Tag Archives: Vickie M.

The Master (The Game Maker #2) by Kresley Cole-a review

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The Master (The Game Maker #2) by Kresley Cole-a review

The Master

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About the book: Release Date: February 17, 2015

Everyone fears the Master…

Rich, irresistible politician/Mafiya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan prefers tall, obedient blondes to fulfill his…complicated desires. That is, until the icy Russian encounters a disobedient brunette whose exquisite little body threatens his legendary restraint.

Except her.

Catarina Marín was a well-off young wife until her world fell apart. Now she’s hiding out, forced to start working as an escort in Miami. Her very first client is beyond gorgeous, but when he tells her what he plans to do to her, Cat almost walks out of the door.

If pleasure is a game, play to win.

After their mind-blowing encounter burns out of control, the lovers crave more. If they escape the deadly threats surrounding them, can Maksim overcome his past—to offer Cat his future? Only then will she tempt him with what he really wants: her, all tied up with a bow.

•••••••••••••••

The Master begins with Catarina, “Cat”, filling in for a friend of hers who just happens to be a high priced escort. When she arrives at his hotel, she almost chickens out, but after talking to her friend and finding out just how much she can make in one night, she squares her shoulders and rings the doorbell. After all, being on the run and not staying in one place for too long costs money. Money she is almost out of. Once the door opens and she sees who stands behind it, she is sure that she’ll at least enjoy her short time with the drop dead gorgeous man standing before her.

However, once she enters, to say that things don’t go as either of them planned is an understatement. He’d ordered a tall blonde. She was a little Latina. He expects her to be utterly submissive to what he wants, which almost sends her running. But, for some reason, she thinks there is more to this mysterious Russian than meets the eye. And, once their first encounter gets rolling, things get steamy. Fast. Surprising to both of them is the amount enjoyment had by all. After all, he’s the one in charge, right? I think Cat missed that memo as she decides to up the ante and prove who is the real master….

I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. Is there instant attraction? Yes. Is there hot, steamy and erotic interludes? Yes, and LOTS of it. Are they both hiding things about themselves, afraid to open up to anyone? Absolutely. And, although her story will make you angry and have you rooting for her, his story will make you weep. A lot. When you find out what he and his two brothers have endured…. Geez……

You will absolutely fall in love with both characters and the ending will have you turning the pages so fast, you’ll be breathless. I really liked the first book in this series, The Professional, but I’ll say it again. I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. this book. I read it in just a few hours, because I wasn’t able to put it down. I am so looking forward to the next book, which I’m assuming will be about the third brother. And, I’ve already got my bulk order placed for tissues. What he endured will put the first two to shame, and it seems to me he is past redemption. But, this is Kresley Cole after all, and she has never disappointed me. Well done, Kresley Cole. Very, very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie M

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Panther Prowling (Otherworld Novel) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review and Giveaway

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Panther Prowling (Otherworld Novel) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review and Giveaway

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Panther Prowling
Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon #17
by Yasmine Galenorn
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, fantasy, paranormal

Panther Prowling Jan 15

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

We’re the D’Artigo sisters: savvy half-human, half-Fae operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. My sister Camille is a wicked-good witch with three gorgeous husbands. Menolly is a vampire married to a werepuma. And me? I’m Delilah, a two-faced werecat and a Death Maiden. While the war in Otherworld is expanding, so is my newly renamed PI business. And my next case is about to make life very interesting…

While waiting for Shadow Wing’s next move, I decide to revamp my ragtag PI agency into the Cat’s Eye Investigations firm. My first client turns out to be our cousin Daniel. During the grand reopening for the Wayfarer, he shows up while being chased by a rampaging ghost. Daniel has procured a rare and valuable sword, and a ring of ghostly warriors comes attached to it. Protectors of the soul trapped within it, the spirits are out to stop anybody who threatens the weapon. As my sisters and I unravel the history of the sword, we quickly realize that the entity locked within the blade is a dangerous king from times gone by—and he’s about to break free and try to recover his crown…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Panther Prowling begins with the sisters giving Camille a surprise birthday party and the newly rebuilt and renovated Wayfarer, which was destroyed by fire in a previous book. And, wouldn’t you know it? Just as they party is getting started, havoc is wreaked as their cousin, Daniel, runs into the bar being chased and ultimately body slammed by a Viking ghost. Yep………………things got weird quickly. Once they restore order and are able to talk to Daniel, they figure out that they have another mysterious case on their hands. Again. Once they start unraveling the many details of this case, things really get interesting. And dangerous.

