Monthly Archives: July 2013

The Right Temptation by Diane Escalera-a review

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THE RIGHT TEMPTATION by Diane Escalera-a review

The Right Temptation

Amazon.com/ Amazon.ca/ Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble

Release Date: June 3, 2013

FOLLOW Diane at : Website / Twitter / Facebook

Can a childhood crush mature into the real thing?

Kayla Martinez has recently landed an RN position at a prestigious hospital in her hometown. The new job is everything she’s hoped for, especially when one hot specimen shows up in the ER. She hasn’t seen her childhood crush in years, and considering how much hotter he’s gotten over time, she almost ends up needing resuscitation.

The last thing Nico LaCosta needs is a broken arm. Now his pal’s kid sister wants to soothe his pain, but he’d rather keep his distance so her big brother doesn’t break his other arm. Kayla’s no child anymore, though. She’s one hot-blooded woman, determined to remind him of a mind-blowing kiss back when they were teenagers. Leave it to Kayla to drop by his house unannounced and play Nurse Seductive. A guy has to follow the buddy code, or face the consequences. Still, sometimes giving in to temptation is worth it…

CONTENT WARNING: Racy Language, Hot Sex, Lusty Latin Lovers A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

THE RIGHT TEMPTATION is the second release in Diane Escalera’s  ‘Latin Heat’ trilogy of novellas featuring the friends and loves of the LaCosta family. This is Nico LaCosta and Kayla Martinez’s story.

Like many novellas, this is a short story so there is very little time or space to build a relationship therefore our hero and heroine are known to each other, although it has been a number of years since they last had contact.

Kayla Martinez is now a nurse, working at the local hospital and her newest patient is her teen crush Nico LaCosta. But Nico has always been off limits as he was and still is one of her brother’s best friends. And on this night, Nico is so out of it he doesn’t recognize Kayla. Kayla decides to put a plan into action and over the course of the storyline and 24 hours, Kayla will nurse, seduce and fall in love all over again.

The Right Temptation is a quick read. There is a short introduction where Kayla and Nico are reunited, but Nico does not remember her or anything about his hospital stay. Three weeks later, Kayla is so obsessed and determined to see Nico, she stalks his place until she is able to build up the nerve to knock on his door. What ensues is a seduction straight out of play by play book.

Diane Escalera has written a storyline of friendship to love. It was almost comical at times to watch Kayla seduce her way into Nico’s life, especially when he was ‘almost’ oblivious to Kayla’s intent.The majority of the book focuses on Kayla’s seduction of Nico and almost the entirety of the story takes place in Nico’s house. There is some backstory and a few of the previous storyline characters make a cameo but the novel can be read as a stand alone.

If you like a quick, short story with a little humor, plenty of seduction and just the right amount of sex, The Right Temptation is the perfect read on a lazy afternoon or just before bed 😉

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Vampire Elite by Irina Argo-Interview and Giveaway

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Vampire Elite by Irina Argo-Interview and Giveaway

Vampire Elite Tour banner

Vampire Elite (Book #1)
by Irina Argo
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: June 1, 2013

Interview red:black

TRC: Hi Irina ad Jo-An and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the June release of VAMPIRE ELITE book one in your Vampire Elite series. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us about IRINA ARGO?

Irina ArgoIrina Argo is the pen name for Irina Kardos and Jo-An Torres.

Irina lives in a pretty dark world: by day she’s a clinical psychologist at a juvenile correctional facility, where she deals with the extremes of human behavior on a daily basis; at night, she cares for her husband, who was paralyzed several years ago. Writing has always been her passion, and now it’s what brings light into her life. She is originally from Russia, where she worked as a TV journalist.

Jo-An is a Leo, a lioness emerging to follow her dream: to write a book of her own. As the owner of a costume shop for many years, she was able to satisfy her creative nature and allow it to flourish. She believes that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. She currently resides in

TRC: What difficulties or challenges do you face writing as a team?

Irina is a romantic, beauty, tranquility, joyfulness.

Jo-An is an A,B,C, black and white personality, but with an intense creative nature – I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but somehow it seems to work. She revs it up, I tone it down, then we reach a happy medium.

