Monthly Archives: July 2012

WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS (The Shadow Keepers #6) by J.K.Beck

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When Temptation Burns (The Shadow Keepers #6) by J.K. Beck

WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS (Shadow Keepers #6) by JK Beck

WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS is the sixth novel and July 31 2012 release in JK Beck’s Shadow Keepers series. The Shadow Keepers series focuses on the lives and loves of various supernatural beings. Many are members of the elite Division 6 and the Preternatural Enforcement Coalition (PEC) who police their own. Trying desperately to stay below the human radar, Division 6 and the PEC bring in those supernaturals who refuse to abide by the law.

Ryan Doyle is a paradaemon-half human/half daemon with the power to extract information from the minds of the recently deceased. Called in whenever a murder victim is a preternatural being, Ryan is able to extricate the information from the victim, but sometimes they arrive at the scene when it is too late. But when a terrified werewolf is found dying from multiple wounds and colloidal silver poisoning, the PEC knows this is not a random attack. He was one of their operatives trying to gather information on a rapidly expanding group hoping to destroy and take down the unnatural demons that inhabit the earth.

Andrea (Andy) Tarrent is a preacher’s daughter but also a very gifted reporter. One of the few women able to interview and report about a serial killer who was brutally raping and killing young woman, Andy found herself suddenly the target of the PEC (and more specifically Doyle) when the killer revealed his connection to the supernatural world. And Andy’s father is a firm believer that demons roam the world devouring and destroying everything they touch.

Andy’s introduction into the supernatural world is fast and immediate when she finds herself at a party sponsored by the people hoping to expose the vampires and weres. And she is further shocked when her father is a card-carrying member. But it is Doyle’s presence that both confuses and concerns Andy, especially when there is an attraction to each other that neither can resist.

As an undercover operative, Doyle is torn-revealing his true identity to Andy could mean compromising the investigation. But when they find themselves under fire, Doyle’s daemon will surface and it is Andy who is more than willing to help the man who saved her life.

Paul is the leader of the LA movement hoping to expose and take down the PEC. But Paul has a darker side that will eventually put everyone that Andy loves in danger. Hoping to recruit an army of warriors, Paul is willing to use any available method, including a serial killer with the information on the whereabouts of the PEC and Division 6. But when Doyle is taken hostage, it will be Andy and her father that will pay the price for their betrayal to the movement.

WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS is a great addition to JK Beck’s Shadow Keepers series. A well-written, fast paced storyline, Ryan Doyle has finally found the mate that has alluded him for so many years or 6 novels-whichever you chose.

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
B&N Nook and Paper books
The Book Depository

Copied supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS (The Shadow Keepers #5) by J.K. Beck

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When Darkness Hungers (The Shadow Keepers #5) by J.K. Beck

WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS (Shadow Keepers 5) by JK Beck

WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS is the fifth storyline and June 2012 release in JK Beck’s The Shadow Keepers series.

Alexis is an ex-FBI agent who left the force to search full time for the vampire who killed her sister. Tormented by guilt, Alexis focuses the hunt for Tori’s killer with the help of a friend-a witch. Leena’s powers stem from a family history tormented by vampires and daemons and it is with those powers that Alexis hopes to track down the killer. But vengeance comes with a price, and it was a price that Alexis was willing to pay.

Serge is a 2000year old vampire, who is barely able to contain the daemon that rides him hard. But a curse placed upon the vampire has left him with a power that even he is rarely able to contain. The daemon’s need for torture and pain is nothing compared to the creature that lurks just under the skin, and it is that creature that Serge let’s loose when on the hunt for rogue vampires on a killing spree. But the PEC (Preternatural Enforcement Coalition) as well as the Alliance and Division 6 are not happy with the killings.

Vampires killing vampires must be sanctioned and apparently they believe one of their own has gone rogue. Without knowing who they are looking for Division 6 must use all of their resources to find the vampire responsible-but the bodies left behind are not the work of a normal kill. Fearing something bigger is at work the Division and the Alliance bring in their special team. But the reports of mummified bodies increase without any new leads or information.

Serge and Alexis paths will cross of many occasions. With the help of Leena, Alexis is able to track the vampire that killed her sister, but what she witnesses will force her to step back and re-evaluate the true nature of a vampire and his need to kill.
With Serge she sees the compassionate side of the beast, but what he hides beneath the surface is the one thing she never wants to learn. Forcing herself to look closer, she realizes that Serge is not the evil she was tracking, but a man that she has fallen in love (with). But when Serge finally discovers the true identity of Alexis’s dead sister, it is only then that Alexis knows the pain of loss in more ways than one.

