Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Guest Post & Giveaway: Tiffany Allee


I'm really excited because today I have Tiffany Allee on my blog doing a guest post about Incubus and she's also going to be giving away a copy of her book "Banshee Charmer". So lets all welcome Tiffany to the Romance Book Junkies.


The Incubus

Incubi were thought to be demonic spirits who would attack or coerce women in the night. In the Middle Ages, they were actually recognized legally and blamed for unwanted pregnancies and as the cause for deformed babies. The incubus went by many names, but was always heavily associated with sex and even rape.

Seriously creepy stuff.

In the Banshee Charmer world, incubi are a species of otherworlder—or nonhuman—that are thought to be extinct. They were charming creatures who exuded a sexual vibe and who, like they're succubi cousins, were able to pull energy from their bed partners. This sharing of energy comes with a cost though, an incubus who did this with someone also gained a piece of that person and vice versa. The more energy shared, the closer the lovers got. It's the price they had to pay for power.

The main character in Banshee Charmer is a half-banshee detective named Mac. She's not so sure incubi are extinct. In fact, she believes that she's pursing an incubus serial killer. Here's a scene where Mac discusses her theory with Aidan, who is an investigative counterpart from the Otherworlder Enforcement Agency (OWEA), a policing force similar to the FBI.


“Fine. We’ll work together on this one. But that doesn’t make us friends, and it doesn’t mean I trust you as far as I can throw you.” I leaned across the table and gave him my best cop face. “And no funny business.”

His grin turned into a full-on smile, revealing a set of sparkling white, perfect teeth. “Oh, I can keep my hands to myself if you can.”

I snapped my mouth shut when I realized I was gaping at him while he disappeared into the kitchen with his coffee cup. When he reappeared in the dining room, I’d managed to put my blank face back on.

When you’re without a good comeback, ignore, ignore, ignore. “So we’re looking for an incubus. Possibly a succubus impersonating one, but I think that’s less likely.”

“Incubi have been extinct for over one hundred years.”

“I’m aware of that. But, it’s the only explanation that works. Not only does it fit, it fits like a freaking puzzle piece.”

“Except for the fact that not only are they extinct, they’ve also never been known for killing their food.”

“Killers come in all shapes and sizes, Aidan. There’s nothing about incubi that I’ve ever heard of that prevents them from killing. Our sensitive confirmed at least one of our victims was drained of her psychic energy. The method fits, the sex fits, the fact they all died without a struggle fits. It all fits.”

“And you don’t think it’s more likely to be a succubus because?” he asked, his voice annoyingly calm and reasonable.

“Call it a gut instinct. Call it experience. Call it statistics. How many sex crime–related female serial killers have we seen in the last few decades?”


Obviously, I've twisted the original legend of the incubus (as well as those of other creatures) to fit my world. But I did try to keep the original flavor of the incubus legend alive.

What types of creatures do you like to see in paranormal romance? 


Banshee Charmer Synopsis:

“When she’s sent to a crime scene and finds her second dead woman in as
many weeks, half-banshee detective Kiera “Mac” McLoughlin is convinced a
serial killer is on the loose. Incubi are extinct, her boss insists. But
what else can kill a woman in the throes of pleasure? When her partner is
murdered after using witchcraft to locate the killer and Mac is thrown off
the case, her frustration turns to desperation.

Certain the killer is an incubus, Mac works behind her department’s back
to chase down slim, sometimes perilous leads. While the killer eludes her,
she does discover handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigative counterpart from
the enigmatic Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac typically runs her
investigations fast and hard, but with Aidan at her side, she’s running
this one “hot” as well. But Aidan knows more than he’s letting
on—something that could shatter their blazing romance and add Mac to the
killer’s growing body count...”

Available at Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/banshee-charmer-tiffany-allee/1108122582?ean=2940013712102&itm=1&usri=banshee+charmer

Available at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Banshee-Charmer-Otherworlder-Enforcement-ebook/dp/B0070J7IEK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327460507&sr=1-1

About the Author:

Tiffany Allee currently lives in Phoenix, AZ, by way of Chicago and Denver, and is happily married to a secret romantic. She spends her days working in Corporate America while daydreaming about sexy heroes, ass-kicking heroines, and interesting ways to kill people (for her books, of course). Her nights are reserved for writing and bothering her husband and cats (according to them). Her passions include reading, chocolate, travel, wine, and family.

