Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Book Spotlight: "The Darkest Part" by Trisha Wolfe



Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.

Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?

When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.

On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her.

New Adult Contemporary coming this year.

What readers are saying about THE DARKEST PART...

"This is a great story that captures every element bringing it to a full circle of knowledge and love. A worthy read that is unique and entertaining, The Darkest Part is great." - Savannah @ BooksWithBite

"The Darkest Part is not your typical NA. It’s a powerful mentally and emotional story about true love and finding your way out of the darkness. Something that only a talented writer can pull off." - Nereyda @ Mostly YA Book Obsessed

"The Darkest Part is emotional, raw, dark, and passionate, and I felt each of those emotions with Sam and Holden through the entire novel." - Ellen @ Always YA At Heart





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Review: "Brianna's Bewitching" by Selene Grace Silver


"Brianna's Bewitching"
Author: Selene Grace Silver
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Pages: 120
Source: Authur in exchange for a honest review.
Published: March 10, 2003
Author's Website: http://www.selenegracesilver.com

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
It’s 1977 and Brianna Marston is a feminist finishing up her final university courses. She’s a little bit wild, but isn’t that what being young and free is all about? It’s a new age for women and she intends to reap the benefits that new status provides her. She’s focused on developing a rewarding career and finding an adventurous lover. She’s also a witch-in-training. Her inherited powers are growing faster than her skill though. She’s not sure if one of her reality shifting spells is the reason she’s become the love interest of one LAPD officer.

Jack Ross never does anything without a well-thought out plan. On track to make detective within the year, he’s lined up a perfect woman to be his wife and raise their children. She’s thoughtful, gracious, and lovely to look at, and best of all, she’s not one of those radical bra burning feminists. She desires a traditional life as a wife and mother. If he doesn’t exactly love her yet, he’s sure that he will once they marry. He’s never been in love and it seems to him that it’s as easy to love one attractive woman as another. Then one unruly, mouthy blonde lands in his arms, disrupting all his carefully-laid plans.







Brianna is a 20 year-old feminist, witch-in-training. She has inherited powers that she’s not particularly skilled in. Just finishing college, Brianna is now looking forward to becoming an independent career woman, as well as finding an adventurous lover – as she has little experience in this area.

Jack is a 29 year-old police officer with a more traditional value system. He has his life figured out; he wants to settle down with the perfect woman and begin a family. He’s ready to put plans into action with Melanie, the woman he’s been dating who meets all of his old-fashioned requirements, though he’s not really in love with.....yet. He believes that will come after they marry.

Jack is not thrilled to be policing a women's rights rally in downtown Los Angeles in 1977, as it goes against his traditionalist beliefs. Brianna, however, is brazenly participating in this rally, stripping off her shirt and bra when she falls into the arms of one very upset police officer.

For the most part, I liked the story. It was a cute, short read that I finished within a several hours. But I will warn you, it is a cliffhanger ending so be prepared to read this story as part of a series. One thing I’m not especially fond of is insta-love stories, but hey, I guess it could happen (this is fiction after all). Love in this story develops too fast for my liking. I don’t especially like to include spoilers in my reviews, but to make my point on the insta-love I thought I would give just one example (though there are many).

************************Spoiler alert********************

Within an hour of meeting Brianna, Jack thinks, “He wouldn’t admit to loving Brianna yet. He’d only known her an hour, but he knew that he was falling in love for the first time.” WOW, is that fast or what?

************End of Spoiler*******************************

There are a couple of writing errors that were kind of distracting for me. For instance, Jack’s girlfriend’s name is Melanie, but at 53% she is referred to as Maryann–more than once– and then at 92%, Brianna (the heroine and whose name is in the title), is referred to as Bianca. I had to reread the sentences before and after these mistakes to make sure I hadn’t missed a character. Other than that and very few spelling errors, I enjoyed the authors writing style. It’s very descript and flows well.

This story is a light read with situations between the H and h that kept me interested right up until the end. If you’re a romantic and are looking for a funny, adventurous read, give this one a try.
   

Overall Rating:


Sex Rating:



BY: DEBBIE

Review: "Written in the Stars" by Sherrill Bodine & Patricia Rosemoor


"Written in the Stars"
Author: Sherrill Bodine & Patricia Rosemoor
Genre: Paranormal Romance Suspense
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781622662272
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published:  August 12, 2013 by Entangled: Ignite
Author's Website: http://www.patriciarosemoor.com/

Buy Links: Amazon

Goodreads Blurb:
Chased by evil, two women discover their own magic to fight a villain's curse on the Posey rings that draw them to the men they are destined to love...
In 1601, Lady Elizabeth York's star-shaped birthmark proclaims her a child of magic.