Once again, JK brings many of her characters back and re-integrates the familiar by way of the Alliance and Division 6. Severin Tucker uses his ability to control minds at the crime scene, but not everyone is so easily controlled: Richard Orion continues as the medical examiner looking to find ways to control the beast of the newly turned and an explanation for the mummified corpses of vampires: and the percipient Daemon Doyle who is able to pull out the last images from the recently deceased to help track down their killer: and Lucius Dragos (Luke) the vampire liaison to the Alliance and the new governor of the Los Angeles territory , and best friend to Serge.

Alexis and Serge’s relationship is slow to build. In fact, their paths only cross a few times in the first half of the book. JK writes her stories with plenty of background information so that new readers to the series are not lost but in doing so the reader can be overwhelmed with the copious amount of detail. I would suggest reading the series from the start to alleviate the confusion. Like walking into the middle of a movie, sometimes going back to the beginning is the only way you are able to understand all the nuances and subtleties in the mind of the characters. I am looking forward to reading WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS-release date July 31, 2012.

READING ORDER:
1. When Blood Calls
2. When Pleasure Rules
3. When Wicked Craves
4. Midnight (eNovella)
5. When Passion Lies
6. When Darkness Hungers
7. When Temptation Burns

LINKS TO ORDER:
The Book Depository
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
KOBO
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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This is the third night of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  Tonight we review the third book in this series…..Blood of the Fold.

 

Blood of the Fold by Terry Goodkind – a Review

Terry Goodkind’s Blood of the Fold, was a great book, as I liked this book as much as the first two.  I did feel though that the first half of this book was a little slow, and I wasn’t thrilled to have to wait until almost half of the book to see Kahlan again.  Not to mention I could not stand Tobias, and too much time in this book was devoted him and his sister.   I didn’t like either of them.  Tobias had his own power, used his sister, but he was bad, not even a good bad villain.  Glad he is dead. 

I do not like Jagang, but he fits in with all the other horrible villains that Terry Goodkind’s imagination runs wild with.  I did not like the Sisters of the Dark, but at least they are worthy villains, but when you feel sorry for a villain (who isn’t much better), then something is wrong.  I was actually close to being happy when they (sisters) got those men on the boat at the end. Lol Jagang is pathetic, and I know we will see him again. I do not look forward to what will happen in the future to Kahlan. 

But there were some great parts in the first half. I did like the part about Verna, it explains a lot.  I do like her as a character. It was a little confusing at first with Ann and Nathan, but this with Zedd added will lead I guess to Temple Of The Winds.  However, I think Ann is totally misguided about that stupid collar, at least Verna knows better.

The best part of the first half was the mord-sith girls.  Loved their interaction with Richard, it was great.  Loved Gratch, as he met the others in Richard’s life.  Of course needless to say, loved everything about Richard.  The way he deals with people, his compassion, his strength, his power that even he doesn’t realize how strong he is, his love for Kahlan, his love and friendship for Gratch. 

But as much as I did not like some parts in the first half, I loved almost everything in the second half.  Very well done.  In this I give Goodkind a lot of credit.  The second half was very exciting, emotional, intense and finally ended up with Kahlan and Richard together. 

One of the best parts of the book was the part with Berdine.  It was awesome, and very emotional that he was able to bring her back.  To get all three of these girls crying says something for Richard’s compassion. 

The interaction between the girls and Kahlan at the end was hysterical. Loved it.  Berdine especially with her “being his favorite, spending the nights, his holding her breast”  very funny and Kahlan’s response about Raina was great.  Loved the part where Kahlan had a bolt put on the door to keep them out. 

The battle at the Palace, the escape for Verna, and later Kahlan was super.  Then Richard to the rescue to destroy the Palace.  Then back in D’Hara to help the soldiers fighting the mriswith.  Richard & Kahlan fighting together, then Gratch to the rescue was a great way to end.  The book is left open, with Zedd and Ann looking for Nathan. Jagang is still there to be a horrible villain.  The Sisters of the Dark are still there. 

So as the first half had some things I did not like, the second half more then made up for it.  It made me love the book overall.   I absolutely love Richard & Kahlan.  Although this is not a love story, it is their story.  And without it, you have nothing.  Goodkind should have them fight and be together, rather then apart, more often.  But I know that is not the case in the future books.

Reviewed by Barb

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J.K. Beck-Interview & Giveaway with the Author

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J.K. BECK-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Official Bio ala J.K. Beck Website

J. K. Beck spent more than ten years as a litigator in Southern California and Central Texas, using her rare free time to indulge in her passion for writing. Now she uses her legal background as inspiration for her paranormal romantic suspense series, The Shadow Keepers, set in and around a secret judicial system hidden within and mirroring our own. California born, J. K. now lives and writes in Texas, where she hangs out with her husband and daughters and drinks far too much coffee.