Tiffany's Website: http://tiffanyallee.com/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/authortiffanyallee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TiffanyAllee

 Entangled Publishing is giving away one ebook copy of "Banshee Charmer". All you have to do to enter is leave a comment answering Tiffany's question: "What types of creatures do you like to see in paranormal romance?". Don't forget to leave your email address too so that I can contact you if you win. Good Luck!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Interview & Giveaway: Afterlife Series by T.P. Boje


I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)
I am from Denmark where I lived until 2½ years ago. My husband and I were tired of the cold and dark winters so we sold everything that we had and moved to Florida with our kids and four overloaded suitcases. The sun and the heat makes me happy. It is so much easier to live when it is hot – especially with kids. There is just less clothes to put on when you need to go out. And you can actually be outside all year around. I love it.
Juicy? Are you sure your readers are up to that? Well okay. My husband and I once had sex in the ocean in Italy under the fullmoon. Was that too much? You really shouldn’t ask me questions like that.

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?
 I have always been writing. Ever since I was a small child I have always told stories to whoever would listen. In school I remember sitting in class during recess and telling stories to my friends making them forget that they were about to go out and play. Even my teacher would often listen in as well. Later I would write stories for my teacher and he loved to read them. I kept writing short-stories in highschool and then I became a journalist. For many years I worked at a Danish TV-station, and it was then I came up with the idea for my first novel. A Danish truck-driver had been found dead in Poland and I was sent there to cover the investigation for the TV-station. Two years later that story became my first mystery novel. Since then I wrote two other mystery-novels that has been published in Denmark, Norway and Germany. I write full-time and that is the only thing I ever want to do.
When I moved to Florida I started writing in English and published another mystery-novel called “One, Two … He is coming for you” but then I wanted to try something new. I wanted to write for a younger audience and that was when I wrote the fantasy-novel “The Eye of the Crystal Ball” that came out this June.  But something was missing, I thought. I needed some romance. So I started reading some paranormal romance and loved it. I knew right away that I wanted to write that too. Now I have written three novels in the series called Afterlife. I am planning on writing three more, so I will be busy for awhile.

Do you have a author that has really inspired you?
I have plenty. I try to read everything I can get my hands on. It is so inspiring to read other people’s work. If I have to put a name out, I would say that Anne Rice is one of my favourite author’s. But my all-time favourite book is The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. I read it as a young teenager and fell in love. 
How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?
It takes about two months. Then my editor has it for about three weeks.
What do you think makes a story great?
 When I read a book I expect to learn new things about life and often also about myself. Books can either be a mirror where you see yourself and learn something about yourself, or they can be a window where you look into a completely different world and see something you have never seen before. The good books are both, I think.
Can you describe your book "Beyond" in one sentence?
Death & Life meet with a twist
Tell us a little about your new series Afterlife.
Haven’t we all at some point wondered where we will go when we die? I used to do it a lot as a kid. Is heaven for real and what is it going to be like once I get there? What kind of a body will I have? What will I look like? Will all of my family come with me? Will I meet my grandmother there? As I grew up I never thought much about life after death and if there really was one or not. I was busy living my life and thinking about my life here on earth. But then one day not many months ago a thought just popped into my head. What if we have to go to school when we die? As it so often happens, the thought wouldn’t go away again once it had come into my head, and I started playing with the idea. If it is true that we leave our bodies here on earth, then we must have some new body on the other side, right? And it would probably take some time to get used to that new body. And how about going through walls and doors and stuff? I mean if we become spirits then we would have to learn how to do all those things, right? And what about flying? That is not something that comes to us easily. We would have to practice first, right? And someone would have to teach us. So eventually I started imagining this school that we all had to graduate from in order to be let into heaven, and soon Meghan popped into my head and started walking around on that school - that just had to be run by angels. She soon made some friends and fell in love (as it often happens when you are sixteen). And that was when the problems began. Because the boy was still human, living on earth, so how could they ever be together? That was when I realized that a book-series was born - and  it was about how dying is only the beginning of the next great adventure

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?
They just come to me. When I used to write mystery it involved a lot of research because everything has to be so realistic down to the smallest detail or the reader will not believe in the story. But with fantasy and paranormal romance it is completely different. I can use my imagination and create the world exactly as I want it to be. That is a lot of fun.
What are you currently working on?
I am about to begin the fourth book in the series. I am really looking forward to it, because a lot has happened to my characters and this book is where a lot of the knots are tied together.
Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?
I used to be an anchor at a Danish TV-station. That was a lot of fun, but not as much fun as writing.
Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?
Just that I love to write. It is what I am all about. I love spellbinding the audience like I did as a child, and I hope they will enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them.
What would you like to ask?
I would like to invite readers to go to my blog www.tpboje.blogspot.com and check out my books. Let me know which one they most likely would want to read.

