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Burned by Karen Marie Moning – a Dual Review

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Burned by Karen Marie Moning – a Dual Review

 

Burned Jan 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.

When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed.

Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil gets blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth

Barb’s Review:

Burned by Karen Moning is the 7th book in her fabulous Fever series. When we last left off in the world of MacKayla Lane and Jericho Barrons in Shadowfever, it was technically the end of their arc. The last book, Iced, entered a new arc with Dani, Ryodan and Christian, which I did enjoy. However, there was some backlash that some fans felt that Dani, at 14, was way too young for Ryodan, even though there was no real romance between them…yet.

In Burned, we return to the world of Mac, Jericho, Dani, Ryodan and the rest of the Fever gang. I was so happy to spend time again with Mac and Jericho, and Dani, even if we only got a glimpse of her early on. Burned was a fantastic read, and I have come away with such respect for Karen Moning. She has enhanced this story, answering some of the questions left open in Iced, as well as brought back Mac in her full glory. Burned was a culmination of all of our favorite characters, the abbey and the sidhe-seers; and the ones we disliked such as the Faes (Seelie , Unseelie) and the creatures they have created; as well as the evil Sinsar Dubh, still lurking;. But most of all Moning has miraculously come up with a solution many fans were crying for, Dani being too young for Ryodan. Wow. I didn’t see this coming, and it was an amazing twist. Loved it, even if I still miss & love the wild and crazy Dani, and before you ask, there is still no sexual relations between them yet. If you want to know about the twist, you will need to read this book.

What follows is a fantastic story that keeps you hooked until the very last page. With Dublin still iced, there are some dangerous elements that need resolution. The MacKeltars are working with Barrons and Ryodan to find a way to rescue Christian from his daily torture at the hands of the Crimson Hag. The Unseelie Princes, and the new Seelie King are also around, creating more havoc. But the major part of the story is the new group of sidhe-seers, now taking over the abbey. These sidhe-seers are more like mercenaries, able to fight anyone and everything; they are led by their leader, Jada, who is bad assed & ultra powerful. Whereas the previous group from the abbey were friends with Mac, not so this newer and dangerous group.

Though everyone played a big part of this book, I felt Mac was the star and loved her. I do have to say that my opinion of Ryodan has changed for the better. We learn more about him, some eye openers, and know he truly does care about Dani.

There is so much more to tell, but it would then become spoilers. I do want to add that I absolutely love love Lor. LOL I did think that some parts, with Mac or Christian delving into the past was not necessary, adding on to the pages. But it did not change my thoughts on this wonderful book. The last half of the book was a wild ride that was very exciting, with tense and fun moments. The ending has you holding on to your last breath, and then there was a cliffhanger, which of course, Moning is known for. But I can’t wait, for the next book. I want to know more about Mac, Barrons, Dani, Ryodan, Christian, Lor and Jada.

 

Miranda’s Review:

BURNED, written by Karen Marie Moning, is the highly anticipated 7th installment of the Fever series.   This is a novel surrounded by large amounts of hype, controversy, and mixed reviews. If you are a long time fan, with the expectation that this will feel like the original five books of the Fever series, I will tell you it does not. If you are coming to this book with the hopes that it contains a different mood than we received in ICED, this is a complete 180. If you are coming to this book simply for the enjoyment of the adventure Ms. Moning takes us upon, BURNED will feel like the beginning of a brand new journey.  

If you have never read Karen Marie Moning, and are a fan of an author who continuously changes it up, and keeps you guessing, this is a series for you. I have been reading her work for close to ten years now, and over those years, she has flipped the game on readers more times than I can count. I used to think of her work as predictable. (Not in a bad way.) I used to know where I stood when opening one of her books, and like many others, I was perfectly content with the previous style of Moning’s Highlander series. Having been a long time reader of the Fantasy genre, which is oft times dark & heart wrenching, I knew I could always count on the World of the Kelter for a happily ever after. I can honestly say that the Fever series is the polar opposite, and one of those pieces in literature that will push a reader to their limits, and beyond their comfort zone.

I did not enter the Fever world easily, or quietly. Gone was my guarantee of a HEA. Gone was my ability to discern the “good guys” from the bad. Gone was the beautiful, calming descriptions of The Highlands; and In their stead, was a dark, twisted world, where the lines between evil and good are blurred. No one is who they appear to be, and survival is guaranteed to none–let alone the attainment of happiness. I struggled many times throughout my journey of this series, and nearly gave it up twice…and would have, but for one reason. Jericho Barrons. Those that have read this series, know there is no need to explain further why I kept coming back, book after book. I will only elaborate by saying the character of Jericho Barrons truly has no equal. Upon the completion of Shadow Fever, I was very glad that I held on. In one of the most satisfying conclusions to a story arc I have ever had the pleasure to read, KMM culminated every agonizing step, masterfully.

After reading ICED, I debated for the third time, whether or not to continue with this roller coaster I found myself on. There were things I loved, and there were things I despised. One of the things I enjoyed, was seeing the world through the eyes of Dani O’ Malley. Although I do not typically find a “young” perspective very enjoyable. Dani’s narration was different than what I had come to expect from such. I found her completely refreshing as a main female lead, and as each page turned, I learned more about the travesty that was Dani’s childhood. For me, this made her vibrance all the more incredible. In Dani’s character, readers will discover someone that lives each day as if it were her last. In example, I present one of my favorite quotes from Dani’s point of view. “Life’s a choice: you can live in black and white, or you can live in colour. I’ll take every shade of the rainbow and the gazillion in between!” To put it simply, Dani splashes the dark Fever world with color. Despite my love of Dani…I spent two years on the fence as to whether or not I should read BURNED. The decision was made, when I discovered that the 7th installment would bring us back to the perspective of Mackayla Lane.