TRC: Hi Julie and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

J.K.: Sure!  I live in Central Texas with my husband and my two daughters.  My husband and I met in Los Angeles–I was practicing law, he was working at a bookstore and writing screenplays.  After the Northridge quake (that was a rocking time…literally–the only glass in our apartment that survived was the Waterford crystal my grandmother gave us for our wedding.  How amazing is that?) we moved to Orange County, which was fabulous (I used to go SCUBA diving right off the beach) and then later bought a house in an inland town called Redlands.  The house was built in 1900, and was totally cool … and in need of lots of repair. Even so, I was sad to leave it when we moved back to Texas.

Even though my husband and I met in LA, we’re both from Texas, and we returned to be closer to family.  It’s great … but I do miss the beach!

Um, what else?  Ah, coffee.  I’m pretty sure I’m personally keeping Starbucks in business.  Could be wrong…but I bet it’s close.

Oh, and I’m a Libra!

TRC: You have quite a dossier listed on your website including a degree in law, yet you left the practice of law in 2004 to concentrate on writing full-time.  Do you believe your education has benefited your writing career as it pertains to research etc?

J.K.: Sure! Certainly the practice of law has helped in molding the Shadow Keepers series.  I really wanted it to feel a bit like a paranormal Law  & Order, and my background helped play out that the Order part of the equation.  At the same time, it’s a paranormal judicial system, so there’s a lot of embellishing and changing going on.

I was also lucky enough to meet a wide variety of people while I was practicing.  From folks who couldn’t afford an attorney and were therefore pro bono clients, to clients with both money and fame.  Some classier than you can imagine, some … not.  And that’s always great for helping to build characters.

TRC: Have you even considered working in the legal field as a lawyer in the publishing industry?

J.K.: Not really.  If I were to continue practicing law, I’d like to either do appellate work or practice criminal law.  (I did work quite a bit on copyright and trademark issues when I was in California, not to mention First Amendment issues (defamation), but that was always from the litigation end.  In house counsel at a publisher would, I imagine, be quite different).

TRC: What challenges have you faced as a writer eg. research, logistics, literary?

J.K.: Certainly every book has its own challenges.  As a whole, though, the biggest challenge has been in getting the writing done in the time there is to write.  In the early years, I had a full time job as an attorney, as you know.  Then I had kids–and while parenting alone presents its own challenges, I also homeschool (although my 5th grader is excited to go to public school next year!) and that makes time management so important!

TRC: The Shadow Keepers is your latest paranormal romance series with quite a repertoire of characters and political factions ‘fighting’ on different sides.  Would you please tell us about the premise of this series?

J.K.: Sure!  The idea is that all sorts of paranormal creatures–the ones we think of only as living in nightmares–really do exist.  They’ve been around for ages, but they’re self-regulating.  They have their own paranormal government–particularly with regard to investigating and prosecuting crimes–and it’s hidden inside our own government (and the government’s of other countries as well).  The PEC (Preternatural Enforcement Coalition) has agents and lawyers and when crimes are committed against other shadow creatures or against humans, the PEC metes out its own punishment.  Some humans–but only those within the highest levels of our government–know the truth.  The rest, think that the agents in the PEC are part of that country’s government.  In Los Angeles, for example, the PEC is hidden inside Homeland Security. The books are a blast to write!

TRC: WHEN PASSION LIES is the fourth book and May 2012 release in the Shadow Keepers series.  Would you please tell us something about the storyline?

J.K.: Of course!  Passion features Caris and Tiberius (whose backstory you can read in SHADOW KEEPERS: MIDNIGHT (a novella).  Tiberius is the one who made Caris a vampire. They are, in a word, soul mates.  But something horrible breaks them apart, at the same time turning Caris into something different, something new.  And something that Tiberius can’t handle, both personally and politically.  When the book opens, they’ve been apart for years, and though neither acts on it, they both still want the other.  But then something horrible happens, and they have to work together.  It’s a romance, so you can probably guess where they end up, but I promise there’s action, adventure and lots of fun.

TRC: The character of Caris is both a heroine who knows what she wants, and yet is fragile enough to know that she can be hurt if the man that show loves rejects her for what she has become.  Do you think these particular traits make her more vulnerable and more human?

J.K.: Absolutely.  And I don’t think there’s any contradiction in having a strong woman show vulnerability.  It does humanize her, and having that spark of humanity–even if it’s buried incredibly deep–is what makes paranormal characters so appealing.