Just for fun:
Hardback or Paperback?  Paperback. It is so much easier to carry around in your bag. I prefer digital to be completely honest. It is a lot easier to carry with you when you travel.
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  
I am horrible. I make dog ears all the time.
YA novels or Adult novels?  
I love YA novels.
Library or Bookstore?  
Bookstore. I always want to own my books. I want to be able to go back and read in them again.
Reading glasses or No glasses?
No glasses.
Snack while reading or No snacks?
I will have a cup of tea.

Beach or Mountain?
Beach, beach, beach. Living in Florida means every day is a potential beach-day.

Vampire or Werewolf?
I like my men hairy and warm, so werewolf.

Hot or Flirty?
Flirty
Movie 1st or Book 1st?
Always book first.
Contemporary or Historical?
Contemporary
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker?
I want both!
+


T. P. Boje is a mother of two, a stepmother of another two and a hardcore cartoon lover, Tim Burton enthusiast, and enjoys any movie the Coen Brothers have made (with the big Lebowski being her favorite strongly followed by Burn after Reading). She is also a writer of Y/A Paranormal Romance, fantasy and mystery. She is originally from Denmark but currently living in Florida, USA. Her books are translated into several languages.
To learn more follow her on Twitter, visit her fansite on Facebook or check out her web-page: http://www.tpboje.blogspot.com/



Here is a little about the books in her series Afterlife:

Have you ever wondered where you go when you die?

Meghan is 16 when it happens to her. She wakes up on a flying steamboat on her way to a school run by Angels in a white marble castle. She meets Mick who helps her through a difficult time in a different world filled with heavenly magic. One day she finds a mirror in the cellar of the school and goes through it. She ends up back on earth where she meets Jason. But Jason is in danger and Meghan knows something important.
Soon she will have to choose between the two worlds.
The one she belongs to now, and the one she left.

Beyond is a Y/A paranormal romance and the first book in T. P. Boje’s Afterlife-series.

It is Meghan’s second year at The Academy. While trying to help and care for Jason on earth she is struggling to keep up in school, where they this year will learn both to ride Pegasus’ and fly through severe storms. Meanwhile Mick is becoming more than a friend to her and soon she finds herself facing the unavoidable choice.

But something evil is threatening the students at the Academy and Meghan is no longer safe within the walls of the castle. Something causes several of the students to be caught in the middle of a nightmare, that they can’t wake up from. 

Soon they suspect that there might be a traitor in their midst.



Serenity is a Y/A paranormal romance. It is the second book in the Afterlife-series

Meghan’s training at the Academy is coming to an end. Everything is going great as she comes closer to graduation. She is engaged to be married and the wedding is near when she hears some disturbing news that makes her rethink her future.



In class the students are learning to catch dreams and fly with the speed of light. Meghan soon discovers her special talents and that she is much stronger than she thought. But unfortunately that doesn’t help her as she faces the truth about her own death, which will be revealed to her at the end of the year.



Endurance is the third book in T. P. Boje’s Afterlife series about a young girl’s life after death.

 Thanks to the author I will be giving away one print copy of "Beyond" and one ebook copy.

To enter:
1. Leave a meaning full comment about something you read in this post.
2. Include your email in that comment so I can contact you if you win.
3. The Giveaway is going to be International.
4. The first winner I pick using random.org gets to pick either the print copy or ebook copy and the second winner gets whats left.
6. The giveaway ends on Feb. 11th at midnight.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Review: The Vampire Relationship Guide vol.2 by Evelyn Lafont

"TheVampire Relationship Guide: Secrets & Trust vol. 2"
Author: Evelyn Lafont
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: ebook novella
ISBN: 9781452459165
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: August 31, 2011 by Helios Media, Inc.


Goodreads Blurb:
Josie’s come a long way from being an average human chick who just wants to sex-up a vampire. She’s dated, mated, and killed one of the world’s richest vamps and is currently seeing a mysterious, blood-slurping hottie named Walker.