On top of their new case, they also have things going on personally that will leave them questioning everything. Delilah finds out more about her twin sister who died at birth, and of whom she only found out about in the last year or two. Let’s just say that things weren’t as clear cut as Delilah and her sisters had thought, and the revelations will explain a lot. Menolly and Nerissa have hit a bit of a rough patch in their relationship, but are determined to make things right. And Camille gets BIG NEWS. As in life altering HUGE news that could change the dynamics of everything.

Through it all, they are endlessly battling the evil creatures that are hell bent on breaking through, and not only destroying them, but destroying the world as they know it. As usual, their whole crew, as well as a new ally or two, rallies around them as they try to defeat their latest nemesis. Will they be victorious? Well, you’ll have to read to find out!

Panther Prowling is a fast paced, action filled installment in Yasmine Galenorn’s Otherworld Series. Each book in the series is written from one of the sister’s points of view, in order: Camille, Delilah and Menolly. Even though this one was Delilah’s book, the lines are starting to blur as to whom the books are about due to the fact that there is so much going on now. The battle against Shadow Wing still rages on. War in Otherworld is still being waged. And things aren’t much better Earthside. They are constantly being called out to fix wrongs that no one else can handle. As I’ve said before, the sisters are destined for BIGGER things. I just wish I knew what the endgame was! Ha! I can’t wait for the next installment, as it seems things are rolling faster now towards said endgame. Very well done, Yasmine Galenorn.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

giveaway

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of PANTHER PROWLING 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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In His Keeping (Slow Burn #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

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In His Keeping (Slow Burn #2) by Maya Banks-Review and Giveaway

In His Keeping Banner

In His Keeping
Slow Burn Series – #2
by Maya Banks
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal romance

In His Keeping

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About the book:

Arial knows the rules that keep her safe. She’s been following them since she was a little girl: Do not tell. Do not show. But in a moment of terror, facing an attacker intent on taking more than just her life, Ari has no choice but to unleash the psychic powers she’s been hiding since childhood.
Now, with her abilities revealed, a bigger threat looms – something that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her parents and her secretive upbringing. But this isn’t a fight she can face on her own.

As the head of Devereaux Security, Beau Devereaux is no stranger to the strange. But when he takes on a new client – a beautiful young woman with an extraordinary gift – Beau isn’t prepared for the extent of his attraction to her. What began as a simple assignment, just another job, quickly turns personal as Beau discovers he’ll do anything at all to protect Ari. No matter what it costs him personally. Even his heart and soul.

•••••••••••••

Review: In His Keeping begins with a little bit of back story so that we know immediately that Ari is adopted. The major kicker with that? She has no idea. And, once her adoptive parents discover that she has certain “gifts”, they know that they have to keep her close in order to keep her safe.

We then see Ari as an adult in the parking lot of the school where she teaches being attacked. She knows that her attacker intends to kill her and she does what comes naturally, even though she’s not used her powers in years, and unleashes an attack of her own in order to save herself. Her dad immediately goes into full protection/damage control mode and they go into hiding. And, as her parents leave Ari with their security detail in order to procure things that they’ll need, Ari’s world quickly falls apart and she seeks one of the two people her dad had told her she could trust. She enters Deveraux Security and knows, somehow, that her life will never be the same.