TRC: Was there any particular premise or scenario that one or the other focused on such as characters development or storyline flow?

Irina/Jo-An: Reality – we wanted to make them totally believable – that they live among us.

TRC: Has there ever been an issue where there was no compromise and therefore a character or premise had to be scrapped?

Irina/Jo-An: We don’t believe so. We compromised on everything. We would scrap when our editor strongly disagreed.

VAmpire EliteVAMPIRE ELITE is your June 2013 release in the Vampire Elite series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Irina/Jo-An: A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing the immortals called the Amiti, attracted by their unique blood properties. Now most Amiti live in underground cells, forced to serve as vampires’ bloodstock. The few surviving free Amiti, preparing a final strike, have declared the Amiti Queen a traitor. Her execution makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who will inherit her mother’s mystical powers. Working with the Keepers of the Key, Arianna may be able to eliminate the vampires, once and for all, from the face of the earth.

The new Queen is the last hope to save her people, and she’s ready to fight to the last drop of her blood. But the King of the Vampires has other plans. What neither expects is the passion that erupts between them.

Vampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two races, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers. Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

keepers3

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

Irina/Jo-An: Three minimum, the second book is already in a rough draft stage and the story continues to evolve.

TRC: How thoroughly do you plan out your characters and story before you begin the first draft?

Irina: They just come into me, there is no pre-development. I write what I see and feel emanating from the character. Irina: We don’t plan it out, it just flows through my mind and I put it to paper as it comes to me. I don’t even know what is going to happen next, and am as surprised as the readers will be as they turn each page.

Jo-An: Basically, Irina created the story and asked me if I would read her first draft and give her some feed back. I found myself editing, suggesting scenarios and fleshing it out. It was then that she asked me to co-author the book. I was thrilled and am deeply indebted to her for allowing me to let my creative juices flow and reach my own dream of someday writing a book.

TRC: Would you please tell us how you handle the stress and anxiety of writing deadlines and family life?

Irina: I just take it as it comes and do not stress, what will be will be – I have often stayed up all night to complete a chapter or prepare information for Blogs, updating the Web-Site, designing images in photo-shop.

Jo-An: For me, it is not difficult. I am retired and have a lot of time on my hands as I am not a socializer. I would rather be at home with a good book than at a loud party interacting with a lot of people. The only time it affects me is when I travel and do not have internet access. It makes it very stressful for Irina because her life is so full of responsibilities and she has to find time to work on the book. My husband and I have a monster of a motorhome and when he wants to go – we go, along with our 5 cats. A lot of the time I am not able to get internet access and it does put additional strain on Irina.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and struggle with other authors, friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas and strategy?

Irina: My friends and co-workers.

Jo-An: Only with our editor and each other. None of my friends or family are into the paranormal, so they would be of no help.

TRC: If you could select one reality show in which you were one of the contestants, which show would you chose and why?

Irina: Sorry, I don’t watch TV 🙁

Jo-An: The Apprentice. Every task requires a vivid and creative imagination. I can find ways to do things and make things happen when everyone else is stumped.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Irina: Updating images, keeping all of the sites current, working with the printer for our paperback copy, interacting with all of the promoters we are working with.

Jo-An: Promoting the book and keeping it in the top ten. Spending hours and hours on the computer writing personal emails, reading up on how to gain exposure.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Irina/Jo-An: We would like to thank you for hosting this tour and hope that it is well attended. And sincerely appreciate your hosting our book on your Blog, and want to thank everyone who visits it …especially those who buy the book and enjoy it as much as we do.

LIGHTNING ROUND FOR IRINA

Favorite Food – Italian

Favorite Dessert – dark chocolate

Favorite TV Show – Lost, True blood, Vampire Diaries

Dark or Milk Chocolate – dark

Favorite Flower – rose

Last Vacation Destination – Peru

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

LIGHTNING ROUND FOR JO-AN

Favorite Food – Mexican

Favorite Dessert – Strawberries in thick cream

Favorite TV Show – Duck Dynasty

Last Movie you saw – Silver Linings Play Book

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark

Favorite Flower – Pansy

Last Vacation Destination – Bahamas

Thank you Irina Argo (Irina and Jo-An) for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you all the best.