Admittedly, I have some mixed emotions about this. I was incredibly happy to be back with “Barrons” and “Ms. Lane.” Yet my one complaint…is that I missed Dani’s energy terribly. Where does Dani go you ask? You might think you can guess…you may have heard from others who have read the book, but what actually happens to Dani is something completely unexpected. Read, and learn the truth for yourself. Although we seem to be playing a bit of musical chairs with all the changes in P.O.V, readers will fall back into Mac’s perspective as easily as if we had never left. This is a heroine who has always been made up of a complex blend of dimensions. Endearingly clueless, infuriatingly self-doubtful. Like many of us in life, she doesn’t have all the answers, and she rarely knows what to do…and like many of us, she probably never will. Mac is flawed, and Mac is real. This is a character who is innately good at her core, and yet, has been forced to become a little bad. Pink Mac vs. Savage Mac. Right or wrong. Love her, or hate her. In the end, she will do whatever it takes, and she will get the job done. I find her narration unique, and entertaining on all levels, and cannot get enough of her witty, laugh out loud thought processes.

Overall, I found BURNED to be a fast paced, complicated, and jarring orchestra of events. Brimming with informative dialog, fascinating mystery, and intense emotion. Once again, readers will be unable to recognize the World they find themselves in. A place that is somehow more dark, more twisted, and more terrifying. One where bitter enemies must stand together, and former alliances fall. New challenges, and danger come forth, and everything we have learned, is brought into question. Characters we thought we knew, become strangers before our very eyes, while others, like Jericho Z. Barrons, remain ever constant. And still others, will reveal elements about themselves, we never could have imagined. After ICED, I thought I knew all the answers…kudos to Ms. Moning for changing the questions. I look forward to where she will take us next.  

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Viper Game (Ghostwalkers #11) by Christine Feehan – Dual Review and Giveaway

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Viper Game by Christine Feehan – Dual Review and Giveaway

 

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Viper Game
Ghostwalker series – Book # 11
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance
Release Date: January 27, 2015, Viper Game Jan 15Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
GhostWalker Wyatt Fontenot knows the price he paid for the secret military experiments that gave him his special catlike abilities. After all, he left his bayou home a healer and came back a killer. While Wyatt and his GhostWalker brother Gator may have known exactly the sort of game they were getting into, Wyatt never anticipated where it would lead—or to whom.

The swamps hold many mysteries, but few are as sinuously seductive as Le Poivre de Cayenne. The woman the locals call Pepper is every bit as enigmatic as the three little girls she’s desperately trying to protect. From what, Wyatt is soon to discover. Right now Pepper needs a man like Wyatt. Passionately. But her secrets are about to take them both deeper into the bayou than either imagined—where desire is the deadliest poison of all.

 

Barb’s Review:

Viper Game by Christine Feehan is the 11th book in her wonderful GhostWalker series. We have been waiting a long time to get Wyatt’s story, and it was worth the wait; even though there are many more Ghost Walkers we can’t wait to read about. This is a typical Christine Feehan story, with a bit of everything from romance, suspense, danger, action-packed excitement, hot hot men, and on top of all that a couple that sizzles all throughout the book. Make no mistake, Viper Game is sexy as hell.

Wyatt Fontenot is Gator’s brother, and though I loved Wyatt, no one can touch Gator.   But this is Wyatt’s book and the story starts with him coming home to the swamp with his two friends to help his Grandmere. It seems that that something is going on nearby in a private building that is gated and tightly guarded.

When Wyatt returns with his friends after checking out the building beyond the swamp, he meets our heroine, Pepper, under difficult circumstances. Thinking his Grandmere was in danger, Wyatt makes a move that causes Pepper to get hurt trying to save him from an unlikely source.

What follows is an awesome story about another one of Peter Whitney’s devious attempts at creating super soldiers, and his using children, even babies to create poisonous vipers. It doesn’t take long for Wyatt to know that Pepper is his mate, even if she is too afraid to commit to anyone, knowing how dangerous she is. Pepper’s skill is different, and very lethal, as it did put an interesting twist into the story, especially effecting all the guys. The storyline with the babies also makes this a good story in a fight to save the baby, and the other two babies still at the compound.

I do not want to give spoilers, as a lot happens. Just know that Wyatt and Pepper scorch the pages. I thought Wyatt was a bit too rough, and angry with Pepper, which did turn me off at times. With that said, you need to read the story to understand why. The last half of the book was filled with so much action, and intense excitement. I really liked Wyatt’s team, especially Trap, who we know will be getting his own book, if not next, sometime in the future. I wish we could have seen Gator and Flame, but it didn’t happen. However, Wyatt and Pepper were great, and she is a worthy addition to the female GhostWalkers. Wonderful addition to this series.

 

Sandy’s Review:

VIPER GAME is the eleventh installment in Christine Feehan’s adult, contemporary Ghostwalker paranormal romance series focusing on an elite group of enhanced supernatural soldiers. This is Wyatt Fontenot (Gator’s brother –Night Game-Ghostwalker #3) and Pepper. VIPER GAME can be read as a stand alone but for background, history and overall enjoyment I recommend reading the series in order.

Wow. It’s been almost thirty (30) months (July 2012) since we last visited the Ghostwalker series and Christine Feehan welcomes a new team of supernatural soldiers. We are reintroduced to the newly enhanced Wyatt Fontenot-a man who purposely walked into Dr. Whitney’s labs in the hopes of gaining his super powers. With his feline DNA, Wyatt has become an exceptional soldier with over four hundred missions to date. But a call from his Nonny about mysterious happenings in the Bayou will bring Wyatt home, along with two fellow soldiers, Malachi and Ezekiel Fortunes, to investigate the who and the what of the swamp surrounding his boyhood home. What ensues is the discovery of a female Ghostwalker named Pepper whose story and connection to Wyatt will shake the very foundations of family and love.

Like most of Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker storylines there is an instant attraction between Wyatt and Pepper. Dr. Whitney’s experiments pair up matching soldiers such that each will compliment or destroy the essence of what it means to be a super soldier with enhanced powers and psychic abilities. Pepper and Wyatt’s relationship is fused with the knowledge that Whitney has stolen from them something more precious than DNA -their future happiness and family. As Wyatt works with his team to infiltrate the latest test labs, Pepper is uncertain that her future is safe with any man. The $ex scenes are raw and intense. There is a necessity to their mating-one that does not go unnoticed by every red blooded male around- but one that will quell the mutual burning fires of need and want.