In His Keeping is a wonderful addition to the Slow Burn Series. Even though Ari has been sheltered her entire life, she steps up when the chips are down to try and save the ones she loves, even at her detriment. And, Beau Devereaux?? Alpha with a capital A! For some reason, I always find myself kind of defending the instant attraction that is prevalent in most of Maya’s stories (and in 75% of all romance novels, in my humble opinion). I’m not doing it with this one. After all, if there’s not some kind of immediate attraction, at least on one lead character’s part, what’s the point? And, to be honest, it really pisses me off when a fan of an author bashes them for what obviously drew them in in the first place. But, I digress. The action is almost nonstop in this one. And even though they’re attracted to each other from the beginning, there is most definitely a slow burn. (See what I did there??) As this story unfolds with its pulse pounding action sequences, you can’t turn the pages fast enough. I could totally see this one in my mind playing out like a major motion picture. And, I LOVE THE PARANORMAL ASPECT OF THIS SERIES!! I’ve said it a million times, and I’ll say it again. If you’re a romance fan and you’re not reading Maya Banks, you are truly missing out. Well done, Maya Banks!! Very, very, very well done!!

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Series Spotlight black and orange

Keep Me Safe
Slow Burn #1
by Maya Banks
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: October 7, 2014

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

Click HERE for our review of KEEP ME SAFE by Maya Banks

About the book: Release Date October 7, 2014

A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find a wealthy man’s missing sister—the first novel in a sexy new romantic suspense series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maya Banks

When Caleb Devereaux’s younger sister is kidnapped, this scion of a powerful and wealthy family turns to an unlikely source for help: a beautiful and sensitive woman with a gift for finding answers others cannot.

While Ramie can connect to victims and locate them by feeling their pain, her ability comes with a price. Every time she uses it, it costs her a piece of herself. Helping the infuriatingly attractive and impatient Caleb successfully find his sister nearly destroys her. Even though his sexual intensity draws her like a magnet, she needs to get as far away from him as she can.

Deeply remorseful for the pain he’s caused, Caleb is determined to make things right. But just when he thinks Ramie’s vanished forever, she reappears. She’s in trouble and she needs his help. Now, Caleb will risk everything to protect her—including his heart. . . .

 

Giveaway-Black:Gold

Maya’s publicist is graciously offering a paper copy of IN HIS KEEPING 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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7. Follow Maya Banks on Facebook.

8. Giveaway is open to USA and Canada only

9. Giveaway runs from January 15-19, 2015

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I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas (Half Moon Hollow) by Molly Harper-a review

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I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas (Half Moon Hollow) by Molly Harper-a review

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I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
Half Moon Hollow
by Molly Harper
Release Date: November 17, 2014
Genre: paranormal, romance

I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2014

Experience the vampire world for the holidays through the eyes of Gigi Scanlon in this e-novella prequel to The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire from beloved paranormal romance author Molly Harper!

College co-ed Gigi is headed home to Half-Moon Hollow for her first Christmas since her sister, Iris, was turned into a vampire by her beloved undead husband, Cal. Iris is working overtime to make this holiday as normal and special as possible. After all, it’s taken her months of working with Jane Jameson and the Hollow’s vampires to convince herself that she won’t bite her baby sister on sight.

Gigi has her own worries. She’s falling out of love with her high school sweetheart, Ben, and has no idea how to tell him. She’s got a secret job interview with terrifying teen Council official, Ophelia Lambert. And there’s a handsome but cagey vampire following her around town and then disappearing before Gigi can confirm that he’s not, in fact, a figment of her fertile imagination. Holidays with family are complicated. Christmas with an undead family can be downright dangerous.

•••••••••••

Well, seeing as how the blurb hits all of the plot highlights of the book, I’m going to tell you why you should read Molly Harper. Her books are fun and quirky and very well written. The Half-Moon Hollow “crew” is a motley one. The characters are totally loveable, even the ones you don’t want to love. When Gigi finally arrives home, the mayhem that ensues will make you laugh and make your heart smile. Even though you have vampires, humans and weres in the mix, the one thing that always rings true in this series is the sense of family and camaraderie. They truly care for each other and want to keep everyone safe. And, for vampire purists (snobs!), this bunch can’t eat food, nor can they be in the sunlight, which in itself, is pretty funny in the way that they handle it. If they eat? Projectile vomit……. If they are exposed to sunlight? Yep, you guessed it. They’ll catch fire.

