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Limerence by Claire C Riley-A Review and Interview with the Author

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LIMERENCE by Claire C Riley-a review

Limerence

Amazon.com / Amazon.uk / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release March 24, 2013

One man’s obsession could destroy them all.

Despite her love for her fiancé, Mia Lawrence finds herself inexplicably drawn to Mr Breckt- the mysterious new owner of the Island. Her thoughts are constantly consumed with the handsome and powerful stranger. However, there is much more to him than she realizes, something dangerous and supernatural.

Mr Breckt is used to getting what he wants, and now he wants Mia, at any cost! With his obsession spiraling out of control, he knows that time is running out. A war is coming. Blood will be shed, and lives will be lost, but he will have to rid himself of his obsession of Mia before it’s too late.

Mia and Oliver must now fight the very evil that threatens to come between them. If either of them fails, it will be more than their love for each other that will be lost.

Ultimately, all three will have to make a sacrifice that will change each other’s destiny forever… but will it be the right one

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REVIEW: LIMERENCE is the first storyline in Claire C Riley’s new Limerence series written in a combination of genres-paranormal, urban fantasy, thriller and suspense. The storyline follows the obsession of a powerful vampire and his need to make the beautiful human female his own. But what ensues is a twisted tale of wants versus needs; love versus hate; obsession versus death. The storyline is dark, dangerous and a little disturbing as Robert Breckt stalks, compels, mystifies and eventually destroys the very thing he wants.

We watch as our heroine Mia, who is desperately in love with her fiancé Oliver, fight the compulsion and attraction to one of the most beautiful and seductive men she has ever met. But Robert Breckt is not what he appears to be. His desires, his needs, his body and his soul want Mia and no one else. This is not a story of one’s man burning love for the female of his dreams, but one man’s obsession with the only woman he cannot have or control.

Throughout the storyline we are pulled in as Mia’s relationship with her fiancé falters when the building compulsion to find Mr. Breckt interferes in their daily lives and, we watch as Oliver sets into motion a series of events in which everyone will suffer in the end.

LIMERENCE is a well-written, engaging, obsessively dark and fascinating storyline of obsession, love and revenge. Limerence is the story of Mia’s transformation from a loving human female to a predator without any remorse.

“I’m a vampire.”

“A hunter.”

“A temptress.”

“I’m not going to be the good girl any longer.”

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by the author.

NOTE: I received an email asking me ‘what’ does LIMERENCE mean; what is the definition?

Limerence is: ‘an involuntary state of mind which results from a romantic attraction to another person combined with an overwhelming, obsessive need to have one’s feelings reciprocated; an OCD

Interview red:black

I recently had the opportunity to read Claire C Riley’s new release LIMERENCE. Please welcome Claire to The Reading Cafe

Claire C Riley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Claire C Riley, is a mother first, a wife second, but a writer at heart.

Claire likes to break boundaries with her writing, incorporating an old school style of horror and romance. Sexy and dark. (Think Bram Stokers Dracula, but for the 21st century!) She is trying to mix things up a bit by introducing more women into the horror genre and more men into the romance genre, and show people that you should never stick in your comfort zones.

Claire is a mother to three amazing little girls who hold her heart. She hopes to make them proud, and show them that if you work hard and believe in yourself… then, as Cinderella once said… dreams really do come true.

She is an avid book collector and has a great zombie apocalypse plan in place thanks to a questionnaire she asked her readers to fill in for her from her blog.
Claire is currently working on the sequel to Limerence, and also a dystopian post-apocalyptic zombie novel called- Odium. Think Thelma and Louise, but with zombies 😉

She actively encourages reader participation on her blog and author Facebook page, with questionnaires, quizzes, and fan art. So get in touch!

Follow Claire: Website/ Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

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Let’s Get Started !!

TRC: Hi Claire and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of your new novel LIMERENCE. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Claire: Hi, and thanks for having me. I live in the UK with my husband, three young children and one scruffy springer spaniel!

LimerenceTRC: LIMERENCE is your first published novel. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Amazon.com / Amazon.uk / Amazon.ca

Claire: With my writing, I have tried to take things back to their roots. There are so many new takes on different paranormal elements, that the original premise of things have gotten a little lost. For me, the original ideas were and are the best. I take a lot of influence from Bram Stokers Dracula, and Night of The Living Dead. These elements were scary and fascinating. Much less romanticised than they are now.

TRC: LIMERENCE is categorized as a dark romance tale (more urban fantasy than paranormal romance) but it is not a romantic novel in the ‘ideal’ sense of the word. How would you explain the ‘romance’ aspect of the storyline?

Claire: I like to think of Limerence as a love triangle with a difference. Instead of the typical he loves her and she loves him, it centres on more of the psychological differences between the main characters feelings and how far these feelings will push you.

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

Claire: At the moment three. However, I do have thoughts for a fourth, but I’m still considering this. I don’t want the specific elements of Limerence to become tired like some do when the series is written past its sell by date.

TRC: Your heroine Mia endures some heart-breaking and painful moments yet she is a survivor until the end. Will we see Mia as a protector and guardian or, will Mia enact revenge for the many losses in her life?

Claire: Without giving too much away, there is going to be a little of both. Mia hasn’t lost her humanity as such, she just feels like she has nothing left to love, nothing left to lose. There is no reason for her to be ‘good’ anymore. She loves what she has become, but the route she has had to take to get there kind of ruins it for her.

