Thursday, December 25, 2014

Happy Holidays


I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season with your friends and family.

I'm sorry I've not been around here to enjoy the season with my friends of the internet. However, the season has taken on a life of it's own this year.

I hope you all have a wonderful time and enjoy the company around you. I will be busy with clean, preparations, cooking, visiting, and cleaning once again so will not be around the internet much until after the new year.

As for the picture above, yes it is of a portion of my tree and the fire place with a warm fire glowing on Christmas Eve.

So, I want to leave you all with a warm thank you for being a friend and wishing you all the love in this holiday season. Also, a very Happy and safe New Year to you.

Take care, and here's to seeing you in the new year.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

2 books FREE for 3 days!

I saw this today and HAD to share it with ALL of you!

First, there is this awesome Christmas celebration from authors, thanking their readers and everyone! The event happening is The 12 Days of Christmas hosted by the lovely Starla Huchton, on Facebook. With a tag line: What will authors give to you?

So that sounds interesting, right! Well it is as the first giveaway if free for EVERYONE! and each day will be a different author with something to share with us.

Today kicked off the event with Starla first. She is sharing two of her books for FREE on Amazon for three days! WOOT WOOT!

I know you've heard me carry on about the first one and the second one is just as wonderful.


Evolution: ANGEL by Starla Huchton
#1 in Evolution series
Description:
Candace Bristol has always been obsessed with comic books, but in a world where the nightly news often mirrors these inked stories, her dreams of becoming a real superhero could actually come true. After being rescued by members of the government’s AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution (ANGEL) Project four years ago, getting recruited for this elite team is all she's wanted. 

Now 18, she's finally reached her goal after years of study and physical training, but little could have prepared her for life as a genetic experiment. As though coming to terms with her new ability to manipulate water isn't tough enough, she never expected to be swept off her feet by one of her fellow recruits. 

With genetic alteration, the threat of physical and mental instability hangs over every superhero like a shadow. When one of their own tumbles over the edge of madness, Candace will have to choose between protecting the world, and saving the one who holds her heart.



Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale by Starla Huchton
#1 in A Flipped Fairy Tales series
Description:
Once upon a time, a dark evil crept into my kingdom, stealing my loved ones and the happy life I knew. The world turned against me, and I swore to become stronger, to keep myself safe. 

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince, hair dark as ebony, skin as pure as the freshly driven snow, and I became the only one who stood between him and death. 

Once upon a time, our stories intertwined, and now, healing my heart may be the only way to save us all from the evil that threatens to destroy what little we have left.






I do hope you all take the time to check them out. I've soooo enjoyed reading these stories. And why not pick them up? They are free after all.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Book Review: Shadows on the Snow

Shadows on the Snow

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  November 2, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in Flipped Fairy Tales series

Recommendation:  Oh heavens yes. Gender flipped fairytales with stories filled with magic that you will love.

Synopsis:
Once upon a time, a dark evil crept into my kingdom, stealing my loved ones and the happy life I knew. The world turned against me, and I swore to become stronger, to keep myself safe.

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince, hair dark as ebony, skin as pure as the freshly driven snow, and I became the only one who stood between him and death.

Once upon a time, our stories intertwined, and now, healing my heart may be the only way to save us all from the evil that threatens to destroy what little we have left.

First Sentence:
When I was a child, my godmother told me stories before I fell asleep every night.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
Rae has been doing her part in protecting the royalty in the kingdom of Bern. Watching to make sure they don't fall victim as others have, to a cruel, evil man. Then one day she meets the Prince Leo. There is magic there that Rae is not ready to face. But Rae will do what she must to protect Prince Leo when his mother falls ill and he is shunned from the city. On the run, Rae faces a past she had buried deep inside her and comes to realize some things are worth the risk.

Godmothers, witches, magic, princes, and love. All with a feel of a lesson learned in the end through the trials and tribulations to get there. The heartache is worth it in the end as it's how Rae learns her hearts desire.

Starla amazes me with her story telling and stories she writes. She has different voice in this story as in any of her other series. Feels old with a blend of fey to it. I like it.

It's AMAZING how Starla has taken an old tale and twisted it around to make something new and fresh with a magical underlining to the world. She takes the basic tale of Snow White and not only flips the genders but also crafts a world and story all of it's own here.

I was stunned at the turn-table of the Snow White tale, gender flipped. The Prince is a fine respected commander of his army but when someone of power wants to turn people against him, it is done. He's not a weak man at all. That's what I enjoyed about him in this tale. So easily he could have been down played, but he wasn't. Rae is an interesting character. There is a whole history we don't know and guess at in the beginning, but when it comes out...WOW. It all falls into place then. Even the evil man we learn to hate is crafted here to the point that I was nervous for Rae on several occasions.

