Monthly Archives: January 2013

Healing Summer by Elizabeth Seckman-a review

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Healing Summer (Coulter Brothers #2) by Elizabeth Seckman-a review

Healing Summer

About the book: Released December 2012

Ditched at the altar…biopsied for cancer…Mollie Hinkle is having a bona fide bitch of a summer. When life sucks so hard it takes your breath away, what’s a girl to do? Road trip! Pack a bag, grab a few friends, and leave the past and the worry in the rear view mirror. What wounds can’t be healed by a drive across the Heartland, where quarter flips at cross roads determine the route and the future? All roads lead to Craig, the second son and bad boy of the haughty Coulter line. Craig has spent his life taking care of number one—himself. He’s not interested in a relationship and he’s definitely not looking to fall in love. But if a morsel drops in his lap, who is he to refrain? Mollie’s not looking for love either, but truth be told, she’s not opposed to it. Heck, if fate brought her to the miniscule Montana town to find happily ever after, she won’t fight it. Perhaps it is a summer where love, not time, heals all her wounds.

Review:

When Mollie and her two friends, Jackie and Joanie set out on their road trip, they had no idea how life changing it would be for any of them. Some good changes, and some, not so much. Seems Mollie’s friends think that getting her “hooked up” is just what the doctor ordered and when Mollie finds out, she’s not a happy camper.

Craig had said absolutely no birthday party this year. Seems his best friend, Ron, thought he knew better. Craig has been in a funk and Ron thinks a party is just what their doctor ordered. (See where I’m going?? ;)) But, when Craig notices a pretty young lady looking agitated, he can’t help but approach her. He overhears her on the phone, and once she turns her phone off, they strike up a conversation. And, oh what a conversation it is.

Craig is known as a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” kind of guy, but for the life of him, he can’t bring himself to think of Mollie in that way. They embark on a friendship of sorts, slow and easy. After all, Mollie will be heading back to Pennsylvania in a few days, so what’s the harm? And, if they’ll be parting ways in a few days, why in the world are they so drawn to each other? With Mollie just being dumped at the altar, literally, and Craig living up to his family’s expectations and not settling down, you’d think that they’d run in opposite directions. Well, I for one, thank God that they didn’t!!

Oh, how I loved this book. First, let me say how much I loved Mollie’s friend, Jackie, whom they call Jack (you’ll have to read to find out why). To say that she’s Mollie’s greatest supporter and fiercest protector just does NOT do that friendship justice. I hope I don’t upset the author, but I have to tell you that when Mollie is dumped, literally at the altar, Jackie is jumping pews and kicking ass as the groom-to-be is fleeing. Or, at least, he’s trying to flee……. She is my kind of girl!!! However, her friend Joanie? Let’s just say that she got hers. This is a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty and family redemption and I can’t wait to read the next installment. I have it from the top that it’s Trip’s story and his HEA just may involve some Russian bad guys and one good Russian girl!! 😉 If you’re looking for great, fast-paced reads with great HEAs, then this is the series for you!!

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Past Due by Elizabeth Seckman-a review

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Past Due by Elizabeth Seckman (Coulter Brothers #1)-a review

Past Due

Description: Release June 2012

Jenna Austin is a young, widowed artist raising a teenage son on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. As the costs of living in paradise rise, she struggles to make ends meet. Life isn’t easy, but she manages.

When her car breaks down, she trudges on. She assumes life can’t get any more complicated than it is. But it can…

Chance brings her nose to well-formed chest with Tres Coulter, the handsome, affluent aid to Governor Hunt. Jenna and Tres share a history; they also share a love they thought long lost. Their lives are about to be altered forever as the deceptions of the past transform the very foundation of the present.

The price of happily ever after may be too steep to pay once the past comes due…

Review:

Jenna Austin is one tough cookie, but she’s tired. She works tirelessly to try and make a good life for herself and for her son, Tanner. Without moral support from Maureen, Jenna’s deceased husband’s mother, she wouldn’t have made it this far. To say that Jenna has had it tough all of her life would be a gross understatement. She is estranged from her father, with whom she lived with after her mother died. And, boy, what a back story there is with that bunch!! And, things just seem to get more complicated when Tres Coulter comes to town.

Once Tres runs into Jenna, he knows that he’s in trouble. Even though it’s been years since he last saw her, he knows that he still loves her more than anything. But, in typical Jenna fashion, she pushes him away. Seems she’s been keeping a secret for 15 years that has the possibility of hurting everyone she loves and tearing apart what family she has left. And, once that secret is revealed, an avalanche of things happen that throws everyone and everything into chaos. Will the secret truly cost Jenna everything and everyone she’s ever loved? Or, will true love conquer all? You’ll have to read to find out.