TRC: If Robert Breckt was given the opportunity to speak for himself, what would he have to say–About Mia? About himself?

Claire: At the start Robert doesn’t understand why she affects him so much. By the end though, he realises that it is his own narcissism that is his downfall. He loves her, but not for the traditional reasons. It’s because he ‘can’t’ have her that drives him to such despair and obsessiveness. The longer that she refutes him, the higher on the pedestal he puts her, until he couldn’t stop it even if he wanted to.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the lead characters in your novel LIMERENCE, which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

Claire: A few months ago on my Facebook page, I asked people that had read the original version of Limerence to post pictures of ‘their’ celebrity cast. I was so surprised by some of them that I opened a poll on my blog for people to vote on the celebrities which had the most votes. I didn’t agree with all of them though, ha ha.

Limerence Characters

My celebrity cast would be, Mia- Evangeline Lilly. Oliver- Liam Hemsworth. Mr Breckt- Tom Hardy. Rachael- Emma Stone. Chris- Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

TRC: What are some of the challenges (research, logistics, literary) in bringing your ideas and storyline to life?

Claire: Again, without giving too much away, I wanted to break away from the typical clichés that are associated with the paranormal elements in Limerence, and go back to basics on some of it. I also wanted to try and give as accurate portrayal of the term Limerence as I could. So I researched both things profusely.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about you?

Claire: That I know what I’m doing! Ha ha. People have seemed quite surprised that this is my first novel. Up until less than a year ago I hadn’t written a thing since being a child. My time the past few years has been on being a good mother to my children.

TRC: Would you please tell us about the online site Breakwater Harbor Books and what is your connection?

Claire: Breakwater Harbor Books, Or BHB, is a group of amazing Indie writers who got together to help each other promote great Indie work. Some of the writers within the group have actually already have been traditionally published, but they wanted to try their hand at self-publishing. One of the authors is doing so well that they have already been able to give up their day job. So you see, there really is some extremely good writers within the group. It’s about uniting as one and working together to help one another succeed.

TRC: If you could change something about yourself personal or professional, what would it be and why?

Claire: Professionally, I wish that I would have started writing again much sooner. When I was much younger I used to read and write constantly. Whilst the reading never left me, the writing took a back seat. Personally, I wish I had more confidence and belief in myself.

TRC: Many author bounce ideas with friends and family, with whom do you bounce ideas?

Claire: If I want to know if an idea is too ‘out there’ I ask my husband, ha ha. He brings me back down to reality. Most of the time though I type what comes to me and then I have a couple of really good writer friends who I will send an excerpt too and gauge their reactions.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the pressure and anxiety of writer’s block?

Claire: Urghhh, I hate writers block. I try to move on to a completely different scene. When your head is too focused on a particular scene, you can’t see past the problem, so it is best to move away from it and on to something else. If you don’t, then I have learnt the hard way that what you write is generally not very good at all anyway. It is best to leave it to another day, possibly even another week.

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Claire: That’s a long time! Haha. I guess I would like to be able to give up my day job and write full time. I want to get the Limerence series completed, whether that be three or more books, and I am already started on my other series which starts with a book called- Odium.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Claire: I’m consecutively working on the sequel to Limerence, and Odium.

I wanted to solely focus on Limerence II: Mia, however Odium won’t leave me alone. It was haunting my thoughts so I had to start it. I’ll be honest, I’m really excited by it from what I have written so far, and people’s reactions to the first couple of chapters. It is a post-apocalyptic dystopian horror, with romantic elements to it and a bucketful of zombies. As with Limerence, I’m trying to get back to the basics of the premise. Survival.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Claire: Just thank you to everyone who has already purchased, read, and reviewed Limerence. It’s really appreciated, more than you know. And please, when you have read it, let me know your thoughts. Plenty of readers have already posted pictures, sketches, fan art, poems, all sorts on to my Facebook page. I love to see what people take away from it.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Anything! I’m a total pig. Ha ha. Steak, noodles, salad, pizza, ice cream, chocolate. I don’t believe in diets, but in eating everything in proportion.

Favorite Dessert
Either chocolate fudge cake (warm) Or lemon meringue pie. Oh wait, and lemon drizzle cake! Thanks, now I want some cake!

Favorite TV Show
There’s a couple. I love True Blood, The Walking Dead, Being Human (UK) Dexter

Last Movie You Saw
At the cinema- A Good Day to Die Hard (I love Bruce Willis)
At home- Men in Black III and Breaking Dawn (I had to bribe my husband into watching that one)

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk! Nom nom

Last Vacation Destination
Ibiza.

Secret Crush
Please, there’s nothing secret about my crushes! Ha ha, I love Christian Slater- it’s the voice and accent, totally makes me drool. The same goes for Tom Hardy.

TRC: Thank you Claire for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of your novel. I am looking forward to the next instalment in the Limerence Series.

Claire: Thanks so much for the great questions. Really got me thinking. Much love, Claire

Giveaway-redandblack_zps8ff4dc4b

Claire is offering a GIVEAWAY copy (Kindle or pdf) of LIMERENCE to TWO lucky readers.