This is a story for those of any age, parents or young adults (over 13). It captivates you and draws you into the world with ease.

Love the twists you made to the story. I love the way Starla turned this tale around and had a great story in it. Well done.

This is a series WELL worth reading.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Tales from the Archives, Vol 3: #4

Tales from the Archives, Vol. 3: #4

By:  Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris

Written by:  Sandra Wickham

Narrated by:  K.T. Bryski

Format:  Podcast, 48:22 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy, Steampunk

Series:  4th in Tales of the Archives Vol. 3 podcasts, part of A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

Recommendation:  Nice way to meet new characters and authors in this steampunk-ish world particularly if you enjoyed the book; A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel, Phoenix Rising.  The archives are full of stories to be told.

Synopsis:
1858
Ottawa, Canada

Agent Cora Thorton finds herself in the forests of Canada, land she knows well as it was where she grew up in before joining the Ministry. Paired up with a junior agent, Cora steps into a rivalry between two lumber barons and the mystery surrounding six men disappearing in the dense forests, never to e seen again. The deeper Cora digs into this mystery, the more blurred lines become between reality and the superstitions of the working class.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Agent Cora Thorton meets the junior Agent sent to help her at the bar full of lumberjacks. One man stops in the middle of them all asking if anyone saw his friend, verbally saying he hopes he hasn't fallen to the same troubles the six other missing men had. Cora is here to by way of the agency to investigate what is happening here where two lumber business families have been at battle for years.

Cora is quick at getting to work and stopping by both the lumber business families homes to do interviews. When she suspects that the families are telling the truth she heads back to the bar, coming to the same man that had asked of his friend. She learns of ties that run deep and cross lines with the families and a lumberjack.

This story tells of water spirits. And they are not the nice pleasant kind. Wow. When going to the woods, I felt the mystery growing. I was curious of the water spirits and who would be behind this with the men.

We get quick action. There are shoots fired and back to talk to one family member. Then we end with a fight. Yes! Action! We do have a sad moment, but I really liked this ending with Shawn.

Nice tale with a folk lore blend.



Would you like to listen to these? For a taste of the characters or in addition to the book... Visit The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.

You can find these for your Reading pleasure in any eFormat you would like at Smashwords.

You can find the Archives: Amazon Kindle ~ Tales from the Archives Scroll through the list for them all, and the ones you still need.

There are short stories always added to the listing. So keep checking back!



I listened to this short story for my own enjoyment.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Cover Reveals & Releases (I missed sharing in November)

There were some OUTSTANDING covers that came to light in November. However, with life and my NaNoWriMo determination I didn't share them. But who's to stop me now that December is here?

Now, I know this is NOT all of them. And FAR from hitting all the covers shared or released in November, but these are a few I found of authors I love.

There something for everyone here in this list. Scroll through and check them all out!

Covers:

Stillness of the Sky
By:  Starla Huchton
Due Out:  February 2, 2015
Description:
Once upon a time, my life was certain: it was insignificant, and it was cruel. But I refused to let it define me, no matter how great the cost.

Once upon a time, I made a wish. The world I knew grew wider than the sky and higher than the stars, and I listened to the voice within me, reaching out for freedom.

Once upon a time, my wish became my fate, and my destiny the hardest lesson to learn: kindness may be the most difficult path, but it can save entire kingdoms.


Oh I read Stillness of the Sky and have to tell you.....WOW! There are no words to express what I enjoyed of this book. And this cover!!! Oh it is one of the best I've seen Starla do. It fits the story PERFECTLY!!



Fury
Tranquility #3
By:  Krista D. Ball
Due Out:  2015


I don't have a description for Fury yet, but dang. I'm hooked on finding out how the world goes for Bethany. Can't wait for this one.


Dogs of War: Demon Dogs
Dogs of War #2
By:  Frances Pauli
Due Out:  Any day now!
Dogs of War Website


I don't have a description for this one either, but I love the idea behind this series.


Blame the Bearer
(Kingdoms Gone #4)
By:  Frances Pauli
Due Out:  December 25, 2014
Kingdoms Gone Website
Description:
Vane has never turned away from an opportunity to seize power. He's spent his life manipulating others for his own gain. So when an ancient castle presents him with a magic ring and a legendary promise, he knows exactly what to do. Use the ring, find the Heir...and betray them at the first opportunity.

Lidya is the middle child, neither lovely as her sister not physically able as her brother. She's lived in their shadows all her life and been happy enough there. But when a man called Vane shows up with a magic ring and an insane tale, Lidya's life changes. Before anyone can stop it, she's trapped in a contest that will drag them all on a quest, put one of them on an ancient throne, and could easily cost all of them their lives.


