Thursday, November 27, 2014

Review - Bearly Hanging On by Lynn Red (Jamesburg Shifters #6)




Bearly Hanging On
The Jamesburg Shifters #6
by Lynn Red

Goodreads blurb:  From NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY best-selling author Lynn Red comes a steamy, sensual, seductively hilarious shifter romance!

Jamie Ampton is a sharp-tongued, pointy-toothed, vampy shifter with a penchant for neatly done-up hair buns and a habit of attracting EXACTLY the wrong sort of guy. Guys with a dash of arrogance, a pinch of cocky swagger turn her head... but when her last one turned out to be more “self-important jackass” and less “gruff and strong and takes what he wants,” it left her cold.

So to speak.

Ryan Drake has a dark past and a mysterious present. When he shows up demanding the town alpha do his part to care for Jamesburg’s aging shifters, the first thing Jamie notices is that her heart starts beating a little quicker. The second is a knot in the pit of her stomach. And then, before she can catch her breath, he stares straight into her eyes.

She’s never been one for the big, loud, muscled-up types, but in the space of two breaths, the elegantly detached Jamie finds herself falling for a bear.

Little does Jamie know that before he stomped into that courtroom, Ryan decided that nothing was gonna stop him from getting what he wanted. But, once he saw Jamie? Suddenly there were two things that this massive blue-eyed alpha bear were going to have, no matter what it took: help for his friends... and Jamie.

And Ryan? Ryan is one bear who ALWAYS takes what he wants.

***The Jamesburg Shifters is a series of standalone novels each with a unique hero and heroine, and HEA! No cliffhangers here – the stories can be enjoyed in any order you like, though once you start, you might not want to stop!***  


About the Author:  Lynn doesn't love anything more than being wrapped up in a hammock with her corgi on her stomach and a pile of her favorite books to read. And by "pile of books" she means "a kindle."
She loves all sorts of romance, but especially ones that feature big, strong alphas who will stop at nothing to prove themselves to the women who melt their hearts.

Sign up for her mailing list HERE, to keep up with new releases and get free reads and exclusive excerpts!

Connect with Lynn:

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!

***Received the ebook for an honest review
The cover is awesome :) I love it!!  Very sexy :)

This is my favorite bat’s story, yay Jamie!!!  Okay I really liked Jamie before, but I like her even more now :)  I really enjoyed this story as I have all the other Jamesburg books I have read so far.

I think the ending was a little abrupt compared to other stories by Lynn, and I thought I was going to get more info on Jamie when she shared it with her bear, but it never came though it was hinted to by Jenga.  You definitely get more crazy alpha and town council which is always amusing as well as our 2 favorite zombie bears :) 

Lynn always does a fantastic job with her writing and descriptions.  You always have a vivid picture in your head while you read :)  I wonder who’s story will be next :)

I recommend this series to any werebear lovers especially if you are a Lynn Red fan :)

See my review of Bearing It All (Book 2)!!!
See my review of Bear With Me (Book 3)!!!
See my review of Bearly Breathing (Book 4)!!!
See my review of Bear Me Away (Book 5)!!!
To Catch a Wolf (Book 1) coming soon :)

Interested in reading???

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Cover Reveal @Stacey_Kennedy - Witches Be Burned by Stacey Kennedy (Magic & Mayhem #2)

Witches Be Burned
by Stacey Kennedy

In Stacey Kennedy’s steamy paranormal romance novel, a rookie guardian sworn to combat the undead risks life and love in a world of violence, witchcraft, and seduction.

About the Author:  STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the CLUB SIN series. Growing up, Stacey’s mind wandered the path less traveled and that path most often led to love. She has always broken rules and she continues to feed off emotion – staying true to her heart. Those traits are now the bones of her stories. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who puts any of the heroes in her books to shame, and their two young children. If she’s not on mom duty or plugging away at a new story, you’ll find Stacey camping in the summer, hibernating in the winter and obsessing over Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones and Sons of Anarchy. 

Connect with Stacey:

So you wanted to see a cover reveal right :) 

Careful ;) It’s HOT!!!




Witches Be Burned
Magic & Mayhem #2
by Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Loveswept by Random House

Synopsis: Nexi Jones has lost her family, she’s been stripped of her guardian duties, and she’s still learning the ins and outs of white magic. At least she has Kyden, the smoldering hot elite guardian who’s been there for her every step of the way. But just as Nexi completes her training, tragedy strikes the Otherworld when a fellow guardian is murdered by a group of rogue vampires. Ready or not, she and Kyden trek into the Earthworld to hunt down a killer—and Nexi alone will be put to the ultimate test.