I really enjoyed the world that Seckman created in Past Due. The real life struggles of a single mom trying to raise her child really hit home with me. It is set on the outer islands of North Carolina, a place where I have been many times myself. I could hear the gulls calling each other and feel the wind……. The one downside, at least for me, is that when the secret is revealed, it leads to more secrets and disclosures from numerous people and the details got bogged down just a little bit for me. The upside to that is that we get to meet some great folks along the way and I can’t wait to read more about Tres’ family, namely his two brothers, Craig and Trip. And, the boys’ mom, Barbara Coulter? Let’s just say she adds a whole new dimension to round out the Coulter clan. This is, in a nutshell, a story about life, love, family, hope and forgiveness. I have a feeling that the family dynamics in future books will be well worth the read!!

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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D.N.Simmons-Desires Unleashed Blog Tour and Giveaway

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D.N.Simmons-Desires Unleashed Blog Tour and Giveaway

DesiresUnleashed_TourButton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D.N. Simmons Bio

I was born in the little, but big bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. I still live there today and I’m loving every second of it … Except for those harsh cold winters. I started writing short horror stories when I was eleven years old. It wasn’t until 2004 that I decided to take the plunge into the professional literary world when I wrote Desires Unleashed.

I love the supernatural world; I’ve always found it fascinating, especially vampires and shape-shifters. It was my love of the genre that motivated me to create the story I had always wanted to read. I published it, hoping there were other people out there who would be entertained by that same story. I love to entertain people, to offer them that fantasy world they can escape into filled with wonders and good times. I know I appreciate the escapism I’ve delved into when reading a good book.

Some of the accolades I’ve won for my writing are: “New Voice of Today” by A Romance Review, “Rising Star” by Love Romance and “Author of the Month” by Warrior of Words. I’ve been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including “best vampire novel” and “best urban-fantasy” at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

Some of the accolades I’ve won for my writing are: “New Voice of Today” by A Romance Review, “Rising Star” by Love Romance and “Author of the Month” by Warrior of Words. I’ve been nominated two years in a row in several categories, including “best vampire novel” and “best urban-fantasy” at Love Romance and More. My third novel; The Royal Flush did win honorable mention in 2006.

Connect with DN:

To find out even more please click on the links below.
D.N.’s Website
D.N.’s Blog
D.N. on FaceBook
D.N. on Twitter
D.N. on Goodreads

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KNIGHTS OF THE DARKNESS CHRONICLES
By D.N.Simmons

DESIRES UNLEASHED
DESIRES UNLEASHED (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #1)
Amazon / Barnes and Noble/

DESIRES UNLEASHED available for $!.00 or less at ebook retailers

Desires Unleashed is the first novel in the riveting, highly-addictive and sexually-charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of the chase in this electrifying page-turner as you uncover the mystery behind the series of gruesome killings that have been terrorizing the citizens of Chicago.

When a grisly decapitated corpse pops up on a Chicago Street, drained of blood, the highly-trained, government-funded special police force assigned two of their best detectives to the case. S.U.I.T. Detectives Warren Davis and Matthew Eric delve deep into their investigation to discover just who or what is leaving mutilated bodies in public places. They soon realize that the killer or killers is one step ahead of them and if they are going to stop the menace before another innocent human is viciously attack, they are going to need help.

Natasha Hemingway liked her life just the way it was… normal and supernatural-free. The vampires and shape-shifters were just where she wanted them to be—far away from her. All was going well until an unfortunate accident landed her in the hospital. It was then that she discovered she had an ability that could help her save countless lives. All of a sudden, she finds herself thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the supernatural and into the arms of two very sexy and deadly vampires.

Original, gritty and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and wit, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing series!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

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the Guilty InnocentTHE GUILTY INNOCENT (Knight of The Darkness Chronicles #2)

Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository /

The Guilty Innocent is the second novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually-charged, Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

In this installment, Darian, the gorgeous, charismatic and charming master vampire of Chicago is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, but why? His lover, Xavier, Natasha and a few others must travel halfway across the world to find out who and why before time runs out and all hell breaks loose!

Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

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The Royal Flush

THE ROYAL FLUSH (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #3)
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository /

In the third installment of this tale, the hunt is on! The coven, Pack and Pride must join forces to stop a group of big game hunters by any means necessary! Hold on to your seat as the Knights take you on yet another wild ride that will not let you go until the last word is read and the book is closed!

Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release

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Hostile Territory

HOSTILE TERRITORY (Knights of the Darkness #4)
Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

Hostile Territory is the fourth novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually charged Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. In this installment, be prepared for the ultimate supernatural adventure! It’s no holds barred in this tale and there’s going to be hell to pay! A single orchestrated attack initiates a hunt unlike Darian and his friends have ever encountered. You really don’t want to miss out. The ante has been upped and they are out for blood! This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised and enhanced from its original release

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the Lion's Den

THE LION’S DEN ( Knight of Darkness Chronicles #5)
Amazon/ Barnes and Noble/

Darian, Elise and Xander have been through very rough times in the past, but nothing has prepared them for the menace that is causing all kinds of havoc in their territory this time around. Chicago is at the mercy, or lack thereof, of a ruthless gang of supernaturals who seem to take extreme pleasure in other people’s pain. In this game of cat and mouse, there’s no way to tell who’s the predator and who’s the prey.

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Unholy Alliance

UNHOLY ALLIANCE (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #6)

Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

The Final Chapter of the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will leave you breathless!

Picking up the chaos from where The Lion’s Den left off, Unholy Alliance unleashes a whole new threat to everyone’s existence. It’s the calm before the storm and once the storm hits, you’ll have to pray and hope you survive. New alliances will be formed that will reshape the world with the blood of the innocent.
There will be nowhere to hide, there will be no sanctuary. Who will stop them? Can they be stop? Hold on to your seats and prepare for one hell of a ride!
Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won’t forget!

 

DN SIMMONS Blog Stop Schedule
01/03 – Under the Covers
01/08 – Over the Edge
01/14 – Paranormal Haven
01/19 – The Reading Café
01/27 – Ramblings From This Chick
01/28 – Cocktails and Books
01/29 – Books-n-Kisses

RedandBlackgiveaway

D.N.Simmons is offering an amazing GIVEAWAY to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe: An e-copy of her novel THE GUILTY INNOCENT and a $20 Amazon Giftcard

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 are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment as Twitter and Facebook do not allow for email contact.

3. Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY.

4. Giveaway runs January 19-30, 2013

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Melinda Leigh-Spotlight and Giveaway

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Melinda Leigh-Spotlight and Giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A life-long lover of books, she started writing when her youngest child entered first grade as a way to preserve her sanity. in 2007, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a book, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. It was time to get serious about making her hobby a career. She began submitting her work in 2008. In 2009 she signed with an agent, who sold Melinda’s debut romantic suspense novel, SHE CAN RUN, in 2010 to Montlake Romance.

SHE CAN RUN released in November 2011 and became the #1 Bestseller in Kindle Romantic Suspense. SHE CAN RUN has been nominated for a 2012 Thriller Award for Best First Novel.

Melinda is also an avid martial artist. She holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs and one neurotic cat with an inexplicable fear of ceiling fans. With such a pleasant life, she has no explanation for the sometimes dark and disturbing nature of her imagination

To find out more about Melinda and her books you can connect with her online:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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SHE CAN RUN by Melinda Leigh

Series: She Can… Book 1
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publication date: November 28, 2011

Amazon / /Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository /

Elizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last…

Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.

She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!

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SHE CAN TELL by Melinda Leigh
Series: She Can… Book 2
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publication date: December 4, 2012

 

Amazon / Barnes and Noble The Book Depository

A horse trainer’s homecoming turns deadly when a vicious stalker, a cold murder case, and a hot police chief threaten to expose family secrets that a killer wants to keep buried.

After a terrible accident ends her riding career, horse trainer Rachel Parker returns to her hometown to a hostile welcome. Her efforts to rebuild the family farm are hampered by her sister’s domestic crisis and a violent vandal who threatens Rachel’s new business and her life. She is also blindsided by the undeniable and unwanted attraction she feels for hot police chief handling her case. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her…

As his investigation uncovers the turbulent past Rachel keeps carefully hidden, Police Chief Mike O’Connell finds himself with too many suspects and too many feelings for his fiercely independent victim. His desire for Rachel is a conflict of interest that jeopardizes everything he stands for. Long buried family secrets, a skeleton, and a corrupt local official with a grudge against Mike complicate the case, but the escalating violence against Rachel convinces him he doesn’t have much time. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches twenty-five years into the past—before her stalker strikes again

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Giveaway-Purple-White

Melinda Leigh is offering a paper back or ebook copy of SHE CAN TELL 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 are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment as Twitter etc does not allow for email information.

3. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only.

4. Giveaway runs January 18 to 21, 2013.

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She Can Tell (She Can #2) by Melinda Leigh-a review

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She Can Tell (She Can #2) by Melinda Leigh-a review

She Can Tell

About the book: Release Date December 2012

A horse trainer’s homecoming turns deadly when a vicious stalker, a cold murder case, and a hot police chief threaten to expose family secrets that a killer wants to keep buried.