Oooooh. Now I enjoyed this magical kingdom and stories. I'm looking forward to continuing in the series!


Releases:
Tales of a Tesla Ranger: A Tribute to PG Holyfield
Order it NOW!!
Description:
P G Holyfield. Award-nominated podcaster. Award-winning author. Voice talent. Friend. Father. 

Patrick was all these things and so much more to the people featured in this volume. His tragic loss to cancer was not only felt within his family and friends in North Carolina, but coast-to-coast from Virginia to California, and around the world from England to New Zealand. He was a voice we knew, a friend we loved, and this collection of stories — many of them inspired by, featuring, and written by P G Holyfield — stands as his legacy. He touched us all, and we will miss him. 

All proceeds from this anthology will go to the Patrick Holyfield's Childrens Trust, benefiting his daughters. 

Featuring stories from PG Holyfield, Jared Axelrod, K T Bryski, Jack Mangan, Nathan Lowell, Chris Lester, Tee Morris, Scott Roche, Allen Sale, Christiana Ellis, Kate Sherrod, and Philippa Ballantine



This...this is a special book. I'm sure you remember my review on PG's book: Murder at Avedon Hill. In a nut shell, I LOOOVED it! And you probably remember my sad news of how we were losing PG to a terrible enemy - cancer. Well, some kick arse authors got together and created this tribute to PG. I hope HOPE you go get it as ALL the money earned for this book go to PG's daughters who lost there father far to soon.



Christmas Nookie
Order it NOW!
Description:
Why settle for just one when you can have multiple? Our second annual Hot Holiday Reads anthology serves up another batch of tasty bits sure to warm your heart…and other places. Featuring all new quickies by your favorite Fuse Literary authors and more, this is one sleigh ride that will make you hold on tight. Are you dreaming of a wet Christmas?

Contributors include: Blake C. Aarens, Paul Goat Allen, E.B. Ashcroft, Philippa Ballantine, Peggy Barnett, Bethany Hyde, Nicola Jane, Mairi Kilaine, Maureen Lee, Melissa Lenhardt, Anh Leod, Elizabeth Shandy, and Wendy Vogel.


Okay, I don't do much in erotica but I have to mention this one as one amazing person is an author here. Who? Paul Goat Allen. And to my pleasant surprise I saw that Philippa Ballantine has a story in here too! Woot woot! I look forward to getting into this one.




Seen
A Princes of the Shroud Novel #2
By: Frances Pauli
A Princes of the Shroud Novel Website

Order it NOW!
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles
Description:
Rowri is a priestess with prophetic dreams—and she’s dreamt of her soulmate. So when she volunteers to be the gifted bride in a peace negotiation between her own peoples and the Tolfarians, she is certain that the lilac-skinned man in her visions is the Tolfarian leader she is to marry.

But prophecy is never simple, and visions are never clear. Shayd, a seer and one of the Shrouded, is summoned to transport Rowri to her new husband-to-be. When Rowri sets eyes on his lilac skin, she knows she’s made a terrible mistake—one she’ll have to live with for the rest of her life if she wants to save her people and prevent war.

The two are drawn together, and the fates of two races hinge on the decisions they make. On the precipice of volcanic eruptions, galactic terrorism, and mercenary attacks, Shayd and Rowri must give up every hope of happiness for their people, or sacrifice everything for true love.


I have this first book and sooooo neeeeed to get to it. I love Frances' writing and the sounds of this series is one that catches my eye. And to see book two out! Oh I need to get caught up. :D

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sunday Post #69

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news ~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share new about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~

It's been a long month since I've posted. It feels like it went by so quick. I know I said I'd try to post in November with updates....erm, sorry that didn't happen. Life kind of took over.

NaNo.... didn't pan out as I'd hoped. I wanted to finish re-writes on a current work. I didn't get through the whole thing. I added over 6,000 words and re-read in great detail over 5,000 words. But the good thing, I had an author contact me to do content editing so that's where I've been focusing my time. Hey, can't blame a girl as it's coming up on the holidays and I could use the extra paycheck.

I'm hoping to be around at least part time in December and January. I have plans for the WIPs I have here and hope to pick up more content editing jobs. So to do all that, it will limit my time here. Sorry! But I will be around.

So....what all happened that last week of October and in November in the way of books? Take a look!


What's Happening in Books:

Current Read:
nothing


Current Podcast Book Listen:
The Horde by Patrick Scaffido


Finished Last Week: (in last month)
Edgelanders by Jennifer Melzer


Finished Podcast Book Listen:
None finished yet.

~~~~~~~~~~

Last Week on the Blog:



Cover Reveals: (click titles to go to post & learn more)

Posts:

NaNoWriMo 2014 plans

#PromoteTheGood

Around the Internet...



Reviews:
GIVEAWAYS:




Weekly Posts:

Mythical Monday
Throwback Thursday


~~~~~~~~~~

This Week to Come on the Blog:

What's to come.... erm, let me think...