Although Kyden knows that Nexi must fight her own battles, his guardian instincts are raging as he struggles to keep her close. The ruthlessness of these vampires is like nothing he’s ever seen. And at their helm is the Black Witch Astoria, a demon with one burning desire: to shed Nexi’s blood in the name of vengeance. What troubles Kyden even more, though, is the warlock who covets Nexi’s heart. Let the devil do his worst . . . all Kyden can do is love and protect Nexi until his last breath.

Interested in Reading???

Monday, November 24, 2014

Review - Bear The Heat by Catherine Vale @valeromance (Bear Instincts #1)




Bear The Heat
Bear Instincts #1
by Catherine Vale

Goodreads blurb:  Rescuing Sonya from a fire is only the beginning. It's instant chemistry, a passion that burns as bright as the very fires that threaten to consume them.

They were destined to meet...

Caleb falls hard for the curvy woman despite knowing that he has little to offer her and that just by being with her puts her family in danger. After all, he's considered a traitor, a rogue shifter cast out of his clan. And worse, Sonya's been chosen to be Damien, Caleb's sworn enemy's, life mate.

Sonya knew the day would come when Damien would call to her. Her parents had groomed her since the age of thirteen, teaching her the ways and duties of becoming an alphas wife. She shares a hatred for Damien yet she can't allow her family to be punished, perhaps even murdered, by refusing to obey the alpha's call.

Caleb has only one move left - to challenge Damien as alpha in a fight to the death. If he wins he'll become the new alpha, get the girl and lead his clan to higher ground.

But if he loses... 


About the Author:  Catherine Vale has been writing fiction for as long as she can remember, but it wasn’t until she wrote her very first paranormal romance story that she found herself hooked on the raw, edgy love affair of shifters, vampires and other dominant alpha males and the captivating women that love them.

Catherine Vale writes both contemporary and paranormal romance for readers who are willing to take a walk on the wild side of love.  Her stories always include powerful alpha males, smart and sassy heroines and a happily-ever-after (even if she often put her characters through hell to get there!)

Connect with Catherine:

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!


The cover is on fire both literally and figuratively :)  I love it!!  Very sexy :)

Okay, I saw the cover, and it was under a buck, so I had to try it :)  This is the first book I have read by Catherine Vale, and I liked it a lot :) 

Sonya has amazing strength and determination, but her story wow!!!  You will definitely feel for her when you read, but I don’t want to give anything away.  Caleb is a sexy firefighting werebear…need I say more!  I want one!!! ;)

Catherine Vale is definitely an author that I’m going to have to check out more of her work in the future.  Her author bio isn’t lying that’s for sure.  I’m definitely going to need more of this series too :)  I’m hoping the rest of the fire fighting boys find a girl, but that we also get more of Caleb and Sonya in the future :)

I recommend this book to all my bear lovin’ friends because we all need a bear to cuddle with even if it is in book boyfriend form :) 

Interested in reading???

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Review - Two Bears Are Better Than One by Lynn Red (Broken Pine Bears #1)




Two Bears Are Better Than One
Broken Pine Bears #1
by Lynn Red

Goodreads blurb:  From USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Lynn Red comes a steamy, sexy, hilarious alpha werebear romance... with two times the bears!

Jill Appleton is a witty, slightly-lanky, tall-enough-to-make-most-guys-nervous biologist with a thing for bears.

Whoa, whoa, not like that - she's got a thing for SAVING bears.

When she hears stories of a secretive group of Kodiaks in the Appalachian Mountains, she knows she's got to check them out. First of all, they're not supposed to be there, and second – bears that live in a pack? That's about as rare as biologists who love big crowds. Or, when it comes to Jill, it’s as rare as one of her dates not turning into a train wreck. She's all but given up on finding that one guy who the universe decided was right for her.

Good thing she's about to meet two.

Rogue and King, joint alphas of the Broken Pine werebear clan, could not be more different. King is quiet, stalwart, and strong. He holds clan traditions and history sacred, and refuses to wear anything but a loincloth – the way the elders did. Rogue would rather get a face full of werewolf teeth than bother with all that. He’s feral, wild, loyal to a fault, and loves to guzzle craft beer straight from a keg. And also – a loincloth? Jeans all the way for this bear, thank you very much.