I’m Dreaming of an Undead Christmas centers around Iris wanting to keep the Christmas traditions she and her sister, Gigi, have had all of their lives. Does it go exactly as planned? Well, of course not. However, they do enjoy the huge “family” gathering and decide that this is their new normal and make new traditions. This is a very quick read, and is obviously setting up the next book for Gigi. And, I can’t wait to find out more about the mysterious vampire who keeps popping in on Gigi, and neither can she! Ha! If you’re looking for a fun series with characters who will make you laugh out loud and make your heart smile, this one is for you. Well done, Molly Harper, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Schooled (Mastered 2.5) by Lorelei James-a review

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Schooled (Mastered 2.5) by Lorelei James-a review

Schooled

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About the book: Release Date December 2, 2014

When Amery Hardwick first met martial arts master Ronin Black, she wasn’t ready for the level of his sensual artistry or his need for extreme control. Nor was she prepared for the primal urges it released in her. Amery and Ronin were made for each other.

When they married they were certain their future would be a fulfilling journey of love and passion. But happily ever after is never so simple. Six months later, while in Japan, Ronin is training with his sensei, while Amery is consumed by her own burgeoning career and a culture shock with which she is struggling to adapt.

Now, from the heady pleasures of Tokyo bondage houses to the unyielding family traditions pulsing with every beat of Ronin’s heart, Amery and Ronin find the limits of their relationship tested once again, and shocked to discover what they’re willing to do in order to save it.

••••••••••••••••••••

Review:

Schooled begins with Amery and Ronin embarking on a trip to Japan where Ronin will train with his sensei. Before he starts his training though, he shows Amery around Japan to try and make her more comfortable with the culture before he becomes engrossed in his training. They have a wonderful time, but before too long, it’s time to start his training. And, even though he’s prepared Amery for the fact that he will be totally, totally engrossed in his training, she has a hard time not being the center of his world. And, when she takes it upon herself to finally seek out his training facility to try and find out more about that part of his world, she comes face to face with one who will become a dear friend and explain more to her than she ever thought she’d understand about Ronin and his sensei. With knowledge comes power, and with power comes true enlightenment into their relationship, for them both…..So, who is truly schooled? You’ll have to read it to find out………..

Schooled is a wonderfully written continuation of Amery and Ronin’s story that lets us all see a bit more of what makes Ronin tick. It also lets us see that Amery if finally maturing in their relationship and can hold her own. I’ve said it before about this series, but I feel the need to remind everyone that even though we have bad (rich) boy and relationship naïve girl, this series has such a different spin on it that it leaves you wanting more after every book. And, oh my sweet Jesus………..The last scene between Ronin and his sensei? I’m literally tearing up just typing about it……Such a powerful scene for someone whom we’ve never met before, but has played such an important part in Ronin’s life. I can’t wait for the next one in this series!! Well done, Lorelei James, very very well done!!

Reading Order
Bound
Unwound
Schooled
Unraveled (March 3, 2015)

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Lovers Restored (Entangled Brazen) by Kelsie Leverich-a review

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LOVERS RESTORED (Entangled Brazen) by Kelsie Leverich-a review

Lovers Restored

ebook ONLY 99¢: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date November 17, 2014

So much need. So much desire…

It’s been exactly ten years since Halle Morgan last set foot in her tiny hometown. Now she’s back, but only long enough to honor the memory of her best friend and try to leave the past behind her. But with one look at Cooper Bale, Halle knows there is no escape from the past—or from the man she wants like no other.