Now, Josie must adjust to the realities of a steady relationship with a vampire, which isn’t all exciting parties, hot sex and moonlit walks. And with a vamp who’s anxious to push their relationship to the next phase as mortality bears down on his human’s fragile body, the pressure for Josie to commit is on.

Can their night-day romance survive leaving Josie’s character and individuality intact, or will the secrets of the supernatural community crush her spirit and her chance at a permanent vampire mate?

WARNING: This is not your regular paranormal romance. This series explores the realities (such as they might be) of humans having relationships with vampires and uses a chick lit style to get there. Oh yeah–and the characters within are fallible and not entirely heroic.

You’ve been warned…

My Review: 
This is book two in Evelyn's Vampire Relationship Guide series and I think that you just can't read this book without reading the first book first.
Josie is a human dating a vampire who decides to travel to Texas with her boyfriend and boy is she surprised. This trip might not be as fun and romantic as she thought it was going to be. Texas is nothing like Florida. Walker is a layed back vampire and nothing bothers him, even Texas. He wants nothing more than for Josie to like Texas and possibly start a future there. A lot of the romantic development was covered in book one but their relationship in this book is sweet and hot in the bedroom. I found this book to be a quick, fun, light and entertaining read. Its a perfect sequel to the first book but I have to mention that there wasn't as much action going on in this book. If your a fan of paranormal romance and vampires you have to read these short but hot novellas if you don't you'll really be missing out. I would recommend this book to paranormal fans but only if you read the first book. If you don't have time for the first book I wouldn't bother reading this one. 
  


Overall Rating:

Sex Rating:

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Book Promo, Interview & Giveaway featuring Rhys Astason

I'd like to give a big welcome to author Rhys Astason. She is here today to promote her book "Water of Life". She is also participating in a interview and she is going to be giving away a ebook copy of her book. Here is a little about her book.


Goodreads Blurb:
Gracen Ellison had settled into a very comfortable, and on the surface, 'by-the-book' routine as a doctor with the American Federation's Elite Medical Corps. They were unaware, though, that routine consisted of illicitly lusting after one the Navy’s top Special Forces operative.

Master Chief Jackson Monroe lost more than just his leg in an assignment gone to hell; he lost the privilege to lead his team. After a year of grueling rehab, he's proven that even with his prosthetic, he’s still able to lead his men on the field. Unfortunately, the Navy doesn’t see it that way. Instead of settling for sitting behind a desk, Jackson plans to opt out of the Navy. On the night of his retirement, however, he’s pulled back in for one last mission: protecting Gracen as they head into a warzone.

Soon they find themselves with their helicopter on the ground and facing an existence that leaves Gracen and Jackson more than human as they’re thrown against an enemy they had little idea even existed.

Word count: 50,000.


 
1.  I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)
            I'm the wife of a wonderful man who is a candidate for sainthood because he not only puts up with, but is also incredibly supportive of a neurotic author. I'm a mother of two adorable demonspawn, errr, wonderful and impeccably behaved boys, the youngest of which has aspirations of becoming the master overlord of the known universe.
            Something juicy? When I was in high school, I snuck out in the middle of the night - out the window and everything -  to be with my boyfriend. Alas, it turned out to be really boring. No Hollywoodesque escapade, so from then on I never bothered to sneak out again.

2. When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?
            Oooo, trip down memory lane. This will totally date me, but I distinctly remember writing, in cursive mind you, a long review of Return of the Jedi which described things that I wanted changed. Hey! That was my very first fanfiction! I also had Ewok posters on my wall because I thought they were the best thing evah! Ummm, this is off the record, right?
            I'm a full time author in my head. Does that count? I think about writing all the time, but real life dictates that I actually write on the side or in between, "Mom! Where's my…" and "Mom, I'm hungry!"

3. Do you have an author that has really inspired you?
            J.A. Konrath because he's one of the pioneers of self-publishing. Anytime David goes against Goliath (and lives to tell about it) is a source of inspiration.

4. How long does it normally take you to write an average book?
            I wrote Water of Life in three weeks. Yay! Then spent the next six months editing and rewriting and editing and rewriting and pulling my hair out, so I'd say six months.

5. What do you think makes a story great?
            Characters that I want to spend time with and a world that is so immersive that I forget to eat the Halloween chocolate I "borrowed' from my kids.