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

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

3. Giveaway runs from March 31-April 4, 2013

4. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

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Lover At Last (The Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R.Ward-a review

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LOVER AT LAST (The Black Dagger Brotherhood # 11) by J.R.Ward-a review

Lover At Last

Release Date: March 26, 2013

LOVER AT LAST is the eleventh installment in J.R.Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and one of the most anticipated new releases for 2013 along with Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Christine Feehan’s Dark Wolf (Skyler and Dimitri 2014). Lover At Last-Qhuinn and Blay’s storyline-has been building for several years and over the course of several books. And similar to Lover Reborn, the novel has more than one story arc developing with many sub-plots. Lover at Last is a turning point in The Black Dagger Brotherhood series and does not concentrate wholly on Qhuinn and Blay but subdivides the text into four separate premises, three of which began in Lover Reborn.

For anyone who does not follow The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, a little background into Qhuinn and Blaylock. These two BDB besties have been dancing around each other for years hence the ‘At Last’. Friends since childhood, Blay has been Qhuinn’s wingman for an endless number of sexual encounters, threesomes and backroom pickups on so many levels, but there is more to their friendship than Brotherhood and BFF-Blay is gay and has wanted Qhuinn for as long as he can remember but Qhuinn has had a difficult time accepting the fact that Blay wants more than friendship. When Blay finds release in a partnership with Qhuinn’s cousin Saxton, Qhuinn will become involved with one of the Chosen during her time of needing resulting in a pregnancy that will add another level of angst, complication and heartbreak to an otherwise fragile friendship.

Lover at Last is a revelation of sorts for both Qhuinn and Blay. As both males begin to reassess what it is they want from life the pair will be brought together by a small, but determined female, who wants nothing more than to please the males, as is her duty, of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Qhuinn’s heartbreaking backstory will set the stage for an emotional outpouring of months if not years of pent up frustrations between Qhuinn and Blay. Emotions will be flayed raw, things will be said in the heat of the moment and, hearts will be bared all in the name of love and the fear of losing the other half of one’s soul. But Lover at Last is more than just a novel about Qhuinn and Blay, LAL is the starting point for a different direction in the BDB series.

Assail, the vampire introduced in Lover Reborn, has replaced the Rev (Rehvenge) as the drug overlord of Caldwell but Assail’s assent has not been easy. Rich and powerful, Assail will find himself a target when he discovers that he is being tailed by a small but powerful human woman. And to further complicate his life, missing drugs and dismembered bodies all lead to a power play in the world between the Lessening Society and the vampire hierarchy. And as per the storyline arc, Assail will become obsessed with the woman sent to hunt him down and take him out. But there are more players in the world of drug distribution and mayhap there is a traitor amongst the Brothers who is willing to sell his soul for the right price.

Xcor, the leader of the Band of Bastards, continues his search for the King of the vampires and for the Chosen who had saved his life on the battlefield. But Xcor is shocked to discover that the female who has stolen his heart is with child, which adds a wee bit of a complication in his attempts to find and claim the woman he believes is able to tame the beast as well as steal his heart. For a powerful leader, Xcor is emotionally fragile with regards to Layla and his need to find the Chosen will have him losing focus on his original goal to take down the King and claim the crown for his own.

Lover at Last will see iAm and Trez, the brothers (and Shadows) once employed and indebted to Rehvenge, begin to ascend into a storyline that will focus on Trez’s reluctant betrothal to a would-be queen. As Trez’s life begins to spiral out of control, iAm will seek refuge and aid for his brother from a most unlikely source and in this will mesh their storylines with the BDB.

Lover At Last is a novel that is disappointing on some levels as it does not focus solely on its leading couple; the buildup and anticipatory factor of Qhuinn and Blay’s relationship had reached an almost feverish pitch that will come crashing down for some readers expecting a storyline of infinite proportions and possibilities. Lover At Last is a novel that builds on several developing storylines for upcoming books in the BDB series; it is a turning point; an end to this particular arc; but a beginning to a new direction. Now that all of the original players have found their mates, Ward must find a new set of ‘Brothers’ and males who require their story to be told and in doing so, I believe, lost some of the focus on Blay and Qhuinn.

But saying that, the BDB stories will continue with Layla’s pregnancy, the potential for another ‘needing’ on the horizon and the fight for the crown. Oh, and if you think the dead remain buried and forgotten, a surprising revelation will have you wondering who else is alive and well – could Elvis be the next resurrection?

Lover at Last is a well-written storyline that will please many and disappoint some. It is a storyline that has been demanding to be front and center for a long time, but may have lost some of its glory because of the build up of anticipation. Sometimes the thrill of the chase is better than the take down; the seduction more thrilling than the climax. Lover at Last needed to be told, but there is so much more that needs to be said and hopefully J.R.Ward’s amazing ability to tell a tale, will once again, bring our much beloved couples together.

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE:  There have been a few revelations at this week’s signing in Cincinnati

1. The next BDB storyline will be called THE KING
2. Beth and Wrath will be trying for a baby
3. Saxton will play a pivotal role in the premise of the storyline
4. Blay and Qhuinn’s story continues

 

And EACH of these scenarios is hinted at in Lover at Last

 

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The Baron’s Bargain by Misty King-a review

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The Baron’s Bargain by Misty King-a review

The Baron's Bargain

Purchase Information: Amazon availability should be next week, but you may order the e-book direct from the publisher HERE

About the book: Release Date March 1, 2013

Etta Damian is a vampire living in Bonte Bayou, a tiny Louisiana town struck by a mysterious curse, following an epidemic of yellow fever in 1905. Etta’s guilt about her inadvertent role in the epidemic has kept her in Bonte Bayou, as its protector for over a century. In spite of Etta’s resolve to keep herself separate from the town’s human population, her kind nature has drawn several living friends to her. Among them is Marceline Prieto, a voodoo priestess, and Xavier Hermes, a talented baker.

