Showing posts with label Weres. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weres. Show all posts

Monday, October 1, 2018

Book Tour: CRAVED BY HER COUGAR by Felicity Heaton!


New York Times best-selling paranormal romance author Felicity Heaton is here today for the book tour of her new shifter romance release, Craved by her Cougar, the fourth and final book in her brand new Cougar Creek Mates Series. Set in her popular Eternal Mates world, Cougar Creek Mates takes you into the deep Canadian wilderness to a secret place that’s home to a cougar shifter pride led by four sexy brothers, each guaranteed to steal your heart and set it racing!
All four books in the series are out now, meaning it’s complete and ready for a good binge-read! Who doesn’t love a series binge-read? Every book has a happily forever after and there are no cliff-hangers, because there’s nothing worse than a cliff-hanger!
Check out the book, download it with your Kindle Unlimited subscription if you have one, and be sure to enter the awesome grand giveaway happening at her website!

About the Book

Craved by her Cougar (Cougar Creek Mates Shifter Romance Series Book 4)
Felicity Heaton
For the last twenty years, Cobalt has burned with a need of one female, a beautiful raven-haired cougar who captured his heart the moment he set eyes on her. His position as pride protector has been a blessing at past mating gatherings, keeping females away, but this time it feels like the worst of curses, because the female who has bewitched him so thoroughly is taking part for the first time and all he can do is watch as males battle for her.
As much as she hates the way her mother controls everything in her life, Ember is thankful for it as she constantly turns away suitors, unaware of the pain she’s sparing Ember from with every male she rejects. Every male who isn’t the gorgeous blond with darkness in his eyes and an easy smile she burns for with an intensity that scares her, awakens feelings in her that have her verging on doing something reckless. Damaged goods he might be, dangerous and unpredictable, but with every contest over her that pulls her closer to her doom, she grows more determined to follow her heart, no matter the consequences.
With every fight over the right to Ember, the tethers on Cobalt’s feelings twist and threaten to snap, a torment he cannot bear and one that has him willing to risk it all, because a single kiss would make even the harshest punishment worth it. He would die for one moment with her… his fated mate.

Purchase Links
Read it with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription or buy now from…

Enter the grand tour-wide giveaway to win one of a $75, $50 or $25 Amazon Gift Card at the Craved by her Cougar book page. This giveaway is international and open to everyone, and ends at midnight on October 14th. Enter now: http://www.felicityheaton.com/craved-by-her-cougar-shifter-romance-book.php