Covers and Releases that I missed in November (Tues.)

Review:  Tales from the Archives Vol 3 #4 (Wed.)
Review:  Shadows on the Snow by Starla Huchton (Thurs.)

~~~~~~~~~~

Received Last Weeks:


Review & Review Consideration:
All In by Amanda Carlson
Goodreads Synopsis:
Welcome to Vegas. Home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don’t ask any questions. 

Ginger Elliot is a succubus on the run. She’s in danger of being Collected, but her first priority is to find her brother. Even though she operates the biggest spy network in the supernatural world, it may not be enough to free her from the crimes she’s been accused of committing. It doesn’t help that she hasn’t fed in months, and keeping her deteriorating condition from the sexy shifter who’s accompanying her is getting trickier by the hour. 

Luke Jones is on a mission to save the succubus he’s fallen for—not only from her brother—but from herself. The two have been on the incubus’s trail for weeks and finally have him backed into a corner. Luke knows the succubus is in trouble, but he has no idea how to help her. In the end, letting go of his painful past is the only way he can save her.


What’s Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

Mystery Night by Krista D. Ball
Goodreads Synopsis:
(Not on Goodreads yet.)

Christmas Nookie (anthology)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Why settle for just one when you can have multiple? Our second annual Hot Holiday Reads anthology serves up another batch of tasty bits sure to warm your heart…and other places. Featuring all new quickies by your favorite Fuse Literary authors and more, this is one sleigh ride that will make you hold on tight. Are you dreaming of a wet Christmas?

Contributors include: Blake C. Aarens, Paul Goat Allen, E.B. Ashcroft, Philippa Ballantine, Peggy Barnett, Bethany Hyde, Nicola Jane, Mairi Kilaine, Maureen Lee, Melissa Lenhardt, Anh Leod, Elizabeth Shandy, and Wendy Vogel.


Purchased/Winnings/Gifts:
Apollo's Daughters (anthology)
Goodreads Synopsis:
(no cover or synopsis available)




Free Ebooks:
(Kindle)
The Star Thief by Jamie Grey
Goodreads Synopsis:
Stealing another galactic secret will get her arrested, but playing by the rules might just get her killed.

At twenty-three, Renna Carrizal is the most notorious thief in the galaxy. There's just one problem - all she wants is to get out of the business.

But after Renna rescues an injured boy on her final job, she finds herself on the run from the mob instead of enjoying retirement. She unwittingly becomes ensnared by MYTH, a top-secret galactic protection agency who offer her a choice - either help them on their latest mission, or spend the rest of her life on a prison ship.

Forced to work under the watchful eye of handsome but arrogant Captain Finn, Renna learns the former mercenary-turned-hero has a few dirty secrets himself. As Renna works to discover the truth about Finn's past and keep the tantalizing man at arm's length, she unearths a plot to create an unstoppable army. The target? The human star fleet.

Now Renna must pull off the biggest job of her career - saving the galaxy. And maybe even herself.
 

Spellbound in Sleepy Hollow by Rosalie Lario, Boone Brux, and Patricia Elmer
Goodreads Synopsis:
The Von Tassel sisters are in deep. With a new inn opening up to non-magic guests, these three witches have enough to worry about, but after a deal with the Headless Horseman, all three Von Tassel sisters must find their true loves by All Hallow's Eve or forever be trapped as ghosts in Sleepy Hollow like their ill-fated aunties.

Will Stephanie be able to forgive her playboy ex? Will Bri be able to win back her childhood cruch-turned-ghost hunter? Will Lexi be able to sway her supernatural employee? And will they all be able to fall in love by the week's end?

Flashy Fiction & Other Insane Tales (Bundle vol 1 & 2) (anthology)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Flashy Fiction AND OTHER INSANE TALES VOL 1 & 2 To the quiet ones, the trodden on, the kids in the hall The wolves in sheep's clothing, fooling them all. To the Goth, the dark, and the utterly strange The bizarre, the mutants, and the strangely deranged To the clinically insane and those not yet diagnosed Even un-medicated, you understand us the most This Flashy combo's for you An anthology of the strange, bizarre, and just plain weird. In Volume 1 find Zombies, vampires, ghosts, and ...crickets? If you dare, keep reading Volume 2 for Unicorns, zombies, devils, dark whispers, teddy bears, and ...fireflies? Try a taste of writing from two very different fantasy authors. Flash fiction stories are super short and perfect for when you 'just have a minute'. These anthologies each contain 15 stories (both flash and longer short stories) from authors Sean Hayden and Jen Wylie. Run the rampart of emotions in this exciting mix of tales. From humor to horror, sweet to twisted, there is something for everyone.

Happily Ever Afterlife (anthology)
Goodreads Synopsis:
Revisit your favorite childhood fairy tales…with a paranormal twist. Eight classic stories rewritten by eight talented authors with one common theme, they all feature the undead. From angels to vampires and ghosts to zombies, you'll be sure to fall in love with the classics all over again and quickly learn that even the undead can have a happily ever after.

In the Belly of the Wolf by Amanda Carman
Don't talk to strangers. Don't stray from the path. If you do, the wolf will eat you. Once swallowed, you will be trapped forever in the dark and musty limbo of the belly of the wolf, a larger and more crowded world than you ever suspected. You can't blame him, though. After all, wolves will be wolves.

The Glass Coffin by Emmalyn Greyson
When Marianna's stepmother betrays her by having her turned into a vampire, she must flee home and the love of her life. Darren, her werewolf lover, believes he's found a cure. Will it lead to heartache or happily ever after?

Hans and the Best Day Ever by G.L. Jackson
After a seven-year apprenticeship with the Boss Lady, Hans decides it’s time to go home. Accompanied by Gabe, the two boys make their way back to the house in the woods where they hope to find Hans’ mother. Gabe is never at a loss for words but Hans is always quick to act on what might either be a fantastic idea…or the worst idea ever.