With the outside world coming closer to Broken Pine territory all the time, and the werewolf packs getting more riled up than ever, something is wrong. But, when the two alphas - who according to clan law, both mate one woman, and mate for life - see Jill making her way to camp?

The two alphas feel their hearts beat together, and know in that second that no matter what, no matter how, they will have her, they will possess her. They’ll make her theirs at any cost.

***The Broken Pine Bears is a series of standalone novels each with a complete storyline and HEA ending. No cliffhangers here!***


About the Author:  Lynn doesn't love anything more than being wrapped up in a hammock with her corgi on her stomach and a pile of her favorite books to read. And by "pile of books" she means "a kindle."
She loves all sorts of romance, but especially ones that feature big, strong alphas who will stop at nothing to prove themselves to the women who melt their hearts.

Sign up for her mailing list HERE, to keep up with new releases and get free reads and exclusive excerpts!

Connect with Lynn:

My Thoughts - 3.5 out of 5 Unicorns - I more than liked it!!

***Received the ebook for an honest review

The cover is awesome and very well yummy :)  though I wanted to see the mark on one of them, but oh well.

This is a new series by Lynn Red.  I don’t usually read the blurb before starting a book unless I’m undecided on buying a book and sometimes I look at a few reviews too; however, I did not with this book because Lynn sent it to me.  When I started reading it, I thought it was going to be a Jamesburg book, and quickly realized nope this is a new series.

I usually have a disconnection with the characters and world when I start a new series.  This is totally a me problem and not an author issue.  Sometimes I will skip the first book or two and after I get sucked into a series, I will go back and read the ones I skipped.  I see great possibilities in this series for the future now that I have seen a little of the world though I have no idea where it will go next :)

Jill is definitely strong and independent which I love.  The men have this weird dry humor that makes you think really and that they are totally like cavemen, but they grow on you & you get used to their ways.  They definitely intrigue you :)

Lynn creates an unusual new world that is completely unique to anything else I have read thus far.  There were parts that I found to be slow, but again part of my issues when new worlds are being created.  I was confused in a few parts, but it definitely cleared up, and I still have quite a few questions.  But there have to be some intrigue to get us to read the next book :)

I think if you enjoy Lynn Red’s work or shifter books, you will enjoy reading this book :)  I wonder how long I have to wait for book 2 :)

Interested in reading???

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Review - Alpha Wolf's Pet, Kept by Eva Gordon @evagordon (Alpha Wolf's Pet #2)




Alpha Wolf’s Pet, Kept Book #2
By Eva Gordon

Goodreads Blurb:  In the sequel to Alpha Wolf’s Pet, Hidden, Mia has two choices: remain hidden, frightened by the Russian mob determined to murder her, or become a sworn member and under the protection of Dominic’s werewolf pack. Being Dominic's human lover is pleasurable while taxing. She wants more than he can give: commitment. Except werewolves never marry humans. Carnal desires aside, will she accept her low status within the pack in order to share what little time she has with Dominic until he takes a werewolf mate?

Dominic is torn. If he gives Mia beta status, his pack will mutiny. If he doesn’t, she’ll leave. Her stubborn independent nature will turn his world of strict pack rules upside down and he’ll be scorned as pack enforcer. He loves her, but his pack rules will never allow him to claim a human as his mate. Worse, he’s drawn to Mia's addictive blood. Was one taste too much?

Despite breaking the witness protection rules and looming danger, Mia is determined to visit her ailing grandmother. Can Dominic protect her from the mob, as well as from his kind? As their passion reaches a fevered pitch, will circumstances crush their happiness?


About the Author:  I write fantasy and paranormal novels with a strong romantic element. I love to create stories that combine my passion for mythology, romance and werewolf lore. I also write steampunk and Victorian era historical and alternative novels.

Hand of Miriam, A Bayla and the Golem Novel is a gothic/steampunk/paranormal romance. Release date: December 2013. Available Now Book 2, Her Majesty’s Witch, A Bayla and the Golem Novel, will be released Spring or Summer 2014.

Lycan Gladiator is book 1 in my paranormal wolfish romance historical series, The Wolf Maiden Saga. Released August 2013. Book 2, Wolf Knight in King Arthur’s Court is with my editor at Corvallis Press.

