REVIEW: "Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland" by Eric Shanower

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Comic books, Fantasy, All-Ages, Oh my - it's my childhood calling!

About the Book: An all-new, all-ages series full of magic and whimsy from award-winning creators Eric Shanower (Adventures in Oz) and Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key)! Spinning out of Winsor McKay's brilliant early 20th Century strip, Return to Slumberland sees King Morpheus' daughter, in the Royal Palace of Slumberland, selecting her next-playmate — Nemo! Only Nemo has no interest in being anyone's playmate, dream or no dream! [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: I'll admit it, I love the Little Nemo movie. It wasn't until I was adult that I even knew it had been a comic. This new graphic novel, "Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland" is a continuation of the old stories. The original Little Nemo has moved on, now the Princess needs a new playmate - and who better than someone with the middle name Nemo! I loved seeing some of the original characters back in action, and to see how a new young boy would deal with the weirdness and magic of Slumberland.

This is one of those graphic novels that will appeal to people of many ages. Little kids would enjoy reading this just as much as the adults who are familiar with the older versions. This graphic novel provides enough of a back story and explanation of Slumberland that new readers can jump right in, but it's not so overloaded that people already familiar with the story would feel bored. A great, fun read, I am already eager for more!

And the art is dead on. It just felt perfect.

Cover Lovin': Love it! Very reminiscent of the stories and movie.

Recommendation: For old fans of the original stories, and new lovers of fantasy.

Final Rating: FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (4.5/5). Great art, great story, I want more!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

REVIEW: "Holding Strong" by Lori Foster!

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Date: March 31, 2015

Type: Contemporary Romance, MMA, Series, Book Two, Lickable covers

About the Book: An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster's irresistible new novel 

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn't share. That's why he's been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry's about to need more than she knows… 

Denver's combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she's been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can't hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who'll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she'll trust him enough to let him… [Description from Netgalley.com]

My Review: Lori Foster is one of those authors I closely follow. When she talked about this new series at a conference I attended last year, I was hooked - I even pre-ordered the first book right then and there! And when the chance to review the second book came up, of course I couldn't pass it up.

This book had me addicted from the very beginning. I was toting my iPad everywhere just in case I would get some time, no matter how small, to read a few more pages. Denver and Cherry's story was a roller coaster ride, and I would gladly ride it again and again. Falling in love is hard enough, but Cherry's past is back to haunt her, making everything more difficult for our love birds. This couple had to go through so much, including their own trust issues - not to mention Denver's macho attitude getting in the way more than once, - but you can see how amazing they are together, and how good it will be when they finally work everything out.

I cannot wait to read more of this series. The prequel story is currently free on Amazon, so of course I had to download that and will be reading it ASAP. Don't miss your chance to check out Denver and Cherry's amazing story!

The Series So Far:
Hard Knocks (0.5)
No Limits (1)
Holding Strong (2)

Cover Lovin': Woo, boy. Nice cover. And it definitely fits in with the rest of the series.

Recommendation: For fans of Lori Foster, and for those currently obsessed with MMA/fighter romances (or those that want to be).

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)! Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Need more, right now.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

Release Day Promo: "HOLDING STRONG" by Lori Foster!

An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in Lori’s irresistible new novel.

Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn’t share. That’s why he’s been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry’s about to need more than she knows…

Denver’s combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she’s been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can’t hide behind a carefree façade. Because the man by her side is one who’ll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she’ll trust him enough to let him…

 EBOOK:            AMAZON       BARNES & NOBLE    iBOOKS     KOBO

PRINT:   AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE  BAM

“Holding Strong will have you holding your breath while burning fingers quickly turn the pages.”

- Fresh Fiction

“…a fun and sexy read. It has a touch of suspense to it as well to keep the pace of the story going along.”

- It's a Reading Thing

“The men of Foster’s Ultimate series may be powerful fighters, but they are all heart, and none more so than the hero of this installment. His unwavering support for his feisty, frightened heroine redeems them both in time, but it is their searing chemistry that will hold readers’ attention.”

- RT Book Reviews

“Foster…manages to keep characters evolving throughout the course of a novel, becoming true ‘heroes’ by the time ‘The End’ rolls around.”

- Ripe for Reader

Watching her laugh, seeing her tease and flirt, burned his ass big-time. He loved when she laughed and teased with him—not so much when it was with other guys.

And therein lay the problem. He had a near-savage lust for her. When he looked

at her, when he heard that carefree laugh, he felt dangerously close to losing it.

Contemplating decisions and possible mistakes, Denver Lewis sipped his beer. He should look away

from her but knew he wouldn’t. She was all tits and ass and attitude in a petite frame, and God love the girl, she turned him on.

He’d avoided her, refused to be drawn in by her tempting smiles, and all in all given her the cold

shoulder since determining they wouldn’t suit. He had no right to judge her for having fun elsewhere.

But knowing and accepting that as true didn’t talk him off the ledge. No, if anything it wound him tighter.

Damn, she looked good. The shifting lights in the club played with her dark blond hair and the curves of her lush little body. His buddy Stack, another fighter, drew her into a fast dance. She didn’t refuse. Ever.

Cherry Peyton was always the life of the party. The loud music competed with the furious drumming of Denver’s heart as he monitored her every move. The music’s wild tempo kept her body from touching Stack’s. They danced around each other and the rest of the crowd on the floor. Every guy there made note of her, seeing her once and then taking a longer look. Her happiness, her laugh and that killer bod all combined for one hell of an impact on the male libido.

For over an hour, Denver watched her draw attention and smiles and, no doubt, sexual thoughts. He ignored other women who tried to get his attention, those who came up to him and propositioned him in modest and sometimes lewd ways.

Yeah, he wanted to get laid. But he wanted Cherry, not anyone else. It pissed him off that he couldn’t get her out of his head. He should have had her before decreeing theirs an acquaintance-only relationship, then maybe he could have some perspective when it came to seeing her with other men.

Then again, maybe not—because days after meeting her, he’d known sex wasn’t the only thing he wanted. He’d already begun to think of her as his, even though he hadn’t even kissed her yet. If only his territorial tendencies didn’t clash so badly with her playfulparty-girl personality. Seeing her accept her third glass of wine, he finished off his beer and called it quits.

At least on the alcohol. He stewed while watching her indulge in several dances with too many different guys—never mind that they were all from their group, fighters that she, and he, knew well and trusted as friends. They’d all come down en masse to cheer on one of their own. Fighters from the rec center who sparred and coached together. Men he’d known forever. Men who had befriended Cherry when she’d become roommates with Merissa, another fighter’s sister. She was well and truly enmeshed in his life, friends with his friends, a part of their inner group, and if he wasn’t denying himself like a freaking masochist he’d be over there with them right now. She’d be laughing and joking with him. Dancing with him. Treating him like everyone else. That she was so well accepted in their circle made it even more impossible to stop thinking about her, because everywhere he went, he saw her. Finally, after a robust dance that had her laughing aloud, Cherry began to fade. She dropped into a chair at a table with three other fighters and a few women. Her gaze never once came his way—almost as if she knew where he was and avoided making eye contact with him.

Suited Denver fine. Mostly.

Damn it.

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here :http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/ 

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