The Baron and the Firebird by J.A. Campbell
In the depths of the Russian wilderness, Baron Pyotr Vasilyev does his best to care for his people but his long years weigh heavily and he’s beginning to lose his taste for life. The only things that keep him going are his devotion to duty and his magical cherries. When his cherries go missing the thief turns out to be the Firebird. The desire to hear her sing one last time drives him through the centuries.

Clara and the Coon by M.K. Boise
Clara is born the height of a quarter–an abomination to the village of Fankfret. Left to die in a teapot on the outskirts of town, she learns that her story is far from over. Getting eaten by a raccoon is just the beginning.

Blood Borne Pathogen by Shoshanah Holl
Javier is too young to be waiting for death, but in the hospital battling late-stage AIDs there isn't room for much else in his mind. A mysterious woman begins visiting him and they form a strange friendship. Aurora only comes to visit after the sun goes down, leaving long before dawn. On the Day of the Dead, they both face the choice between life, death...and what comes after.

In Spite of Fire by Tilly Boscott
Alice's husband, Henry, died, leaving her to wander the world alone, searching for a way to bring him back. When she stumbles upon village gossip describing a place where ghosts dwell, she sets off to find her lost love. Instead of her husband, she discovers a ghost with eyes of fire, keen on the contents of a ragged tree. Alice clambers into an adventure of fear, darkness and true love.

The Angel by Troy Lambert
Abel is a poor urchin, trying to survive on the streets with only his wits to protect him and a tiny garden of struggling flowers to bring him pleasure. Zach is a young boy struggling in the fight of his life against the blight of cancer who wants to see the flowers of spring one last time. It seems inevitable that these young souls will soon leave the earth. But what awaits them in the beyond?


(Nook)
Strange But True by Monica-Maria Stapelberg
Goodreads Synopsis:
Why do we: 
• Christen ships and sailing vessels or refer to them as ‘she’? 
• Avoid the number thirteen, breaking mirrors or walking under ladders? 
• Use the phrase having a ‘skeleton in the cupboard’? 
• Dress baby boys in blue, speak of ‘true blue’ or ‘blue-blooded’? 
• Decorate the Christmas Tree or eat Easter Eggs? 
• Kiss under the mistletoe or 'trick or treat’ on Halloween? 

In this easy-to-read book – a revised and updated re-publication of her previous book, Curious and Curiouser! – author, lecturer and public speaker, Dr. Monica-Maria Stapelberg, shares the results of her many years of research to uncover the historical background behind numerous commonly-held beliefs and traditions. These range from general popular beliefs to the more specific and enlightening traditions of western culture. Strange but True also brings to light how many of our day-to-day words, phrases and actions are anchored in past ritual or sacrificial observances, or simply based on fearful superstitious notions. This book is a must read for a curious mind! 

Kaleidoscope by Mindy Hayes
Goodreads Synopsis:
Was I still a human? Gosh, I still wanted to be human. Even just to keep a sliver of who I thought I was. But as I thought about being human, standing in the shade of the forest, I felt less human than ever. The trees fought for my allegiance."


It starts in her chest. The change Calliope doesn't see coming. It pulses like a second heartbeat, urging her to give in to the need to be in the depths of the forest. She's compelled to fight the pull, but the more she denies it the stronger it becomes until she finally surrenders and is pulled into a secret world of enchantment.


Kai and Declan need her to accept what she is, but with everything left unsaid, acceptance may be the least of their worries. Knowing their fate lies in her hands, they’ll stop at nothing to protect and prepare her for what lies ahead.


Will Calliope be able to accept what Kai and Declan reveal or will her desire to be normal keep her from acknowledging her true destiny?

Blood of the Demon by Rosalie Lario
Goodreads Synopsis:
Keegan lives to exact revenge on the evil demon who sired and abused him. When his father devises a plan to bring on the apocalypse, he and his three half-brothers, interdimensional bounty hunters for the Elden Council, are charged with capturing and delivering their father for punishment.

Art gallery owner Brynn Meyers has no idea that her ability to read memories embedded in objects and drain people of their life force means she has demon ancestry. Unfortunately for Brynn, she's also the key to raising an ancient zombie army, which puts her on every demon's Most Wanted List.And no one wants her more than Keegan's father.Keegan must protect Brynn from his father by any means necessary, but he'll have to learn to harness the other half of his genetics-the far deadlier, uncontrollable half-when he starts to fall for the one woman standing between him and the vengeance he so desperately seeks. The one woman he'll never be able to resist.


Free Audio Books/Stories:
Legion: Skin Deep by Brandon Sanderson
Goodreads Synopsis:
Stephen Leeds, AKA “Legion,” is a man whose unique mental condition allows him to generate a multitude of personae: hallucinatory entities with a wide variety of personal characteristics and a vast array of highly specialized skills. As the new story begins, Leeds and his “aspects” are hired by I3 (Innovative Information Incorporated) to recover a corpse stolen from the local morgue. But there’s a catch. The corpse is that of a pioneer in the field of experimental biotechnology, a man whose work concerned the use of the human body as a massive storage device. He may have embedded something in the cells of his now dead body. And that something might be dangerous…

What follows is a visionary thriller about the potential uses of technology, the mysteries of the human personality, and the ancient human need to believe that death is not the end. Legion: Skin Deep is speculative fiction at it most highly developed. It reaffirms Sanderson’s place as one of contemporary fiction’s most intelligent—and unpredictable—voices.