Excerpt
Cobalt shoved his hands through his platinum-blond wild hair and growled as he clawed at it, pivoted and began pacing back along the clearing in front of his cabin, faster now as his emotions started to get the better of him again.
He needed to fight. His muscles felt too tight, clamped on his bones, his entire body pulled as taut as a bowstring and, fuck, he was in danger of snapping.
His claws lengthened, his fangs sharpening as frustration mounted, an explosive mix of anger, shame and bitter disappointment. He snarled, lips peeling back off his teeth, and wheeled to pace back the way he had come, his strides clipped as the need to fight merged with an ache to shift.
Gods, he wanted to surrender to that soul-deep ache.
He wanted to purge every damned feeling that was boiling inside him, twisting him and pulling him apart, and let instinct take over. Shifting into his cougar form would give him that release and the relief from it all he so desperately needed.
His animal form dampened his emotions because it couldn’t process them as easily as his human side so it suppressed them instead. His messy feelings would fade into the background if he remained as a cougar for long enough as his instincts rose to swamp him.
In that form, he obeyed a more basic and uncomplicated set of needs.
Fight. Feed. Fuck. Survive.
It was all that mattered when he was running as a cougar, and it was tempting to let it sweep over him, but it was dangerous too.
Those instincts were liable to send him straight to Ember.
He wanted to fight for her, as the other males could, and, sweet gods almighty, he needed to ease her needs, ached to give her the relief he could feel she desperately needed. Whenever he was close to her, it drummed in his blood and drove him to do something, whatever it took to ensure that she found the release from her instincts, from the mating heat that had brought her to Cougar Creek.
Cobalt tried to push her out of his head, but need flared inside him, made him want to claw his own damned skin off as he twitched restlessly, body primed for the delicate, beautiful female who had caught his eye two decades ago and had been on his mind ever since.
In his heart.
The sun crept higher, breaking the tops of the mountains as he turned away from the creek and paced back towards the other side of his small territory. It chased the crisp coolness from the morning air and from his arms, making him aware of how cold he had gotten in just his black t-shirt and jeans.
Cobalt slowed his step to bask in the light, letting it warm him and wash over him, wishing it would carry away all his troubles as it used to whenever he had bathed in it when he was a kid.
The mist swirled as the air heated, rippling over the surface of the shallow broad river to his right and snaking around his ankles.
He stared at the horizon and drew down a slow, deep breath of the cold air. Narrowed his focus to that distant point where jagged snow-capped mountains met the sky and let everything else fall away from his shoulders, until they felt lighter again.
He couldn’t let this go on any longer.
He would go mad if he did.
With Ember’s presence pushing at his restraint, cranking him tight with emotions that were tearing him apart and instincts that were making him volatile, he needed all of his focus to control himself around her and the other males. He didn’t need to be distracted by what had happened.
But Rath was always caught up in Ivy, his beautiful mate, and it pained Cobalt to see them together, so happy and swept up in each other. He couldn’t even talk to Storm because his younger brother was away in England looking into his mate’s half-brother’s background, trying to determine whether he really had been working alone and not with Archangel, a hunter organisation that had attacked his pride almost four decades ago.
An organisation that had taken their parents from them and had come close to taking Storm too.
Just thinking about that night had the need to fight rising again, a wild and feral urge to bloody his claws and fangs in order to protect his brothers.
Cobalt focused on the sunrise again, using it to calm that urge. It was slow to leave him, his fatigue and another night of worrying leaving him worn down and weak to it.
When it had finally flowed out of him, he looked down at his hands.
At his extended claws.
He stared at them, willing them to go away, but they refused.
Fuck.
He needed to speak with Rath.
It needed to be today.
Before he became a liability, a male not on the edge but firmly over it, one who was likely to fight over the slightest thing.
And he knew with a sickening sense of certainty that if he fought, it wouldn’t end there.
He would kill.
Cold went through him, his blood icy sludge in his veins, and his stomach churned.
He growled at himself. He had let this go on long enough, couldn’t put it off any longer or he would be a danger to the pride.
Cobalt twisted on his heel and marched along the riverbank, heading away from the sunrise and towards the area where most of the cabins at Cougar Creek were situated.
Ember’s family’s one included.
His pulse jacked up as he spotted it through the trees nearest the river. The lodgepole pines and spruces sheltered it, providing some cover for it where it stood just ten metres from the riverbank, facing onto the large swath of green that formed the main area of the creek.
Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, signalling someone was up.
His step slowed and he couldn’t stop himself from glancing across at the front of the L-shaped cabin as he entered the clearing and started up the two-hundred metre stretch of grass to where his brother’s cabin stood at the top of it, nestled beneath the trees.
The curtains were drawn across the small windows that flanked the door of her cabin, blocking him out. An ache started inside him, throbbed deep in his bones and had his step slowing further, until he almost stopped and surrendered to it.
He wanted to see her.
That yearning burned inside him, a need he found hard to deny. His instincts pushed him to step up onto her deck and knock on her door, to go to her. Fuck, they more than pushed him.
They demanded it.
She was his.
He knew that.
Gods, he knew it.
It blazed inside him like an eternal flame that was only growing fiercer, burned so hot he felt as if it was going to devour him sometimes, utterly destroy him unless he found a way to calm the raging flames.
There was only one way that was going to happen, and while his position as pride protector had been a blessing before, keeping the females away from him because his duty meant he couldn’t participate in the gathering, it was the worst of fucking curses now that Ember was taking part for the first time.
And he couldn’t.
He had never hated his duty before, but he hated it with a vengeance now.
When he and his brothers had taken it on in the wake of the Archangel attack over thirty years ago, a brutal assault that had left the pride shaken and had forced them to move to a new territory, he hadn’t cared. But then, shortly after they had settled at Cougar Creek, he had set eyes on Ember for the first time.
She had been a long way off maturity, a cherub-cheeked young female who would have looked like a teen nearing twenty to any passing humans.
He had watched over her whenever she had been at the creek, and had used his position as pride protector to keep the females away from him during every gathering, and damn, she had grown into a stunning female with supple curves that set him on fire every time he looked at her.
Idiot that he was, he had wanted to give her time to reach maturity before approaching her, figuring she would make an appearance at the creek at some point and he would be there when it happened since Rath kept him up to speed on who was visiting.
He just hadn’t thought her first appearance after maturing would be a damned spring gathering.
Now he was stuck on the side lines, acting as security for the pride while they were caught up in the mating heat and overseeing all the fights for dominance over females that were breaking out.
Females like Ember.
But she was his, and he needed her.
He needed to knock on that door that separated them. He needed her to open it and look at him with soft eyes, ones that told him he wasn’t alone, that she ached for him too, craved him with the same ferocity as he craved her.
And he needed her to open her arms to him, because what he really needed most right now was to rest his head on her shoulder, wrap his arms around her and just hold her until he felt he was back on solid ground, everything put back in place and right again.
Gods, he needed to hold her until this pain went away, just wanted one moment with her without anyone seeing them, or judging him.
He needed her to hold him together, to lend him her strength and give him courage and hope.
Hope that she would be his and hope that his life could only get better from this point.
He scrubbed his hand over his mussed blond hair, did it so much these days he was surprised he had any left, and huffed as he pushed away from her home and forced himself to head towards Rath’s one-and-a-half storey log cabin at the top of the sloping green.
He trudged up the gentle hill, the growing distance between him and Ember tearing at him, and wanted to growl when a dark-haired male emerged from the woods to his right and he caught the male looking towards the river.
Towards Ember’s cabin.
The hunger in the male’s pale golden eyes had Cobalt looking over his shoulder, seeking the one he was looking at.
Ember stood on the deck, dressed in dark blue jeans and a thick black sweater that hugged her curvy figure, her damp ebony hair blending into the wool as it tumbled around her shoulders. She nursed a steaming mug, gently blowing on it, her profile to him and the other male.
A male who was still staring at her.
Cobalt itched with a need to change course and close the distance between him and the male to drive him away and make it clear that Ember belonged to him. The gods only knew how he managed to stay his course, finding the strength to keep moving towards Rath’s cabin instead.
He glanced at the male again before taking the step up onto the deck that stretched the length of the gable end of the log cabin, finding him still watching Ember. Maybe he could just shoo the male away before rousing his brother. It probably wouldn’t take much. A flash of fangs and a growl might be enough.
If it wasn’t?
He was liable to take things further in order to make sure he left, and he wasn’t sure he had the strength to restrain himself and stop himself from going all out on the male. Hell, the state he was in right now, frayed and close to the end of his tether, there was a danger he would skip the flashing fangs and growling and go straight to beating the shit out of the male.
So he forced himself to rap his knuckles on Rath’s door instead.
Because if Ember saw that side of him, if she witnessed the darkness he held within him, she would never want him.
He eased back on the deck and glanced up at the triangular window that sat beneath the eaves of the roof as he waited. A shadow moved across them, and then the door in front of him creaked open to reveal his older brother dressed in only a loosely buttoned pair of faded blue jeans.
Rath rubbed sleep from his grey eyes and yawned.
“What’s up?” his brother murmured quietly and his eyes narrowed on him as he finally lowered his hand to press it against the doorframe. “You look like hell. You alright?”
Cobalt blew out his breath. “Can we talk?”