Apocalyptic Moon is book 1 in my After the Bane series (paranormal romance/zombie apocalypse) Released May 2013 by The Wild Rose Press. Book 2, Raven Moon will be released 2014 and late December 2013 on kindle select.


The Stone of the Tenth Realm, my epic fantasy backlist novel will be revised and released in the near future.

I have a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. I have taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in my den writing, I enjoy world travel, steampunk conventions, hiking, raptor rehabilitation and wolf sanctuaries.

I also teach online workshops on wolf lore ancient falconry and animal lore for Romance Writers of America and other writer groups. If you are interested in my workshops, please contact me.

Connect with Eva: 

~ Website ~ Blog ~ Amazon Page ~ 

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!

***Received the ebook for an honest review

I like the cover and especially the man, but I liked the girl on Hidden better than the one on Kept.  She looks too teeny bopper on this cover in my opinion.

Okay I’m still really torn on this Pet business.  One minute I love Dom and the next I think him and his wolves need a good lashing themselves.  I was growling several times while reading….definitely things I don’t think I could put up with, but I’ve never been good at letting anyone else have that much control over me.

Mia is still dealing with wolf drama, mob danger, and add family issues from both sides.  She has amazing strength of character.  I’m secretly hoping that she gets her happily ever after eventually :)

I definitely got pulled into the story and couldn’t put it down, and I want the next book like now.  Eva is fabulous a writing her story and you being able to feel the emotion on the page and see the story in your head.

I recommend this story to shifter fans who want a different kind of world and lots of action :)

See my review of Alpha Wolf’s Pet, Hidden!!! (Book1)

Interested in reading???


Friday, November 21, 2014

Netgalley Review - Duncan by D.B. Reynolds @DBReynoldsWrite (Vampires in America #5)




Duncan
Vampires in America #5
by D.B. Reynolds


Goodreads blurb:  Washington, D.C. ... capital of an empire. Powerful. Exhilarating. Corrupt. And in the shadows ... vampires far older than the nation itself. A power unto himself, Duncan has served at Raphael's side for a hundred and fifty years. But long laid plans have finally borne fruit, and the time has come for Duncan to leave Raphael and tackle the greatest challenge of his life. He will face treacherous vampires and murderous humans. He will rock the halls of human power if necessary. But Washington, D.C. will be his. Emma Duquet cares nothing for vampire politics. She just wants to find her missing roommate and best friend, Lacey. But Lacey's been playing with vampires of a particularly dangerous kind, and Emma will have to deal with the new vampire in town if she's going to find her friend. Battling powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets, Duncan and Emma will dig beneath the corruption and depravity that is Washington, D.C. and uncover the most heinous conspiracy of all...


About the Author:  D.B. Reynolds is the award-winning author of the popular Vampires in America series, as well as other paranormal fiction. She lives with her husband of many years in a flammable canyon near Los Angeles, and when she's not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else's. 

Connect with D.B.:

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!

***Received ebook from Belle Books for an honest review

The cover has also recently had a makeover with the rest of the covers, and it is a marked improvement.  I love it!!  Very sexy!!

This is Duncan’s story, Raphael’s right hand man.  He is now out on his own.  Duncan is definitely putting out Alpha male vibes in this story.  Lots of action like all of D.B.’s stories.  Emma is way stronger than me considering everything life has thrown at her.  I think I like Emma almost as much as I like Cyn.  I hope they will get to see them adventuring and causing mischief together.

D.B.’s writing style is awesome.  She is descriptive and detailed and gets you sucked right into the story.  I have no problem imagining the picture as I read.

This series is really fabulous.  I haven’t read one yet that I haven’t loved :)  I haven’t loved vampires this much since I discovered the Argeneau series.  If you loved that series, you must read this one :) I will absolutely be reading more of D.B. stories as often as I can :)

See my review of Raphael book 1!!!!
See my review of Jabril book 2!!!!
See my review of Rajmund book 3!!!
See my review of Sophia book 4!!!

Interested in reading???

