February 26, 2013

Release Day Euphoria: The Last Debutante by Julia London

at 2/26/2013 06:38:00 PM 0 comments
I love Julia London's Secrets of Hadley Green series. The mystery surrounding a missing necklace and the hanging of an innocent man. Events that took place over 2 decades ago, will bring their descendants together in marriage, love, and secrets long buried will be uncovered and revealed. Go out and get your copy today!



Who is the captive and who is the captor? When a sexy laird holds a spirited English lady for ransom, she turns the tables and steals his heart.
The lush Scottish Highlands are a tempting setting for seduction in New York Times bestselling author Julia London’s sparkling new novel.
The last person Daria Babcock expects to find in her grandmother’s home is a brawny, naked Highlander. She doesn’t buy Mamie’s explanation about finding the poor man shot in the woods. Nor does she trust the gorgeous laird, who insists his own memory fails him. But Daria came to Scotland looking for adventure and romance, and after the intriguing stranger kidnaps her, she gets her wish—and so much more. . . .


Release Day Euphoria: Immortal Ever After by Lynsay Sands

at 2/26/2013 06:27:00 PM 0 comments
I read an excerpt of this book in another book that Eloisa James put together with a number of other authors. It was a free compilation of different excerpts from different books. I read it and wrote a review that you can find here. Even though I felt the Argeneau series has been milked for all it's worth, I am still intrigued by this book. The excerpt was certainly interesting. The heroine is a victim of a crazy kidnapping vampire and the hero, Anders, comes to her rescue and so begins their story. I just wonder how Sands is gonna spin this one. The heroine was a victim of a crazed vampire, would she accept her fate as Anders' mate for life? Or will she go down swinging? Find out for yourself by getting your copy and giving it a go! Clickety clack the links below!
A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .
Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!
. . . Or does it?
Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!


Amazon

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Release Day Euphoria: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

at 2/26/2013 02:20:00 PM 0 comments
Today seems to be the choice day to pick for publishers to release books. One of many that I am excited for is the next book in Lara Adrian's Breed series. I had the luck to be able to read an ARC copy and I loved it.  Plenty of love, angst, kissing, sex, and action to keep the pages turning. Check out my ARC Review for this book (no spoilers I promise). After everyone's had a chance to read it, I'll post a more in depth review. :D get your copies today peeps!



In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost. 
Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.

Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.

Release Day Euphoria: Dusk with a Dangerous Duke by Alexandra Hawkins

at 2/26/2013 12:18:00 AM 0 comments
They were children when the Duke of Huntsley was introduced to Lady Grace Kearly. The young duke—nicknamed “Hunter”—took one look at his future bride and thought only of escaping his responsibilities to his family. Marriage was for grown-ups and Hunter still had years of skirt-chasing ahead of him. But now the time has come for Hunter to heed the call: if this Lord of Vice hopes to keep all of his inheritance, he’ll have to claim his long-neglected betrothed…
With her twenty-first birthday approaching, Lady Grace dreads the thought of marrying the duke she has met only once—especially since he’s grown into a notorious rake who will probably beget his heir and abandon her in the country while he pursues fresh game in London. So when Lady Grace coolly decides to call the wedding off, even Hunter is surprised by his refusal to let her go. Suddenly, the notion of claiming and taming this green-eyed beauty is one challenge he cannot resist…

I loved Alexandra Hawkins' Lords of Vice series, but it's been awhile since I picked up this series so I must re-read the series to get reacquainted with the cast of characters. 