Purchase Links
Read it with your Kindle Unlimited Subscription or buy now from…

Books in the Series
Binge-read the complete series now…
Book 1: Claimed by her Cougar – Available in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 2: Captured by her Cougar – Available in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 3: Courted by her Cougar – Available in Kindle Unlimited!
Book 4: Craved by her Cougar – Available in Kindle Unlimited!

About Felicity
Felicity HeatonFelicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.
If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.
If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Monday, September 18, 2017

Review: RIGHT GIRL, WRONG ALPHA by DJ Bryce!


My Review: I've been in a major shifter romance mood, so this book really hit the spot for me. If I focus just on the romance itself, this book is fantastic - exactly what I wanted and needed. But it's the rest of the plot I had problems with. The author decided to add a suspenseful edge to the story - a rival pack that is causing problems. But because this book is so short, that subplot wasn't given enough depth to make it anything more than a nuisance. A lot could have been done with it, I could see the potential for a great story there, but.. it just didn't get the attention it deserved. 

But the romance between Natasha and Logan was what sold me on this book. I like how this author did the whole "destined mate" thing - how they know, what it feels like, etc. It was classic, yet original enough. And I was interested enough in the couple from book one to read more in the future - and I definitely want to try the next book in the series, since that sounds like it will be a dramatic, but amazing, story. Despite the mistaken suspenseful plot, the romance itself is worth a read, and why I would recommend this to readers that want a good, shorter shifter story.

Cover Lovin': I'm torn about the cover - It's very pretty, but I'm afraid it's too monochromatic.

Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary! You can jump right in.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5)!! This was a fun, fast read. I enjoyed the book, I just think it was too fast to have any real depth.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Today we are celebrating the release of RIGHT GIRL, WRONG ALPHA by DJ Bryce. Right Girl, Wrong Alpha is the second book in the new paranormal series, Brothers of the Heart. It is available to read on KindleUnlimited or you can buy it for .99¢. Check out the links for the other titles in this series below.

   

Read it for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

or buy it for .99 cents!

 

Right Girl, Wrong Alpha (Brothers of the Heart, #2) by DJ Bryce

A Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

As Chief of his Clan, Logan is surrounded by friends and family, the only thing missing is his mate. Natasha has always known that she was raised to be the mate of an Alpha, but being in her sister’s shadow has enabled her not to worry about it too much.