The secondary and supporting cast includes the many soldiers who guard and protect Whitney’s latest compound: Wyatt’s new team of genetically enhanced soldiers including Malachai, Mordichai and Ezekiel Fortunes; Trap and Draden. The only previous storyline character is Wyatt’s grand-mere Nonny. Gator and Flame are briefly mentioned but notably absent: we do not get an appearance by our favorite Cajun man. We are introduced to the latest female Ghostwalker-a woman known only as Cayenne-but a woman who starts to melt the frigid frost around Trap’s heart. Recognize where this team of female soldiers is heading?-SPICE GIRLS–and there are three more little girls whose names are as sweet as the flavors they enhance.

At times VIPER GAME fell closely into Carpathian territory with some of the enhanced psychic abilities especially Wyatt’s power to heal and Trap’s ability to …well you will see. I almost felt that I was reading a cross over storyline involving both series which was a little disconcerting because the comparisons were many.

VIPER GAME is a fast paced, action packed story of insta love, romance, suspense and mystery. Dr. Whitney has yet to be caught; he is constantly on the move; and Wyatt’s team are the latest ‘victims’ to fall under the spell of their genetically modified mates. Christine Feehan’s imagination knows no boundaries; she will pull you in and never let go. Her stories are heartbreaking, emotional and always with a love connection that goes beyond DNA.

My only concern is the number of previous storyline Ghostwalkers who have yet to find their happily ever after. With the introduction of a new team of enhanced soldiers and a glimpse at Trap and Cayenne’s possible connection, what happens to men without women to anchor them in the psychic world of DNA enhancement and destructive powers?

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

giveaway

Christine’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of VIPER’S GAME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE us on TSU for an additional entry.

7. Follow Christine Feehan on Facebook for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from January 26-30, 2015

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Black Widow by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Black Widow by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

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Black Widow
Elemental Assassin series – Book #12
by Jennifer Estep
Release Date: November 25, 2014

Black Widow Nov 14Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames

 

Barb’s Review:
Black Widow by Jennifer Estep is the 12th book in her wonderful Elemental Assassin series. I have a few favorite kick-ass heroines, and Gin Blanco is one of them. In each book in this series, Jennifer Estep continues to awe us with a wonderful story, and another impossible situation for Gin to get out of.

The last book left off when we learned about Mab Monroe’s daughter, M.M. (Madeline), and a new villain was born. In Black Widow, Gin finds out quickly that she may have met her strongest adversary, as Madeline is an Acid Elemental and plans on taking over everything, including the underworld her mother controlled.  Since Gin was not fully prepared for Madeline’s secret scheming, as she and her friends/family are besieged with all kinds of legal issues, causing their business, or personal issues to bring them down. Most of all, Gin is set up on a murder charge by a crooked cop, who Madeline controls.

What follows is an exciting non-stop action packed adventure, that seems mostly hopeless for our Gin. At every turn, she faces insurmountable odds, and torture, starting with her stay in jail, which is set up for a full scale attack on her that is designed to have her killed. Madeline is determined to kill Gin, and will stop at nothing to ensure that this is done.

There were so many life ending situations, filled with extreme danger that we cringed in despair for Gin. Through it all, we wondered if this was the end, because we could see no way for Gin to survive some of these attacks. But Gin Blanco is not your normal heroine, she is the Spider, who can be as cunning, murderous and powerful as the worst evil villain. In the most inescapable situations, she will find a way, even if she suffers badly and comes so close to death. Madeline proves to be her strongest enemy. Will Gin find a way to outsmart Madeline? Is she powerful enough to with stand a powerful acid elemental?

Jennifer Estep has given us a story that had us on the edge from beginning to end. I loved seeing all of Gin’s friends/family come together to support and try to help her….Finn, Owen, Bria, Sophia, Jo-Jo, just to name a few, and there are so many more. This was a classic battle against a terrible villain that had us holding our breath. A major twist ending leads the way for future changes. Black Widow was a wonderful edition to Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. If you have not read this series, it is time for you to start reading.

Sandy’s Review:

BLACK WIDOW is the twelve full length storyline in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series focusing on the elemental assassin Gin Blanco aka The Spider. With her dual elements of stone and ice, Gin is a force unto herself but a new enemy with a familiar name and face has come back to Ashland seeking the ultimate revenge. Not only is Gin targeted for destruction, so too are everyone she knows and loves-and this time the Pork Pit is a target as well.

Told from first person point of view (Gin Blanco) BLACK WIDOW finds Gin and her extended family of vampires, dwarves and elementals facing a series of legal action brought about by local law enforcement. From law suits for fraud to health inspections that go terribly wrong, no one is protected when the people in control are no longer in control themselves. As if back from the grave, Mabs Monroe power reaches far and wide, and it comes with a more powerful and startling elemental.

We will reconnect with all of Gin’s family including her lover Owen whose need to protect Gin builds with every storyline. I hope to see something more from Owen and Gin in the future (perhaps I was the only one who caught a small hint). Gin’s foster brother Finn and sister Bria, as well as Jo Jo and Sophia continue to support and aid Gin in her endeavor to control the underground of Ashland but the powerful mob grows stronger with each new leader and elemental control. Gin’s new assistant Silvio is a definite asset when it comes to the inside workings of the law.

The world building continues as the giants, dwarves and other elementals focus their energy and revenge against the woman known as The Spider. Old enemies will resurface and take a stand against Gin all in the name of revenge. Law enforcement is once again on the take when the criminal element of Ashland is back in control. I will say that I worry when an author begins to recycle the bad guy phenomenon, although the recycling is more of a next generation of problems.

BLACK WIDOW has all the requisite mystery, suspense and action. The violence remains but has been curtailed such that the images are not as graphic as have been in the past. Jennifer Estep’s talent with the urban fantasy storyline is above and beyond. Great characters. Amazing author. Fantastic series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

 

Black Widow Audible

Do you like to listen to audio books? click HERE for a sample of BLACK WIDOW by Jennifer Estep

 

giveawayThere are 2 giveaways and 3 winners

-Jennifer is graciously offering a two book giveaway (Poison Promise & Black Widow) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

-Jennifer’s publisher is also graciously offering a paper copy of BLACK WIDOW to TWO (2) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS 

6. Please LIKE Jennifer Estep on FACEBOOK and CLICK get notifications under LIKE

7. Giveaway is open USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from November 25 – 29, 2014

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Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

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Night’s Honor
Elder Races series – Book #7
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Night's Honor Sept 14Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
On the run from her former employer, Tess knows that she’s vulnerable on her own amongst the Elder Races. That’s why she decides to audition to become the human attendant of a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind demesne. But while her position affords her the safety she seeks, her protector turns out to be more than she bargained for.