Cooper can’t let go of his painful memories, or the guilt that tore him and Halle apart. And try as he might, he can’t forget the bittersweet night they once shared. Even now, longing sizzles between them, potent and insatiable. Though blissful nights spent in Halle’s arms heal the bitterness in Cooper’s heart, they know they have no future…until they let go of the past that brought them together.

••••••••••••••••

Lovers Restored begins with Halle going back to her hometown to fulfill a promise she and her best friend, Peyton, made 10 years ago. This is the first time she’s been back since the death of her best friend and Cooper’s little sister. They all grew up together and Halle had always been a part of their family. But when Peyton was killed, Halle had so much guilt that she left town right after the funeral and never went back. Until today. And who does she run into after being in town only for a few minutes? Cooper, Peyton’s big brother and the person who has held Halle’s heart since she was a teenager.

Cooper couldn’t believe that Halle was back. He had tried for ten years to get her out of his mind, but the problem with that was that he couldn’t get her out of his heart. And that was a problem. He blames her for Peyton’s death, at least partly.

Halle is as affected by Cooper as he is by her, but they both fight it tooth and nail. She knows that he blames her and she doesn’t blame him for that. She blames herself as well and assures him that she is only in town for a couple of days to see a deed done that she and Peyton set into motion ten years ago, and then she’s gone. She’s built a life for herself and fully intends to get back to that life. Fate it seems, has a different idea once the two of them start spending more and more time together. And, once Halle goes to see Cooper’s mom and sees a shell of a woman who used to be so vibrant, she knows that she has to try and make things better for her, so she stays in town for a while to do just that. Halle and Cooper both know that his mom is fragile and they try and make things as normal as they can, and sure enough, Halle’s presence has a profound effect on his mom…..and on Cooper.

Things still aren’t easy for Halle and Cooper. They both have mourned Peyton’s death in their own way, but haven’t truly come to terms with what happened. Ultimately, they do have a heart to heart, but Cooper’s been keeping a secret himself. Will Halle understand the secret he’s kept deep inside all of these years, or will she cut and run again. Well, my friends, you’ll have to read and find out.

Lovers Restored is a tender story that deals with loss and coming to terms with what was in order to see what can be. Halle is a sweet, caring character and your heart will melt. Cooper, however, is a different story. He was so hot and cold throughout the story, that I had a hard time warming up to him. Of course, at the end, he realizes what a putz he’s being and redeems himself. I just wish that he’d realized it maybe a tad sooner. With that said, Lovers Restored is a sweet, and at times HOT, story that holds your attention and you find yourself rooting for both Halle and Cooper. And, if you’re from a small town as I am, you will see some of yourself and your friends in this story. I guarantee it! 😉

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M

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Embryo 3 & 4 by J.A. Schneider-reviews

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Embryo 3 & 4 by J.A.Schneider -reviews

Embryo 3 4

Embryo 3: Raney & Levine by J.A. Schneider-a review

About the book:Release Date February 14, 2014

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Embryo 3Another doctors-&-cops adrenalin-packed thriller: First, tension enters Jill’s & David’s relationship over what to do about newborn Jesse. They both love him, but David feels that he’d be safer adopted anonymously. Suddenly their stress turns to horror when they discover that a murderous religious zealot is after both Jesse – whom he calls “devil spawn” – and Jill & David’s hospital which he calls “the devil’s workshop which must be destroyed!” This time, the whole hospital is threatened… Jill and David join forces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a killer, and to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe.

 

Review:

Dr. Jill Raney & Dr. David Levine just can’t catch a break…………. As they try to decide what would be best for baby Jesse, murder surrounds them again. Someone is targeting pregnant women who have sought infertility treatment at the world renowned hospital where they work. It doesn’t take long for them, and the police with whom they’ve become all too familiar with, to figure out that a psychotic, religious fanatic is not happy with the work being performed at the hospital. And, once they figure out that Jesse is also a target, they both agree that no one else could love and care for him as they could.