When Logan comes down to help the pack, he knows instantly that Natasha is the one for him. When she is put in harms way, he will stop at nothing to save her. Natasha never imagined that her mate would be anything other than a wolf, but although her feelings for Logan take her off guard, she can do nothing but succumb to them.

Right Girl, Wrong Alpha is the second in an all new series about men who may not be brothers by blood, but are brothers of the heart. And the realization that, regardless of how the Matthews siblings have been raised, sometimes you have to follow your heart, even if it's leading you down the hardest path.

GET THE OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES

Read it for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

or buy it for .99 cents!

 

Pre-order it on Amazon

Releases on December 14!
 
--------------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

 
Author DJ Bryce loves her men tall, dark, and Alpha. She can often be found relaxing with a cup of coffee, a handful of RedVines, and a dirty book, with her three dogs snoozing happily at her feet. She's a lover of The Walking Dead, Romantic Comedies, and writing sexy shifters. For information on her new releases, promotions, and her favorite PNR reads, sign up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/clmyu5
AUTHOR LINKS:
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Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

[BLB] REVIEW of "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" by Pepper O'Neal

Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny This title is being reviewed as part of the author's Book Lovin' Bitches ebook tour. Come back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY!

Disclaimer: This book was given to me in exchange for a review.

Type: Paranormal Romance, weres/lycans, vampires, urban fantasy, mating.

About the book: She didn’t know what she was—or that what she was could get her killed...

A struggling private detective in Los Angeles, Chase Alcott has no idea about her unique genetic makeup. So when she takes on a new client—an old man with ulterior motives—she’s unaware of the danger she’ll soon face. Traveling to England to solve a mysterious murder at the request of her new client, Chase encounters terrifying creatures she thought only existed in her nightmares—only to find out she’s one of them. Caught in a web of evil and deception after learning some terrifying truths about her long dead parents, Chase doesn’t know who to believe. Does she dare trust the enigmatic Roman, a man with dark secrets of his own?

He knew what she was—he just had no idea what to do about her…

English nobleman, Roman Fernwood, half-werewolf/half-vampire, doesn’t want a mate, especially not a half human/ half-weretiger with no knowledge of what she is. But there’s something about Chase, Roman can’t resist in spite of his determination not to fall in love. Is it her fascinating American spunk and courage, or her stunning cinnamon eyes? Or could it be the passion he senses just beneath her calm, unruffled demeanor? Whatever it is, Roman must keep her safe from those who want to kill her while finding a way to show her what she is without driving her into the arms of the other were who also want her for a mate.

Fate should have considered the consequences before messing with Mother Nature.

Review: I'd like to start off with the things I had trouble with, so I can get to the good parts near the end. I thought the main character, Chase, accepted the idea of weres, vampires, and more just a little too quickly. Yes, I know the character can see auras, but that doesn't mean she will be totally okay with supposedly mythical creatures running around - and that she's one of them. I'm sure there are people that are more likely to believe that sort of thing, but I think, as a P.I., that Chase would be a little more skeptical about the whole issue.

That said, I did enjoy the characters and the setting. I'm  a big fan of private investigators, and I enjoyed a lead character that was a private eye, and a strong female one at that. I thought our two main characters going undercover as decorators was a good choice, and fit with the storyline, as well as added and interesting little side bit to the main plot. "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" had some seriously good pacing. This sort of thing is generally underrated, in my opinion - not something you really notice unless it's incredibly bad. But "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny" did well, mixing the high action or sensual scenes with enough little breaks in between to give the audience a chance to process and relax before moving onto another tense situation.

All in all, a very enjoyable read. A great book to add to your electronic reader (I believe a paperback edition is also available) and take on vacation or for a long car ride - if you're not driving, that is. =)

Recommendation: Fans of a quick paced paranormal romance/urban fantasy should check out "Blood Fest: Chasing Destiny."

Cover Lovin: Very good cover. I'd say it definitely suits the book.

Final Rating: THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE (3.5/5). Good, enjoyable read. Definitely something to check out.

**** Be sure to return tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY of this book, as part of the author's book tour!****

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mrrowr. Or rather, Rawr? REVIEW: The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf Why This Book?: I loved the first book, "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf," and despite not originally liking Maggie, I went ahead and picked up the second book. Also... it was due back to the library so I had to hurry up and read it. ;)

Disclaimer: Library book! I do not own this book, and I did not receive it in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own, etc.

Type: Romance, Series, Werewolves, Paranormal Romance, Hot Nerds, Pack Trouble, Crazy Men, Humor, Quippy remarks.