6. Can you describe your book "Water of Life" in one sentence?
            A forbidden romance gets help from the unlikeliest of places in a world that is about to be changed forever.

7. Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?
            The stories come to me, then I spend hours researching and putting my Googlefu muscles to work. I try to not spend too much time researching until the first draft is done, otherwise it would be too easy to be lost in cyberspace.

8. What are you currently working on?
            I'm currently working on a very smutty retelling of Red Riding Hood and editing a full length novel about Lilith (Adam's first wife), her daughters and their turbulent relationships with archangels.

.

9. Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?
            Interesting question and my answer probably won't fit, but I'm proudest of the people around me. I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing, gifted individuals who are always there in a pinch. They are the people that Tracy Lawrence sings about in Find Out Who You're Friends Are. So if there is an achievement in that, it is that I've been fortunate enough to know good people when  I meet them… and then cling to them like a leech in a plump bottom. :)

10. Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?
            I would love to hear from readers, so feel free to contact me or check out my blog.

11. What would you like to ask our readers?
            In a perfect world, who would you cast to play your favorite hero in a movie?

Just for fun:
Hardback or Paperback?  Digital. I'm a disciple now.
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  Dog ears to the horror of my mother.
YA novels or Adult novels?  Adult.
Library or Bookstore? Used bookstore. Ahhhh, good, good memories there.
Reading glasses or No glasses?  I wish! I'm blind as a bat so its glasses all the time.
Snack while reading or No snacks? Chocolate is a food group, right? So it can't count as a snack?
Beach or Mountain?  Beach.
Vampire or Werewolf? Ummm, tough one. Well, not really. I have a penchant for fur. Werewolves!
Hot or Flirty? Hot.
Movie 1st or Book 1st?  Book, always book.
Contemporary or Historical? Historical.
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? Page Turner.


All you have to do to enter is leave a comment answering her question "In a perfect world who would you cast to play your favorite hero in a movie?" and your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Guest Post & Giveaway: Donna Cummings


I'd like to welcome author Donna Cummings to my blog. She is the author of "Lord Midnight" and written a guest post today about highwaymen and how they influenced her book. She will also be giving away a copy of her book so don't forget to enter.

There's something so romantic about highwaymen. Well, the fantasy ones at least.

In reality, highwaymen were robbers. Think of them as "carriage carjackers". The difference is they became the stuff of legends. They were supposedly charming and chivalrous, as well as witty and debonair. Highwaymen were actually self-serving thieves, but with the remarkable ability to capture the public's imagination, so much so that they had poems and songs written about them and their larcenous exploits.

It's easy to take that one step further and turn a highwayman into the hero of a love story.

While I was researching some things about the Regency era, I read several newspapers from that time, and I came across a few random articles that intrigued my writer brain. One item was about a country house being broken into, "by footpads", and while no one was harmed, it was clear from the report that this was not a usual occurrence. I stashed that info in my packrat brain, wondering, like everyone else probably did then, "Why on earth would footpads invade somebody's house?" Footpads are typically outdoor criminals. Why would they risk capture by coming inside?

Well, my brain chewed on that and then came up with this for an answer: what if it wasn't a footpad, but a highwayman? (I know. It's a weird leap, but stay with me a little longer.) And what if it was a highwayman who used to live in that house, before it was stolen from him by a murderous uncle? And what if he wanted to see the bedchamber that belonged to him as a child, as well as a bold young woman staying there, the very one he had just encountered when he robbed her carriage?

So that's how my Regency highwayman, Lord Midnight, got his start, when I had to add a little twist of fantasy to the reality of a situation. I hope you'll enjoy this scene where he, and Marisa, the woman who ends up stealing his heart, meet for the second time:

