Thursday, February 12, 2015

The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn (review)

                                         


The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn is part of the ‘Shifting Circle’ series that features a group of remarkable people who are dealing with the complications of being shape-shifters existing alongside unsuspecting humans. Karadel Baylor provides veterinary care to both domestic pets and those who are shapeshifters, even as she continues to search for a method of controlling both the shift itself and the animal shape assumed. Unfortunately, relationships between humans and shapeshifters are necessarily complicated, and both Karadel and her friend Celeste must deal with the repercussions which threaten to alter all of their lives irrevocably.


The challenges of living as a shapeshifter are fascinatingly depicted in this compelling fantasy story. There are both pulse-pounding conflicts and emotionally wrenching situations that are vividly portrayed, and the moral dilemmas that are presented are extremely thought-provoking. It was wonderful to read about the unfolding of Karadel’s journey, as she battles with doubts about her life, her relationships, and the untruths that are a necessary evil in her life. There are delicious twists and turns in the story which balances horrific brutality and realistic and sweetly flowering relationships in a story that grabs you from the first word and makes it impossible to put down until that last gripping sentence. This series has continued to raise the bar as it evolves and definitely gives a different twist on the concept of living as a shapeshifter, with both its pros and cons, and I anxiously await more insights into this world!

 
© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.


I am a fan of Ms. Shinn's other fantasy series and I admit that I wasn't thrilled with the first title in this 'Shifting Circle' series, but the series has definitely improved with each subsequent title.  My review of The Shape of Desire is at this link and my review of Still Life with Shape-shifter is at this link.


                              



Monday, February 9, 2015

Contests and Giveaways (updated 2/10/15)

Sorry, a little buried with things...feel free to leave contests and giveaways you have found in the comments...


Don't forget the Find Your Next Great Read Scavenger Hunt February 2015 at this link

Night Owl Reviews also has plenty of giveaways at this link
and, if you use this link, http://gvwy.io/67pe11,
to enter the Terry Spear contest, I will get an additional entry!


Romance Books 4 Us has a beautifully revamped website and a cute monthly contest at this link.

TRS has a couple of contests...I think the Valentine's party (link) isn't quite in full swing, so make sure to check back before the 14th! There is also a daily contest at this link.




The effervescent Sabrina York and her friends have a new boxed set, Elite Metal: Eight-Novel Cohesive Military Romance Boxed Set , coming out, and the wonderful Crystal has a giveaway on her blog at this link (and make sure you look around, there are other giveaways on her blog)


Fresh Fiction has plenty of contests at this link





The very busy Lisa Renee Jones not only has released the final title in her yummy 'Inside Out' series, a novella called, All of Me, but there is always a great recipe from the very busy Rae along with a giveaway on the blog, and this week's offering is at this link.

Visit Lisabet Sarai's lovely blog and get started with the Love is Love Valentine's Day blog at this link.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Closer to Home by Mercedes Lackey (review)

I am a huge fan of Mercedes Lackey and her Valdemar books, and strongly recommend the series to lovers of fantasy stories!




Closer to Home by Mercedes Lackey is part of the Valdemar universe and signals the start of a new arc in the ‘Herald Spy’ series which features Mags and Amily as they are abruptly thrust into roles of greater responsibility. An unusual occurrence results in an unprecedented transfer and the framework for the spy network that he is setting up requires that Mags utilize everything that Nikolas has taught him plus his own innate sense of what will work and how to achieve what he wants from the tools at hand. Changes are at hand in Valdemar, and it’s up to Mags and Amily to make sure that the changes are for the better.

I never cease to be amazed by the textures that are inherent in this well-established and intricately complex fantasy world. The realism is such that I am instantly transported to one of my favorite universes whenever I open one of this author’s books, yet there are plenty of aspects of society there that are yet to be explored. The fascinating melding of fact and fantasy (e.g. the implications of performing CPR and its repercussions) provide thought-provoking interludes even as the sobering look at the undersociety of the kingdom and the struggle to survive with limited resources and education gives realism to the tale. I love watching Mags and his colleagues mature over the course of the series, even as I cringe at the crucible that he is undergoing, and it has been heartwarming watching Amily bloom. I think that it would be a little challenging to be introduced to the complexities of Valdemar without any prior experience but that a reader new to the overall arc of these stories would still be able to appreciate the basic premises of this exciting tale and probably would search for other stories set in this world. This is a great addition that any fan of Valdemar will appreciate and I look forward to discovering what new adventures these characters find as they continue to grow into their new roles. 


© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.



The 'Herald Collegium' series contains the start of Mags' story.

                   




Thursday, February 5, 2015

Worth the Risk by Claudia Connor (spotlight, excerpt and GIVEAWAY) TBT



Worth the Risk

The McKinney Brothers # 2
By: Claudia Connor
Releasing Feb 3rd, 2015
Loveswept

Blurb

When a McKinney brother falls in love, powerful emotion and overwhelming desire are never far behind.

Two hearts locked away . . . Hannah Walker spends her days coaching children through injury and trauma, one therapeutic horseback ride at a time. She knows all too well how violence can change a child and leave scars that never heal. It’s easy for her to relate to the kids; what isn’t easy is the thought of facing her own harrowing past.

Millionaire playboy Stephen McKinney could use a little coaching himself. Five years ago he encountered his most horrible nightmare—and the nightmare won. No matter what he achieves, nothing can make up for that awful night . . . or so he believes.

Both desperate for a second chance . . . Stephen is used to getting what he wants. And he wants Hannah. So when she turns him down, he’s intrigued. What he doesn’t know is that her secrets will lead him to a place he never wanted to go again . . . to a side of himself he’s tried to forget . . . a side that would scare Hannah away from ever loving him. Now his only chance to win her trust is to bare his soul, risking everything he tried so hard to protect.

(note from ELF, I LOVED the first book in this series, Worth the Fall , and my review is at this link)







EXCERPT
Stephen gazed at the woman next to him. Watched another bite of chocolate mousse slip slowly between her full, pink lips. Her tongue slipped out to lick what was left and he imagined doing the same. Just watching her eat made him sweat.

Even more beautiful than he remembered, and he had a damn good memory. Golden hair tumbled seductively in waves around her shoulders. He imagined how it would feel sliding over his skin. Wearing little makeup if any, the porcelain skin of her cheeks glowed in the soft light. She wore no jewelry other than tiny diamond studs in her delicate earlobes. Another place he imagined his mouth.

He’d watched her before, saw her start into the bar, then stop, and he’d felt a strange twinge in his gut, afraid she might turn around and run. He might have been wrong before about the nervous act and he didn’t like being wrong. Being wrong meant you lost, something he hated even more. He liked easy; she was anything but. Though staring into Hannah’s eyes over candlelight, he forgot what he liked. Forgot damn near everything.

Usually by this point in the evening he was more than ready to move things along. Either they were going to bed, or they weren’t and in that case he was done talking and ready to go home. Have a drink. Be alone.

The bill paid, the dessert now gone, he couldn’t put it off any longer. They rose, passing mostly empty tables, and walked outside.

The valet had already brought his car up, but not hers. Good. He wanted more time. When Hannah passed the guy her ticket, Stephen intercepted, reaching around for the keys. “I’ll take those.”
“Yes, sir.” The young valet pointed to her car a short distance away.

They walked in silence, and stopped beside it. It was odd ending a date this way, standing outside a car. It usually ended with him slipping out of a woman’s bed mildly rested and covered with guilt.
“I had a good time tonight,” she said, flicking her eyes up at him, then away. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Did I pass the test? Can I have your number now?”

No answer. Second time today she’d refused him and still, he ached to arch her back, taste that sweet mouth, nip his way across her cheek and down her throat. “How do you feel about parties?”

“Um . . .” Her eyes were everywhere but on him, teeth pressing into that bottom lip he was dying to suck into his own. “I’m not really into parties.”

“I think you’ll like this one.”

She held out her hand for her keys. “No, but thank you.”

“Hmm. The birthday girl will be very disappointed. If I don’t make an appearance she’ll get her feelings hurt. I’d hate to do that.” 

Something flashed in her eyes at the mention of another woman. So she wasn’t totally uninterested. Good.

“Why can’t you go by yourself?”

“I don’t want to go by myself. I want to go with you.”

“Well, if she really wants you to come to her party, she probably won’t be very happy about you bringing a friend.”

“No, she’d love me to bring a friend. Definitely the more-the-merrier type.”

“I don’t think so.” Hannah turned to her car, remembered he still had her keys and turned back with her hand out.

“You sure? Turning five is a pretty big deal.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Five?”

“Yes. My niece. Gracie.” He grinned, enjoying her shock. “It’s at my brother’s tomorrow. Five o’clock. Give me your address and I’ll pick you up.”