When she arrives at Dunham Castle to marry Carlyle, heir to the Duke of Lennox, she finds enchantment in the eyes and touch of Will Grey, the Duke's bastard son. Bewitched by Elizabeth, Will defies all for their love, and his jilted half-brother places a curse on them both.

Searching for a treasure ship sunk long ago, present-day marine archeologist Cordelia Ward is pursued romantically by both salvager Innis Foley and treasure hunter Morgan Murphy. She is haunted by a
murderous nightmare where one man is the killer and the other the victim.

But which man is her enemy - which one her soul mate?



Can a journal that belonged to her ancestress, Lady Elizabeth York show her the answers... in time to save her true love? 



In 1601, Lady Elizabeth York's star-shaped birthmark proclaims her a
child of magic. When she arrives at Dunham Castle to marry Carlyle,
heir to the Duke of Lennox, she finds enchantment in the eyes and
touch of Will Grey, the Duke's bastard son. Bewitched by Elizabeth,
Will defies all for their love, and his jilted half-brother places a
curse on them both.

Searching for a treasure ship sunk long ago, present-day marine
archeologist Cordelia Ward is pursued romantically by both salvager
Innis Foley and treasure hunter Morgan Murphy. She is haunted by a
murderous nightmare where one man is the killer and the other the
victim. But which man is her enemy--which one her soul mate? Can a
journal that belonged to her ancestress, Lady Elizabeth York show her
the answers...in time to save her true love?

Chased by evil, two women discover their own magic to fight a
villain's curse on the Posey rings that draw them to the men they are
destined to love. 

Review:

This is a delightful story for those who appreciate historical, as well as contemporary fictional romance novels. The authors of this story accomplish weaving true-to-life tales that incorporate both genres; each delivered in their own fictional right.

The journey begins with 17th Century values that include arranged marriages, belief of magic (both dark and light), spells, charms, tell-tale birthmarks, visions and magical, bejeweled clothing and the people who know how to manipulate them. Through the passage of time, you are transported to 21st Century expeditions led by a 400 year-old journal and people with genealogical ties to the past and a vested interest in the future. Wow, I know sound a little whimsical…..must be the mood I’m in. J

For those who want a deep read, this book is not for you. This is an easy, light read that has enough substance and suspense to keep you involved from beginning to end. I thought the way the authors intertwined each unique tale worked quite well and I was able to accept both at face value. They take you back in time and transition you into the future, almost flawlessly. It only got a little confusing for me when the story was brought back to present day because I had to get to know the other characters (ancestral/reincarnations of past) and adapt to entirely different circumstances. Once I got my bearings and accepted the change of course in the story (a few pages), I was captivated. I was trying to match each present-day character to those of the past. Just when I thought I figured it out, I was presented with information that made me reconsider who’s who.

If you’re looking for hot, erotic sex scenes you will not find them in this book. As a matter of fact, most detail is left to the imagination but it works for this particular romance.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those with similar interests.


Overall Rating:



Sex Rating:


By: Debbie

Monday, October 28, 2013

"To Love and Serve" by Caridad Pineiro Tour






I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

LOL!  Yes, I do get that answer a lot.  As for me, I’m just an average woman who likes to have fun with her family and friends.  I love chocolate, taking strolls along the boardwalk, doing crafts, cooking, working out, reading and of course writing.  As for the juicy bits – when I get together with some special friends, I always convince them to something out-of-the –ordinary, like taking a pole dancing class or visiting an adult toy shop.  For research of course!  I’m already thinking about our next fun outing.

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

I wrote my first book in the fifth grade and have been writing ever since.  I still have my full-time job while I write.  I like what I do, but I would love to have more time to write.

Do you have an author that has really inspired you?

I was first inspired by the Bronte sisters and then by Taylor Caldwell.  Fabulous historical authors like Kathleen Woodiwiss showed me that my path in writing was to write romance.  Now there are many authors whose work challenges me to better.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

It normally takes me 4 to 6 months for a single title book and 2 to 3 months for a shorter category length book.  TO LOVE AND SERVE took longer because it’s such a pivotal book in Ryder and Diana’s story and I wanted it to be something really special for follows of THE CALLING/REBORN series and also something that would hook new readers who want to see what happens with these two very special people

What do you think makes a story great?