The right-hand man of the Nightkind King, Xavier del Torro is both terrifying and alluring. While his true nature frightens Tess, she can’t ignore the appeal of his innate sense of integrity and self-restraint. Thrown into Xavier’s world, Tess must quickly learn to navigate the dangers—both to her life and to her heart. But the biggest threat comes from her own past….

 

Barb’s Review:

Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison is the 7th full length novel of her Elder Races series.   I am a big fan of this series, and this book took me by surprise. Thea goes out of her normal range, with a hero we never thought would get his own story. We do not get to see any of Dragos and his team. Night’s Honor belongs to Xavier del Torro, who is a Vampyre, and the Nightkind King Julian’s right hand. When we met Xavier in Serpent’s Kiss, he and Julian were not our favorites, as they gave our heroes Rune and Carling a hard time.

We meet our heroine, Tess at the start. She is on the run, and decides to audition to become an attendant for a powerful vampire. In disgust, she leaves the audition, as no one paid attention to her. Except one…… Xavier, one of the most feared and powerful of the Vampyres.

There is something about Tess that makes Xavier hire her for a one year trial. He senses her fear of him, but honors his deal to give her chance to learn. Tess meets many of the people working for Xavier, as she is trained how to fight and handle weapons. Each day she is pushed to the max by those training her, but she seems somewhat happy & safe living in this mansion. Xavier personally trains her how to dance the Waltz, and slowly she becomes more comfortable with him. One of the prerequisite for her to get past the one year trial is to be able to offer blood to him, something she cannot bring herself to do.

Xavier finds himself becoming obsessed with Tess, and knows she is running from something. When she reads something in the paper, she decides to run again. Only this time, Xavier stops her and gets the truth out of her. Tess is running from a very powerful Dijinn, and not even Xavier can stop him.   What follows from that point on is an exciting adventure that will put Tess and Xavier very much in danger, as well as Julian. Lives are at stake, with some twists and betrayals. It is a thrilling finish to the end.

Even with the exciting storyline, it is the romance between Tess and Xavier that made this book so good. To watch someone like Xavier find himself falling in love, and Tess overcoming her fear of vampyres to fall in love with Xavier. I loved Tess, as she was despite her fears, a tough, outspoken & savvy heroine. Thea you have given us a fabulous story, with a hero we never thought we could fall for. Bravo! Night’s Honor is a great addition to the Elder Races series, and trust me when I say you will love Xavier and Tess.



Sandy’s Review:

Because of the dual review perspective, some of the information may overlap

NIGHT’S HONOR is the seventh full length instalment in Thea Harrison’s romantic Elder Races paranormal series. This is vampire Xavier del Torro and human female Tess Graham’ storyline. At the New Year’s Eve Vampyre’s Ball Tess offers herself up as a human attendant not knowing that her life is about to change when one of the most powerful and frightening Vampyre agrees to take her on.

The focus of the storyline is Tess’s training to become one of Xavier’s attendants but Tess has several issues that must be addressed. First and foremost Tess is hiding the real reason she has placed herself in the care of the sexy supernatural vampyre-she is on the run and knows there isn’t much time; the fact that she is reluctant to share her blood makes Xavier more hesitant about her position within his house. While Tess slowly integrates herself into the household, Xavier’s attraction to the feisty female is growing stronger. But there is trouble brewing within the Nightkind demesne and Xavier is about to risk everything to keep his human family safe.

The relationship between Tess and Xavier is slow to build as Tess has a difficult time training for any possible attack. While Xavier tends to Nightkind business, Tess finds herself on the outside looking in. It is only when Xavier returns that he realizes that Tess is much more than a human attendant-he is falling for the female who stirs something deep within his soul.

There are several secondary characters who all play a role within Xavier’s house. We are introduced to some of the key players in the Nightkind demesne which ensures a different direction in the Elder Races arc. As NIGHT’S HONOR primarily focuses on Tess and Xavier, there is very little interaction or mention of the previous storyline characters.

With NIGHT’S HONOR Thea Harrison returns to her paranormal roots. Tess and Xavier’s story is provocative, intense and sensual, and the change in story arc direction pulls the reader into a whole new level of imagination and storytelling.

Copy supplied by the Publisher.

About The Author

Follow Thea: Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

 

Thea HarrisonNew York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Thea Harrison resides in Colorado.  She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen, and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.  She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child.

Thea writes in a variety of genres, including the award-winning paranormal Elder Races series and the Game of Shadows novels, and is currently at work on various new projects in sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and contemporary romance.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.

From Thea:

When I was four, I taught myself to read. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn’t sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don’t have to ride my tricycle to get there.

I hope you enjoy exploring the worlds I’ve created. The Elder Races series is set in an alternative universe where magical and mythological creatures live openly alongside humankind. The stories are full of sexy alpha heroes and the strong-minded heroines that tame them.

Also, I have a two book series called the Game of Shadows novels. This duology is more urban fantasy with dark romantic elements.

You can find a full list of current books here. I also have other worlds and writing projects underway, and I always post on my blog whenever I have news of new projects. To keep up to date on upcoming new releases, check out my Coming Soon page, and all the available, original Amanda Carpenter romances are being re-released as Retro Romances. Be sure to stop by my Fans page, where readers have very generously agreed to share their art, and my  Extras page where I’m developing a cache of tidbits for interested readers.

It’s a pleasure to visit with you. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you drop in again soon.