Her eyes met his and he waited. When the wind blew a long strand of hair across her face, they both reached for it. The second their fingers touched, she dropped her hand and eased back a tiny step, putting space between him that he didn’t like.


Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/11/worth-risk-mckinney-brothers-2-by.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22747252-worth-the-risk?from_search=true

Buy Links:  Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo



Author Info

Claudia Connor is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of heartfelt contemporary romance. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. Always a lover of happy endings, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, but spends most of her time typing out the love stories of the almost real people that live in her head. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.




Author LinksFacebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads


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GIVEAWAY

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller, Loveswept Mug and Romance at Random Nail Polish)


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My review is at this link.


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The first book in the series is:

                                       


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Take Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Possession (VBB, excerpt, GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT TITLES





This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Enter to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Please click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

These are ADULT titles




Take Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Possession
Surrender to desire with 12 books by the hottest names in dark romance, including bestselling authors Pepper Winters, Anna Zaires, and Lynda Chance.

CD Reiss - Spin
Jenika Snow – A Beautiful Prison
Pepper Winters – Destroyed
Skye Warren – Trust in Me
Kendall Ryan – Unravel Me
Anna Zaires & Dima Zales – Twist Me
Shay Savage – Otherwise Alone & Otherwise Occupied
Amber Lin & Shari Slade – Three Nights with a Rock Star
Pam Godwin – Deliver
Lynda Chance – Marco’s Redemption
Gemma James – Torrent

These e-books would cost over $40 if purchased separately. This set will only be available for a limited time.



Excerpt from Destroyed by Pepper Winters

It was the best kiss I’d ever received, but also the worst. It sparked lust and need in every inch of me. My lips wanted more, my tongue wanted savagery. My skin wanted to bruise because he needed to touch me so badly.

All my thoughts disappeared as I nipped at his bottom lip. He flinched, but a second later he copied, his sharp canines piercing my oversensitive flesh.

I moaned.

I couldn’t take it.

My hands flew up and gripped his shirt. Yanking him toward me, fireworks whizzed in my fingertips; my heart galloped toward exploding with lust. I’d never been so drunk on someone before.

Then I landed flat on my back.

The crack of my skull jangled my teeth. The thick carpet did little to cushion me. My eyes flared wide and I grunted in pain. Fear, hot and terrible, swamped my lust in a dampening wave.

“Top rule. Unbreakable rule. Don’t. Ever. Touch. Me.” Fox kneeled on one knee beside my head, breathing hard. His hand noosed my throat, pressing my spine into the carpet. His eyes were cold and lifeless, looking like a hunter intent on blood. –HAZEL


About the Authors: Please consider following the authors to find out more about their books…

Pepper Winters – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Skye Warren – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Kendall Ryan – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Pam Godwin – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Gemma James – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Amber Lin – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Shari Slade – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter
Jenika Snow –Website | Facebook | Twitter
Shay Savage – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Anna Zaires – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Dima Zales – Website | Facebook | Twitter
Lynda Chance – Website | Facebook
CD Reiss – Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter


Buy the book at Amazon


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Sunday, February 1, 2015

Reagan's Redemption by Cate Beauman (spotlight, excerpt and GIVEAWAY)





Cate Beauman is back with the eight installment in her bestselling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County.  Reagan's Redemption is on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, and more!


Buy it now!

Doctor Reagan Rosner loves her fast-paced life of practicing medicine in New York City’s busiest trauma center. Kind and confident, she’s taking her profession by storm—until a young girl’s accidental death leaves her shaken to her core. With her life a mess and her future uncertain, Reagan accepts a position as Head Physician for The Appalachia Project, an outreach program working with some of America’s poorest citizens.

Shane Harper, Ethan Cooke Security’s newest team member, has been assigned a three-month stint deep in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and he’s not too happy about it. Guarding a pill safe in the middle of nowhere is boring as hell, but when he gets a look at his new roommate, the gorgeous Doctor Rosner, things start looking up.

Shane and Reagan encounter more than a few mishaps as they struggle to gain the trust of a reluctant community. They’re just starting to make headway when a man’s routine checkup exposes troubling secrets the town will do anything to keep hidden—even if that means murder.


Read an excerpt from Reagan's Redemption:

The front door opened and closed. “Shane?”

“Down here.”

Reagan hurried in, her eyes full of excitement. “How are things going?”