About the book:  Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt. What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted. Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous...

My Review: First off, I would like to mention that I am a huge fan of this author's writing style. "How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf" was the first book I have ever read by her, but it definitely caught my attention. Molly Harper blends steamy romance and side splitting humor into one deliciously wonderful book. I really, really disliked Maggie's character in the first book, but Harper still managed to make me fall in love with her, just as much as her hero. And I was overjoyed to see the characters I loved in book one return as side characters in this novel - and stay true to how they acted in book one.

As for the plot of "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf," I was entertained the whole way through. I'll say it, I kind of saw the ending coming, but the journey was well worth it. I may have correctly guessed who was behind the attacks, but all the other subplots were still a completely mystery to me, and there were a few times I was thrown for a loop by something that happened.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Art of Seducing A Naked Werewolf," and I know it will find a home on my keeper shelf. Maggie was a unique heroine, and Nick was just the type of nerd I love and would fall for. Maybe I did a little, :). Be sure to check out both this book, and the first in the series, "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf," featuring the ever-lovely Mo and Cooper.

Cover Loving: Very good. Fits in with the first book of the series. And I think the art looks just like the characters - except for the clawed feet... maybe.

Recommendation: Readers that want some chuckles with their romance should definitely check out both "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf" and the other novel "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf." And if you love a true alpha female character, definitely read Maggie's book.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Good, fun book. Maggie is a tough chick, and pitting her against Nick was an excellent show. Definitely a series to check out!

Have you read "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf" or "How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf?" Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to pick up a copy? Head on over to Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Monday, April 18, 2011

Alpha lovin'. REVIEW of "How to Flirt With a Naked Werewolf" by Molly Harper

How to Flirt with a Naked WerewolfWhy this book?: Well, the title caught my eye originally, then I heard so many good things I just HAD to read it.

Disclaimer: This is a library book (one with a looming due date, for that matter).

Type: Paranormal Romance, humor, werewolves, dates and mates, Alaska, series, small town awesomeness, alpha males

About the book: Even in Grundy, Alaska, it's unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham - who has been openly critical of Mo's ability to adapt to life in Alaska - has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it's love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he's worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he's not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated
.

My review: I really enjoyed this book. I went in thinking it was going to be a quick, funny read - something like what people consider "beach reads," but this ended up being so much better. Yes, there is plenty of funny lines, parts that made me chuckle or grin like a goofball. But there were emotional moments too, and I really connected with all of the characters. I absolutely loved Mo and loved being a part of her life, and I really enjoyed Cooper, perhaps a little too much. All the characters felt incredibly real, each with their own little quirks and human failings, the little touches that make them human.

Mo moved to Alaska to be away from her parents and live her own life without parental influence. After hearing about her parents, well.. I certainly couldn't blame her. The small town of Grundy quickly became the type of place I would want to visit, maybe even live. I always see that as a sign of a good book - if the author can make me want to go there, no matter how cold it can get. This is the first book I've read by Molly Harper, but I eagerly anticipate reading more - especially in this series. I am looking forward to the next book, "The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf," which I have on hold at work but have yet to get (darn). And I hope we get to see more of Mo and Cooper in the next one.

Cover Loving: So cute! I really like it, and I think it fits the book.

Recommendation: I'm going to make everyone read this book. Be prepared. I really enjoyed it. Paranormal Romance fans that enjoy a little snarky/quippy humor will definitely enjoy "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf."

Final Rating: FOUR POINT FIVE out of FIVE (4.5/5). Definitely purchasing! Unless someone ones to get it for me as part of April RAK... Hint?

Have you read "How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf" or another book by author Molly Harper? Share your thoughts in the comments! Would you like to pick up a copy for yourself (and you know you do) - Get your copy from Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Bubble Bubble... REVIEW of "Toil and Trouble" by HP Mallory!

Toil and Trouble, a Paranormal Romance (Book 2 of the Jolie Wilkins Series) Why this book: Loved the first one. Got book two in exchange for a review.

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Type: Series, Vampires, Witches, Weres, And More!, Epic Battle, Book Two, I don't think I can wait until the next book, Sexy Accents, Paranormal Romance

About the book: Jolie Wilkins is preparing for war. Or she would be if she could move, and if her boss-slash-boyfriend Rand would let her. While she rests to regain her strength, Rand and his army train for the upcoming battle. But after being attacked in her own room, and then saved thanks to the vampire Sinjin, Jolie is perfectly healed and begins to plan her own way to join in on the fight. Filled with plenty of action and even more drama, Toil and Trouble is the tale of a woman who just wants to get her own fight on, no matter what the boys say.