 

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Thea’s publisher is offering a paper copy of NIGHT’S HONOR to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Like THEA HARRISON on Facebook

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from September 4 to September 8, 2014

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Dark Blood (Carpathians #26) by Christine Feehan- Dual review & Giveaway

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DARK BLOOD (Dark Carpathian #26) by Christine Feehan-dual review & giveaway

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Dark Blood
Carpathian #26
by Christine Feehan
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance,
Release Date: September 2, 2014

 

Dark Blood

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2, 2014

At long last you are truly back with us…

Zev Hunter was an elite warrior, a dark-blood dealer of death to rogue Lycans who preyed on mankind. He was a loner, never given to personal attachments, and damned fierce at his job. But Zev begins to question his past and his purpose when he awakens in the darkness of the sacred cave of warriors—and is soothed back to consciousness by the sensuously familiar voice of one woman, the woman who has haunted his fantasies for centuries. She was Branislava, member of the Dragonseeker clan…

Mother Earth called the ancients to witness your rebirth…

For this half-mage, half-Carpathian temptress, the ritual of awakening Zev to the council of warriors was the only way to save him. Locked away for his own protection, the time has now come for his rebirth, for his blood to stir with that of the ancient warriors before him. He has been assured by Branislava that their fates are entwined, that their spirits are woven together for eternity and that his new purpose in life is beyond imagining.

Now, with a blood-sworn vow of honor, mercy and endurance, and under the influence of a siren as bewitching as Branislava, Zev begins to wonder what his purpose is, what it means for the future of the Carpathians and what it is about his rebirth that he has to fear…

••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

REVIEW: DARK BLOOD is the 26th instalment in Christine Feehan’s adult, paranormal Dark Carpathian romance series focusing on a supernatural species known as the Carpathians. This is Zev Hunter and Branislava Dragonseeker’s storyline but also a story that brings together the previous two instalment leading characters in a battle for their lives. At the end of Dark Wolf, Zev was left mortally wounded following a fatal explosion and Branislava knew that the wounded lycan was her mate.

Zev is half-lycan/half-Carpathian and has hunted the rogue lycans for most of his life. With an attack against Prince Mikhail imminent Zev, Fen and Dimitri, along with their lifemates, band together in an attempt to stop the attack before it has a chance to begin. But the coordinated attacks seem very familiar and the Carpathian’s are put on high alert when an enemy once thought to be dead, appears to be attacking from beyond the grave.

With the return to the Carpathian Mountains DARK BLOOD (and the previous two instalments) bring together many of the Dark Series characters and the premise is more of an ensemble storyline than one directed at any particular couple. The story is the culmination of three intersecting and building storylines (Dark Lycan, Dark Wolf, Dark Blood) where a new enemy has focused its’ hatred on Mikhail Dubrinsky and the Carpathian people. The storyline is slow to build with plenty of repetition, and the majority of the novel centers on the preparation for, and the battle against, a familiar and dangerous adversary. Because the trilogy focuses on the three Dragonseeker females, this particular storyline is awash in chants, verses, spells and magic to aid the Carpathians in the final confrontation.

Throughout the trilogy we were introduced to the Sange rau (vampire/lycan mix); the ‘guardian of all’ (lycan/Carpathian hybrid) as well as the mysterious lycan wolf packs that have remained hidden for thousands of years. With a familiar enemy setting its’ sights on the Carpathian people, someone or something is directing the attacks from behind the scenes. No one is safe when the attacks become personal and aimed at the Dragonseeker women.

For fans of the Carpathian series, there is a reintroduction of an old enemy-a reintroduction that some readers may not like while others will see a new direction. Christine Feehan has reverted to a familiar formula and a familiar premise (one that worked in the past)-a familiar name and face-but one that seems desperate in its attempt bring back the popularity of a series that has struggled for several instalments. I was disappointed and saddened with the author’s backtracking and felt it degraded the entire series.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

________________________

Barb’s Review:

Dark Blood by Christine Feehan is the 3rd and final book in this Dark trilogy that began with Dark Lycan, then Dark Wolf, leading to this one. It is in actuality the 26th book in the Dark series.

In Dark Lycan we met Fen, Dimitri’s brother, and finally got to see Tatijana, one of the Dragonseeker aunts, as she was Fen’s lifemate. In Dark Wolf, the couple we have been waiting for, Dimitri and Skyler had their story. Now in Dark Blood, it’s Bronnie’s ( the other aunt) story, and Zev is her lifemate. All the pieces of all three books come together in this exciting climax to this trilogy.

As noted in the description, Zev, who was near death at the end of Dark Wolf, was turned to Carpathian, as a mixed blood of Lycan and Carpathian. We do learn that Zev already had Carpathian blood.

What follows is an exciting story of an unknown threat against the Lycans and the Carpathians, with the vicious Sange rau on the attack. There is a dangerous enemy that is behind these attacks, as we have suspected form the beginning of this trilogy, and we do learn in this book, who that is…surprises are in store. The danger escalates where it will take everyone to work together to hope to survive.

The best part of this book, was seeing so many of our favorites, besides the three couples I mentioned above. Ivory, Razvan, Gregori, Mikhail, and especially in one scene so many more with their mates. Very nicely done.

As I have noted, this was an exciting story, and the romance between Zev and Bronnie (Branka) was very nice. I loved them together. However, and I will not give spoilers, but Christine goes back in time to give us a villain that in my opinion, though it made for an exciting storyline, I felt it cheapened one of the best endings of a previous book . I liked the story, but I did not like bringing this type of villain back.

Overall, it was exciting story, fun, with a great couple, and I loved seeing so many of our favorite Carpathians, not to mention many of the children.   We are at 26 novels and there are so many more stories to be told in this wonderful series.

 

giveaway

Christine’s publisher is offering a HARD COVER copy of DARK BLOOD to ONE(1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Giveaway is open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from September 1 to 5, 2014

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Pia Saves the Day (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – A Dual Review & Giveaway

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Pia Saves the Day (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – a Dual Review and Giveaway

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Pia Saves the Day
Elder Races series – Book #6.6
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: June 23 , 2014

PIa Saves the Day

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

Description: Release Date June 23, 2014
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…

Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.

Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.

Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.

It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this

••••••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

PIA SAVES THE DAY is the latest novella in Thea Harrison’s adult, paranormal Elder Races and book number two in the novella trilogy focusing on Dragos, Pia and Liam Cuelebre’s small family unit. With Liam’s excelerated growth rate, Dragos will be moving his young family to upstate New York allowing Liam (aka Peanut) his much needed freedom to explore and learn-after all, he is a dragon shifter –and what little dragon doesn’t need open air and places to fly. But an accident will put everything into perspective when Pia finds herself alone with a dragon who no longer knows that she is his mate, and everything and everyone has become a threat.