Friday Reveal @Month9Books & Giveaway @LeighStatham #M9BFridayReveals - The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl by Leigh Statham

M9B-Friday-Reveal


Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing the first chapter for

The Perilous Journey of the 
Not-So-Innocuous Girl 
by Leigh Statham

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

The Perilous Journey
Lady Marguerite lives a life most 17th century French girls can only dream of: Money, designer dresses, suitors and a secure future. Except, she suspects her heart may be falling for her best friend Claude, a common smithie in the family’s steam forge. When Claude leaves for New France in search of a better life, Marguerite decides to follow him and test her suspicions of love. Only the trip proves to be more harrowing than she anticipated. Love, adventure and restitution await her, if she can survive the voyage.
add to goodreads


THE PERILOUS JOURNEY OF
THE NOT-SO-INNOCUOUS GIRL
by Leigh Statham

Publication date:  2015
Publisher:  Month9Books, LLC.

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Excerpt

The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl
Leigh Statham
Chapter One
Marguerite held the brass cricket gingerly in her hands. She kept it tucked under the table while she turned it over, her fingers blindly memorizing every feature. She knew it was childish for a sixteen-year-old to have a favorite toy, but she couldn’t help it. The design fascinated her. Occasionally she would trip the mechanism and the cricket literally sprang to life, launching itself against the underside of the table with a loud knock.
“What was that?” Madame Pomphart cried.
Marguerite caught the little metal bug with one hand and tucked it into the folds of her skirts. “Nothing,” she lied.
“I heard a noise.” The sour-faced governess slapped the desk with her pointer and stepped closer. “What are you hiding?”
Marguerite didn’t flinch. “You must be hearing things again. You are getting rather old.”
Madame Pomphart swung her pointer, making sound contact with Marguerite's shoulder.
“Ah!” Marguerite grabbed her shoulder and jumped to her feet, knocking her chair over. She quite forgot about the little toy cricket which launched right at the governess’s face.
“What? Oh!” Madame Pomphart batted the air and stumbled backward, dropping her stick as the cricket ricocheted off her nose and landed at Marguerite’s feet. “How dare you bring vermin into my classroom? Your father will hear about this. Lord Vadnay will not be pleased!”
Marguerite scooped up her prize and ran for the door, grateful for the chance to escape.
“Get back here or you’ll receive double lashings!”
It was too late. Marguerite ran much faster than her teacher and was already halfway down the wide corridor. Lined with portraits of long-dead relatives and her father’s collection of modern weaponry, each display tempted her with thoughts of challenging the governess to a duel. She could easily scoop up one of the automated cat-o-nine-tails and turn back to the classroom. She rather fancied the idea, actually. But it wasn't the right time or the right way to handle her heavy-handed caretaker, and honestly, she wasn't quite brave enough to do more than talk back—not yet.
Her fear began to lift as she lightly descended the grand curving stairway to the ballroom, sprinting over the marble tiles and through the large doors to the gardens. The French summer sun blinded her. Marguerite blinked as she continued to run around the fountain filled with automated koi. A servant perched on the edge of the large pool, brass fish in hand. Its tail clicked furiously back and forth as he tried to oil it. The late-summer roses bloomed bright with color all around her. Butterflies seemed to flit merrily on every blossom, cheering her on. Human and automaton servants worked side by side grooming the large hedges … They jumped out of her way and bowed. None of them seemed surprised to see the young lady of the house running out of doors and they all knew where she was headed.
She tried to slip away to the cool shelter of the small glen beyond the lavender fields every chance she could, but since her father came up with the idea that she needed to be a “real lady,” it had become more difficult to sneak away.
At this point, she could have stopped. Pomphart wouldn’t follow her now, but it felt so good to move quickly after being at a table all morning. Her heart beat like an auto-hammer in her chest by the time she reached the work fields. More automatons and human servants stopped and bowed to the master’s daughter. Marguerite paid them no attention.
Finally reaching the small grove of trees, she flopped merrily on the soft grass and took a deep breath, then giggled to herself. She was safe, for now. The wind picked up and tousled the leaves overhead, sending bits of sunlight swimming wildly around her. The grass outside the glen rustled under the heavy thud of work boots: Claude.
“Hullo!” His voice sounded merry as he peered through the low branches that poked and tickled at the earth, surprised to see her there so early. “How’d you manage to beat me?” His wavy, light brown hair was just shaggy enough to soften his strong jaw and angular nose. His cheek was smeared with gear oil, right up to the corner of his smiling blue eyes. He was too tall for his work trousers and his chest had grown too broad for his cotton shirt. The buttons tugged a bit, but he wasn’t the type to care about his clothes. He pulled his welding goggles off of his head and wiped the sweat on his brow with the arm of his shirt.
“I ran.” She smiled wickedly.
Claude flopped down in the grass beside her. “That’s not very ladylike, and Pomphart doesn’t usually let you out till half past.”
“I had to run after this marvelous toy you made for me attacked her.” She held up the cricket like a prize gem freshly plucked from the earth.
“Marguerite!” he cried. “I asked you to keep it safe, not use it to get yourself tossed out of ladyhood!”
“It was an accident. I swear. The lessons are just so boring. I needed something to do, so I had it under the table. She’s such a brute. You should have seen how she hit me with her blasted pointer.”
“She struck you again?” his face turned dark.
“Yes, but it's nothing, just a welt on the shoulder.” The last thing she wanted was to be the damsel in distress.
“Still.” Claude's brow furrowed. “It's not right. Ladies don't strike other ladies. Please keep good care of that little bug. It took me a long time to build and I didn’t record the plans. I may need to borrow it back someday.”
“All right.” Disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm for her naughtiness, she carried on. “But you should have seen her face! If only I could have a portrait made of that. I’d hang it over my bed and have a miniature made to keep by my heart.”