Emotion and characters that I feel are real.

Can you describe your book "" in one sentence?

Could you choose eternal life with the love of your life if it meant losing everything else you hold dear?

Tell us a little about your new series THE REBORN.

THE REBORN Vampire series is a continuation of critically acclaimed THE CALLING series.  It’s been REBORN because I am finally able to take the series in the direction that I had first envisioned when I developed it.  That means you’ll see lots of familiar and popular characters and a new story arc for them.  But it is also standalone so you’ll be able to jump into this very emotional and action-packed paranormal suspense series.

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

I’ve done a lot of research into vampire mythologies so I could craft my mythology and also offer new kinds of stories to readers, like chupacabra  and chiang-shi stories, or a goddess story like in FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE.  I’ve also done a lot of research about the location, New York City, because I want to show readers some really neat and different places that even NYC locals would not know about.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a novella in THE REBORN series and the story arc for the next full-length book in the series.  I am also working on the story arc for the next book in the Gambling for Love series (THE PRINCE’S GAMBLE and TO CATCH A PRINCESS).  I’m excited about who will be the hero in that book!

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?
I’ve been nominated for a number of awards and have appeared on radio and television.  One of my most exciting achievements is having my paranormal romance, THE LOST, nominated for the 2012 RITA award.  The RITAs are like the OSCARs of the romance world, so it was very very exciting.

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

I love hearing from readers and chat with the all the time via e-mail and social media.  I also love hearing what they are up to and meeting them face-to-face when I can.


Just for fun:
Hardback or Paperback?   Paperback
Dog ears or Bookmarks?   Dog ears
YA novels or Adult novels? Adult
Library or Bookstore? Both
Reading glasses or No glasses?  OMG!  I plead the fifth.
Snack while reading or No snacks?   Snacks
Beach or Mountain?  Beach
Vampire or Werewolf?  Do I have to choose?  Ok, vampire.
Hot or Flirty? flirty
Movie 1st or Book 1st? Movie 1st
Contemporary or Historical?  Contemporary
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? Page turner




Ryder had hoped by now Diana would understand it was no longer a case of her world versus his, not only because of her physical condition, but because of the emotions she kept bottled inside. Emotions too similar to the loss and loneliness he'd battled over the centuries. He could help her handle them if she left her human world behind and joined him in his world.

He lifted his hands to her back and urged her forward.

She didn’t fight him, but slid her body upward along his. Resting her hands on his shoulders and bending toward him, she begged against his lips, “Please, Ryder.”

He shifted his hand to rest in the gap between her breasts, feeling her heart race. A solid, speedy beat that testified to her passion, not the fragile flutter that told him she needed a treatment.

“You are all that matters to me,” he said. “Do you think I can stand by and do nothing to keep you with me?”

She sighed and the warmth of her breath bathed his lips. “You make this too hard.”

But her words were followed by the brush of her lips against his. He savored the love in that kiss.

He opened his mouth, accepting her urgent kiss, groaning at the press of her body along the length of his. Relishing every lean hollow and soft curve pillowed into him.

She licked the edge of his lips with her tongue, then dipped it in to taste him. To run it along the edges of his teeth, where she’d find no hint of the vampire. For now, he wanted to share his humanity.

Reaching between their bodies, he cupped her breast and swiped his thumb across the beaded tip.

Taking it between his thumb and forefinger, he kneaded it into an even harder peak while he slid his other hand beneath the edge of her camisole.

With a quick surge, he yanked it over her head, freeing her breasts so he could touch them. He tweaked her nipples with his fingers, earning a strangled moan from her.

“Ryder,” she breathed huskily against his lips.

He pulled away from her kiss to whisper in her ear, “Tell me what you want, darlin’.”

She shivered with desire and he knew he would give her whatever she asked.

Sitting up slightly, she stared down at him, cupped her breasts and said, “I want your mouth on me.”

A long shudder ripped across his body and his vamp senses picked up on the answering pulse between her legs. He covered her hands with his, rose, and took her nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting while he caressed her other breast with his fingers. She trembled and raked her fingers through his hair, holding him close, shifted her hips against his body, insistent in her need.

He was so hard it was almost painful, but he didn’t want to rush the moment. He sensed it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge. Tempering his caresses, he lay back down, toying with her breasts, and asked, “What else do you want?”

She bit her full bottom lip. A becoming and blessedly healthy flush worked across her cheeks. “I want you to kiss me. Down there.”

-The End



 
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