Thea Harrison pulls the reader into a story about one family’s struggle with the possibility that their father (and mate) may never be the same. We watch as Dragos denies those closest to his heart and in doing so places everyone in danger from their enemies and himself.

PIA SAVES THE DAY is a quick and simple read. It is a story of romance, love, togetherness, rediscovery and family. The storyline takes place approximately fourteen months from the very first instalment- DRAGON BOUND- and fast forwards Liam’s growth so that he is ready, willing and able to take his first step into the world of kindergarten and his next adventure in PEANUT GOES TO SCHOOL-July 2014.

The secondary characters are limited to Graydon, Hugh and Eva. The Sentinels are placed on high alert preparing for an attack from outside and from within but in the end, Pia is the only one who is able to connect with one of the most powerful supernatural creatures of the paranormal world. The focus of this trilogy is on the family and the usual threats and warrior Sentinels are few and far between.

Copy supplied by the Author

Barb’s Review:

Pia Saves the Day by Thea Harrison is a another wonderful novella in her Elder Races series. This is the second novella in her three part arc, which revolves around Pia, Dragos and their young son Peanut (Liam). I really enjoyed the first one, Dragos Takes a Holiday, and I could not wait to read this. Writing a review on novella’s can be difficult, as it is a short story and telling too much would be spoilers.

The focus of this story begins with the family moving upstate NY, to give them more space, privacy, and security. We immediately spend time with Dragos, Pia and Peanut, and seeing them together always makes me happy. They remain as my favorite couple of this series, though I love many others in this series .

With a lot of construction ongoing in the surrounding area, Dragos is at the site when there is an accident. Pia hearing the sound of the boom, knows something is wrong and runs to the site. In her panic, she doesn’t see Dragos and fears the worst. Then to her relief, in his Dragon form he  bursts out of the bottom of the deep pit. But all is not well. Dragos has lost his memory, becoming a danger to all that  he loves, including his wonderful mate , Pia.

This was a wonderfully done story, with Pia taking control, as well as dangerous chances, in trying to bring her beloved Dragos back. Thea did a super job of allowing us another chance to see the love between Dragos and Pia.  I also love the camaraderie of others like Eva, Graydon, and the other sentinels, who show their respect and love for Pia.

I loved every moment of this novella. Generally I’m not always a big fan of short stories, but Thea Harrison does it so well allowing us to get our fix, spending time with all of our favorites from this series. This way it isn’t too long before we get the next full novel. Thank you Thea, for giving us more of our Elder Races, and also a wonderful story.

Giveaway-Black and Seafoam

Dragos Takes a Holiday smallThea is offering an ecopy (epub or Kindle) of DRAGOS TAKES A HOLIDAY ( the novella before Pia Saves The Day) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Follow Thea Harrison on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from June 24 to June 27, 2014

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KINKED – Thea Harrison Blog Tour- Q&A, Review & Giveaway

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KINKED – Thea Harrison Blog Tour- Q&A, Review & Giveaway

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Kinked
Elder Races
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: November 5, 2013

Dual Review

KINKED.Nov 2013Links to order Kinked: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened


Barb’s Review:
Kinked by Thea Harrison is the 6th book in her wonderful Elder Races series.  I have been a big fan of this series from the start, and I couldn’t wait for Aryal’s story.  I can safely say that the wait was so worth it. 

Aryal is a harpy, and I have always liked her tough kick ass attitude, as well as her being the lone women Sentinel on Dragos, the Lord of the Wyr’s team.  But in the last few books, she became borderline unlikable, being downright nasty to others, including Dragos’ wife Pia. A big part of her behavior has been Quentin, a new Sentinel and someone Aryal has been investigating for awhile, to expose him as the crook she knows he is, but to no avail.

Quentin, who is a hunk, and a black panther shifter, does have his own dark issues of things from the past that he has to deal with.  He equally gives back his feelings of hatred toward Aryal.  One day it goes too far, as they both jump at each other, violently fighting out in the open for all to see.  The awesome totally powerful Dragos steps in and roughly  separates the two.  He gives them an ultimatum, an assignment back to Numenlaur, the abandoned Elven land, where the last battle took place.  Dragos’s ultimatum….spend between two weeks to a month together on this assignment, and learn to work together peacefully or they will both be removed as Sentinels.

What follows is an awesome action packed adventure that forces both Aryal and Quentin to work together to survive.  But most of all, it was watching two totally dominant people with such violent hate for one another slowly change.  The intense hatred fed the sexual spark that each tried desperately to fight.  This was an intense relationship all the way through.   It was really amazing how Thea Harrison took two highly unlikely people and made them Perfect for each other.  In doing so, she didn’t make them like a normal sweet romance; it was hot, sexy, hardcore, with both releasing their animal magnetism toward each other. 

When mission becomes dangerous, and both are badly injured, you can see both of their vulnerabilities, and the need for each other to help them survive and pull through was so apparent.  Their relationship was so intense, yet so wonderful to see how slowly it changed to love.  What I loved about how Harrison handles this relationship is that though they both are changing, they will still remain as two hard assed dominants they are, and learn to share. 

Besides their romance, this was a great story, with a villain who had no qualms to leave them for dead.  Both were badly injured, and in Aryal’s case, her injuries were devastating.  But Quentin rises up to help save her and those who are with them until rescue comes.  Will Aryal recover from those serious injuries?   Will she be able to continue as part of Dragos Sentinels? 

I also love seeing Dragos & Pia, and the entire Sentinel team. I loved that Aryal, tough snarky ways, was able to find someone just perfect for her.  This was an intense fantastic read, which I finished in one day.  Thea Harrison has done it again, with another wonderful addition to her  Elder Races series. I for one hope that she never stops writing this series.

Sandy’s Review:

Because this is a dual review, some of the information presented will be duplicated but in the end, Barb and I both love Thea’s grasp of the fantasy and paranormal culture and the way in which she presents her storylines for everyone to enjoy.