To learn more about Irina Argo you can visit the VAMPIRE-ELITE Website or you can connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

VE website:  www.vampire-elite.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VampireEliteSeries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVampireElite
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7101954.Irina_Argo

•••••••••••••••••••••••

VAmpire Elite

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Amazon.uk

How can you make a choice between saving your people and destroying the one you love?

A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing members of another race of immortal beings, the Amiti, forcing them to become their blood suppliers—bloodstock—and locking them in underground cells, where they are treated like livestock. Now, the few remaining free Amiti are making a final attempt to strike back. The Queen of the Amiti has been proclaimed a traitor and executed. Her death makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who becomes the last hope of her dying race. Arianna totally embraces her mission and is ready to fight for her people to the last drop of her blood but encounters an unexpected challenge—the vampire King Tor. The Amiti Queen and the King of the vampires are drawn into a trap of love where each has to make the ultimate choice: to kill their loved one or risk the extermination of their people.

arina2-dreamVampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two peoples, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers.

Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

You Tube Book Trailer:

Video URL=>   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAAwv1mF258

Blog Tour Schedule Red

 

 

 

 

7/01-  You Gotta Read (spot)
http://yougottaread.com/
7/03-  Wicked Readings by Tawania (spotlight)
http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/
7/03 – Confessions of the Paranormal
http://confessionsoftheparanormal.blogspot.com/
7/04-  Literal Addiction (spotlight)
http://www.literaladdiction.com/
7/05-  Sassy Book Lovers (spotlight)
http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/
7/06-  Froggarita’s Bookcase (interview & spotlight)
http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/
7/07-  Book Lovin’ Mamas (spotlight)
http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com/
7/07-  The Reading Cafe (interview & review)
http://thereadingcafe.com/

Rafflecopter giveaway red

Irina & Jo-An are giving away the following prizes at the end of their tour:

Grand Prize:  $25 Amazon gift card (1 winner)
2nd Place:  $10 Amazon gift cards (2 winners)
3rd Place: eBook of Vampire Elite (5 winners)

NOTE:  The Reading Cafe is NOT responsible for the rafflecopter giveaway.  If you have any questions, please contact the tour promoter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Vampire Elite by Irina Argo-a review

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 Vampire Elite #1 by Irina Argo-a review

VAmpire Elite

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Amazon.uk
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2013

A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing the immortals called the Amiti, attracted by their unique blood properties. Now most Amiti live in underground cells, forced to serve as vampires’ bloodstock. The few surviving free Amiti, preparing a final strike, have declared their Queen a traitor. Her execution makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who will inherit her mother’s mystical powers. Working with the Keepers of the Key, Arianna may be able to eliminate the vampires, once and for all, from the face of the earth.

The new Queen is the last hope to save her dying race and she’s ready to fight to the last drop of her blood. But the King of the Vampires has other plans. What neither expects is the passion that erupts between them.

Vampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two immortal races, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers.

Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: VAMPIRE ELITE (Prophecy) is the first storyline in the Vampire Elite series co-authored by the writing team of Irina Argo. The series premise is based on Egyptian legends, gods and their descendants and is packed with world building, character development and, enough betrayal and heartbreak for a lifetime let alone centuries of pain and sorrow.

The legend states that vampires were created when a goddess became enraged and the blood she trailed created a new species dependent on blood to survive. When the vampires all but annihilated the human population another species of immortals was formed –the Amiti-as a source of blood for the vampires. But over time the Amiti became like cattle (bloodstock) to the vampires and the two species remained distinct and separate and, have been at war with each other for centuries. PROPHECY: VAMPIRE ELITE is a contemporary paranormal storyline of racism, segregation, abuse and sacrifice between the species. There are flashbacks as well as several parallel storylines that will all coalesce in the final scenes of book one.