“Good. Faith is clean, eating, and will hopefully be sleeping in the next couple of minutes.”

“I can take a turn. I know I’ve been gone for awhile.”

He shook his head. “We’re fine. Looks like you’ve had a run today.”

She smiled. “Two patients—one ear infection and a strep throat.”

“Good stuff.”

She nodded, sitting on the edge of the mattress. “That’s not the best part. I was talking with Jodi, Josiah’s mother, about her gardens—trying to break the ice a little. She was telling me how she grows some of the best corn around but constantly has trouble with her beans. Apparently, Sue Anne’s family seems to have the opposite issue.” She swiped her hair behind her ear. “Anyway, while Jodi was talking, I got this idea. I was thinking we could organize an evening where families can get together here at the clinic and swap fruits and vegetables for a bigger variety of healthful foods—kind of like a farmer’s market. We can offer some simple snacks and drinks, and I’m hoping I might be able to throw in a few nutrition facts while we’re at it. There are so many kiddos with bad teeth. They’re drinking too much soda.”

“Sounds like you’ve got a plan. Go get ‘em, tiger.” He liked seeing her like this—her eyes bright, her hands punctuating certain words as they spilled from her mouth, caught up in her own enthusiasm.

“I will.” Her smile dimmed as she touched Faith’s toes peeking out from the blanket. “But I don’t know how many people will come.”

“So you won’t have standing-room only on your first try.”

She licked her lips. “They’re afraid.”

He frowned. “Who?”

“The people here. They’re frightened by either me or the clinic.”

“Why do you say that?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. That was the sense I got when I spoke with Jenny’s mother and then again with Jodi.”

He remembered Mrs. Hendley’s weird spewings about heeding warnings and staying away, but she also seemed like a bit of a whack job. “I don’t know, Doc. When I look at you ‘intimidating’ isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind.”

“Maybe not to you, but they were certainly uneasy. Maybe I’m trying to make sense of an unusual situation, but I don’t think so. Both women kept looking toward the trees, like they were being watched or something.” She shuddered. “It gave me the willies.”

“We’ll keep an eye on the situation, but things have been pretty low key so far.”

She nodded. “I just really want this to work. I can help this town if they’ll let me.”

Did you enjoy the excerpt?  You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!


The Inspiration Behind Reagan's Redemption:

I’ve wanted to tell Reagan and Shane’s story for quite a while now, but I kept putting it off, knowing where the weeks of research would take me. Reagan Rosner is a doctor, which is great for her, but not so much for me as the writer. Unfortunately, I’m a bit of a hypochondriac who is afflicted with White Coat Syndrome. Typically, I stay as far away from anything “medical” as possible, but for Reagan's Redemption I had to dig deep and conquer a personal demon or two. There were many days where I cringed, watching how-to videos on IV insertions and blood draws and hyperventilated my way through more than one resuscitation tutorial, but I did it, making Reagan’s character all the more stronger for it.

After the days of dreadful research, I really knuckled down and got to work. I had so much fun with this story. Reagan is kind and dedicated and Shane extremely funny. This couple complements each other well, which is perfect because they’ll face more than their fair share of trouble in Black Bear Gap, Kentucky.

I hope you enjoy Reagan and Shane as much as I enjoyed writing them!

~ Cate


The Unofficial Reagan's Redemption Soundtrack

Here are a few of the songs that I had on “repeat” while I created Reagan and Shane’s story!  You can listen to them on my website www.catebeauman.com.

The soundtrack, of sorts, for Reagan's Redemption:
Devil Town by Tony Lucca
So Easy by Phillip Phillips
Not A Bad Thing by Justin Timberlake
Science and Faith by The Script
Daylight by Maroon Five
Hazy by Rosi Golan ft. William Fitzimmons
Get Out by Casey Abrams
First Flight Home by Jake Miller
Human by Jon McLaughlin
Have A Little Faith In Me by Jewel
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Parachute by Train



About the author:

Cate currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernard’s, Bear and Jack. She is the author of the best-selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County.  Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.

“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, five years later, I’m working on my ninth novel, Answers For Julie, which I plan to release during the summer of 2015.  I’m remain so very grateful for the support and success that I have had.  Thank you!”  - Cate


Contact Cate

Amazon Author Page


Social links:



SIGN UP FOR CATE’S NEWSLETTER TO BE NOTIFIED OF NEW RELEASES AND MONTHLY GIVEAWAY OFFERS
www.catebeauman.com


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