Blaise Delaroche is also drawn to Etta, although Etta doesn’t welcome Blaise’s advances or his continued presence in Bonte Bayou. As Etta’s vampire master, Blaise has the power to force Etta do his bidding, to draw her into his embraces and electrify her with his sensual touches.

And although Etta is deeply attracted to tall, handsome Blaise, with his dark eyes, his sardonic wit, and his lingering traces of a Parisian accent, and she can’t help but respond to him, she bitterly resents him for turning her into a monster like him.

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Review:

The Baron’s Bargain is a well written, fast paced short story. Etta is a strong heroine who will do whatever it takes to aid her friend, Marceline, in ridding Bonte Bayou of the curse that has plagued it for years. Marceline sets in motion a series of summons to bring forth the loas who have the power to grant them that which they seek. They have also enlisted Blaise to help with their endeavors. And, once the summons begin, things get a little dicey. Seems you have to bargain with the loas, and, oh, what bargains they strike.

There are a lot of terms, loa being one, that I was not familiar with. I can only assume they have to do with voodoo lore, but that didn’t keep me from understanding the premise of the story. There were, however, a couple of things that happen with the bargains that left me a little speechless. But, I guess you do what you have to do to ensure the curse ends. And, the relationship between Etta and Blaise is a sweet revelation. The cliff hanger ending?!?!?!!? Yep, I definitely want to read the next one!!!

Copy provided by Publicist

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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The Order of the Black Swan series by Victoria Danann-a review

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The Order of The Black Swan Series by Victoria Danann-a review

The Order of The Black Swan 2

The Order of The Black Swan Series by Victoria Danann

The trilogy is available in a box set : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

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My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann -The Order of The Black Swan Series #1

My Familiar Stranger

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /iTunes / Smashwords

The trilogy is available in a box set : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/Smashwords


To begin, I’m not a great lover of scientific jargon and find details about inter-dimensional travel to be boring. When first opening this book I thought “Oh my, this is going to be such a chore”. How could I have ever been so wrong? LOL While there is a little introduction to the aspects of this phenomenon, it was small and a really good set-up for the coming magnificent story!

Ok, that said let’s get on with the story. The worlds explored are on Earth, but are very different from our own. Someone once said that each little stone on a beach, if moved could change the world. So, if Hitler hadn’t been stopped, what kind of world would we have today…perish the thought. But if polio vaccine hadn’t been invented or discovered what would our world be like if even one hero had gotten polio and not been there to be a hero? That’s the type of changes…some smaller, some larger. Many things are familiar – but very different.

In this world there is secret organization that protects humans and others from many dangers: vampire, demon, and perverts…all manner of evil doers. The agents, or fighters for this organization are actually knights…yes, knights. Only the very best of the best and not many of even those are awarded this honor. This organization was having a meeting of their best team (B Team) of the Order of Black Swans.

While on another world, Elora Laiken and her whole royal family were being attacked and the attackers were winning. To save her young life her friend and tutor, Thelonius Monq or for short”Monq”, sent her to another dimension via his untested vortex invention.

While the invention does “save” her life she emerges in mid-air in the meeting of the Black Swan B Team and quite literally drops out of thin air. Only while she is alive, she is not without injury. She is in fact a blob of skinned, broken and bloody flesh. Not even recognizable as necessarily “human”. Some of the knights being startled and cautious voted to “kill it”, but Sir Storm (oh year, I do love a good storm) took the initiative to carry the “blob” to medical help.
You know I don’t do spoilers… let me just say that any time spent reading this book, even this whole series will not be a waste of time.

Victoria Danann has crafted an incredible world or worlds. The characters are each magnificent in their own unique way (though I wouldn’t mind at all being mated to any of these alpha males). Her secondary characters are equally well done. Conversations are realistic, humorous, provocative and just plain fun. The plot is wonderful, twisty, funny and heart rending. All the things an epic should be. You are literally in this world with them, experiencing their pains, triumphs and frustrations. And the sex is well written, and enthralling.

I think the term “a must read” is probably overused, so how do I tell you that you really haven’t lived until you’ve read this series? Yeah, it’s that good!

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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The Witch’s Dream by Victoria Danann -The Order of The Black Swan Series #2

The Witch's Dream

Amazon

The trilogy is available in a box set : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/Smashwords


This is book 2 of the Order of the Black Swan. I usually hesitate a bit at sequels, they very often seem to try too hard to be like the first…relax, not so with this book. It actually begins where book 1 (My Familiar Stranger) leaves off.

The first chapter gives you the idea of where the next big problem is coming from and who the target is! In this case our very wonderful friend Sir Kay (the berserker of the group) and his lovely bride-to-be Katrina. In the meantime we are delighted with the Irish hand fasting (wedding) of Ram and Elora.
Again Victoria Danann has used her remarkable talent to craft wonderful scenes of family life, even among the elven royalty. The marvelous conversations and romantic antics of Ram and Elora are absolutely so enthralling you forget the other shoe is about to drop on their friends…hence surprise when it does.
While in Edinburgh, B-Team has the hand fasting and also is assigned to a new group to help with a task while they are there. This is where our beautiful and talented witch Litha Brandywine comes in and at the first sight of Sir Storm falls head over heels in love with him (heck, I did that in the first book-LOL-tall, dark handsome, muscular, honorable, and well endowed – what’s not to love? LOL).