There is plenty of background information on which the storyline premise has been built and the bigger problem between the species is the blood bonding between vampire and Amiti- that in many cases leads to a physical and emotional relationship of love and hate-and under these circumstances it is akin to a mortal sin and blasphemy against their own kind. In this, we have several scenarios that push the storyline forward when the King of the Vampires falls in love with the Queen of the Amiti. What ensues is the utmost betrayal between lovers and a declaration of war between the species.

VAMPIRE ELITE is a well written, explicitly detailed and fascinating dark story of two species who have become master and slave. The storyline is fraught with betrayal and heartbreaking sorrow as lovers becomes enemies-at some point all blood bonded lovers will know the loss of a mate; torture; destruction of a relationship and the tearing of a soul shared through the blood bond between the species. There was not one relationship or couple unaffected by the end of book one.

Irina Argo has taken a vampire tale and placed a spin all their own. This is a dark tale of racism and specieism– that excludes rights to one group (Amiti) over another (vampires): whereby one becomes the cattle to be used and abused; where membership in one species definitely has its’ privileges; and death is a blessing for many. At times the altruistic nature of the relationships is painful and hard. PROPHECY: Vampire Elite is NOT your sparkly vampire series.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Brave in Heart by Emma Barry – a Review

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Brave in Heart by Emma Barry – a Review

roses2

Links to order Brave in Heart: Amazon / Barnes & Noble/ Kobo

Description:
Theodore Ward is a man of deep passions and strong principles—none of which he acts on. So Margaret Hampton ends their engagement, breaking both of their hearts in the process.

Years after their estrangement, ardent but frozen Theo attempts to reconnect with Margaret. She is no longer trusting of the idea of romantic love, having become pragmatic and wary during decades alone. But with the drumbeat of the early days of the Civil War in the background, how can she refuse?

The courtship that results is hasty, reckless, and intense, fueled by contradictions between Theo’s willingness finally to change and Margaret’s fears about the future. Two smart, stubborn, fiery people will need to overcome the hesitancies of their hearts and the perils of battle if they’re ever to find happiness.

 

Review:

Brave in Heart by Emma Barry is a short story that’s also a quick read. It takes place during the Civil War and the story between Margaret and Theodore revolves around it.  Upon reading the book’s little blurb I really thought it was something I’d enjoy in a story.  However, I found it wasn’t and because of that fact I find myself struggling as I write this review.  So please bear with me. 

Margaret is a female who knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything less.  Back in those days to break off an engagement and go your own way was basically unheard of, but Margaret knew she couldn’t marry Theodore.  She felt that as long as he was ‘stuck in a rut’ for lack of a better phrase, she just knew she couldn’t be happy in that life or marriage.  I do have to say I found Margaret to be a pretty good heroine, she’s brave and courageous and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and beliefs.  Thanks to Margaret and her strong personality, Theodore finally decides to make some changes to his life after years of being apart.

Theodore Ward for me is not typical hero material.  Frankly, he really did nothing to interest me.  He was too wishy washy at first, and then it’s like he’s on the fastest roller coaster in the world and doesn’t know how to stop.  He goes from being a man of no action, to a man of too much change to fast.  There were times he made my head ache from his sudden personality makeover.  I think this is where most of my problems with the book stem from, his character.  For some reason I just couldn’t connect to him at all.  Yes he truly loves Margaret and we see this throughout the story, especially in their wartime correspondences.  It just took him forever to see what she meant all those years ago.  I wanted to smack him in the head a few times is all. 

As for the rest of the story, the wartime correspondence between Theo and Margaret is nicely done. They really do love each other and it does shine through on the pages throughout the story.  Miss Barry does an excellent job of showcasing the Civil War and how it affected everyone at the time.  She made me feel like I was there and a part of the war well reading Theo and Margaret’s letters.  The characters are well written, I just wish the book were a little bit longer to better explore the characters and get to know them better.  I found at times because of the stories length I felt rushed through scenes and months of Theo and Margaret’s life.  They spend most of the book dealing with a long distance marriage well Theo is off at war, finally doing something he really believes.  The ending sorta fell short for me, I think so much more could have been said and done but it just ended.  Maybe an epilogue at the end to tie up everything and finalize everything that happened between Margaret and Theo during his time off at war, then coming home and re-adjusting to his everyday life again. I don’t know, I just felt like; that’s it, it’s done?  Okay, guess it is. 