KINKED is the sixth full length novel in Thea Harrison’s paranormal series-The Elder Races. This is Aryal (a Harpy) and Quentin’s (Panther/Elven/Fae) story-both Wyr Sentinels and acidic enemies. For two years Aryal has been searching for something to use against Quentin-she knows he is dark and dangerous and it is her gut feeling that he is hiding an illegal past. Hoping to get proof, Aryal has stalked Quentin at every opportunity but on her lastest attempt, she goes too far and she and Quentin will find themselves banished from the Wyr and sent to Numenlaur-the oldest Elven land searching for signs or survivors in the now desolate Elven demesne.

As the leader of the Wyr, Dragos tires of Quentin and Aryal’s animosity towards one another and gave them one opportunity to straighten up or be permanently banished from both the Sentinels and the Wyr community.

The storyline focuses on Quentin and Aryal’s building relationship as they uncover what lies behind the ruined city and beautiful lands of Numenlaur. What started as bitter and abject enemies will quickly become one of friends to lovers but not before some damage is done to one another. Their relationship in the beginning can best be described as damaging and dangerous but in the end each will find their mate -but not before they encounter a strange new phenomenon that is directly linked to the Elven world and the castle where they will find themselves imprisoned and left to die.

The world building continues from the previous storylines including Lord’s Fall (Elder Races #5) where the Elven Other World was decimated by its’ own people. Thea brings together some of the Wyr Sentinels in secondary roles as well as Pia (Dragos’ mate) having a significant impact on the life and death struggles of our leading couple.

Thea has proven that she has an amazing grasp of the fantastic as the reader is pulled into a world of her making. The descriptive nature of the Elven Other World is beautiful in comparison to the damage and death toll exacted by a cruel and power hungry being.

Kinked is a story of betrayal and loss; revenge and retribution; danger and deceit. But it is also about survival-not for the people of Numenlaur-but for two would be enemies who must join together in a fight for their lives or lose one another to an unseen enemy or themselves.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

about the author

Thea Harrison picNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison is the pen name for Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction.

Her paranormal Elder Races series began May 3, 2011 with Dragon Bound, which won RT Book Review’s Book of the Year Award, and the Romance Writer’s of America RITA in the paranormal romance category.

All five of her full length novels in the Elder Races series have won Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Book two in the series, Storm’s Heart, and book four, Oracle’s Moon, hit the USA Today bestseller’s list, while book three, Serpent’s Kiss, hit the New York Times extended bestseller list. Her fifth book, Lord’s Fall, hit both the USA Today and the New York Times extended lists.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

interview

Thanks for such interesting questions!

Q:  What is one of your favorite Myths/legends to write about?

Thea:  When I started to write my reply to this question, I realized it wasn’t going to be a simple or easy answer!  I’ve had so much fun with the world building in the Elder Races series.  It’s almost impossible to pick just one.

I really enjoyed taking the Oracle of Delphi and putting it into a modern context for Oracle’s Moon.  When I turned my attention to the witches’ demesne in Louisville, I wanted to make sure it felt as rich and developed as the rest of the world building I’d done for the other demesnes and mythological creatures.  That story was fun for a lot of reasons, because I also really enjoyed building the Djinn society based on Middle Eastern legends.

Another favorite has been developing the Elves, in Lord’s Fall and continued in Kinked.  And a third was when I created my own version of Vampyres in Serpent’s Kiss.  I have two more Vampyre stories that I’m dying to tell.  When I get excited about a story, it’s hard to wait for the right time to tell it!

Q:  You’ve been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to shift into another form by a witch. What kind of shifter are you and why?  (All creatures, including mythological, apply.)

Thea: Awesome question!  I think I have two answers for that one.  If it was a gift, then I think it would have to be something winged and strong.  I think there’s something to be said for being as fearless as a harpy, although I’m quite sure I wouldn’t win any popularity contests!

If the ability was a curse and meant to be nasty, the witch would probably turn me into my phobia—a spider!  That would be the meanest, nastiest thing anybody could ever do to me!

Q:  Since Aryal is a harpy and considered an immortal Wyr, how did you approach her character development in order to make her believable and someone that readers can identify with?

Thea:  I’ll be honest, I was worried about writing Aryal.  I really didn’t want to compromise her identity.  Aryal has strong emotions but no real morals in the abstract sense, no true compulsion to do what is right for its own sake.  She’s abrasive and dangerous… And I had to figure out how to also make her sympathetic.

My first decision was to not be in a hurry to write her story.  I wanted to take the time to show her character from a couple of different points of view.  The reader first sees Aryal from Pia’s perspective in Dragon Bound, but then in Storm’s Heart I was able to show Aryal from Tricks’ point of view, someone who loved her.  I also wanted to make sure that humor came into the mix.  Still, the real test came when I sat down and actually started writing Kinked.  Then I had to get close enough to her to write her as a main POV character.  It helped that I had so many established relationships and characters to work with—such as Grym, Dragos and Graydon—and the world-building in place.  With that in place, I could concentrate on developing Aryal herself.  I’m very grateful to my editor Cindy Hwang for providing such a supportive platform to write Kinked.

Q:  Do you have an Elder Race Bible to help keep your facts start?  If not, how the heck do you keep your facts start?

Thea:  So far I’ve had two things in my favor—I’ve got a bit of a freakish memory for detail when it comes to writing, and I also have fantastic beta readers who are good at spotting issues.  Still, the world has become big and complicated enough that I’ve got someone working on a series bible right now.  It’s over a hundred pages by now and should be done by the end of the year.

Q:  Who was the harder character to write Aryal or Quentin and why?

Thea: Neither character was as hard as I had feared they would be when I started Kinked.  Still, Quentin was easier.  I felt more confident writing his character, and I felt the stakes were pretty high on getting Aryal’s character right.

Q:  Was there anything about Aryal that surprised you as her story unfolded?

Thea: I think I probably had the same experience as a writer that several readers have had so far in reading the book—I was surprised at how much I ended up liking and enjoying her.  I wouldn’t want to rush out and befriend a real-life Aryal, but I think she’s pretty cool between the pages, and I’m really looking forward to writing more about her.

Q:  In the event of an apocalypses (zombie, alien, solar flare or 4 horsemen) which of your characters would you like to team up with?

Thea:   I would absolutely like to team up with Dragos—as long as I was someone he valued, otherwise he might ditch me in a heartbeat.