Litha works for the Order as a tracker. However, Sir Storm believes he’s still in love with Elora and is not exactly receptive to Litha (men, the great looks don’t always go the brain first). Fortunately, she a very determined little witch!

That’s all the spoilers I’m giving out! This is a wonderfully twisty and exciting book. The storyline is completely different while maintaining the same relationships and wonderful people, just a few additions to accommodate the twists.

It’s incredibly exciting, and for me, impossible to put down. I devoured it like it was made of chocolate and caramel. I’m writing this with slightly shaky hands cause I just can’t wait to get to book 3.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

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The Summoner’s Tale by Victoria Danann-The Order of The Black Swan Series #3

A Summoner's Tale

Amazon

The trilogy is available in a box set : Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/Smashwords


The Summoners Tale – The Vampires confessor is the third in the Black Swan Series. And they say the best things come in 3’s, I believe that is absolutely correct!

OMG, OMG! This series is on my favorites list! We begin book 3 where book 2 left off. I love the continuity of this series. The great friends from the first two are ever present and we get views of their continuing stories and how their lives are going. The B Team (Bad Company – bad as in badass) is the elite of the Black Swan organization. And the wonderful alpha male knights and the one female knight are the reason. Each now with very special mates that has interesting talents of their own.

Victoria has built great relationships between the team members and their spouses, with many interactions that save each other’s lives.
Primary story in this book is our friend Istvan Baka, ex-vampire. He is trying to move forward with the vampire cure project. He finds himself distracted and in love with Heather who shows only contempt for him. Ram’s little sister will play a huge part in finding out why, and the answers are thought provoking and thrilling!

Okay…no spoiling the great telling of the magnificent story. But the twists and dangers are many to all the characters that are known and loved. Victoria has written each book with individual tales of threats and heroics, but tied them together to move the story arch farther and farther along. A few new characters are coming in, while some secondary characters are stepping up and coming to more focus in the overall story.

I love the world(s) she has designed. The basic issues that all the different races are facing and trying to overcome. While they now have to prepare for other worlds beginning to have inter-dimensional travel more perfected than the one poor Elora was pushed into. Interesting scientific concepts side by side with issues of age old prejudices; a great mixture of science and humanity – much like reality.

If you haven’t tried this series, I urge you invest a little time to it! You will not be disappointed, but enthrallment is a definite possibility! Personally, I’m looking forward to the 4th book coming in May of 2013!

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Copies supplied by the author

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Lynsay Sands-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Lynsay Sands-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Lynsay Sands

Immortal Ever After is the 18th storyline in Lynsay Sands Argeneau Series. With her latest release we would like to introduce you to the author:

From her website: Click HERE for more information.

I love books. Reading books takes me away to other worlds and on grand adventures I just couldn’t have otherwise. Writing them does the same, but also lets me play God for a bit. I know that sounds weird, but when writing my stories, I decide who lives and dies, who succeeds or fails and so on. I can give the good guys the happy endings they deserve and be sure the bad guys lose and get their comeuppance. Unfortunately, that’s something that doesn’t always happen in real life.

Perhaps that’s why writers write. Maybe we writers are all secret control freaks, wanting to control the world. Or maybe we’re just dreamers lucky enough to be able to make a living at dreaming. Either way I love writing and would do it whether I was paid for it or not. But I’m very very grateful to be able to share these stories with you. I hope they help you escape your troubles and trials if only for a little bit, and I hope they make you smile…You can be certain I’m often chuckling myself silly while writing them. Enjoy!

Interview blue:black

TRC: Hi Lynsay and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of Immortal Ever After

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Lynsay: Uhm… I was born in a small town in Southern Ontario where there were only 12,000 people, and spent a good part of every year on an island in the middle of the Great Lakes which had perhaps 500 people. I mention the island because I really think that growing up there is what turned me into a writer. Whatever inborn urge, skill, or desire I had to write was definitely fostered and nurtured in that environment. There was no TV on this island, at least we never had one there, and reading was my entertainment of choice. I read on the beach, on the cliff, on the boat, in a lawn chair, anywhere I could find a comfy spot. I got lots of fresh air with my romance. I also ruined several books along the way. Fortunately, my grandmother was a demon romance reader and always had a large supply to pilfer from while I waited for my soggy books to sun-dry. However, when I eventually did run out of books to read, I started writing…on the beach, on the cliff on the boat…LOL

TRC: Nano-technology is part of the premise of your best-selling ARGENEAU series. How did you come up with the idea and how much research was involved?

Lynsay: I stumbled upon a great idea for a book about a vampire but I just couldn’t bring myself to write a romance where the main characters were dead. I needed some sort of scientific explanation for my vampires’ existence so I hit the library and did research there as well as on the net in the latest scientific developments and nanos seemed to be the best explanation. I’m not sure how much research was involved. It’s been a while, but I do recall someone commenting that I should take a cot and move into the library. LOL.

immortal ever afterTRC: Immortal Ever After (March 2013) is the latest release in your ARGENEAU series. Would you please tell us about the premise of this storyline?

Lynsay: It’s about Anders. Many of you might recognize his name, as he is a rogue hunter that has appeared in a few books in the series, the most memorable of which would have been The Renegade Hunter. In Immortal Ever After he meets Valerie, a survivor who has escaped a rogue serial killer vampire only to land in Anders’ arms. He quickly discovers she could be the life mate he’s waited over 600 years for. The only question is… When Anders finally explains things to her, will Valerie be able to accept Anders for who he really is, or will she only see him as a bloodthirsty vampire like the monster she escaped.