As they start the process of trying to figure out whom this crazy person is targeting their patients, they soon figure out that they too are in the crosshairs, as well as their hospital. And as they’ve proved in the previous stories, they will do anything to keep the ones they love safe. But, as terror grips the city, will Jill and David be able to figure out who is behind all of the craziness and keep themselves safe as well? Well my friends, you’ll just have to read and find out!

___________________

Embryo 4: Catch Me by J.A. Schneider-a review

About the book: Release Date September 8, 2014

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Embryo 4A terrifying serial killer who just targets couples, and leaves taunting notes for the NYPD signed CATCH ME… At a loss, police request the help of doctors Jill Raney and David Levine, police friends and detectives on their own. Both have helped when cops’ hands are tied, or in ways that even police forensics never imagined.

But this killer, a sharp shooter, is always a step ahead. He wears gloves and disguises, shoots victim pairs at random with an unregistered gun, and leaves no physical evidence or eyewitnesses. He’s enraged to hear that David is also a crack shot, and intrigued with the couple’s adopted little son, Jesse, almost one year old, dubbed by the media “the miracle baby,” and already showing signs that he is as intuitive as his mother…

The killer draws closer, gripping New York City and the entire nation in horror, pulling Jill and David into the worst terror they have yet encountered.

Review:

Catch Me begins with a horrific attack in Central Park, as there is a serial killer on the loose, one who is targeting couples. Even though his past targets had both been killed, only one was fatally wounded in this particular attack. Beth, a veteran who was pregnant, survived the attack, as did her little boy, Ricky. Once she is taken to the hospital, Jill and David get involved with the case. They are becoming all too comfortable with things like this and working with the police, with whom they’ve become friends.

The killing escalates quickly and David is soon contacted by the killer who taunts him with “catch me”. They soon realize that the killer is insinuating himself into situations where he mingles with some of the doctors and nurses, which puts everyone on edge.

The anticipation surrounding Jesse’s first birthday has everyone abuzz as well. But as they prepare for Jesse’s party and presentation, for lack of a better word (there will be press and medical types there to see his progress), and the killing escalates, tensions rise. They’ve figured out that he has killed everyone he’s targeted, except for Beth. Is this someone out to torment her, or did he make a mistake? And, as David and Jill are drawn deeper into the intrigue, they question everything. Will Jesse’s big day go off without a hitch? Or, will the catch me killer see his demented fantasies come true? I hate to say it again, but, you’ll have to read to find out!

••••••••••••••••••

J.A. Schneider does a masterful job with her characters stories. As I’ve said before about her books, they start with the first word. She doesn’t go off on tangents that don’t pertain to a specific character or plot point. She simply tells their stories. Not that the stories are simple at all! There is intrigue and suspense weaved into the life and death story that she tells in each book. Her characters are totally relatable, but I will say that the bad guys in these last two books blurred a bit for me. Even though they had different “triggers”, they were awfully similar. I love that we’re getting to see Jesse’s progress as well and the bond that is developing between he and his mom and dad. The cast of supporting characters are great as well. (And, I’m glad to see that the book covers are progressing as this series evolves.) If you love medical drama and suspenseful thrillers, these are definitely for you! I look forward to the next installment……

Click HERE for Vickie’s review of EMBRYO 2

Reviewed by Vickie M

Copies supplied by the author

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The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

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The Darkest Touch by Gena Showalter-Review and Pre Order Campaign

The Darkest Touch
Lords of the Underworld #11
by Gena Showalter
Genre: adult, paranormal, romance
Release Date: November 5, 2014

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2014

From New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter comes the long-awaited story of Torin, the most dangerous Lord of the Underworld yet…

Fierce immortal warrior. Host to the demon of Disease. Torin’s every touch causes sickness and death—and a worldwide plague. Carnal pleasure is utterly forbidden, and though he has always overcome temptation with an iron will, his control is about to shatter.

She is Keeley Cael. The Red Queen. When the powerful beauty with shocking vulnerabilities escapes from a centuries-long imprisonment, the desire that simmers between her and Torin is scorching. His touch could mean the end for her, but resisting her is the hardest battle he’s ever fought—and the only battle he fears he can’t win.