TRC: WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS is your June 2012 release with Alexis and Serge.  Would you please tell us about the premise of their storyline?

J.K.: I just love Serge.  He’s so tortured.  He’s been in all of the books, but in WHEN BLOOD CALLS we see him in a truly bad time, and he kills a girl.  That girl is Alexis’s sister, though she doesn’t know it when she first meets Serge.  She has, however, learned about vampires, and hunting them has become her compulsion.  Too bad the one she’s attracted to is the one she really can’t be with.

 

 

TRC: WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS  is your latest release (July 31, 2012) featuring  half-demon Ryan Doyle. Would you please tell us about his storyline?

J.K.: Doyle is an agent with the PEC who fights his daemon half hard and has no tolerance for those shadowers who don’t fight the darkness inside.  He meets his match in a reporter who’s on to the same story/case that he’s on: a group of humans who’ve realized the truth and are determined to eradicate the Shadowers. They start out wary of each other, but their relationship grows as they work together.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the Shadow Keepers series?

J.K.: I don’t have a set end point, so that’s really an open question.  I’ve been thinking about doing a trio set in the NY office (the books so far have been set in Los Angeles, primarily).  I’d also love to do a spin-off with Nick and Petra (from When Wicked Craves) working together as PI’s (Nick’s an attorney w/ the PEC, but Petra’s a PI and I just see all sorts of possibilities).  So we’ll see!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have your encountered trying to get your books published?

J.K.: I’ve been so incredibly fortunate.  There have been struggles, of course — rejected proposals that end up unwritten and filed away on my computer.  Writing through life issues that have resulted in deadlines getting pushed (that’s one of the reasons the 2nd set of Shadow Keepers books got bumped to this summer–my mother had a stroke followed by a series of seizures, and my editor was kind enough to move the pub dates to give me breathing room).  But for the most part, I’ve been very lucky.  My second manuscript sold and a few years later I was able to quit my day job to focus on the writing.  I’m so grateful to all the readers who’ve enjoyed my Julie Kenner and J.K. Beck books!

TRC: What was the decision behind publishing 3 full length novels in 3 consecutive months?

J.K.: That’s really a question for Bantam, but basically publishers have discovered that it can drive sales.  I know that I personally as a reader want to read the next book in a series as soon as I finish the one before.  Having chunks of three out satisfies that craving!

TRC: Many authors like to bounce ideas with other authors, or between family and friends.  With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

J.K.: I have some great friends to bounce ideas with, especially Kathleen O’Reilly and Dee Davis.  We started critiquing together before any of us were published and we’re still great friends.

TRC: Who or what has influenced your writing or career the most?

J.K.: Well, at the end of the day, I’d have to say me, because no matter what other authors you read and have learned from, or what classes you’ve taken or what character and plot devices you’ve studied, ultimately what ends up on a piece of paper is what is filtered through that writer’s brain.  And the same holds true with career choices, because there’s always another path that could be taken.

But along that path I have had some absolutely amazing editors from whom I have learned so, so much.  Not to mention my agent, who is awesome.  And I hear their voice (and the voice of my critique partners) in my head when I’m writing or when I’m thinking about some specific career thing.  Having them support me and watch my back is awesome.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

J.K.: I’m starting to indie pub the continuation of my demon hunting soccer mom series, and book 6, PAX DEMONICA is going to be out really, really soon.

And I just sold RESCUE ME to Bantam.  It’s an erotic romance chronicling the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a powerful entrepreneur with a dangerous secret in his past and the woman who accepts his scandalous proposition.  Yes, it’s along the lines of 50 Shades or Bared To You.  I’m very excited!It’s going to be published under the name J. Kenner

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

J.K.: Absolutely!  for the rest of this month, 50% of the proceeds for THE CAT’S FANCY by Julie Kenner at Kindle  and Nook are being donated to Austin Pets Alive! so please check it out!

And please subscribe to my newsletter to find out everything about my books as Julie Kenner, J.K. Beck and J.Kenner – the site is J.K. Beck Website  and there’s a newsletter icon on the navigation bar.

And, of course, be sure to like me at Facebook to get all sorts of inside scoop
Facebook-JK Beck
Facebook-Julie Kenner
Facebook-J Kenner

I’m also active on twitter as @juliekenner

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

Ah, that would be under the dessert category 🙂

Favorite Dessert

Frozen blueberries, thawed for 20 minutes, covered with heavy cream

Favorite TV show

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Favorite Movie

Star Wars (the original) or Raiders of the Lost Ark

Last book that you read

I just finished Gone Girl – loved it!