A nasally voice attached to a pointy-faced, pale girl in bright pink skirts burst through the cool glen. “Whose miniature are you keeping by your heart? You haven’t even had your ball yet.”
“Hello, Vivienne.” Marguerite sighed without enthusiasm.
“Marguerite has just sealed her doom,” Claude chimed in. “She threw the cricket I made her at Pomphart’s face today, so there may not be a ball.”
“That’s rubbish! I did no such thing. It just got away from me and bounced right off her nose.” Marguerite laughed again while recalling the image, but Claude’s words made her a bit nervous.
“Oh dear,” cried Vivienne. “What are you going to do?”
Of course Vivienne would make a big deal out of it, Marguerite didn’t expect anything less from her childish neighbor.
“I’m not sure. That’s why I came straight here.” She turned pointedly to Claude. “I thought you’d want to celebrate my freedom and take the rest of the day off.”
Claude was quick to reply, “I’m afraid I can’t. Lots to be finished at the forge and I am on stall-mucking duty with the bots.”
“What do you possibly have to finish at the forge that’s so important?”
Claude raised his eyebrows at her. “A certain girl’s father has requested automatic serving dishes made of twenty-four-karat gold for her introduction to society.”
“Oh my!” Vivienne drew a dramatic breath. “How elegant. I so wish I were old enough to come.”
“Don’t worry,” Marguerite patted the girl’s knee, “I’m sure you can borrow them for your own ball.”
“Marguerite … ” Claude hissed at her.
It wasn’t a very kind thing to say, but Marguerite had never been very fond of Vivienne. She mostly endured her company because she was the only girl within a hundred miles that was close to the same age and station as Marguerite. That, and Claude had insisted she be kind to her.
“You’re right, Claude.” Marguerite smiled in repentance. “I’m sure your father will have loads of wonderful things for the guests to marvel at when your time comes, Vivienne. Still, it would be nice to have both of you there. I suppose I will be forced to talk to strangers.”
“I can’t believe you’re not excited!” Vivienne chattered. “New dresses! Handsome suitors!”
“I am excited,” Marguerite cut her off, “to have it over and done with! Dressing up might be fun, but dressing up to catch a man is not my idea of a good time.”
“Don’t be vulgar.” Vivienne blushed. “It’s not like that at all.”
Claude cut in, “I’d love to stay and discuss this matter with you girls, but I do have a few chafing dishes waiting for their motors in the shop.”
Marguerite tensed at the thought of not only being left alone with Vivienne, but also being without Claude’s protection should Pomphart come looking for her. “Do you think I could come help you at the forge today?”
“Not if you want me to get anything done.” Claude smiled merrily.
“Stop it! You know I’m a whiz with gear-work.”
“When you are actually interested in the work, yes, but I’m afraid that auto-spoons and brass tureens would bore you to death.”
Marguerite tried to make her eyes look large and beseeching, but she knew it was no use.
“No. But you can walk me there. I forgot my lunch anyway,” Claude said as he reached to help Marguerite up.
“I didn’t exactly have time to grab a snack as I fled the dungeons,” Marguerite quipped.
“Oh! I know!” Vivienne was bursting. “Let’s have lunch in town today. You’re not going back to your lessons are you? And Claude is busy with work. It will be such fun girl time!”
Marguerite sighed, but Vivienne was right. There was no way for her to return to the estate house without being trapped by Pomphart, and she had nothing to do if Claude insisted on finishing his chores. Still, she was uneasy about the idea of being on her own with Pomphart’s wrath hovering around an unknown corner waiting to pounce. The woman was ruthless when no one of importance was watching. She had a way of getting Marguerite off on her own and exacting whatever form of punishment she felt was suitable for the crime. Marguerite tried to complain to her father, but he wouldn’t listen, he thought Marguerite just didn’t want lessons anymore.
Claude knew all of this and sensed her fears in her quiet gaze.
“Come with me, both of you. I have someone I want you to meet.” Claude smiled.
Marguerite jumped up at his tug, tossed her wavy brown hair, and set her skirts aright, glad someone was helping her make up her mind. “Very well.”
“Hooray! Oh, I know just the place,” Vivienne said. “There is a new little patisserie I saw the other day I’ve been aching to try.” She skipped up the hill ahead of the other two, babbling on about buns and cakes and half sandwiches.
Claude reached for Marguerite’s arm and squeezed a bit. He used this gesture when he was about to chastise her, but she didn’t think she’d been that rude to Vivienne. The girl got on her nerves with every word, but her intentions were good and Marguerite wasn’t cruel by nature, just impatient.
“What?” she hissed.
“I have some news, but I wanted to tell you first.”
“Oh?” Relieved not to be in trouble, but also perplexed, Marguerite wished more now than ever that Vivienne would just skip into oblivion with her bouncy blonde curls and scattered thoughts.
“Yes. You know how we spoke a few weeks ago about my plans?”
“Did you find a position in Paris?” Marguerite could scarcely contain herself. Her friend was so talented, and she knew better than anyone that he was wasted working as a bondservant on her father’s estate. If he could secure an apprenticeship in Paris he could come back to La Rochelle as a master tradesman. Plus she could visit him there. Still, apprenticeships were hard to come by.
“No, I think it’s better than that.”
“What could be better than Paris?” In her mind, crowds of well-dressed ladies paraded down glittering avenues while the latest autocarts passed by in a blur of technology and innovation. Paris was the hub of all things Marguerite admired.
“I’ve signed into His Majesty’s service. As of next week, I’ll be an official member of the Royal Corp of Engineers.”
“You what?” She was stunned. It took her a moment to sort out her emotions. How could he have made this type of decision without consulting her? They had shared everything since they discovered each other as bored children on the estate a decade ago.
“I knew you’d be angry with me for not telling you beforehand, but an opportunity just presented itself and I knew it was right—I had to take it.”
“No, I’m not angry at all. Just shocked. You know how my father feels about the military.”
“But you see, that’s just it. I won’t have to worry about your father anymore, I won’t owe him anything. My first assignment is to New France.”
“Are you two coming or not? I’m starved!” Vivienne had doubled back when she realized she was talking to herself.
Marguerite wasn’t sure she could eat or talk at that moment. She wasn’t sure she could even take another step.