My Review: Toil and Trouble is the second book in the Jolie Wilkins series, follwing Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, and certainly doesn't let up on the action. Most of the book takes place on the training ground, where Rand's forces practice their technique in the hopes that they might actually be able to defeat their enemy, Bella. I am always a fan of big training and battle scenes, because you can feel the desperation and hope of the characters. This book is certainly chock full of emotional rides, from the frustration of Jolie in being told she is not allowed to participate, as well as her anger for Rand for holding himself back from her, to the fear the characters and audience feel when the opposing side lists their demands should they win the war. Jolie is frightened of being made into someone's pet to use as they will, and I felt that right along with her.

My biggest upset with the book was with the battle itself. After all the build up, the talk of how much training everyone went through, including Jolie - even if it was in secret, the end of the battle was so shockingly abrupt. It wasn't a terrible ending, mind you, just a little startling. That said, it was still a very good resolution to the conflict, and after finishing the book, I eagerly anticipate the release of the third.

And I won't go into details so as to prevent spoilers, but readers finally get to see details about who Rand bonded with in the past that nearly killed him - and it's pretty dang heart breaking! Now I definitely need book three to see how Rand and Jolie deal with this new bit of information!

Cover Lovin: Good cover. Definitely goes well with the cover of Book 1: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, a Paranormal Romance (Jolie Wilkins Series, Book #1)

Recommendation: Fans of paranormal romance should definitely check out author HP Mallory, if you haven't already! I love her Jolie Wilkins series - Rand is more than yummy!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5). Definitely liked it. Can't wait for more.

Have you read "Toil and Trouble" by HP Mallory? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to read it? Get your copy at Amazon.com via the link to the left!

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda ~!~

Monday, January 17, 2011

Rawr! Review of "Eat Prey Love" by Kerrelyn Sparks

Eat Prey Love (Avon) Haha, can I just say how much I love this title? Genius!

Disclaimer: This book was borrowed from the library. I did not receive this book, or any sort of compensation, in exchange for a review.

Type: Series, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shifters, Vampires, Werepanthers, Weretigers, Psychic Powers, Puddles of... is that what I think it is?!

Why this book?: Originally this book was on my "I'll read it if I see it somewhere for cheap" list, but the lovely ladies at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books mentioned a particular scene (the word "splooge" was used.. a lot) and, well.. I had to see what they meant.

About the book: Caitlyn Whelan has just reconnected with her sister after being kept apart for years. Now, not only will they remain in touch, they'll be working for the same company. Caitlyn has always had a very useful psychic gift - being able to communicate with humans and most animals, no matter what the language. And she always had a thing for stray animals. Carlos is a werepanther, one of the last few left in the world. And he just got a tip that there might be some more werepanthers in a remote region. Despite fighting the decision, and his attraction to Caitlyn, she is assigned to be his translator on the trip. Now the two must battle the harshness of the jungle, and a group of mysterious men who all have the same odd tattoo...

For the longest time, I couldn't make myself read anything by this author. I'm not sure why, maybe because I didn't like one of the earlier books in this series. But since then, I have read "The Undead Next Door," "The Vampire and the Virgin," and now "Eat Prey Love," and it's been all good experiences. Kerrelyn Sparks is definitely on her way to being an author I love. And "Eat Prey Love" was definitely another good installment in the series. I loved the banter between the two characters - Caitlyn was quippy, amusing, and the two played off each other perfectly. Caitlyn knew she liked Carlos, knew that he liked her too but wasn't going to act on it, so she took it upon herself to flirt. And it was brilliant. Caitlyn is the kind of person I want to be friends with, and not just because she can talk to animals (which would be awesome!). And Carlos - well, he'd definitely be more than a friend.

I did feel like the ending felt a bit rushed, however. The book had some excellent descriptions (the "splooge cave" scene included), but suddenly the excitement was over, and it seemed like the author only had a short amount of space left, so she had to tidy up and get through it too quickly. Don't get me wrong, it's a satisfying ending, but it just seemed everything happened too quickly, and we were getting a summary of the events, rather than actually reading them as it happened.

So all in all, I did enjoy this book. I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing some of the characters we meet (weretiger!) in future books - maybe he'll get his own story, which would be nice. And this novel has definitely been the book that made me want to go back and read more of the series, maybe even give the one I read and didn't like a second chance.

Recommendation: Definitely recommending this to fans of good Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy. And people who just enjoy awesome snarky female characters.

Final rating: FOUR out of FIVE (4/5).

Have you read this book? Or maybe more of the series? Share your thoughts in the comments! Want to read it? Pick up a copy at Amazon.com!