Last Movie you saw

Ice Age 4 (and before that, Spiderman)

Dark or Milk Chocolate

Dark

Do you have any pets?

Two cats!  One tabby, one black and white

TRC: Thank you Julie for taking the time to answer our questions.  Your Shadow Keepers is a wonderful series that I hope everyone gets a chance to read.

J.K.: Thank you so much!  It was great being here!

******GIVEAWAY*****

J.K. (aka Julie) is offering a $15 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  You must be a member at The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you register using Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with a comment, so that we may contact you if you are the potential winner.

3.  Giveaway/Contest is open internationally.

4.  Please post a comment answering one of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

SHADOW KEEPERS SERIES

By J.K. Beck

When Blood Calls (The Shadow Keepers #1)

Attorney Sara Constantine is thrilled with her promotion—until she finds out that she must now prosecute vampires and werewolves. The first defendant she’ll be trying to put away? Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy. When Lucius kisses a beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s hoping only to avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss ignites into an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows that Sara is determined to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not a monster. And that might mean making the ultimate sacrifice.

LINKS:  Order WHEN BLOOD CALLS from Amazon Paper Books, Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook and Paper Books, Random House,The Book Depository, KOBO or your favorite book store.

When Pleasure Rules (The Shadow Keepers #2)

Seven innocents have been brutally murdered in Los Angeles, yet the Shadow Alliance has no suspects and no leads. As the body count mounts, the age-old feud between vampires and werewolves threatens to explode. Lissa Monroe—a strong-willed, ravishing succubus who entices men to surrender their souls—agrees to go undercover for the Alliance. Her mission: infiltrate the mind of werewolf leader Vincent Rand, a ferociously alluring enemy who exerts a powerful hold over her. As the City of Angels teeters on the brink of apocalypse, these two adversaries must join together in order to survive an even more lethal enemy hidden in plain sight.

LINKS: Order WHEN PLEASURE RULES from Amazon Kindle, Amazon Paper Books, The Book Depository, Random House, B&N Nook and Paper Books, KOBO or your favorite book store.

When Wicked Craves (The Shadow Keepers #3)

Petra Lang is cursed never to love. One touch of her skin unleashes the vilest demons. Sentenced to death by the Shadow authorities, who fear she’ll turn her curse against them, Petra is rescued by vampire advocate Nicholas Montegue. As their bodies merge and transform into mist, Petra feels an erotic longing.

Nicholas risked his own life to save Petra, yet he knows he can never give in to the explosive attraction he feels for her. But the deep yearning they share tempts them. Together, they must find a way to lift the curse. For only a love this strong has the power to overcome such monstrous evil.

LINKS:  Order WHEN WICKED CRAVES from Amazon Paper Books, Amazon Kindle, The Book Depository, Random House, B&N Nook and Paper Books, KOBO or your favorite book store.

When Passion Lies (The Shadow Keepers #4)

Tiberius is a vampire dedicated to protecting his kind—and the secrets of the shadow world. Now, as his quest to become head of the Alliance draws within reach, a shattering new threat puts him to the ultimate test. It’s a nightmare of grim proportions: a dark plot to bring about the mass extermination of human and shadow alike. And it forces Tiberius to turn to the woman he loved and lost, the lover he still desires but doesn’t trust. Caris was Tiberius’s mate for centuries—until a fateful mission changed her forever. Her tortured secrets drove her into the arms of his rival, but desperation has brought her back. As a horrifying new weapon of mass destruction is about to be unleashed, Tiberius and Caris harness the power of their immortal and passionate love. But will it be enough to battle devastating odds and a ruthless enemy with the ambition to destroy them all?

LINKS:  Order WHEN PASSION LIES from Amazon Paper Books, Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook and Paper Books, Random House, KOBO, The Book Depository.

When Darkness Hungers (The Shadow Keepers #5)

FBI agent Alexis Martin knows that vampires exist—because one of them killed her sister. Assigned to investigate a series of bizarre homicides in Los Angeles, Alexis believes the murders are the work of rogue vampires—perhaps even the monster responsible for her sister’s death. Now she finally has a chance for retribution. Even better, Alexis receives unexpected help from a sexy stranger as hungry for rogue blood as she is. Serge is a centuries-old bad boy who stays off the grid—keeping his secrets, his hunger, and his heart safe from exposure. A new breed of vampire that feeds off other shadowers, Serge finds sweet torture in Alexis’s arms. Loving her is a chance to be free from the hiding, the loneliness, the secrecy. But the truth about what he is, and what he’s done, may banish him to the dark confines of his own private hell—and destroy the beginnings of their love.