As I said this one’s a short easy read, with a sweet love story.  If you are a fan of short stories, Civil War reads with a romance thrown in, then you will more then likely be a fan of this one.  Until next time, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author

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Cover Reveals July 6, 2013

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Cover Reveals July 6, 2013

The Winter King.Nov 13jpeg

 

TITLE: The Winter King

AUTHOR: C.L. Wilson

SERIES:

RELEASE DATE: August 2014

 

 

 

First Rapture Aug 19

 

TITLE: First Rapture

AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2013

 

 

 

 

Dragos Takes a Holiday nov 13

 

TITLE: Dragos Takes a Holiday

AUTHOR: Thea Harrison

SERIES: Elder Race Novellas

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

First Ink

 

TITLE: First Ink (3rd Cover !)

AUTHOR: Laura Wright

SERIES: Wicked Ink Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

 

othersphere Dec 13

 

TITLE:  Othersphere

AUTHOR:  Nina Berry

SERIES:  OtherKin

RELEASE DATE:  December 2013

 

 

 

Eternal Hunter Jan 14

 

TITLE:  Eternal Hunter (re-release)

AUTHOR:  Cynthia Eden

SERIES:  Nightwatch

RELEASE DATE:  January 2014

 

 

 

Tale of Two Dragons Nov 13

 

 

TITLE: Tale of Two Dragons

AUTHOR: G.A.Aiken

SERIES: Dragonkin 6.5 (novella)

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

Finding it Oct 13

 

TITLE: Finding It

AUTHOR: Cora Carmack

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Cipher July 13

 

TITLE:  Cipher

AUTHOR:  Cindi Madsen

SERIES:  N/A

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Origin Aug 13

 

TITLE: Origin

AUTHOR: Jennifer Armentrout

SERIES: Lux

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

17999681

 

 

TITLE: River of Dreams

AUTHOR: Lynn Kurland

SERIES: Nine Kingdoms

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

Crash Into Me Sept 13

 

 

TITLE: Crash Into Me

AUTHOR: K.M. SCOTT

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

Face of Death Jan 14

 

TITLE: Face of Death (YA)

AUTHOR: Kelly Hashway

SERIES: Touch of Death #3

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

 

Simple Perfection Sept 13

 

 

TITLE: Simple Perfection

AUTHOR: Abbi Glines

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

Forever Us by Sandi Lynn

 

 

TITLE: Forever Us

AUTHOR: Sandi Lynn

SERIES: Forever #3

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

Sea of Shadows .April 14jpeg

 

 

TITLE: Sea of Shadows

AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: April 2014

 

 

Prince of Shadows Feb 14

 

TITLE: Prince of Shadows

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SERIES: A Novel of Romeo and Juliet

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Compelled Feb 14

 

TITLE: Compelled

AUTHOR: Shawntelle Madison

SERIES: Coveted

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Angel Seduced.Feb 14jpeg

 

TITLE: Angel Seduced

AUTHOR: Jaime Rush

SERIES: Hidden

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

The Shadow of Mist Sept 13

 

TITLE: The Shadow of Mist

AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn

SERIES: Otherworld Novella

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Fatalism Aug 13

 

TITLE: Fatalism

AUTHOR: L.K.Collins

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Revealing Us

 

TITLE:  Revealing Us

AUTHOR:  Lisa Renee Jones

SERIES:  Inside Out #3

RELEASE DATE:  September 2013

 

 

 

My Unexpected Forever Sept 13

 

TITLE:  My Unexpected Forever

AUTHOR:  Heidi McLaughlin

SERIES:

RELEASE DATE:  September 2013

 

 

 

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Persephone’s Orchard by Molly Ringle-a review

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Persephone’s Orchard by Molly Ringle-a review

Persephone's Orchard

 

RELEASE WEEK DEAL only .99cents for a limited time:

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 28, 2013

The Greek gods never actually existed. Did they? Sophie Darrow finds she was wrong about that assumption when she’s pulled into the spirit realm, complete with an Underworld, on her first day at college. Adrian, the mysterious young man who brought her there, simply wants her to taste a pomegranate.