Have a great Monday, and of course, Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, aka Morning Glow ~!~

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Review of "In the Company of Vampires" by Katie MacAlister

In the Company of Vampires: A Dark Ones Novel OMG IT'S FINALLY HERE! The book I have been waiting years for! THANK YOU, KATIE for finally get Ben and Fran's story out there.

Disclaimer: This book was purchased for me by my aunt, because she is awesome. I was not given this book, nor anything else, in exchange for a review. I am an Amazon Affiliate, which means... please buy via my link?

Type: Paranormal Romance, Dark Ones, Reunion, Vikings run amok
, Weasel Gold, Regaining a soul (or not), A were that knows nothing about relationships

Why this book?: DUH, it's BEN and FRAN! I've been waiting for this since finishing book two of the Goth Faire series!

About the book: Francesca Ghetti's best friend was just kidnapped. Fortunately, Fran managed to find her, but after a frantic phone call or four, she notices her mother has also gone missing. So Fran decides to return to Europe to hopefully find her mother and maybe see her exboyfriend Ben - oops, I mean just to find her mother. But more and more things are going missing, and life with Ben is getting interesting, so maybe she won't be running away again after all... Toss in some secret relatives, a gaggle of amazingly hilarious Vikings, a romance to sigh over, and you have the start of an AMAZING book.

This is it, the book I have been waiting for FOREVER, or at least it feels like it. When I started reading Katie MacAlister, I read *everything* by her, including her teen fiction series, the Goth Faire books, under the name Katie Maxwell. I inhaled them, and I still pick them up and re-read them from time to time. But they ended far too soon, after only two books. I resigned myself to never hearing more, until Katie announced Ben and Fran would be the hero and heroine of the next Dark Ones book. I followed all the status updates giving hints about the books, I eagerly read the blog posts, I entered all the contests hoping to get an advanced copy.. but alas, no. So instead, on the release day, November 2nd, I went to SIX stores to find my copy.. and ended up only getting it at 9:45 PM that night. My Mom ran out with me (it was a 30 plus minute drive there), and my aunt was kind enough to give me a gift card to buy it with. So there you have it, my not-so-epic tale of anticipation for "In the Company of Vampires." Maybe now I should get to the review.

I laughed out loud in the car, earning weird looks from my family. I snorted and threw my hands up during frustrating moments, earning weird looks from people in other cars on the interstate. And when it was over, I felt.. empty still. Katie MacAlister has recently mentioned that while Ben and Fran will feature in other Dark Ones books, they will not be the main characters again, at least it's not likely. And while Ben and Fran's story is mostly told, there are so many questions left unanswered, it was hard not to feel a little let down at the end of the book. In the first few Dark Ones books, things were mostly wrapped up by the end of each book, but we've started getting more and more questions in the past several books in the series - and now "In the Company of Vampires" added a dozen or so more.

I'm not sure readers that are not familiar with the original Goth Faire books would truly appreciate all of the jokes, and most importantly - Ben and Fran's relationship. And lucky for those readers, the two Goth Faire books have been released as an omnibus with a swankified new cover! That's right, Katie MacAlister released "Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend," so any interested reader could get caught up. Even without reading these books, however, I think ItCoV can stand on it's own as a hilarious story - the Vikings will literally make you laugh out loud. But I really do recommend reading "Confessions of a Vampire's Girlfriend" as well as the previous Dark One novels, not just for the backstory.. but because they are quite awesome. But anyways, I thought the book was handled well - Ben and Fran had been apart for so long (or barely seeing each other), that they had to re-learn who the other is, which means any reader new to the Ben and Fran books can re-learn right along with them... Or just learn, as they would not really be re-learning but.. Well, you know what I mean.

So I'm giving "In the Company of Vampires" by Katie MacAlister a FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). Any book that can make me laugh that hard and squeak in public deserves the highest rating possible. I'd probably give it a six if that wasn't fangirl-y overkill. If you need a laugh, and love a good reunion story with some paranormal friction tossed in, be sure to pick up "In the Company of Vampires".. or really any of Katie Mac's books.

Have you read this book? Tell me your thoughts in the comments! Want to read it? Pick up your copy at Amazon.com by clicking the link to the left.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Morning Glow ~!~

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Review of "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" by H.P. Mallory

The author contacted me to review one of her books, and after reading this - I was grateful for the opportunity! You can purchase your own copy here!!

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I have received no monetary incentive for a good review.