Something had moved in the bed.
The room should have been empty, but he realized too late it was not. Remnants of a fire glowed in the fireplace against the far wall, and he could see now there were no telltale signs of neglect in the bedchamber.
Gabriel crept forward to see who occupied the bed he still considered his. The embers of the dying fire highlighted a young woman in deep sleep, a froth of blonde hair enveloping her. He reached his hand toward the golden silkiness, so reminiscent of the intrepid beauty earlier that night.
His hand stilled.
It was Lord Westbrook's betrothed.
Gabriel lowered his hand over the sleeping beauty's mouth, simultaneously waking her and stifling her scream. She clawed at his hand, her eyes wide with terror. She struggled to move further away from him.
Gabriel slanted forward to restrain her, pinning her down with his arms. He felt a moment's remorse at causing her such anguish, particularly when she battled him even more fiercely. Yet he had too much at stake should she sound an alarm.
"Ssh, angel. You'll come to no harm at my hand if you cooperate."
He leaned closer, intent on reassuring her further, but the softness of her warm body nearly distracted him. She tugged at his hand once more, trying to get free of his grip.
"I do not mean to harm you."
She raised her eyebrows, and he could swear her expression was an exasperated one. Instead of being frightened by his presence, she was signaling she found his tactics rather clumsy.
He felt the release of tension under his hand, and saw some of the annoyance leave her eyes.
"No coercion is needed, then?"
She shook her head to demonstrate her compliance.
"Why are you here," he whispered, "in this bedchamber?"
He lifted his hand, his eyes warning her of the consequences should she attempt to scream.
"I would ask you the same," she countered.
"I shall tell you my purpose once I learn the reason for your presence," he bargained, though not altogether truthfully.
"I meant to avail myself of some sleep," she muttered. "As you recall, I was beset by highwaymen this evening."
This time he could not halt a chuckle. "Well?" he prompted.
"I am to stay at my betrothed's home until the wedding."
The unexpected reply stopped Gabriel's heart for one beat. He had known she was to wed Lord Westbrook, but he had not realized she would be staying at his home, or rather, Gabriel's rightful home.
He grinned. Would Lord Westbrook find it amusing that Gabriel was comfortably entwined with the man's future bride?
The notion made his heart pound. After so many years wishing he could bring about Edmund's downfall, Gabriel had not expected such an opportunity to present itself. Yet, much as he wanted to, he could not implement his plot just then. He did not want to risk capture before he could commence the delicious scheme, and with the Westbrook rubies still on his person, he risked a great deal more than was wise.
He reached for her flaxen hair. She scarce seemed to breathe, yet he was unable to resist one touch while she remained in his arms. Her hair was as soft as down, and he smoothed the length of it several times. With each caress, he pulled her sweet body closer to his. Too late he realized it was well nigh impossible to rein in his desire for the brave miss.
He released his arms with the greatest of reluctance. "Mistress Angel."
She sighed, the soft hiss filling the now-silent bedchamber.
It was followed by another sound, this time from the hallway.
Footsteps.
Gabriel scrambled upright, his pulse racing. There was too much at stake should he be discovered here.
The footsteps resonated through the otherwise hushed hallway, tapping out Gabriel's doom. He turned his head toward the door he had entered earlier, gauging his chances of escape. It was too far away, and much too risky.
His eyes darted to the French door across the room. It was impossible to make it there in time.
The footfalls grew louder, more urgent, pounding in the same rhythm as Gabriel's heart. Whoever it was, they were close now, almost to the door. He could try to brazen his way past the visitor, or engage them in some sort of fisticuffs. It would permit him to escape, but it would also alert Edmund to his existence, spoiling Gabriel's newfound plan for revenge.
Seeing no other choice, he rejoined his angelic companion in her bed.
She gasped, although the sound was muffled by his hand once more covering her mouth.
Gabriel pulled her to his side. At that tense moment, he was unable to savor the sensations of her body pressed so intimately to his.
"Angel, do nothing that might give me away," he whispered.
Before she could respond, he dove beneath the silk counterpane.

Blurb: Lord Midnight, a dashing highwayman, lives for revenge against the uncle who stole his title and tried to kill him when he was a child. His plan for vengeance--seducing his uncle's bride-to-be--collides with his passion for this spirited young woman desperate to escape her wedding. Soon he must choose: the woman who stole his heart, or revenge against the man who stole his life. Available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobleand Smashwords.

Bio:  I have worked as an attorney, winery tasting room manager, and retail business owner, but nothing beats the thrill of writing humorous contemporary and historical romances. Currently I reside in Massachusetts, although I fantasize about spending the rest of my days in a tropical locale, consuming mojitos for breakfast and wearing flip flops year-round. I can usually be found at the local Starbucks, fine-tuning my caffeine levels while working on my latest manuscript, or on Twitter (@BookEmDonna), talking about writing, and coffee.  You can also visit me at www.AllAboutTheWriting.com.

I have one ebook copy of Lord Midnight to give to one lucky commenter! Just tell me what you love about highwaymen, or what blend of reality/fantasy you like in your romance stories.