Argeneau SeriesTRC: How many books do you have planned for the ARGENEAU series?

Lynsay: LOL… there was never a plan. The reason the series is still going is because to date I’m still coming up with new story ideas and readers are still enjoying the series. If either one of these factors change then the series would come to a halt.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the ARGENEAU series, which actors or models would best represent the main characters?

Lynsay: I get this question a lot and honestly I don’t know. I haven’t modeled my characters after any actors or actresses. Their character comes from an amalgamation of people I know; never just one, and they don’t look like anyone I know. They are unique so I wouldn’t be able to pick actors, at least none I can think of off-hand. Sorry!

TRC: The premise of the ARGENEAU series is set in and around the Toronto Ontario Canada area. What were the factors behind your decision to set the series in Canada’s largest city?

Lynsay: The main reason I put the series in Toronto is because I know the city. I won’t write about what I don’t know so rest assured if someplace is in one of my books as more than a pass through, then I’ve been there!

TRC: What five (5) things would you like to accomplish in the next 10 years?

Lynsay: Jeez, I don’t think I have that much I’d like to accomplish… LOL.
Well I’d like to get my renos done on my house because right now I feel really cluttered and disorganized with the way things are at the moment.
I’d like to go on a proper vacation of at least two weeks, as I haven’t had one of those in a very long time.
I’d like to settle into more of a routine with writing so it’s more regular hours like a nine to five thing.
I’d like to go to the biggest amusement park in the world. I love rides.
Other than that I’d like to be queen for at least a day or two. Ok, maybe three. After you’ve been queen then what more could you really accomplish after that? LOL

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you faced in your writing career?

Lynsay: My first challenge was getting published which luckily I overcame.

I think every writer has bouts of writer’s block. Although frustrating you have to figure out where the block is coming from so you can get around it. Trying to write through the writer’s block just does not work. It’s like hurtling toward a car accident. You have to find a way around it or you will end up in a big pileup in the middle of your story.

TRC: BONUS QUESTION: Who or what is responsible for the selection of the book TITLES and COVERS for authors and their individual series?

Lynsay: My publisher is responsible for the covers although they do ask my opinion so if there’s a real problem with it then they will normally adjust it.
My publisher is the one that comes up with most of the titles, but I have come up with a couple myself that they liked.

TRC: Thank you Lynsay for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

Lynsay: Thank you for having me! I appreciate your thinking of me for an interview. Take care!

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IMMORTAL EVER AFTER
by Lynsay Sands
Released February 26, 2013

immortal ever after

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A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

 

Giveaway-Blue:Black

Lynsay is offering a signed paper copy of IMMORTAL EVER AFTER for  giveaway.

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

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

3. Giveaway is open to USA /CANADA  and Europe only

4. Giveaway runs from March 11- March 14, 2013

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Keeper of the Night (The Keepers:LA #1) by Heather Graham

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KEEPER OF THE NIGHT (The Keepers: LA #1) by Heather Graham-a review

Keeper of the Night

ABOUT THE BOOK: Released December 2012

In their new Keeper roles, these extraordinary women must balance the fate of the world with their desires…

New Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald has her peacekeeping duties cut out for her—because in Hollywood, it’s hard to tell the actors from the werewolves, bloodsuckers and shape-shifters. Then Rhiannon hears about a string of murders that bear all the hallmarks of a vampire serial killer, and she must confront her greatest challenge yet. Together with Elven detective Brodie McKay, they head to Laurel Canyon, epicenter of the danger, where they uncover a plot that may forever alter the face of human-paranormal relations

REVIEW:

Heather Graham, Alexandra Sokoloff, and Deborah Leblanc had previously written a trio of books known as The Keeper Trilogy (The Keeper, The Shifters, The Wolven). KEEPER OF THE NIGHT (The Keepers: LA #1) is the first storyline, written by Heather Graham, in their new spinoff trilogy focusing on the daughters (all cousins) of the original Keepers who have been called to take their seats at the Council of the Others. Although this particular series is a spin-off, the first storyline can be read as a stand-alone without too much trouble. But there is a caveat at the end of my review.

The Keepers are in essence –the Law- they reside over the different paranormal and supernatural species-Elven, Vampire, Wolven, Shifter etc. known as the ‘Others’. Keepers are born and it is their destiny to oversee and enforce the law. Keeper of the Night focuses on Vampire Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald and Elven detective Brodie McKay. Although the Keepers are NOT vampire, wolven etc they do bare some of the powers and abilities of their brethren.

Keeper of the Night finds new Keeper Rhiannon Gryffald as she embarks on her first official investigation that places her into a world of rotting corpses, hidden secrets and an ensemble of actors who want nothing more than to make it big in Hollywood. But when the dead and missing are somehow connected to the local theatre group, Rhiannon finds herself with an unlikely partner-Elven Detective Brodie McKay. But Brodie is undercover as a member of the acting community and to keep his guise a secret, Rhiannon and Brodie must act like a couple to keep the cast from discovering Brodie’s true identity. But play acting as lovers soon leads to the real thing and it will be Brodie who finds himself guardian and protector of the Keeper of the Night.