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
L. Statham
Leigh Statham was raised in the wilds of rural Idaho, but found her heart in New York City. She worked as a waitress, maid, artist, math teacher, nurse, web designer, art director, thirty-foot inflatable pig and mule wrangler before she settled down in the semi-quiet role of wife, mother and writer. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, four children, five chickens and two suspected serial killer cats. If the air is cool and the sun is just coming up over the horizon, you can find her running the streets of her small town, plotting her next novel with the sort of intensity that will one day get her hit by a car.
Connect with the Author:
Website |Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Review - Power of the Heir's Passion by L.R.W. Lee @LRWLee (Andy Smithson #0)




Power of the Heir’s Passion
Andy Smithson #0
by L.R.W. Lee

Goodreads blurb:  Before the adventure, before perilous quests…the tale of three royal ghosts.

In a land far away, there lived a prince who loved power. Carried away by his lust, he surrendered to its devices and usurped the throne from his older sister in an act of treachery.

Imogenia unexpectedly finds herself in the Afterlife, having to navigate between Peace Paradise, the Unclaimed Baggage department, the Unfinished Business office, and other governmental agencies. Against a backdrop of soul music, she encounters all manner of new experiences from black, frothing, arsenic-spiced drinks to guest services personnel and plays host to her parents when they join her. While the spirits are friendly and the experiences memorable, Imogenia has never forgotten the cause of her early arrival in the afterlife, and plots revenge. Her parents initially support a beta test she proposes to the Committee on Afterlife Affairs to punish her brother, but grow weary of the conflict over five-hundred-years and petition to withdraw their support. What will Imogenia do? How will she realize the justice denied her? How will her actions impact others?