Q:  What is next for the Elder Race series?

Thea:  I’m now contracted for books 7-9, so I’m writing Graydon’s story which will be released around August of 2014.  The main characters have also been decided for books 8 and 9, and I’m eager to get to those stories!

I also wrote a self-published project, a novella entitled Dragos Takes A Holiday, which releases November 25th.  I loved spending time with Dragos and Pia, and their little son Peanut gets his POV debut.

It’s been a pleasure to visit with you.  Thanks for having me!

Giveaway-Purple-White

Thea and The Penquin Group have graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a copy of Thea’s new release, Kinked.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to U.S.Only

4.  Contests runs from November 4, to November 8, 2013

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Moonlight by Lisa Kessler – a Dual Review

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Moonlight by Lisa Kessler – a Dual Review

Moonlight

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

Both Julie B. and Erin read this book, and they both enjoyed it. So we decided to give you a treat with a dual review.  It’s fun to see how each person views the book.  Enjoy!

Review by Erin:
Moonlight is the first book in The Moon Series by Lisa Kessler.  

Lana Turpin grew up as a foster child, now hunted, alone and on the run.  People, she is unsure who they are, are after her.  But for what – she has no idea.  Believing that she has a sleepwalking disorder that strangely only occurs during the new moon she knows that she must find someplace to hide at least until the new moon passes. 

Adam Sloan is the son of the Pack leader and the next in line to ascend to Alpha. He is a rugged, hard working sexy werewolf horse trainer who is content with the way his life is at the present moment.  That is until, Lana happens to cross into his territory.  Set with the intent on killing the new stranger in town, Adam is completely caught off guard when he happens upon his enemy – or is it his mate? Will Adam be able to fight his inner wolf that screams out for the one female he can’t have?

I loved the character development right from the first few pages.  The main character of Lana was intriguing, street tough and real.  I felt emotionally attached and protective of her very quickly. Adam is a handsome, emotional, delicious, rugged, cowboy type! (I kept picturing him working the ranch in jeans, a cowboy hat and no shirt – did I mention he was delicious?). Lana is on the run from men that are after her.  She believes they are after her to return her to the mental hospital she escaped from but that proves not to be the case.

Having a meal in a diner before the next new moon Lana is confronted by a handsome yet angry looking man who takes a seat at her table. The moment Adam touches her – he realizes that he can’t kill this girl he has been sent to take out! He must protect her at all costs.  I loved the immediate connection and the fact that it was an unknown and forbidden to their kind.  Adam’s warm and kindness in showing Lana who and what she truly was cinched it for me!  And from that moment on I did not want to put the book down.  The secondary characters were mysterious and intriguing as well – the author leaving you with just the right amount mystery to make you crave more! Adam’s twin Aren is the right mixture of arrogant hotness that makes you swoon to hate and want to get to know more of! And my hope is that the next book in the series will be his – because he definitely deserves the spotlight!

The story is fast paced and emotional. The epic battle left me with tears and tissues. I love when you feel the emotions so deeply that there is no holding back no matter how hard you try. This book did not disappoint! Patiently – yet not so – waiting for book two! 

Review by Julie B.
WOW !!!!!!! My favourite Genre 🙂  Great Start to a series. (well i’m hoping its a series …. hint ) lol

Adam is an alpha in waiting, his dad is the alpha at the moment, and Adam loves to play the field. He avoids commitment and loves the ladies, he has no intention of settling down and producing the next alpha. Well not yet anyway.  He is the older brother in a set of twins. In fact ALL the wolves in this story are born male, and in sets of twins. Females are usually bitten and converted. An offspring can only be made that way, so no unplanned pregnancies.

Lana doesn’t have a past, but she knows someone is following her, and wants her back. She has spent a lot of time running and hiding from someone. We will find out more along the way, but she does wonder if she is going crazy.

When Adam firsts meets Lana he is there to kill her !! He is a wolf, and she is a jaguar. The two groups hate each other with a fierce passion, with orders to kill each other on sight. But when Adam goes to grab Lana out of her chair, he is stunned by the electric shock that pulses through his body. NO WAY HIS MATE !!! They don’t mix, so how the heck can they be mates ?  But Wolves mate for life, Jag’s don’t, so Lana doesn’t feel the intense pull between them, but she does feel something for the good looking, if not arrogant stranger. And what is more ….. Lana has NO idea she can transform with the changing of the moon’s cycle. She just remembers waking up in strange places, usually naked, and remembering strange dreams.

So within hours Adam is fighting his intense desires to marry and mate this female, along with head shouting out for caution, this could be a trick from the jag’s, he needs to keep his distance, but that is easier said than done. Lana feels the need to be with Adam, but she knows someone is after her, so it would be wiser to leave this little town, and get back on the road, but her body is refusing to move.

Adam stuns Lana with the news that she can shift into another being when the moon’s cycle changes, at first Lana thinks he is crazy, but with a few choice sentences, and actions (like scaling a rather large rock formation), Lana begins to believe him, in fact this is where they share their first kiss.  But someone is watching, Adam can sense it, then smells the scent of a male jaguar. He goes into Hunter mode. But what he finds, upsets him greatly.

And Lana …. well, she is really special. And she has a lot of different people chasing her. She assumes she was abandoned, but after a lot of digging through her past, she finds out, that maybe her parents did love her, and that they might not have willingly given her up.  Oh and Adam has a love rival, and boy does Adam have issues with the Jag in question.                                                                          

The story is a fast paced action story, with lots of characters, and an incredible amount of plot.  Adam has to fight his feelings for his mate, and hide her from is friends and family. He knows they would kill her on sight.  I love the differences that this author has brought to this story. It tells of an almost insurmountable number of reason why they shouldn’t be together, but through all the obstacles, they are destined to be together. I also liked how it set up the next book (hooray, it will become a series).  We meet a varied cast in this book, and I am hoping all of his pack get a story. We deal with death, we deal with the facts that love didn’t nearly conquer all, but we also find out that families are a really big deal in the shifter world.

But as I read through the book, lines became blurry, friends had issues with each other, there was mistrust, and enemies started to help you. It kept me on my toes, I wondered who I trust in that situation.

Copy provided by Publisher

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