Keeper of the Night is difficult to rate. Although I said that this storyline could be read as a stand-alone, some background information regarding Keepers and their destiny would have been helpful-to start a new series, especially a spin-off where there are already established characters and storylines, a little background would have been appreciated. I kept thinking-What IS a Keeper? How did they come to be? What is the history between Keepers and the Others? I had to search for some information online-other reviews from the previous series etc.  I am a big fan of authors who include the pertinent background information in each successive storyline. It keeps the series and premise coherent. I hope the next author will think to include some of the Keeper history.

There is a prequel novella available for FREE from Amazon: The Gatekeeper. I had hope that the Gatekeeper would have revealed more background information but it was only an introduction to this particular series and the main characters are not involved in Keeper of the Night-in fact they have nothing to do with the first novel at all.

Overall, this storyline was okay. It will not top my list of re-reads and I will probably not read it again. I was disappointed. Even the relationship and romance between Rhiannon and Brodie seemed forced. I did not feel the chemistry or even the tension between the couple and it was about 2/3 of the way through before any one on one time was had. And in that, I did not feel the connection to the couple or the story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Guardian’s Keeper by T.R. Raven-a review

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THE GUARDIAN’S KEEPER (The Guardian Trilogy #1) by T.R.Raven

Blurb: Kidnapped by the handsome young vampire Nikoli, eighteen year old Claire discovers she holds the relic capable of resurrecting the most dangerous vampire in history. Claire should be repulsed by her kidnapper, but instead she’s irresistibly drawn to him-and he to her as well. Claire wants to explore their feelings for each other but Nikoli resists, worried their romance will distract him from his part in the dangerous task at hand.

Together they must seek the help of the Gypsy Queen Renka in order to destroy the relic. Their lives are on the line as they travel across the globe in search of Renka and her Gypsies while safeguarding the relic from those who would use it to resurrect their Master.

Claire and Nikoli must also struggle with a possessive unwanted suitor, surprising news about Claire’s lineage, and a meddling ancient Greek Goddess-all while holding the fate of the world in their hands. They must destroy the relic- but at what cost to them both? Is the Gypsy Queen’s prophecy about their love true?

_____

THE GUARDIAN’S KEEPER is the first storyline (November 18, 2012 release) in T.R.Raven’s mature young adult Guardian Trilogy. We are introduced to Claire following her graduation and the subsequent death of her grandfather. But unbeknownst to Claire, she comes from a long line of Keepers. Keepers are the protectors of the Fangs of Stavros. Stavros was an ancient vampire killed and cursed (never to return) by gypsies, only now his descendants have located the final fang-which is said to bring Stavros back to ‘life’. And low and behold, Claire’s graduation gift from her grandfather is the Fang of Stravros.

Nikoli is a two hundred year old vampire whose attraction to Claire is immediate and strong. As a Guardian, it is his responsibility to protect the Keeper of the Fang. Nikoli believes his feelings for Claire will compromise his duty but Claire’s feelings for her vampire guardian grow with every encounter. When the pair must set out for Romania as the last step on the journey to destroy the Fang of Stavros, Nikoli and Claire will profess their love for one another only to be ripped apart when their whereabouts are discovered once again. In Claire’s attempts to save Nikoli, she will put both of their lives at risk, and neither one will ever be the same.

THE GUARDIAN’S KEEPER is a simple and quick read. The relationship between Nikoli and Claire develops rather quickly and is initially explained as a Keeper’s attraction to her Guardian. Nikoli fights a losing battle with his emotions and their relationship is unwelcome by the very people needed to help destroy the Fang. I would have liked to see more character and world building- I want to know my characters; to make a connection but I felt I didn’t have a chance to get to know Nikoli and Claire as a couple. There is little in the way of descriptive narration. Parts of the storyline felt rushed. There are some heartbreaking moments as Claire loses everyone she has ever loved, but her reaction to losing the love of her life didn’t sit well with me. This particular part of the storyline felt forced and didn’t belong under the circumstances.

But overall, The Guardian’s Keeper is an interesting storyline with some fascinating and eccentric characters. T.R.Raven writes a twist on the standard vampire novel and with an ending you never saw coming.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Donya Lynne-Rebel Obsession Blog Tour and Giveaway

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Donya Lynne-Rebel Obsession Blog Tour and Giveaway

Rebel Obsession Tour Button

 

RISE OF THE FALL (AKM #1)

Rise of the Fallen

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FOR A LIMITED TIME: FREE at Barnes and Noble, KOBO and Smashwords
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In the streets of Chicago exists an uneasy, centuries-old truce between vampires and their distant cousins, a race of shifters called drecks.  Vampire enforcement agency, All the King’s Men (AKM), is charged with maintaining the truce, but when volatile enforcer Micah Black loses his mate and falls into the biological agony that results from the broken bond, he tests the boundaries of the truce by seeking out Apostle, a leader in the dreck community.  Micah wants Apostle to kill him, a request Apostle is more than happy to fulfill.

When ex-Army medic Samantha Garrett inadvertently disrupts the plot and saves Micah’s life, a chain reaction sets Micah’s heart on a collision course with Sam’s, but he will have to protect her from Apostle and her obsessive ex-husband, Steve, if they will have a chance at forever.  Can Micah hold his emotions together to keep Sam alive?