Soon, though she returns to her regular life, her mind begins exploding with dreams and memories of ancient times; of a love between two Greeks named Persephone and Hades. But lethal danger has always surrounded the immortals, and now that she’s tainted with the Underworld’s magic, that danger is drawing closer to Sophie.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:

Persephone’s Orchard…….what a wonderful book. Molly Ringle builds a beautiful world of true love, wrapped up in Greek mythology. Sophie Darrow leaves home and goes to college where she is “kidnapped” and brought into the spirit realm to meet Adrian. Adrian has to convince her he is not a crazy stalker and he has a purpose for bringing her into this spirit world. Adrian is an immortal and he has shared several lifetimes with Sophie as other people. In the spirit realm, Adrian wants Sophie to eat a pomegranate, which will bring back all of her memories of their past love. Adrian refuses to live for eternity without her and she is faced with choosing between her current, mortal life or an immortal life with Adrian. As she remembers her past, it exposes her to a group of crazies that want all of the immortals dead. The journey through Adrian and Sophie’s previous lives unfold in a wonderful story.

The writing is so descriptive it feels like you are with the characters, living every memory right along with them. This story is beautifully written and intertwined with the Greek Mythology of Hades and Persephone. There was not one dull moment is this book, every page wove the story of Adrian and Sophie, linking their past with their present. There is so many parts of this story that I could talk about but one of the most moving for me was the Underworld. When Adrian first connected with Sophie, one of the things he used to intrigue her to come back to see him was being able to see her deceased grandfather in the Underworld. The Underworld is where the soul goes when it dies and stays there until reincarnated into a new life. The souls fly around and Adrian could talk to them, but couldn’t touch one. Sophie returns to see Adrian so she can see her grandfather and it’s a emotionally beautiful reunion.

I thought this was such a lovely element to the story because we all have that hope of seeing our loved ones again. Persephone’s Orchard will sweep you off your feet and leave you wishing that the story was real.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Tricia

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Uncharted by Tracey Garvis Graves – a Review

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Uncharted by Tracey Garvis Graves – a Review

Uncharted

Links to order Uncharted: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Tracey Garvis Graves – and Anna and T.J. – return in this companion novella to the New York Times bestseller On the Island

When twenty-three-year-old dot-com millionaire Owen Sparks walked away from his charmed life, he had one goal in mind: get as far away as possible from the people who resented his success, or had their hand out for a piece of it. A remote uncharted island halfway around the world seemed like a perfectly logical place to get away from it all.

Calia Reed wasn’t part of Owen’s plans. The beautiful British girl – on holiday in the Maldives with her brother, James – made Owen wonder if getting away from it all might be a lot more enjoyable with a carefree girl who didn’t know anything about the life he left behind.

But Owen had no idea how much his carefully detailed plans would go awry. Nor did he realize that a decision he made would have such a catastrophic effect on two passengers who boarded a plane in Chicago.

And when Owen shows up at Anna and T.J.’s door with an incredible story to tell, everyone involved will learn just how much their lives are intertwined.

 

Review:

Uncharted by Tracey Garvis Graves is a novella, which takes us back to the Maldives and the island of Tracey’s first book, On The Island.  I really enjoyed On The Island, and thought Graves was a wonderful new author. I wasn’t wrong, as she does it again with this short story.  Uncharted gives us more information about our favorite couple from OTI…Anna and TJ.  But they are not the main characters in this book. 

Instead, Owen Sparks is the hero of this story.  When Anna and TJ were stranded for a few years on the island, they had discovered some things about someone who had been there before..Owen Sparks. 

Uncharted begins with Owen visiting Anna and TJ.  They are shocked when they meet him, a face to someone who was on the same island.  Owen proceeds to tell his story to Anna and TJ. 

Owen is a 23 year old millionaire, who made his fortune running a .com business with two friends.  He eventually becomes disillusioned with his friends, family and the business pressure, and sells his share of the company,  leaving everything & everyone behind.  Owen makes arrangements in Maldives, to live month by month on an inhabited island, with the help of Forester, who drives the plane to drop off Owen on the island. 