LINKS: Order WHEN DARKNESS HUNGERS from The Book Depository, Amazon Kindle, Amazon Books, KOBO, B&N Nook and Paper Books Random House, or your favorite bookseller. Just released on June 26, 2012.

When Temptation Burns (The Shadow Keepers #6)

Half human, half daemon, Ryan Doyle is a driving force for justice. As an agent for the Preternatural Enforcement Coalition, he’s investigating murders linked to a Los Angeles fringe group bent on exposing the shadow world to humanity. He is a master of self-control, keeping his deepest hungers hidden beneath a veneer of cool professionalism. Until he crosses paths with sinfully sweet Andy Tarrent, a gutsy reporter who makes him crave all the pleasures he’s denied himself for centuries. Tracking a band of conspiracy theorists eager to spill blood, Andy has uncovered the story of her career. Brooding, mysterious Ryan is an enigma—but their dance of seduction is hotter than any fantasy. As they race to stop mass murder on the streets, Andy knows that Ryan is holding back, keeping secrets. But getting close to Ryan means opening the door to a world that will challenge her deepest beliefs—including what it means to truly surrender to love.

LINKS: Pre-Order WHEN TEMPTATION BURNS from Amazon Kindle, Amazon Books,  B&N Nook and Paper books, The Book Depository, Random House or your favorite bookseller. Release Date: July 31, 2012

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WHEN PASSION LIES (The Shadow Keepers #4)

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When Passion Lies (The Shadow Keepers #4) by J.K.Beck

WHEN PASSION LIES (The Shadow Keepers #4) by J.K.Beck

WHEN PASSION LIES is the 4th book (May 2012 release)  in The Shadow Keepers series by J.K. Beck. Focusing on vampire Tiberius and his mate Caris, When Passion Lies is a story about two vampires who have passionately loved each other for centuries without reservation until the day one is cursed to walk the world feared by humans and Shadow creatures alike. Finding his mate is now transformed into the very being all Shadow creatures fear, Tiberius has no choice but to banish his love. But his heart is dealt another blow, when it is rumored she has taken to the bed of the vampire enemy Were.

There is plenty of necessary background information imparted by J.K. that sets up the story. The premise centres around a hybrid species of Shadow creatures created by the crossing of a vampire and werewolf. When bitten by another, the surviving hybrid is cursed to carry the ‘Black Plague’ and an acid-like blood that will destroy anyone who comes in contact. Feared as more of a weapon and threat, the hybrids have been hunted and destroyed until their numbers were eradicated. But a man hoping to find a cure for his ‘wife’ captures Caris and forces the hybrid change through injections and a weren bite. And 20 years later, Caris must return to the man who had banished her from vampire life and his bed.

Caris has hunted the man who turned her life into a living hell and placing a bullet into his head was only the start. But finding herself, facing Tiberius for her sins, Caris knows that her heart will always belong to this man.

Running for the Chair of the Alliance, Tiberius did not need the added pressure of associating with a hybrid vampire, but when Caris is hunted by the Preternatural Enforcement Committee for the murder of the man who has abused and tortured her, his love for the woman who had been his mate for centuries will force him to join Caris in their search for a missing young woman who may be the only other living hybrid in the world. Could the same man that had tortured Caris be continuing his inhumane experiments with other women? As their search continues, Tiberius must make a decision that will affect both of their lives and his chances at leading the Alliance. And pardoning Caris for the death of the man who had forced upon the hybrid change, would be Tiberius’s first act as Chair, if only another powerful ‘ally’ did not stand in his way.

WHEN PASSION LIES is a heartbreaking tale of what happens when the safety of one overshadows the safety of many. Bannished without the benefit of explanation, Caris is sent spiraling into an unknown world and the fear that she will be targeted for destruction as those who were killed hundreds of years before. Believing Tiberius has turned his back Caris turns to the only man who is willing to risk his own life to teach Caris to control both her daemon and hybrid. Caris soon embarks on a 20year search to destroy the one man who had effectively destroyed her life. But her hopes for a HEA will depend on the man that stole her heart centuries before.

Reviewed by Sandy

READING ORDER:
1. When Blood Calls
2. When Pleasure Rules
3. When Wicked Craves
4. Midnight (eNovella)
5. When Passion Lies
6. When Darkness Hungers
7. When Temptation Burns

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper Books
KOBO

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Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind – a Review

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Moving to Night #2 of our Sword of Truth 13 night Marathon.  We will review the second novel of the series…..Stone of Tears.