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HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM #2)

Heart of the Warrior

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Severin was born to be a warrior. Conceived as a mixed-blood when his vampire father raped his dreck mother over two centuries ago, Severin retained the power of iron skin inherent to newborn drecks. However, Sev keeps this secret closely guarded. If it’s discovered that inferior dreck blood flows in his vampire veins, it could destroy his life. And to make matters worse, his father suddenly wants to make amends for his transgressions. Sev wants nothing of his father’s apology, especially now, as he contends with both an assassin who has marked Sev for blood vengeance and his obsessive attraction to his teammate, Arion.

Arion is the son of King Bain’s liaison, Gregos Savakis, who had Ari’s course plotted before he was even born. But what Ari’s overbearing parents wanted for him wasn’t what Arion wanted for himself, and a lifetime spent fighting through one relationship after another with females from all walks of life has left him weary in his search for a mate. After a startling and erotic encounter with Sev, Ari has begun to realize why. He’s gay. And now he can’t stop thinking about Sev. Arion suddenly realizes he’s been forcing himself to be with females because that’s what his parents expected. But what he wants is a male, and not just any male. Arion wants Severin.

Can the two overcome the secrets, prejudice, plotting, and the threat on Severin’s life to find happily ever after with each other?

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MICAH’S CALLING (AKM 2.5)

Micah's Calling

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Author’s Note: This is a novella supplement to the All the King’s Men series. It is highly advised that you read Rise of the Fallen before reading this novella. Reading book two of the series, Heart of the Warrior, would also be beneficial, but not absolutely necessary before reading Micah’s Calling.

With the threat of Apostle behind him and Samantha’s life finally out of danger, Micah’s mating phase, known as the calling, unfurls to full strength. Unable to resist the demands of his body and the hormonal heat that drive him to propagate the vampire race, Micah loses himself in the pleasure Sam gives him, yearning for her body to receive his seed to create new life. But after what Sam has been through – barely surviving Apostle’s venomous bite, and then Micah’s own venom to counter Apostle’s and make her immortal – Micah knows Sam’s body has suffered too much to accept a child so soon.

But the desire to nest and start a family isn’t the only thing Samantha has awakened in Micah. She has also stirred Micah’s long-dormant love of domination. With Sam, Micah finds himself longing to re-open his dungeon, and Sam wants to know more about this kinky world she has heard so much about but never tried. When Micah takes Sam to a scene party to introduce her to the BDSM lifestyle, their lives are turned upside-down when Micah is asked to assist in dominating a fellow dom’s submissive, only to discover the submissive is his friend, Traceon.

Throughout her journey in this new world Micah has introduced her to, Sam begins to realize several hard truths about herself and what she wants. Will Micah allow her to explore her new interests? And will the new direction in his friendship with Traceon prove to be too much and break the bonds that have begun to tie them to one another?

Micah’s Calling is a story of devotion beyond the level of friendship that will light your imagination on fire.

Strong sexual content, voyeurism, exhibitionism, BDSM, knife play, mild ménage, and much more.

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

Rebel Obsession

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Former cobalt addict and AKM drug counselor, Io is a male vampire known as much for his abrasive personality as for his playboy lifestyle. In other words, he’s not the likeliest to make friends and settle down. Life on the edge suits him, and he lives full throttle, making his own rules, and damn the consequences. What he wants, he takes, and what he wants now is Miriam. If only he can find a way to see her again without getting himself killed, but her father stands in the way.

Miriam is the daughter of the king. Strong-willed and defiant, she feels like a prisoner in her own home and struggles to break free from under her father’s oppressive hold. The king’s law surrounding Miriam is explicitly clear: No one touches her. Period.

In a fit of rebellion, Miriam has turned to cobalt to find relief and freedom, but now she’s a prisoner to addiction as much as to her father’s strict control. What’s more, she can’t get sexy Io, who tended to her so gently as she recovered from her first overdose, off her mind. Will she ever see him again?

When Miriam overdoses a second time, she and Io are thrust back together, and all bets are off. Seeing each other was the one thing both wanted, and not even the king’s laws and threats of punishment will be enough to defuse their rebellious obsession with one another now that they’ve found each other again, even if the consequences are death.

READ OUR REVIEW: HERE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

donya lynne

 

Donya resides in Indiana, with her husband and a small zoo of cats and dogs. In fact, her writing buddy, Lucky, might become more famous than she is, based on the feedback the ever-present feline receives on her Facebook page.

As a little girl, Donya always had a book in her hand. As she got older, the books became pens and notebooks, which she filled with stories and poetry. For as long as she remembers, she has been writing and dreaming up stories. Seems writing was her destiny.

Donya loves music and often finds inspiration for her stories in the wide range of music she listens to. Nothing like a little Korn to propel the angst in a scene, or Enya to evoke softer and more romantic storylines.

Connect with Donya:

 

giveaway-goldandblack

Donya Lynne is offering ONE lucky member winner’s choice of an ebook copy of any one book in the AKM series, as well as bookmarks and a keychain.

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

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post you email address with your comment as Twitter and Facebook etc do not account for email addresses.

3. Giveaway runs from January 7 to January 14, 2013

4. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

GIVEAWAY NOTE: There will be one prize awarded at EACH Blog Tour stop. Drop by any of the participating sites and enter for you chance to WIN an ebook copy from Donya Lynne’s AKM series.

 

REBEL OBSESSION BLOG TOUR

01/02 – I Smell Sheep

01/04 – Romancing the Book

01/06 – Bookworm 2 Bookworm

01/07 – The Reading Café

01/08 – United by Books

01/09 – Sizzling Hot Books

1/12 – Pimpin’ Reads

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