Amazon

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Release Day Euphoria: Calculated in Death by J.D. Robb

at 2/26/2013 12:13:00 AM 0 comments

On Manhattan's Upper East Side a woman lies dead at the bottom of the stairs, stripped of all her valuables. Most cops might call it a mugging gone wrong, but Lieutenant Eve Dallas knows better.
A well-off accountant and a beloved wife and mother, Marta Dickenson doesn't seem the type to be on anyone's hit list. But when Eve and her partner, Peabody, find blood inside the building, the lieutenant knows Marta's murder was the work of a killer who's trained, but not professional or smart enough to remove all the evidence.
But when someone steals the files out of Marta's office, Eve must immerse herself in her billionaire husband Roarke's world of big business to figure out who's cruel and callous enough to hire a hit on an innocent woman. And as the killer's violent streak begins to escalate, Eve knows she has to draw him out, even if it means using herself as bait. . . .

I absolutely love J.D. Robb's (a.k.a Nora Roberts) In Death series. I am waiting on baited breath for my copy to come in the mail. I just love the chemistry and love between tough cop, but humanly fractured Eve Dallas and her husband, whose richer than God, Roarke. I'm on pins and needles!

Amazon

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Release Day Euphoria: A Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle

at 2/26/2013 12:07:00 AM 0 comments

Passion and secrets simmer behind the elegant façade of Victorian London in another deliciously intriguing novel featuring the dangerous men of the mysterious St. James Society. 
Royden Napier, Baron Saint-Bryce, is tall, dark, and ruthless—and on the hunt for a dangerous beauty . . .
On the eve of her escape to the Continent, bold, beautiful Lisette Colburne accepts a proposal she dare not refuse: masquerade as the future bride of the steely-eyed Royden Napier and help him solve his most dangerous case. Soon Lisette is in even greater danger—of losing her heart to the one man with the power to destroy her . . .
Estranged from his aristocratic family, the enigmatic Napier has forged a reputation as Scotland Yard's most relentless police commissioner. He's vowed to bring Lisette to justice—but with every forbidden kiss and every tantalizing touch, he finds himself becoming less convinced of her guilt . . . and more certain he must have her. But when danger touches Lisette, can he save her?

Lots of books are released today so let's get to it. This is the fourth book in Liz Carlyle's Fraternitas Aureae Crucis series. I have not read this series yet, but the synopsis does intrigue me. I cannot read in the middle of a series so I'll have to come back later to write a review on this book. Get your copies today!

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February 25, 2013

ARC Review: A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn Macnamara

at 2/25/2013 11:46:00 PM 0 comments

In Ashlyn Macnamara’s stunning romance debut—perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries—two childhood friends in Regency England discover love with the most unlikely of partners: each other. 
After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams. 
Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…
…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.

I really liked this book. This is the first book I've read from Ashlyn Macnamara, but it won't be my last. The characters reflected the ideals and social norms of the set time era and that's something I always look for in historical fiction. Usually authors of this genre have to do a lot of research to create the setting for their story. Julia is a no nonsense kind of girl in the Victorian era of London. Her sister is in love with the Earl of Clivesden, who IMO was an inconsiderate D-bag throughout the entire book. I was immediately drawn to the hero of the story, Benedict, Julia's childhood friend. When her scheming parents make deals with the devil, Julia has no choice, but to turn to Benedict for help. There were laughs, cheers, jeers and sigh-worthy lines. I definitely win order a copy for my collection and highly recommend this good read. Click the links below to get your copy today.

Amazon

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ARC Review: Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian

at 2/25/2013 12:33:00 PM 0 comments


In this pulse-pounding and thrillingly sensual novel, New York Times bestselling author Lara Adrian returns to the mesmerizing world of the Midnight Breed, following new characters into a dark future where an uneasy peace can unravel into war—and a great betrayal can mask an all-consuming love.