To Enter:
Just leave a comment answering Donna's question and leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Review: "Damian's Oracle" by Lizzy Ford

"Damian's Oracle"
Author: Lizzy Ford
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9781466413009
Author's Website:
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: January 1, 2011


Goodreads Blurb:
Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damien’s Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts - from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.

Caught in the middle is cool-headed Sofia, a Natural whose gift will tip the scales in the war. Sofia begins her transformation from human into oracle, the first in thousands of years. Damian rescues her from the Black God in time to complete a ceremony that will bind her to him for eternity. Sofia struggles with her new world and her role as an oracle and Damian’s mate while haunted by a mysterious man from Damian’s past who’s supposed to be dead. Unbeknownst to her, her link to the dead man may be all that saves Damian, his Guardians, and the fate of humanity.

While he wants nothing more than for the petite beauty to take her place at his side like the oracles of legend did his White God forefathers, Damian can’t quite rationalize having to win her over instead of command her. Further complicating his life is the sobering realization that there are spies in his organization who are helping the Black God take out his Guardians. Damian must help Sofia reach her potential fast, especially when a threat from his past returns.

My Review: 
This was a fast paced story with lots of action. I think I read the whole book in two sittings. Sofia, poor thing, gets her whole life turned into a nightmare overnight and is thrust into this whole new world but she has a gift like no other. She can see people's past and future. She needs the blood of Damian the god of all things good in order to survey and its almost impossible to deny the intense attraction between them. Damian must make her his mate but is worried about what that means. He literally carries the world on his shoulders keeping it from evil. Damian is super hot and the attraction between the two is also super hot throughout the book but there is no graphic sex scenes in this book so its also YA friendly. The world building flowed with the story line and was covered very well. There wasn't a big cliffhanger at the end of this book but it will for sure make you want to read the next book in the series which I plan to do in the very near future. I would recommend this book to paranormal romance, urban fantasy and YA fans.
  


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Winner of 1,000 Follower Giveaway

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YaaaaaaY!!! I finally reached 1,000 followers. Actually 1,017 as of right now. What does this all mean? It means that its time to pick a winner of my 1,000 Followers Mystery Giveaway. And the winner is:

Angela

I will be contacting Angela by email and if I don't hear back from her within 48 hour I'll have to pick another winner.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Review: Heart of Darkness by Felicity Heaton

"Heart of Darkness"
Author: Felicity Heaton
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 433
ISBN: 9781466173286
Author's Website:

Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: October 22, 2011


Goodreads Blurb:
A vampire prince on a four hundred year old mission to avenge his murdered sister...

Aleksandr Nemov won't stop until the last of the vampire hunter’s progeny is wiped from the Earth. Each kill has stolen a piece of his humanity, pushing him towards the black abyss all vampires hold within their hearts. Now he is teetering on the edge, close to devolving into a beast, and time is running out as he tracks the last hunter to Prague. There he finds a beautiful woman who could be his one chance for salvation, but is it already too late for him?

A vampire guard who will do whatever it takes to protect those she loves...

Elise is dedicated to her duty. It's the only thing she has left. All that changes when she meets Aleksandr in Prague and her master grants him permission to stay at her bloodline's mansion. She knows all about Aleksandr but none of it prepares her for how she feels when the legendary prince's hunt becomes one for her heart. Elise battles him with all of her strength but can she stop herself from falling for the handsome hunter? When he reveals the depth of the corruption in his soul, will she have the strength to face the pain in her past and do whatever it takes to save him?

My Review: 
Felicity is fast becoming one of my favorite  authors. This was another fantastic book that kept me up at night and I had no problem finishing this one. I couldn't put it down. I love when a book has the perfect mix of action and romance and that's what this book provides.
Elisa is a guard for her people which she is very devoted too. When she first meets Aleksandr she is terrified of him she can see the darkness in his eyes fighting to claim him. Aleksandr has been killing vampire hunters for 400 years after his sister was murdered by one of them. But every life he takes brings him closer to the darkness. Their relationship starts off a little slow because she's a guard and he's a prince. She can't see what he wants to do with her when he can have any girl in the house. Don't get me wrong because the pace of the story was perfect. What I really love is the connection you make with the characters and how you fall in love as they do. This book was beautifully written and includes a incredible love story. Felicity really out does herself this time.
I would recommend this book to all paranormal romance fans and vampire fans. This definitely will not be that last book I read by Felicity Heaton.
  


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