Monday, April 6, 2015

REVIEW: "Give to the Heart, Volume 2" by Wann

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

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Type: Graphic Novel, Manga, Series, Mythology, Book 2, Magic, Every guy's shirt has some sort of malfunction?!

About the Book: Earth suffers a cataclysm. Three godlike beings emerge to rule over survivors. Lord Ganok controls all waters. He nourishes nations with rain or blights them with drought.Yet, despite his terrifying abilities, the Water King can't win the heart of the woman Sooyi because the human heart contains more intense storms than even he can create. Furthermore, Sooyi seeks to fulfill a vendetta...and the power to slay the Water King. [Description provided by Netgalley.com]

My Review: Yes, I gave the first volume a higher rating, but that doesn't mean I liked this second book less. Actually, in some respects I liked volume 2 more. Then why the lower rating? Because I wasn't as immediately sucked in to the story in this volume as I was in the first volume. Well, that is only mostly accurate. I was sucked in quickly, then lost the desperation to continue the story in the middle, then picked it back up again near the end. The story dipped a little for me in the middle, but it picked right back up, and ended on a strong note. So for that, it gets one less star than the first book - but it was still a great read for me.

In book two, we get less of the Water King, and more of Sooyi and her travels with her companion, who has a mysterious story of his own. I cannot wait to find out what is going on with him. We get a teaser at the end of volume 2, but it is not enough! I must find out what is going on.

Side note: I feel so bad for the poor guys in this story. There is a plague of shirt malfunctions throughout the story. But I guess this is payback for all the gratuitous panty shots that show up in other mangas?

Cover Lovin': Eye catching, check. Good representation of the art, check. Gives an idea of what is actually going to happen in this volume? Nope.

Recommendation: For fans of the first volume, definitely. And for those than like the author's other works.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Good, in some respects I liked it better than volume 1, but I wasn't as immediately sucked in like I was with the previous book.


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

Friday, April 3, 2015

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 ~!~

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

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 ~!~

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

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.”
“…a fun and sexy read. It has a touch of suspense to it as well to keep the pace of the story going along.”
“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.”
“Foster…manages to keep characters evolving throughout the course of a novel, becoming true ‘heroes’ by the time ‘The End’ rolls around.”






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/ 






Friday, March 27, 2015

REVIEW: "Give to the Heart, Volume 1" by Wann

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

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Type: Graphic Novel, Manga, Comic Book, Mythology-esque, Magic, Series, Let's give this a shot!

About the Book: In the far-off distant future, the Earth suffers a cataclysm that destroys modern civilization. Over centuries, human survivors regroup and organize into primitive cities. Three godlike beings arise and oversee the well-being of the world. Lord Ganok rules all waters. Nations prosper - or starve - on his whim. He nourishes farmlands with rainfall or blights entire realms with drought. He can unleash violent storms that level entire cities. Yet, despite all his awe-inspiring abilities, the Water King can't win the heart of a simple human woman named Sooyi. Lord Ganok quickly learns that the human heart contains more intense storms than he could ever hope to create. Furthermore, Sooyi seeks out a power of her own in order to fulfill an old vendetta...the power to slay the Water King once and for all! [Description provided by Goodreads.com]

My Review: I loved this. This is exactly the type of thing I obsess over. I love mythology mixed into my fantasy stories - so of course the whole demons controlling certain aspects of the earth got my attention. I would even say this story seems to be futuristic, though a future where civilization moved backwards - which makes tons more sense when you actually see it, I assume.

The art was very appealing, and there were plenty of shirtless male shots to appease the female readers (and hey, some males too, I don't judge). I like the relationship between the Water King and Sooyi, and I can't wait to see how this develops in further volumes - or not, considering the end. Need more now, please!

Cover Lovin': This cover will certainly appeal to shojo manga fans! It definitely got my attention, so overall: good cover.

Recommendation: For fans of things like Fushigi Yugi, From Far Away. It's not too similar, but I thought the vibe was there.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars. Right up my alley. Loved it, and I can't wait to read on!


Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda at Novel Addiction ~!~

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Release Day Launch: Kristen Proby's "EASY WITH YOU"


Easy With You RDL Banner  

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to bring you the Release Day Launch for Kristen Proby's EASY WITH YOU!! EASY WITH YOU is an Adult Erotic Romance novella filled with suspense in Kristen’s With Me in Seattle Series!! Kristen's beloved characters, sexy situations, and suspense!? Run, don't walk, to Amazon and one click this bad boy!