Type: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts!, Faeries, Sexy men with weird names, Mmm.. Accents, Can I have the guys she doesn't want?, Series

Book Description (From the site): "  A self-deprecating witch with a unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes and appetite for witches. The Underworld is in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.   "

When browsing both of this author's pieces, I was instantly drawn to "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble." This book follows the tale of Jolie, who isn't supermodel gorgeous, just a normal girl who occasionally gets visions. And then on a job for a client, she discovers she's able to bring back the dead - not as zombies, but as their former selves. It's quite the talent to have, and in today's war-fearing Underworld, it's much in demand. I love stories where our hero or heroine is tossed into a situation that is totally new and frightening for them, and they have to fight their way through it. This new world is something Jolie just can't hide away from, but she learns to deal with it. Of course, she has a little help from her friends...

Speaking of friends, we'll start with one of the secondary characters, Christa. She was definitely good for some laughs, but she had some genuine good-friend moments, which was good to see. When in a situation as tough as the one Jolie was in, a good friend like Christa will come in handy. And then there's Rand. So stubborn, so delicious, argh! Rand was so frustrating and reliable at the same time. There were scenes I wanted to strangle him, others I wanted snuggle him... and then there were a few times I wanted to do both at once.

One thing that really struck me about H.P. Mallory was how human her characters seemed. Well.. maybe that's not the correct term. She described the flaws and traits of each main and secondary character so well, you felt like you knew them. The author added little motions a character might make when aggravated, or sounds they might make when annoyed and amused. Just little things that could just as well be easily over-looked, and in the grand scheme of things might not even be important, but I loved getting that little glimpse of each character's life.

There are plenty of twists and turns in "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble." Jolie has a lot to deal with, and a lot to learn. I was so engrossed in the main characters journey that I read the entire book in one day - I just couldn't put it down. Good thing this book is a series, Jolie's trials are far from over, and there's an even rougher road ahead.

I'm going to give "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" by H.P. Mallory a FIVE out of FIVE (5/5). It was a great read, and it left me wanting.. or rather NEEDING more. I can't wait to see how this great war that has been building throughout this first novel turns out, as well as how Jolie deals with all the different players in her life. Make sure you all check out this book, as well as her other release (as of right now) "To Kill A Warlock."  Find "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble" here.

Have a wonderful day!
~!~ Morning Glow

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Review of "Unleashed" by Katie MacAlister

Cupid Cats (Signet Eclipse) First off, don't forget to enter my contest for a CSNstores.com gift card! Just click here

 "Unleashed" is Katie MacAlister's novella in the recently released anthology "Cupid Cats." Stories by Vicki Lewis Thompson and Connie Brockway are also included. I may be going crazy, but I swear I saw that the proceeds for this anthology go to help animal shelters local to each author. I thought I saw Katie MacAlister mention that on her blog or facebook, but I can't find it. If I find any new information on that, I'll try to edit this post to include it.

Disclaimer: This book, "Cupid Cats," was given to me as a gift. I was not given this book in exchange for a review.

Type: Anthology, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Weres, Scottish men (Yum!)

"Unleashed" is the story of Avery Scott, a Moravian Dark One (Vampire!), and Jacintha Ferreira, resident "kitty whisperer." Jacintha, or Jas, has been called out on a report that a rather large wild cat has been found in a local cat rescue, and finds not just a jaguar, but a very confused Moravian. Turns out, Avery managed to get himself turned into a jaguar on a recent case, and it's up to Jas to help him solve it. And a quick case turns into a possibly deadly mission.

Fans of Katie MacAlister's Dark Ones series may recognize Avery as one of Paen Scott's brothers, a character from earlier on in the books. Paen and his Beloved return to aide Jas and Avery, whether they want it or not. I love series for this reason. Paen and Sam, his Beloved, got their Happily Ever After in a previous book, but they do show up in later ones. Usually after a HEA, that's it, we just have to imagine what happens after that, but with a recurring series.. we at least get a little taste of their new life from time to time.

Katie MacAlister didn't disappoint with her novella, "Unleashed." She packs a lot of action in a short about of space, and still maintains her quirky humor, one of the reasons I love her. After having read so many (er.. all) of her books, I see a lot of recurring themes and actions. The rather yummy sounding fantasy involving a paintbrush and a bowl of melted chocolate pop up in this story, for just a second.

And the "Twilight" references had me snickering the whole time.

I'm going to give "Unleashed," Katie MacAlister's story in the Cupid Cats anthology, a FIVE out of FIVE. It was a quick, fun read, and now I can't wait until her next release. Speaking of that...
Katie MacAlister's upcoming releases:
"Death's Excellent Vacation" - Anthology - August 3, 2010
"In the Company of Vampires" - Dark Ones novel - November 2, 2010

ItCoV is my most looked-forward-to release OF THE YEAR. I've been waiting for the continuation of Ben and Fran's story for a long, looong time.

Happy Reading! And don't forget to enter the CSNstores.com contest! (See link at top of post)
~!~ Morning Glow

Now reading: "and falling, fly" by Skyler White