Twenty years after the terror of First Dawn—when mankind learned that vampires lived secretly among them—the threat of violence reigns as the two species struggle to coexist. The only group preserving the fragile harmony is the Order, an elite cadre of Breed warriors dedicated to protecting humans and vampires alike. And in this precarious world of torn loyalties and shattered trust, Mira, a fiery squad captain, finds that every fight bears an intensely personal cost. 
Raised among the Order, Mira has always believed in the warrior’s code of swift—and even lethal—justice. But the one thing she desires more than the Order’s hard-won acceptance is Kellan Archer, a sexy but troubled Breed fighter. In love with him since childhood, Mira once broke through his tough exterior during an unexpected night of rapture, but the next day he mysteriously disappeared, never to return.
Kellan didn’t think he would ever see Mira again—or have to confront the truth of why he left. After abandoning the Order years ago, he now leads a band of human rebels intent on carrying out their own vigilante rule of law. Yet a high-profile kidnapping assignment brings him face-to-face with the past he sought to avoid, and the striking woman he has tried desperately to forget. And as tensions mount and the risk of bloodshed grows, Kellan and Mira must take sides—between the competing missions that dominate their lives, and the electrifying passion that claims their hearts.


Yayyyyyy I am so excited to review this book! So let's get to it! I give this book 



5 stars!!!!

Mira, adopted daughter of Renata and Nikolai, gets her own story! I love the story. There's deception, love, drama, mystery, plots of war and lots of sexy new characters! :D Mira as you might remember was the little girl whose eyes could reflect your future, if you looked straight into them. I liked how Lara wrote Mira's history. Since she grew up among the Order, it was a no brainer that she'd grow up to be a tough as nails female warrior with a squad of Breed soldiers. Mira's lead Breed (ha ha) is Kellan Archer. He's an entirely new character to the world of Breed, but Lara Adrian does a very good job of incorporating new characters in. I freely admit that I had some reservations about reading this book, but I had nothing to fear. This book was well written from beginning to end with hints of future romances between other characters. I am usually disappointed when the main cast of a series all have mates already and the author's attempt to branch out falls flat, but Lara Adrian exceeded my expectations and kept this Breed training running. Despite the fact that I had essays due the next day, I could not stop reading this book. I don't know what Lara Adrian has planned for this series, but I'm sure to be there when it happens.

This book is set be released on February 26th, 2013. If you want to start at the beginning of this series, please visit Lara Adrian's website, where she's posted the first chapters of the book. Get your copy today via the links below, so clickety clack those at your leisure :D Thanks for stopping by peeps!

Purchase your copy today!!!

Amazon

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February 11, 2013

ARC Review: It Happened One Valentine's Day

at 2/11/2013 10:39:00 PM 0 comments
Ahoy there peeps! I bring you a special post. What's the occasion? It's Valentine's Day on Thursday and I was lucky enough to be permitted to review this ebook, It's Happened One Valentine's Day. This was basically a compilation of excerpts from various authors. It's a sampler of chapter ones from different story lines. There was an introduction from Eloisa James and excerpts from Eloisa Hames, Lyndsay Sands, Jeaniene Frost, Liz Carlyle, Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Rachel Gibson, Emma Cane, Cheryl Harper, Jennifer McQuiston, Beverly Jenkins, and Kathleen Harrington.




This February, much beloved, New York Times bestselling romance author Eloisa James presents an enchanting Valentine's Day free e-book sampler, It Happened One Valentine's Day. With excerpts from fourteen new and upcoming Avon and Avon Impulse novels and novellas, including Eloisa James's not-yet-released Once Upon a Tower, It Happened One Valentine's Day is a free treat for romance readers to enjoy in the most amorous month of the year! It Happened One Valentine's Day: An Avon Romance Valentine's Day Sampler includes:
An Introduction from Eloisa James and excerpts from Eloisa James, Lynsay Sands, Jeaniene Frost, Liz Carlyle, Kerrelyn Sparks, Pamela Palmer, Rachel Gibson, Emma Cane, Cheryl Harper, Jennifer McQuiston, Beverly Jenkins, and Kathleen Harrington


The following is a list of the chapters (a.k.a excerpts) that were featured in the book:


Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James

Immortal Ever After by Lyndsay Sands

Twice Tempted by Jeaniene Frost

Bride by Moonlight by Liz Carlyle

"V is for Vampwoman" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Kerrelyn Sparks