  Easy with You

Amazon Kindle ** Amazon Print

Excerpt: “You didn’t ask for her number.” She scowls and pokes her finger into my chest. I look down at it, then glance up at her with a raised brow. “You just assaulted an officer.” “I did?” She swallows hard. “Yes. I might have to arrest you.” “With handcuffs?” She smiles gleefully, clearly excited at the thought. “Would you like me to arrest you with handcuffs?” “Hell to the yes!” “Kate?” There’s suddenly a very tall, very irritated man standing behind the fiery redhead, staring daggers into me. I can’t help but laugh. “I’m talking to the hot Asher,” she says, not turning to look at him. “I assaulted him, and he’s a cop, and he’s going to put me in handcuffs.” “No, I don’t believe he will.” I laugh again. “There’s nothing going on here, man.” “Come see Lila!” Kate takes my hand, pulling me from my stool to the table behind us. Most of the women have cleared out, leaving just a few, including the sexy as fuck woman I met on the plane yesterday. “Where did everyone go?” “Declan took them home,” Lila replies, and her hand stops midway between the table and her lips, holding her drink. Her violet eyes widen when she sees me. “Hi.” “We meet again.” I sit next to her, my fingers itching to plunge in her dark hair and brush it over her shoulder. “How are you, Lila?” “Fine.” She clears her throat and smiles at me. “I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” “A happy coincidence,” I reply softly. “You look beautiful.” And she does. Her eyes are a bit glassy from the alcohol, her cheeks just a little flushed. Her hair is straight and falls down her back and over her slim shoulders. Before I can ask her questions about her trip here, or anything about her, we are soon pulled into the conversation with the others at the table. But when Kate asks Lila if she’s ready to go, I’m shocked when Lila responds with, “I’m gonna have Asher take me home.”   Easy with You Teaser 2   About EASY WITH YOU: Nothing has ever come easy for Lila Bailey. She’s fought for every good thing in her life during every day of her thirty-one years. Aside from that one night with an impossible to deny stranger a year ago, Lila is the epitome of responsible. Steadfast. Strong. She’s pulled herself out of the train wreck of her childhood, proud to be a professor at Tulane University and laying down roots in a city she’s grown to love. But when some of her female students are viciously murdered, Lila’s shaken to the core and unsure of whom she can trust in New Orleans. When the police detective assigned to the murder case comes to investigate, she’s even more surprised to find herself staring into the eyes of the man that made her toes curl last year. In an attempt to move on from the tragic loss of his wife, Asher Smith moved his daughter and himself to a new city, ready for a fresh start. A damn fine police lieutenant, but new to the New Orleans force, Asher has a lot to prove to his colleagues and himself. With a murderer terrorizing the Tulane University campus, Asher finds himself toe-to-toe with the one woman that haunts his dreams. His hands, his lips, his body know her as intimately as he’s ever known anyone. As he learns her mind and heart as well, Asher wants nothing more than to keep her safe, in his bed, and in his and his daughter’s lives for the long haul. But when Lila becomes the target, can Asher save her in time, or will he lose another woman he loves?   Easy With You teaser 1 A Message from Kristen Proby: Dear readers, As you know, the With Me In Seattle series came to a close earlier this month with the eighth and final installment, FOREVER WITH ME. I've been steadfast in my decision that there would be no further stories from the series, no spin-offs, nothing more. In my mind, it was complete. And I still feel that the Montgomery/Williams families are complete, and I maintain that I'm happy with their happy-ever-afters. But, I've also heard you when you've said that Asher, Matt Montgomery's partner in TIED WITH ME, deserves to have a happily ever after for himself and his daughter Casey. So, when the lovely ladies from 1001 Dark Nights asked me to participate in their wonderful project, I thought long and hard about whose story it should be about. Seattle is finished, and I've moved on to New Orleans for the new Boudreaux Series... And then it occurred to me: why not do both, and offer a companion novella to each of the series? And so, because you, the reader, has been so insistent that you want to see Asher and Casey find their perfect person, I'm excited to introduce you to EASY WITH YOU. I think you're going to love Asher and Lila's love story this spring... Happy Reading, Kristen Proby Author pic_MontanaABOUT KRISTEN PROBY: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.      

Website**Facebook**Twitter**Author Goodreads

 

Monday, March 23, 2015

HOLDING STRONG by Lori Foster Countdown promo!



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.”
“…a fun and sexy read. It has a touch of suspense to it as well to keep the pace of the story going along.”
“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.”
“Foster…manages to keep characters evolving throughout the course of a novel, becoming true ‘heroes’ by the time ‘The End’ rolls around.”



Holding Strong is part of the Ultimate series.
The full series includes the following stories:

  • Hard Knocks
  • No Limits
  • Holding Strong
  • Tough Love
  • Fighting Dirty

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/