~~~~~~~~~~

Reviews to Come:

Ravenwood by Nathan Lowell - a podcast reading of the book
The Secret World Chronicle: The Hunt by Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey (in audiobook while at work)
The Secret World Chronicle: World Well Lost by Mercees Lackey,Steve Libby, Cody Martin, & Dennis Lee
Harlan's Wake by John Mierau
The List by John Mierau
Tales from the Archive: 4 - Wooden Go to Waste by Sandra Wickham
Tales from the Archive: 5 (part 1 & 2) - Those Dark Satanic Mills by Suna Dasi
Soulless by Skyla Dawn Cameron
The Sentinel by Chris Lester
The Muse by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Making the Cut by Chris Lester
Metamor City: Whispers in the Wood by Chris Lester
Dirty Magick: Los Angeles edited by Charlie Brown
Edgelanders by Jennifer Melzer
The Stillness of the Sky by Starla Huchton
Shadows on Snow by Starla Huchton
Master of Myth by Starla Huchton

Friday, December 5, 2014

Book Review: A Cursed Bloodline

A Cursed Bloodline

By:  Cecy Robson

Publish Date:  November 18, 2014

Publisher:  Loveswept

Format:  eARC (NetGalley)

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th in Weird Girls series; 0.5 Novella ~ The Weird Girls, Book 1 ~ Sealed with a Curse, Book 2 ~ A Cursed Embrace, 2.5 Novella ~ A Cursed Moon, Book 3 ~ Cursed By Destiny

Recommendation:  Oh my goodness. If you are hooked. OH MY GOODNESS!! YES!

Synopsis:
The Weird Girls return in another edge-of-your-seat novel from Cecy Robson! Just when Celia thinks the supernatural world can’t turn deadlier, a new rival emerges, proving just how dangerous a power-hungry were can be.

Since being cursed with unique abilities, Celia Wird and her three sisters have fought the most bloodthirsty preternaturals in the Lake Tahoe region. But Celia’s greatest threat is someone she would have never suspected: Anara, a werewolf Elder who has allowed his hatred for Celia to spiral out of control. In a play for dominance, Anara tortures Celia and gives her an ultimatum: sever her mate bond with pureblood were Aric—or Anara will kill everyone she loves.

From the instant they met, Celia and Aric have shared an attraction that cannot be tamed. So keeping Aric away is impossible, and Aric would sooner die than allow anyone to hurt the woman he loves. Misha, master vampire and Celia’s sworn protector, also finds his way into the chaos, seeking blood from those who have harmed her.