"A Forever Love" (from Vampires Gone Wild) by Pamela Palmer

The Trouble with Valentine's Day by Rachel Gibson

True Love at Silver Creek Ranch by Emma Cane

"Love Me Tender" (from Kiss Me: An Avon Books Valentine Day Anthology) by Cheryl Harper

Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan

The Earl in My Bed by Sophie Jordan

What Happens in Scotland by Jennifer McQuiston

Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins

The Maclean Groom by Kathleen Harrington


I liked all of the excerpts and they all peaked my interest, but my top 2 out of all of them would be:


  1. Once Upon a Tower by Eloisa James
  2. Immortal Ever After by Lyndsay Sands

Once Upon a Tower is the next book in Eloisa James' Fairy Tales series. This play on the fairy tale Rapunzel. 

Once upon a time…
A duke fell in love 
Gowan Stoughton of Craigievar, Duke of Kinross, values order and self-control above all else. So when he meets a lady as serene as she is beautiful, he promptly asks for her hand in marriage.
With a lady 
Edie—whose passionate temperament is the opposite of serene—had such a high fever at her own debut ball that she didn’t notice anyone, not even the notoriously elusive Duke of Kinross. When her father accepts his offer… she panics.
And when their marriage night isn’t all it could be, she pretends.
In a tower. 
But Edie’s inability to hide her feelings makes pretending impossible, and when their marriage implodes, she retreats to a tower—locking Gowan out.
Now Gowan faces his greatest challenge. Neither commands nor reason work with his spirited young bride. How can he convince her to give him the keys to the tower…
When she already has the keys to his heart?
This story features Gowan, Duke of Kinross, who's looking for a wife and finds just that at a party he is invited to. The leading lady? Lady Edith, the host's daughter. From reading the first chapter, Gowan felt like the kind of person who likes his personal bubble and chafes when anybody enters his circle. He also seems like a no-nonsense and super logical in thinking; think the male version of Temperance Brennan of Bones. I love Eloisa James and her various series; this book is no exception.




A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .
Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!
. . . Or does it?
Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

It's been a while since I was interested in Lynsay Sands' Argeneau. I have to be honest, I lost a little interest after the main Argeneau family all found their mates. It wasn't because the story lines were bad, it was more about me being more emotionally invested on the main family branch's love lives. I think I will pick up this series again.

For this ebook in its Valentine's Day themed glory, was a good read all around. The various romance related sub-genres introduced me to other authors that I have never heard before. I think that was the whole point of this ebook; to introduce new sub-genres of romance that you have never read before. Below are links to get your copy today! :D Thanks for stopping by!



Amazon Kindle <---- br="" free="" it="">


February 5, 2013

Release Day Euphoria: Rush by Maya Banks

at 2/05/2013 09:53:00 AM 2 comments
Another release today and it's the much anticipated first book of Maya Banks' Breathless trilogy. The book is called, Rush. I got this pre-ordered and I can't wait to read it.


Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.

As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.

Release Day Euphoria: House Rules by Chloe Neill

at 2/05/2013 09:45:00 AM 0 comments
Wooohoooo this is it people! The 6th book in the Chicagoland series is out!!! I love this series. I managed to snag a free copy of the first book at Comic-Con 2012. I read it quickly and wanted more! Neill's lead heroine is Merit, a English Lit grad student who got attacked by a vampire one night while walking on campus. She is turned into a vampire by the head of Cadogen House, Ethan Sullivan, though he wasn't the one that attacked her. Throughout the series Merit shows great strides in developing her powers as well as accepting her fate as a vampire. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes the setting of vampires coming out of the coffin, but enough about that here's a synopsis....


In a city full of vampires, trouble never sleeps.

At the tender age of 27, Merit became a sword-wielding vampire. Since then, she’s become the protector of her House, watched Chicago nearly burn to the ground, and seen her Master fall and rise. Now she’ll see her mettle—and her metal —tested like never before.