The difference between Owen and TJ/Anna’s scenario, is Owen brings all the supplies he needs, as he is there on his own sojourn, and despite being alone, he learns how to survive on the island.  He does go back to town each month to stock up on supplies.  During one of those trips, after many months, he meets Calia and her brother, James.  Both end up going to the island with Owen for a month to try their own survival skills. 

Without giving spoilers, after a bit, two things happen.  Owen falls hard for Calia, which changes his outlook, and he wants to return to civilization.   But before they leave, something does happen, which changes things.  

In between Owen telling his story to Anna and TJ, we get a chapter here and there with either Anna or TJ talking about their own feelings of their ordeal, as they listen to Owens’s tale.  I really did enjoy this book, as it was a fast and sweet read.  Tracey Garvis Graves is an excellent writer, and you can totally imagine the island in Owens eyes.  I loved when he played with the Dolphins, or when you felt like you were actually there with him when he built his cabin.  Graves has this uncanny ability to make you feel like your are living through their ordeal, without going into so many details. Very realistic.  The romance between Owen and Calia was sweet.

Most of all, it was so great to see Anna and TJ again.   Seeing them a few years later, happy with their own family was almost like an epilogue to their story with a better then happy ending.  I liked Owen a lot, and Uncharted was an excellent story, as we also see in the end how Owen’s adventure and Anna/TJ’s ordeal, intermingled.  I would suggest you read On The Island before you read this novella. 

Reveiwed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Outcast Prince by Shona Husk-A Review and a Giveaway

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The Outcast Prince by Shona Husk-A Review and a Giveaway

 A giveaway copy to WIN of THE OUTCAST PRINCE at every tour stop.

The Outcast Prince Banner

The Outcast Prince
Court of Annwyn #1
by Shona Husk
Release Date: July 2, 2013

The Outcast Prince

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble/ The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2, 2013

Just One Taste Is All It Takes…
This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost…
Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: I just finished Outcast Prince by Shona Husk and I’m sorry it’s done. I was such a fan of this book from the introduction of characters; the words started forming rather effortlessly into a glowing review. I hope I do it justice! Set between Charleston, South Carolina and the fairy world of Annwyn, Caspian Mort and Lydia Callaway discover that love doesn’t separate. It’s far from easy; outside influences, personal secrets and immortal beings with their own agendas do tend to make romance difficult. But when it’s meaningful, those obstacles become mere inconveniences.

A product of a dalliance between a human woman and Felan, the fairy Crown Prince of Annwyn, Caspian is a Changeling.
“Somehow his mother had convinced the Prince to let her go and give birth to him in the mortal world. Not a fairy and not quite mortal yet bound by the rules of both worlds.”

As such, Caspian has been allowed to escape the crush of fairy politics, but its lure is still in his blue blood (his magic touch is psychometry, the ability to read objects) and he longs to visit; to meet his father, to ask him why he was abandoned, to revel in all the purported beauty of fairy, but those desires are repressed. A temptation it must remain.

Speaking of temptation, here’s Lydia Callaway. Granddaughter of a prominent family from Charleston, Lydia has hired Caspian to value the famed Callaway House while the estate is in probate. Unprepared for Caspian’s good looks and unique ability to appraise objects, Lydia finds herself drawn to Caspian more than professionally.

Unbeknownst to either one of them, plus they’re too focused on finding each other incredibly attractive, a banished fairy, known as a Grey, has “made” Caspian; not his true parentage, but identified him as a fairy with “the touch” who can help him regain entry to fairy Court. The Window, a missing fairy mirror, when used in connection with the Counter-Window in Annywn, is a secret portal for traveling. If Caspian doesn’t locate the object, the Grey threatens to make life difficult (I referred to this in my opening). When things go awry, and INSIDE Callaway House, which is too close to Lydia, Caspian must make a deal with the Grey…and that arrangement alerts Annwyn…Daddy’s on his way! 😀

Felan as the Crown Prince, and legitimate threat to overthrowing his father the king, agreed to let Caspian be raised in the human world to prevent his son becoming a target for fairy manipulations (they are masters at trickery!). Relegated to clandestine parenting, Felan has provided for Caspian all along with a group of Brownies (another kind of fairy species who choose to live in the mortal world) to keep the Greys away and Dylis, Caspian’s own personal fairy protector of the last 35 years. The relationship between father and son is undoubtedly complicated, but Ms. Husk allows the reader a quality amount of dialogue to discover truths about each other. I was moved by the honesty.