About the Author:  Since the age of eight, L. R. W. Lee wanted to write a children’s book, but felt she did not have anything significant to share; she sought to change lives while entertaining. A degree in Accounting did not provide riveting fodder for a best seller, so she waited. Over a decade, she founded and grew a company, during which, she worked closely with a mentor from whom she learned uncommon thinking that changed her life. After selling her business in early 2012, she had time to write and, more importantly, something significant to share.

L. R. W. Lee lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband, daughter and son.

Connect with L.R.W.:

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!

***Received the ebook in exchange for an honest review

The cover definitely goes with the story though Book 3’s cover is still my favorite :)

Okay, I think this story clears up some of the confusion surrounding Imogenia’s curse & how Andy play’s into it.  This is basically an expansion and more detail of the prologue. 

It was nice to get these details and understand the background more. 

I recommend this prequel to those who’ve read this series, you do not want to pass up reading this, and if you are new to the series, this is a great way to see if this story is for you though I think this series gets better and better, so keep this in mind :)

Interested in reading???

See my review of Blast of the Dragon’s Fury (Book1)
See my review of Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning (Book2)
See my review of Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor (Book3)

Interested in reading the Omnibus of Books 1-3

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Review - Shiftin' Dirty by Eliza Gayle @elizagaylebooks (Southern Shifters #6)




Shiftin’ Dirty
Southern Shifters #6
by Eliza Gayle

Goodreads blurb:  Bringing home a human can only go two ways. All out war or death.

Robert Gage is surrounded by sex and his wolf is ready to climb the walls. He doesn't need a mate, but he could use an outlet for his frustration. Someone to warm his bed until morning and then go on her way. He especially doesn't need a human woman who likes to poke her adorable nose in everyone's business. Except her scent and her curves are already messing with his head.

Sienna has about had it with the male species after her latest boyfriend leaves her behind with a stupid note and a mountain of debt. Unfortunately, the only job she can get is in a bar full of rough and scary bikers that seem to think she's an easy lay. She's about to teach them a ball breaking lesson when one of them growls and the other turns into a creature right out of her worst nightmare.

Now a hunk-a-licious big biker is screaming at her to run because her life depends on it. He wants to take her home where she'll be safe. Yeah...okay.


About the Author:  After growing up in the South and dividing my time between Florida and North Carolina, I decided that 2012 would be my year for change. I rented out my house on the East Coast and convinced my family to join me for a wacky trip across the country. Now I write my romance books from a small island in the Pacific Northwest while contemplating our next home renovation project on the fixer upper we bought.

When not writing, I'm likely to be found with my nose in a book or sitting in a darkened theater watching the latest blockbuster movie. Unless it's not raining, then I guarantee I'll be outside soaking up the sun or exploring one of the many nearby forests.

If you'd like to check out one or more of my books, I'd be tickled pink. I primarily write paranormal shifters and contemporary romance with BDSM elements. I dig reading and writing series, so you'll also find I have several. It's an addiction.

I love getting feedback so I look forward to any and all honest reviews as well as recommendations for good books. I am always on the hunt for a new favorite book. 

Connect with Eliza:

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!

***Received the ebook from the author for an honest review

The cover is sexy :)  Love it!!

All sorts of drama and action :)  I loved this one just as much as the last one :)  This is Gage’s story.  There is all sorts of shifter drama for Gage and all sorts of drama for Sienna before she met Gage and then he threw in shifter drama to her pile.  There are fights, kidnapping, a baby, donuts, and some very steamy sex scenes.

I really like Eliza Gayle’s series so far, and I need to back track and read the rest of the series because I think I already bought most of them.  Her writing makes it easy to get sucked into the lives and stories of her characters.  Of course, I’m a total shifter addict, so I usually love them.

I highly recommend this book to Eliza fans and shifter fans alike.  If you have not read one of Eliza’s books, you definitely need to especially if you are already a shifter addict because her world is awesome :)
 
See my review of Be Were (Book # 5)!!!

Interested in reading???

~ Amazon ~ AmazonUK ~ B&N