Now Celia and her sisters are caught in the middle of a war driven by lust, fueled by hatred, and destined to end in tragedy. For Anara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will not succumb without robbing Celia of those who hold her heart.

First Sentence:
I continued to stare at the tiny heartbeat on the screen.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Celia's family and loved ones are threatened by a close foe, but they can't know why she's doing what she is doing - for her to save them.

Wow! If I hadn't been in Celia's head, I would have thought the girl was going stark raving mad. Amazingly well written for me, the reader, to see that what Celia is doing has reason but that if I was in her sisters and the wolves shoes, I'd think her crazy!

Celia is always the big sister and trying to keep everyone safe. She's the protector, as her tigeress is strong and set the bar with Celia protective nature of being the oldest sister as well. But she needs to be protected too! I feel for this woman. Doing what is right and still put through the wringer. All that Celia suffers for those she loves - her sisters, the wolves, Aric... good grief! Celia's parents were cursed for their love, and Celia seems doomed to follow the family love events.

This book pushes every last character to their limits and beyond. Some may not return...

Heart pounding and heart twisting actions here. Things that people have to do for each other is just heart gripping. You won't be able to put the book down. I couldn't put the book down! I HAD to know what would happen next. How bad would it be? When would it get better? To get a taste of the light then have it pushed a little further away to work harder for it. Every event made me think this had to be the low point and it couldn't get worse... It does. But there are glimpses and drops of hope that kept me wanting more.

Life doesn't get easier for the Wird sisters, but they keep on kicking back with the little glimmers of hope they have and the love they feel.

Cecy has delivered with another outstanding novel. I was a bit worried about the anguish going into this book as the last was starting to feel strong with it. But this book pulled out and ahead of the game with where we go here.

Once again, I can't wait for the next novel to come out!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


And now I have a special treat for you! Excerpts!!! Woot woot!

This Excerpt is from Chapter 2 of A Cursed Bloodline:
Liam surveyed the damaged wall and the splintered glass and wood. I couldn’t tell him what happened. Aric and my sisters would be hurt—or worse. But I couldn’t lie to Liam. Like most preternaturals, he could smell a lie. So I worked to calm my racing heart and tried to gather my words carefully.

He helped me to stand once he failed to sense any immediate danger. His eyes widened as he took in my state. “Good Lord, Celia. What happened?”

“I was attacked,” I gasped, still unable to speak clearly.

Liam swept me into his arms, moving me away from the shards of glass. “Tell me who did this to you!

“Our . . . enemy.”

Liam sniffed the air. I panicked, thinking he’d detect Anara’s scent. “Wolves. Wolves have been here,” he said.

Wolves?“I don’t recognize their scent.” Liam threw a blanket on the couch and gently lay me over it. “Hang on, Celia. I’ll call Aric—”

“No! Liam, you can’t call Aric.”

“Celia, I have to, you’re hurt.”

My throat ached and it burned to talk. “I don’t want him to see me like this. He’s already
dealing with a lot. Please, Liam, just get me to Misha’s house. Emme can heal me there.”

Liam’s face split with guilt and uncertainty. As one of Aric’s Warriors, he was blood-
bound to protect me as Aric’s mate, but he was also obliged to obey him. “Celia, I know he’s in his own personal hell, but you’re his priority. He’ll want to be here.”

Emme is who I need right now. There’s still blood running down my back.”

In an instant, Liam was behind me, examining my wounds. I wasn’t a were. I couldn’t heal. “Oh, shit. I’ll get you to Emme right away.”

Liam lifted me and raced toward the door, kicking the empty boxes he’d dropped on the porch out of his way. He must have arrived to remove his belongings from the bedroom he and Emme had shared.

The bright sunlight burned my eyes. I shut them tight until we reached Liam’s SUV. The moment he strapped me in, he stomped on the accelerator and roared out of our cul-de-sac. “What exactly happened, Celia? And why did I only smell your blood?”

“I was caught off guard.”

Liam frowned. “What the hell? You’re always on guard.”

“I’ve been distracted because of . . . everything. Look, I can’t keep talking. It hurts too
much.” It was true, but mostly I was running out of ways to be creative with my answers.

“Sorry, Celia—I wasn’t thinking. I’m just trying to figure things out. Don’t worry. You’ll be with Emme soon.”

The relief I felt was short-lived. Almost immediately, he called the one person I dreaded
most.

Aric’s voice pulsed with strain from the moment he answered. “Liam, I told you now’s not a good time—”

“Celia’s hurt.”

What? Is she all right?”

“She’s not dying.” Liam gave me the once-over. “At least, I don’t think she is. But she’s
pretty fucked up. Near as I can figure she was attacked by a bunch of Tribe wolves.”