REVIEW:

The Darkest Touch starts out with Torin trapped in a cell in another realm with Mary. As we learned in the last LoTU novel, Mary had struck some kind of deal with Cronus and had agreed to go to Torin periodically, in exchange for another prisoner’s freedom. The problem with that? Sweet Mary had no idea what a liar and manipulator Cronus was. And it cost her dearly. Torin was devastated that his demon, Disease, caused Mary’s demise. But, what Torin didn’t count on was a fellow prisoner’s reaction to the death. Enter Keeley, The Red Queen and one of the strongest and most powerful beings in any realm, ever. Unbeknownst to Torin, Mary was Keeley’s bff and had helped to sooth Keeley during her long incarceration. Once Mary was dead, The Red Queen swore vengeance on Torin. Only Torin was able to escape his cell, and Keeley wasn’t. At that same time anyway.

Once Keeley manages to escape her cell, she sets out to track down Torin so that she can exact her revenge. But, as things start playing out in their current realm, she starts to see that Torin really does grieve Mary’s loss and that maybe there is more to him than she initially thought. Add to that the creatures that are stalking the both of them and they decide pretty quickly that maybe they should rely on each other to make it through this realm and the next several that they have to cross to get home. Then, what do you know? They become attracted to each other! But, can Torin, the keeper of the demon of Disease, really put himself out there and risk sickening Keeley, even though she’s totally on board? Or, will he shut her out and never experience the one thing he’s always craved? Can she truly survive the darkest touch?

To say there was a lot going on in this book would be a gross understatement. It starts with Cameo and Viola still missing after being sucked into the Paring Rod. Cameo is actually stuck in a realm with Lazarus, whom a harpy killed in a previous book. William, the Ever Randy, is still mourning the loss of one of his “kids” and still as intense as ever with Gilly. Once word gets out that the Red Queen is “out and about”, all kinds of crazies come out of the woodworks. The Unspoken Ones show up. Hades…..Lucifer…….and, yes, even Galen…… Like I said, a lot going on. A lot of surprising things that are set in motion to play out over the next several books surprised me a little, but totally works.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Torin’s book. Out of all of the warriors, he’s been my favorite. Never being allowed to touch anyone, being totally alone. Yes, he has his friends, but even they can’t touch him. No high fives, no bro hugs, nothing………………. So, I knew that his mate would have to be someone powerful. And, boy is she! She goes to bat for him like no other ever has. And what she endures will melt your heart. He never thought he’d find someone to love him like she does, but he got waaaay lucky with her! I think that they are perfect for each other. We also get to see all of the other Lords and their crazy, co-dependent mates. There’s even a girl’s night out with a certain minor goddess of Anarchy, a harpy or two and a few others. Even though it was a bit long (496 pages), I looooved the book and can’t wait for the next!! Well done Gena Showalter, very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by the publisher

 

Excerpt beige

 

 