It started with two . . . Two rogues vanishing without a trace. Someone is targeting Chicago’s vampires, and anyone could be next. With their house in peril, Merit and her Master, the centuries old Ethan Sullivan, must race to stop the disappearances. But as they untangle a web of secret alliances and ancient evils, they realize their foe is more familiar, and more powerful, than they could have ever imagined.



I can't wait for this book to arrive in the mail. I will most definitely post a review once I've finished reading it. :D

February 1, 2013

Blog Tour Post: Love During Death by Rachel A. Olson & Jessica Humphrey

at 2/01/2013 01:35:00 AM 0 comments


Ahoy there peeps! Lisa here with a blog tour post for Love During Death by two lovelies, Rachel A. Olson, Jessica Humphrey. This book is certainly a new twist on life after death, or in this case love after death. Scroll down to read a book description and an excerpt from the book.


Book Synopsis

After a series of strange and deadly events, Fia Dannii discovers what it is truly like to live after death. Stuck in the in-between, Fia sets out to discover what in life she missed that would be preventing her from passing on. When Dion walks into her life after death, Fia struggles to believe that he holds the key to her afterlife, and her heart. Fia has to choose between loving Dion or walking the earth forever as an entity, stuck in the in-between.

Love During Death Excerpt

“Good night, Fia Dannii. Thank you for a most enlightening evening. Can I give you a call later?” Dion gave her an amused smirk, his teeth barely releasing from his lips.

“I’d like that. Goodnight Dion.” Fia returned the smile and gave him a reluctant wave. Dion made to take his leave and turned away from her, pressing the elevator button. His hand began clenching into a fist, resisting the temptation that was flowing through his veins. As Fia unlocked her door, she curved her face in his direction immediately mesmerized by his burning gaze. Before she had any time to think, Dion had her body forced into the door. Taking her face in his hands, fingers tangling in the short hair at the base of her neck, Dion drew her lips into a sudden desperate kiss. Blood rushed to her skin as she wrapped her arms around him enveloping the space between them. They slowly searched each others’ mouths, the tension slowly building. As quickly it had begun, Dion leaned his head back searching her eyes, catching his breath.

“Good night. Until we meet again.” He placed another lingering kiss on her lips before backing away from her. Fia felt as if her body was dunked in cold water as he increased the distance between them. With perfect timing, the elevator doors opened and Dion moved inside, pressing the ground level button before he had a chance to change his mind.

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Author’s Bio & Picture

Rachel


I first discovered my passion for writing when I was in 4th grade. I wrote a children's story for a school project about a man who created his own pet - a blob that ate everything. Little did I know that the entire school was participating in this project, not just my class. When deadline came, all books were sent to a group of college students, who then read and rated them. It became a big event at the school. Parents came to listen to students' stories read aloud, some kids winning prizes for individuality, penmanship, grammar, the works. I sat patiently as they announced the winners, knowing in my heart of hearts that my book was nothing special. Then came the grand prize. The student who had the best book out of the entire elementary school. The top dog. My mind raced with name after name of who I thought should win. Never once did I ever think it would be me. They had to repeat my name three times. I heard them every time, but was in too much shock to make my legs work.




Jessica

I first started writing when I was sixteen years old. I had a dream that sparked my imagination, I was practically forced to begin writing it down.  The protagonist opened the door to a whole other world inside my head. Before I knew it, I'd written an entire novel and I've never stopped since!

Reading and writing have always been a way of escaping for me.  Diving into words let's me see and do things that only exist in my dreams. Some take twisted and painful passages, but I have even learned to embrace the light as well as the dark. As an author, my goal (near and far) is to share my worlds with others, letting them walk down a different path, experiencing things outside their own realities. Helping them grow and embrace this journey called life. Writing is my passion and I hope to provide others with the joy and wonder so many authors have given to me.

 

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