 

Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind – a Review

I loved Stone of Tears, loved the fact that I was able to continue to the next book without waiting, as most of you have had to do.   Being able to do this, makes you even more obsessed with the characters, if you become attached to them, like I have. Many of you have told me how you become obsessed with the characters that Terry Goodkind has created.  They were so right….Richard & Kahlan, are wonderful characters that I will get to enjoy for awhile longer. Perhaps even the best characters I will ever meet.

The book starts from the beginning with intense excitement with the escape of the screeling, and Zedd and the others trying to escape.  As always , Goodkind brings in many new secondary characters, which this book had quite a lot of.  Some great, some interesting, some others …were just added parts to the story.  However, I wasn’t crazy that we had to wait so long (chapter 6) to see Kahlan and Richard again.  Chandalen turns out to be a great secondary character and watching him and Kahlan get close at the end was great.  The time with the mud people was a bit slow, as you kept waiting for them to finally get together, which of course never happens.  But it did bring in the Sisters of the Light (Dark), and Verna.  By the time they reached the Palace, maybe even a bit before, I started to like Verna.  I knew she was good, though a bit too stern in her belief, which later changes. 

So quickly things changed to separate Richard and Kahlan again.  The part with Deena was good, as she did redeem herself to save Richard from Darken Rahl & the Keeper.  But it was so sad what Kahlan had to do to save Richard’s life.  That indeed was an emotional part of the book, changing the entire storyline.  But poor Richard & Kahlan, once again they are torn apart. 

Kahlan is fantastic, what a great female character.  Teaching the young men how to fight a war, the power she has within (which I am sure will grow even more powerful later on), her bravado at such trying times, simply amazes me.   When she makes the men and herself whitewash themselves and go nude was a classic trick.  Lol  bravo to her, not only to go naked as the lone women, but to think of something like that.  It was pretty scary, when they dragged her off the horse, and thankfully Orsk became one of hers to protect her (he was a funny character with his ax).  Also the scene earlier, when the young men brought their former friend to her (after they killed the others), and she forced him to tell them that he would have betrayed them, was also classic, as the soldiers saw her power, and realized how she saved them.  They became totally loyal to her then.  Prindin was a surprise, though I saw he wanted her throughout and should have expected he would turn.  Good points in this story, but still not as good as Richard’s.  Well at least until they came to Kahlan’s home and the council.  That was exciting, but a bit of a turnoff , the way they treated her, the guy (forgot his name) standing on the bed urinating (was this necessary lol), sending her to the pits, the horror, the wizard who did that to her.  Awful part, and perhaps in those days, that may be the way things were (when men like this thought little of women), but it was depressing.  Just when she gets away, Zedd betrays her (I know he lost his memory, and didn’t know her) to have her brought back to be beheaded.  Of course, we knew nothing will happen to Kahlan, she has a lot more books to go, not to mention one of the main characters. lol  Why didn’t they just have her escape, why go through that.  I guess to make Richard originally think she died.

On to Richard and the Sisters of the Light.  I thought the trip to the Palace was a bit too long, many unnecessary parts.  However, I loved seeing Richard meet Gratch.  Loved how they both played, & loved each other.  And how Gratch followed Richard to the Palace.  Lol Great character, even better then Scarlett, whom we did not see too much, but nice to see again later on.  Things got better, after they got to the Palace.  I thought despite my dislike of the sisters of the light, this was a very good storyline.  You knew he would discover things about his power, and what he was meant to do.  You knew about the sisters of the dark, and waited for them to come out.  The best parts of course was Gratch, and the most emotional when he forced himself to say goodbye to Gratch, to save his life.  I felt so bad, and hated Pasha and the sisters when they went to kill him.  Verna coming to tell him to save Gratch, was the final thing that made me like her even more.  But at the same time, this was the moment, I kept waiting for, when Richard realizes that Kahlan did love him.  She did to him, what he did to Gratch to save his life.  Great scenes. 

The time element (time moves slowly and hundreds of years would go by) was an excellent addition to the Sisters story.  It was great to watch Richard grow more powerful, believe in himself,  then to escape and get back to home and to try and save Kahlan.  Bringing Scarlett to fly him was great, Verna’s comments of him finding strange pets was hysterical.  His grief to find out that Kahlan was beheaded was sad, and Kahlan’s belief that Richard was lost for 300 years was also sad.  But I thought it was a nice touch for Denna to be the one to bring them together finally.   The only beef I have with that, is I would have preferred them together in their world, not elsewhere, where they still have to travel to meet up. 

I loved, loved Richard meeting up with Gratch again, and how he tells Gratch that he can stay with him and Kahlan, and she will love him too.  Great scene. 