After a terrible accident ends her riding career, horse trainer Rachel Parker returns to her hometown to a hostile welcome. Her efforts to rebuild the family farm are hampered by her sister’s domestic crisis and a violent vandal who threatens Rachel’s new business and her life. She is also blindsided by the undeniable and unwanted attraction she feels for hot police chief handling her case. Someone is systematically trying to destroy her. Someone who knows private things about her. Someone who’s been watching her…

As his investigation uncovers the turbulent past Rachel keeps carefully hidden, Police Chief Mike O’Connell finds himself with too many suspects and too many feelings for his fiercely independent victim. His desire for Rachel is a conflict of interest that jeopardizes everything he stands for. Long buried family secrets, a skeleton, and a corrupt local official with a grudge against Mike complicate the case, but the escalating violence against Rachel convinces him he doesn’t have much time. Whoever is watching Rachel wants her dead. Mike and Rachel race to untangle a web of deceit and lies that stretches twenty-five years into the past—before her stalker strikes again.

Review:

Rachel Parker has a lot on her plate. She’s recently returned home after an accident ended her riding career and someone is vandalizing her property. Seems that her “Watcher” is not glad to see her back home. To add to her frustrations and worries, her sister is married to an abusive man. When Rachel’s sister calls her because her husband is on a drunken bender, Rachel rushes to her sister’s home to find her unconscious at the bottom of the stairs with her husband standing over her. Rachel takes on her brother in law in order to get to her sister, then, thankfully, the police chief, Mike O’Connell makes the scene and promptly arrests him. Unfortunately, the brother in law’s dad is politically connected and Rachel knows it won’t be long until he’s released from jail.

Rachel takes her sister home with her once she’s released from the hospital, as well as her two nieces. Rachel is bound and determined to keep her family safe, but with the things that continue to happen around her property, she doesn’t know quite how she’s going to pull that off. Chief O’Connell takes a personal interest in seeing to their safety, and soon there are sparks between he and Rachel, but she’s had one bad relationship, and doesn’t want another. But, she can’t deny the attraction.

As the story progresses, the attacks and vandalism at her farm become more violent, and then life threatening. O’Connell knows in his gut that there is more to this story than meets the eye, but can he keep them safe? And, if Rachel can’t keep herself safe, how in the world is she going to keep her sister and nieces safe? And, will she finally let her guard down enough to let someone help her?

I liked the premise of this story, but as much as it pains me to say it, the first half of the story fell flat for me. There, in my opinion, was no build up for the feelings that were developing between the two main characters. It felt forced and not well explained. It just was………….And we were left to fill in the blanks for ourselves. With that being said, the second half of the book picked up the pace and once I got past the whole feeling forced issue, I really liked the way the story played out. I would think I knew who the “Watcher” was and then I wasn’t sure. There were just enough twists to keep me turning the pages and keep me engaged in the story. I only wish that there had been more development of the feelings between Mike and Rachel.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository/

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish) Blog Tour and Giveaway with Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright

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BAYOU HEAT Book #1 (Raphael/Parish) Blog Tour with Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright

Bayou Heat-Raphael/Parish

ONLY .99cents at these ebook outlets:  Amazon /Barnes and Noble /

RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

 

Bayou Heat Trilogy

 

New Year. New World. New Species. 

LEGEND OF THE PANTERA 

Hidden in the depths of the Louisiana bayous, the Pantera, have become little more than a legend to most humans. It’s rumored that in the ancient past twin sisters, born of magic, had created a sacred land and claimed it as their own. From that land was born creatures who were neither human or animal, but a mixture of the two. Faster and stronger than humans, they have hyper acute senses, and when surrounded by the magic of the Wildlands they’re capable of shifting into pumas. It was also whispered that they possess other gifts. Telepathy, witchcraft, immortality, and the ability to produce a musk that could enthrall mere mortals. Mothers warned young girls never to roam alone near the swamps, convinced that they would be snatched by the Pantera, while young men were trained to avoid hunting anywhere near the protected Wildlands. Not that the warnings were always successful. What girl didn’t dream of being seduced by a gorgeous, mysterious stranger? And what young man didn’t want to try his skill against the most lethal predators? 

As the years passed, however, the sightings of the Pantera became so rare that the rumors faded to myths. Most believed the entire species had become extinct. Sadly they weren’t entirely mistaken… 

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

LAURA WRIGHT

laura_wright

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with Laura:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

ALEXANDRA IVY

Alexandra Ivy2

Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, the Immortal Rogues series and the Sentinels.

Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons.

Connect with Alexandra:

   *********************

BAYOU HEAT BLOG TOUR

Bayou Heat Tour Banner

January 3 to January 19, 2013

01/03 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind
01/04 – Paranormal Haven
01/05 – I Smell Sheep

01/06 – Book Monster Reviews & LITERAL ADDICTION
LIVE CHAT w/ Laura & Alexandra on January 6, 2013 from
2:00 – 3:00pm EST (1-2pm CT, 12-1pm MDT & 11am-12pm PDT)
CLICK HERE FOR CHAT LINK

01/08 – Book Lovin’ Mamas
01/09 – Books-n-Kisses
01/10 – United by Books
01/11 – Under the Covers
01/12 – Reading Between The Wines
01/13 – Julie Kenner’s Blog
01/14 – Riverina Romantics
01/15 – Cocktails and Books
01/16 – All Things Books
01/17 – The Reading Café
01/18 – Ramblings From This Chick
01/19 – Over the Edge
01/20 – Mad Hatter Reads
01/21 – Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies. Oh My!

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giveaway-goldandblack

Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright are offering 2 e-book copies of BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish) at each Blog Tour stop

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 are using a social log-in, please post your email address as Twitter and Facebook do not allow for email information.

3. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY

4. Giveaway runs January 17 to 23, 2013

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Bayou Heat 1 & 2-(Raphael/Parish) by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright-a review

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BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish) Book #1 by Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright-a review

Bayou Heat-Raphael/Parish

ABOUT THE NOVELLAS: Released January 2013

RAPHAEL

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

REVIEW:

RAPHAEL is the first storyline written by Alexandra Ivy for the new release BAYOU HEAT (Raphael/Parish). Like many novellas, Raphael is a very quick read, but there is enough character and world building that the reader doesn’t feel left hanging. The introductory prologue reveals the pertinent information required by the reader to know exactly what is going on. As the storyline develops, circumstances allow the characters to relate their experiences and life changes in a relatively short period of time. We are aware of some of the history of the elusive Pantera shapeshifters and hopefully more will be revealed as each story is released.

PARISH

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

REVIEW:

PARISH is the second storyline (written by Laura Wright) in the new BAYOU HEAT series of novellas. Parish begins quickly on the heels of Raphael. More details involving the history and lore of the Pantera are revealed including some of the political ranking and break down of the Pantera community including Suits, Hunters, Nurturers and a Shaman. We are introduced to some of the other Pantera members whose storylines have yet to be told.

Raphael and Parish read together like a continuous storyline. Raphael and his mate Ashe are expecting and, Parish’s storyline focuses on the need for a human doctor to bring the new life into the world. But like all shapeshifting societies there are those who want to cause harm. And at the end of PARISH we learn that one of their own may be responsible for using dark magic against a mother and her unborn child.

BAYOU HEAT-Raphael and Parish is a wonderful introduction to the BAYOU HEAT series co-written by authors Alexandra Ivy and Laura Wright. Each author has submitted their own storyline and the overall feel to the continuous story is smooth and easy flowing. I am looking forward to the next instalment.

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Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveals January 16, 2013

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Cover Reveals January 16, 2013

Noel Dec 2013

 

TITLE: Noel (Christmas in the Wildlands)

AUTHORS:  Alexandra Ivy/Laura Wright

SERIES:  Bayou Heat

RELEASE DATE:December 2013

 

 

 

Midnight's Captive July 13

 

TITLE: Midnight’s Captive

AUTHOR: Donna Grant

SERIES: Dark Warrior

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Prince of Passion mar 13 2013

 

TITLE: Prince of Passion

AUTHOR: Donna Grant

SERIES: Royal Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

Prince of Love Mar 3 2013

 

TITLE: Prince of Love

AUTHOR: Donna Grant

SERIES: Royal Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

Silencing Breath Apr 2013

 

TITLE: Silencing Breath

AUTHOR: Joanne Brothwell

SERIES:  Stealing Breath #2

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

BeautifulScars Jan 2013

 

TITLE: Beautiful Scars

AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: January 2013

 

 

 

Night Vision July 2013

 

TITLE: Night Vision

AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn

SERIES: Indigo Court

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Bitter Disenchantment.May 2013jpg

 

TITLE: Bitter Disenchantment

AUTHOR: Shawntelle Madison

SERIES: Covet

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

TheRetributionofMaraDyerOct13

 

TITLE: The Retribution of Mara Dyer

AUTHOR:  Michelle Hodkin

SERIES:  N/A

RELEASE DATE:  October 2013

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