She appeared in front of him, displaying more tanned skin than she concealed, her hair falling around her face in lush, golden waves. Her eyes glittered with remnants of her anger. Her lips were slightly swollen and pinker than usual.
“Temper much?” she quipped.
His relief was palpable. She hadn’t forgotten him! But the relief was quickly replaced by concern. “Are you all right? Did someone hit you?”
She blinked with confusion. “No. Why?” “Your lips are swollen.”
She rubbed them, color heating her cheeks. “Someone didn’t hit me, but someone sure did hit on me.”
Hit on her. As in kissed her.
Already on edge, Torin. Utterly. Erupted.
He forgot everything he’d planned to do and say and got in Keeley’s face, snarling, “Who was it?”
Her eyes widened. “Hades. Why?”
“You dare ask why? You belong to me! We agreed. You do not kiss other men, Keeley. Ever. Have you for- gotten my rules?”
Her jaw dropped, and she gasped out a few unintelligible words as if she couldn’t quite figure out what to say to him.
He stood in place, breathing too quickly, too heavily, his throat and lungs burning. He reached for her, but as so many times before, fisted his hands and dropped them just before contact. This is crazy. I’m crazy. I have to leave.
“Are you…thinking about touching me?” she asked, her eyes widening again.
No, she had to leave. He could not be in public right now. “Go shopping. Buy yourself something pretty. My treat.” He basically tossed his credit card at her. He should be calm by the time she finished. “Come back in an hour. Maybe two. Actually, we’ll reconvene to- morrow.”
“You are,” she said. “You’re thinking… Even craving me. You don’t like the thought of another man’s hands on me, and you want to replace the memory with your hands.”
That. Yes. Hades would die, and Torin…Torin would touch this woman and never stop.
He gnashed his molars. “Last chance, Keeley. I sug- gest you take it and leave.” Soon. His control was almost completely shredded.
“No way. You’re the big bad warrior, yet I’ve had to come on to you time and time again. I’ve had to battle within myself—worth the price or not worth it. Well, it’s your turn.”
“There is no damn way you just suggested I haven’t done the same. I’ve battled.”
“When have you ever caved without prompting from me? You’ve resisted me so easily, always walking away. Sure, you’ve snarled while you’ve done the walking, but still you left me behind. So, tell me. When did you ever—”
“So easily?” he roared. Had she just said so easily? She had no clue about the intensity of his need—but he would teach her better.
Torin cupped her by the nape, yanked her close and smashed his mouth against hers. The kiss was a brutal assault meant to silence her, to dominate and possess. He held her still, making her take it, take everything. But the moment she softened against him, welcomed him inside her mouth, the darkness churning inside him switched gears. From the need to punish and master to the need to seduce and please.
This was Keeley. His princess. She deserved his best. He gentled the pressure, rolling his tongue inside her mouth, learning her all over again, tasting her. Summer berries and melted honey. So sweet. And mine. All mine. He framed her cheeks, angled her head and rolled his tongue just a little deeper. This time, she met him with
a roll of her own.
That was his undoing.


Q&A

-Do you find that you relate to any of your characters? Or are they inspired by someone else in your life?

I think there are bits and pieces of the people I love in all my characters—except the truly awful characters, of course.(Kind of felt like I had to add that last part orI’d run the risk of being mobbed. Because you know, everyone I love is super nice. Always.)

-What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing the series (or THE DARKEST TOUCH) in particular?

Because Torin is possessed by the demon of Disease, he is unable to touch a lover skin-to-skin without killing her and kicking off a worldwide plague. In a romance novel, the hero touching his heroine is maybe kinda sorta a wee bit imperative LOL. And I didn’t want to compromise and make Keeley the only woman in the world immune to the warrior’s demon. I saw a clear cut path to happily ever after for the pair and while it was fraught with turmoil and hardship, the light at the end never stopped shining.

The Darkest Touch Pre Order Banner

 

THE DARKEST TOUCH pre-order campaign

About :
If the publisher reaches 15,000 pre-order for The Darkest Touch before the November 25th release date, Gena Showalter will:

-Post a never before seen excerpt from The Darkest Touch
-select one winner for a Swarovksi Two-Tone Crystal Butterfly Pendant
Necklace
-select winners for 1 of 10 signed posters of the Darkest Touch cover,
just in time for Christmas.

(prize winners announced on her website for 10,000 goal already reached!)

To enter The Darkest Touch Pre-Order Campaign, visit

http://members.genashowalter.com/page/the-darkest-touch for details.

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About The Author beige

Gena ShowalterGoodreads /Website /Twitter /Facebook

Gena Showalter is a 
New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author whose books have appeared in
Cosmopolitan and 
Seventeen magazines, as well as Entertainment Weekly. Her novel
Red Handed has been optioned by Sony Television. Critics have called her books “sizzling page-turners” and “utterly spellbinding stories,” while Showalter herself has been called “a star on the rise.” Her mix of humor,
danger and wickedly hot sex provides wildly sensual page-turners sure to enthrall.

 

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