Some parts I wasn’t crazy about were the torture scenes, that throughout the story tended to be extreme.  I also understand, but do not like the total separation, instead of short periods, of Richard and Kahlan being apart. I know this is not a romance, but without their love for one another, this story would not be as powerful as it is.  This is Richard & Kahlan’s story.  However, all said and done, I loved Stone of Tears.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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Hotel Replaces Bible with Fifty Shades of Grey-USA Today

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Hotel Replaces Bible with Fifty Shades of Grey-By Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY

British hotel replaces Bibles with ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’
By Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY

Click LINK to see full article:  USA TODAY

 

A hotel in the United Kingdom has replaced in-room Gideon Bibles with the soft-porn bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey.

The change was made earlier this month in all 40 guest rooms at the Damson Dene Hotel in the Lake District of England.

The hotel’s owner Jonathan Denby explained his decision in a blog post:
“Tonight millions of women will be curling up in bed with a good book and you can bet your life it won’t be the Bible. More likely than not it will be Fifty Shades of Grey. I haven’t read the book yet – I’m not in the target audience – but I’m told it’s a ripping good yarn and everyone who’s in the target audience loves it. This made me wonder about the sense of providing a book, the Gideon Bible which noone reads, and many dislike, in the bedside cabinet of our hotel bedrooms, instead of a book which everyone wants to read, such as Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Denby bought the hotel from a Methodist group 10 years ago, according to NBC News.

He said he had been considering substitutions for a long time.

“I was thinking originally of putting in a book by Ayn Rand — Atlas Shrugged was my first thought,” Denby told NBC News.

Denby said he did not do it for any philosophical reasons. That hasn’t stopped the local vicar from publicly denouncing the change.

The Rev. Michael Woodcock — parish priest at St. Mary’s Church in Crosthwaite, where the hotel is located — told British media that the hotel’s decision is just a gimmick, according to NBC.

There is also much criticism coming from the United States, where the Gideon Bible is more popular, Denby said.

“People in the States feel much more strongly,” he told NBC. “We’ve had quite a few e-mails quoting the scriptures to us and suggesting that it would be a good thing to put the Bible back.”

Denby said in his blog that he’s not completely giving up on the Bible. “I’ll keep a couple behind the reception desk so that if any guest whose preferred bedtime reading happens to be the Bible finds that they have forgotten to pack their copy, they’ll be pleased to read in the guest handbook that they can borrow a copy from the receptionist.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
1. Did you ever read the bible in the nightstand at the hotel?
2. Do you think you would pick up Fifty Shades of Grey and start reading?

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STYXX by Sherrilyn Kenyon-News

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Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon-news

FROM: Sherrilyn Kenyon

Styxx
About the book
Publication Date:  Aug 6, 2013

Just when you thought doomsday was over…

Centuries ago Acheron protected the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life for Acheron’s.

Bethany was born to set right the wrong that left her family imprisoned for eternity. Now that she’s out, nothing will stop her from fulfilling the bargain that freed them. She must take the life of the last remaining Atlantean and she will not fail. But things are never what they seem and Acheron is no longer the last of his line.
Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it’s your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?

****************

Q. Will Styxx have his own book

In short, yes. I know, I know. I’ve said a million times that I was too mad at Styxx to write his story. Ever. I know…
Then one day as I sat quietly thinking, Styxx walked in and sat down next to me.

“I have something to tell you.”

I wrinkled my nose at him. “I don’t want to hear it. You’re an @$$. Go away.”

He didn’t listen. Instead, he made me realize that I, like everyone else, including Acheron, had misjudged him. I saw the events of the past not through Acheron’s eyes. I saw them through Styxx’s and what an awakening it was.

As I’ve always said, there are three sides to every story. Yours. Theirs. And the truth that isn’t clouded by human emotions that filter everything. I’d had two sides of the story all along. Acheron’s and the unemotional truth. What I never had before was Styxx’s point of view. I let my own emotions cloud him to me, and like others, I saw him only as Acheron did. But things aren’t always what they seem and people only remember the part of the past they experience and/or have been told. And they seldom know everything. Most of all, we can’t look into the heart of someone else. At least not until now. Styxx is so much more than I ever knew him to be.

As with Zarek and Valerius, I think all of you will agree with me when you read the book. And in many ways, it’s another story of Acheron. You will see events that weren’t in his book and I know Styxx will win you over. In all honesty, he was done wrong and it will break your heart. Misjudged, condemned, betrayed and abandoned… There’s a whole side of him that no one knows. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes.

Reported by Marcie

NOTE: Just so everyone knows, Acheron was heartbreaking-counselling was needed, stocks in tissues soared. Styxx will bring tears to our eyes….*sniff*….not sure if I can handle another brother so brutally abused.

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