The Tribe were the evil band of bastards who had awoken the even more evil and bigger bastard demon. In stopping them, we’d decimated their numbers, but they were still out there—thankfully providing the perfect scapegoat.

Aric’s breaths came out fast. “When did this happen?”

Liam sniffed the air around me. “By the way the dry blood on her smells, about an hour
ago.”

Aric let out a string of swearwords. “By the way the dry blood smells on her!”

“Well, yeah, she’s still bleeding.”

“How bad is it?”

“Pretty bad, but I think she’ll live.” He shook his head when he took another look at me.
“Damn, you should see her. She looks like hell . . .”

I groaned. Way to keep Aric calm, Liam.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enjoy that? Then pick up the books!

About Cecy Robson:
Cecy Robson is the New Adult author of Once Perfect, Once Loved, and Once Pure and the award-winning author of the Weird Girls urban fantasy romance series. A self-proclaimed professional napper, Cecy counts among her talents a jaw-dropping knowledge of useless trivia, the ability to make her hair big, and a knack for breaking into song despite her family’s vehement protests. A full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the Great Northwest, Cecy enjoys spending time with her family and silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.

Author Links: 
Website:  http://www.cecyrobson.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Cecy.Robson.Author
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cecyrobson
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6177334.Cecy_Robson


Rafflecopter Giveaway
($25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller and Loveswept Mug & Tote)


Link to stops on the tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/09/a-cursed-bloodline-weird-girls-4-by.html

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Monday, November 17, 2014

Book Review: All In

All In

By:  Amanda Carlson

Publish Date:  November 17, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Series:  5th in Sin City Collectors world; 1st Book ~ Aces Wild, 2nd Book ~ Queen of Hearts, 3rd Book Ante Up, 4th Book ~ Dead Man's Hand

Recommendation:  A creative pair matching to heat the souls.

Synopsis:
Welcome to Vegas. Home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don’t ask any questions.

Ginger Elliot is a succubus on the run. She’s in danger of being Collected, but her first priority is to find her brother. Even though she operates the biggest spy network in the supernatural world, it may not be enough to free her from the crimes she’s been accused of committing. It doesn’t help that she hasn’t fed in months, and keeping her deteriorating condition from the sexy shifter who’s accompanying her is getting trickier by the hour.

Luke Jones is on a mission to save the succubus he’s fallen for—not only from her brother—but from herself. The two have been on the incubus’s trail for weeks and finally have him backed into a corner. Luke knows the succubus is in trouble, but he has no idea how to help her. In the end, letting go of his painful past is the only way he can save her.


What’s Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

First Sentence:
"We're officially off the grid." Luke Jones tossed his cell phone onto the bed.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
Luke and Ginger have been on the road over three weeks now, searching and chasing her brother. Ginger feels they have Damien with his back against the wall in this cave, and he's got one end game. Luke is now on the Sin City payroll, his application accepted when he left with Ginger. Ginger is physically slowing, hiding it from Luke because she hasn't "feed" in over six months. She has to be careful not to touch the attractive Luke. She's falling for him and he for her. However Lukes past with incubi is not a pleasant memory. At all. They both will face pasts they don't want too, and accept it as a past and those people are not the view of a whole race's or the world's. But they will have to accept it before it kills them.

Ginger is organized and resourceful. She has to be to have created such a detailed underground network in buying/selling information. However, Ginger has a flaw. Ginger doesn't like what she is or how she has to survive. She knows her brother doesn't either... or does she? She's a succubus. Ginger is a nice addition to the variety of a world we have here.

Luke... hmm. What to say about Luke? I liked him the best here. He's calm and collected. He is also determined and knows what he likes and wants. He's the calm and patient man that Ginger needs. Luke does seem like the perfect man in all aspects here. (When we get from Gingers POV, and even thoughts of his own when we see his POV.) He's strong and organized too.

The story is these two working through what they have grown up thinking to come to a point where they can accept themselves and maybe each other. Before it's to late. Oh Damien. Grrr. We get to see him face to face as well, if only for a minute. What a... well, after the ending of Ante Up, we catch up with him.

Oh! We meet a new character here. And we have to be seeing him in the future. I am curious and would like to see him.

I've mentioned the end of Ante Up. Do you have to read it before this story? No, you don't. There is a connection but the story does not rely on it and doesn't even tell of the same couple. Each story is a different couple, so you can read at any order you'd like. But if you want to read in time order, then yes.

This story was a lovely one to relax with. And to read Ginger describe how succubi see nature, wow. This story is lovely for me. Ginger, for whatever reason, didn't seem to catch me like the others. The characters both seem rather calm, and I seem to be entranced with hot headed characters. lol. But these two work well together. A perfect match in Luke and Ginger.