There were aspects that felt overly rushed or lacking in details (Gran Callaway’s funeral services, Caspian’s visit to Annwyn), but there was more than enough to keep me thoroughly involved. Ms. Husk did an excellent job of keeping me on the edge regarding Caspian’s home. The lure of Annwyn was so palpable, so appealing; Caspian’s wavering allegiance almost had me convinced he belonged in the fairy world…almost.

“Fairies couldn’t make someone go against their beliefs or personal morals; all they could do was amplify the need.”

The need was mutual. Lydia was a balm for Caspian’s battered heart and Caspian began to right Lydia’s world after her grandmother’s death (and skeletons in her closet). Ms. Husk didn’t overindulge with the love scenes that have become so common, but thrilled with select intimacies that earned my swooooons. Her writing was purposeful and enticing. Yes, I do plan on devouring her catalog!

And so we arrive at the conclusion. I won’t reveal if the Windows are reunited, or if punishments are dispensed for brokering deals with banished fairies, but I can end this review on a positive note: Lord of the Hunt, Annwyn Book #2, is available next January!!! Trust me, there is SO much to explore. Do Caspian and Lydia travel to Annwyn…will Dylis and her freed mate get a story line…does Felan assume his father’s title of king…moreover, does Felan take a wife…I commend Ms. Husk for the overall story and the fairy world building. It is a setting I hope to visit in my dreams!

And in the end…the love you take…is equal to the love…you make…

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Carmen

About The Author beige

Shona Husk

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

 

 

 

Giveaway beige

The Outcast Prince Road to Annwyn Giveaway!

Shona Husk creates darkly sensual modern fairy tales, and first book in her new series, The Outcast Prince, is no different!

To celebrate, Sourcebooks is giving away copies of this book ALL MONTH LONG!

Each day this month, look for opportunities to win a print copy of The Outcast Prince with bloggers all over the book blogging community. Additionally, there will be a guest blogs and interviews with Shona throughout—a great way to get to know a new author!

The publisher is offering a paper copy of THE OUTCAST PRINCE to one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. The giveaway is OPEN to USA and CANADA only.

3. The giveaway runs from July 5 to July 30, 2013

Blog Tour Schedule

Follow along all month long for a chance to win a copy of this fabulous new romance novel!

7/2          Peeking Between the Pages
7/3          Debbie’s Book Bag  GUEST BLOG
7/4          Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews
7/5          The Reading Café
7/7           Book Chick City  GUEST BLOG
7/8          Star-Crossed Romance
7/8          Sassy Book Lovers
7/8          Where the Night Kind Roam
7/9          Reading Between the Wines
7/9          Books-n-Kisses GUEST BLOG
7/10       Bitten By Love Reviews INTERVIEW
7/11       Manga Maniac Café INTERVIEW
7/11       Caffeinated Book Reviewer
7/12       Novels on the Run   INTERVIEW
7/15       Booked and Loaded
7/15       Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell   INTERVIEW
7/16       Book of Secrets   GUEST BLOG
7/17       Book Monster Reviews   GUEST BLOG
7/18       Thoughts in Progress
7/18       Anna’s Book Blog   INTERVIEW
7/18       Proserpine Craving Books
7/21       Book Lovin’ Mamas
7/22       RomFan Reviews
7/22       Night Owl Reviews   GUEST BLOG
7/23       The Royal Reviews   INTERVIEW
7/25       Fresh Fiction   GUEST BLOG
7/26       Romancing the Book  INTERVIEW
7/29       Urban Girl Reader   INTERVIEW
7/30       SOS Aloha   INTERVIEW

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