Guest blog & giveaway with Michele Hauf

Hmm… I just counted. I believe my latest release, BEAUTIFUL DANGER, is book #55. That’s a lot of books since I was first published in 1997! And it never gets boring, or old. It’s always interesting, exciting, fascinating, mysterious, even uncomfortable, every time I am working on a new book.

Learning about the characters is a gradual process that evolves over the entire time it takes to write the book. Even after I’ve done the first draft, hopefully getting at least 50K words to the page and the basic story out of my head, I still might not have a clear idea of who the hero and heroine are. What shaped them and made them who they are at this moment on the page? It can take many more drafts, each time going through the story from beginning to end, layering in details, and researching, and learning, bit by bit, until I’ve finally got a real, solid character. It’s very rewarding!

I knew a lot about Domingos LaRoque stepping in to this story, though. He hadn’t been vampire very long, and was once a talented cellist. He gave up his music because it felt wrong to taint something so perfect with vampirism. And I’m pretty sure Domingos is my most tortured hero ever, too. Literally. At the beginning of the book he escapes a werewolf pack that had held him captive and tortured him in the blood games. Poor guy. He just needs some tender loving care!

Enter, the heroine, who is a vampire hunter. The last person you’d expect to cozy up with a vampire. Lark has issues as well, and she’s recently lost her husband because of vampires. She does not like vampires. But there’s something so compelling about Domingos. She can almost experience the emotions her husband went through while in captivity through Domingos. But does she want that?

Domingos’ music becomes a catalyst between them (Lark plays violin as well). Together, they will begin to heal, and perhaps even, make beautiful—but dangerous—music.

Find Michele here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinerest

Beautiful Danger

In the Company of Vampires #1

Amazon | B&N

Could Her Sworn Enemy Lead Her Out of Darkness?As a member of an ancient order of hunters, Lark has found that eliminating dangerous vampires is about more than duty. It’s personal—a kill for every day her husband was held captive before his death. Staking her prey isn’t a challenge until she confronts Domingos LaRoque. Mad with vengeance and the blood of a powerful phoenix, Domingos tests her skillsand seduces her soul.

Once a talented musician, Domingos can’t escape the constant music in his heador his need to destroy the werewolf pack that tortured him. Though trusting the hunter ordered to kill him could be his gravest mistake, the dark desires between them can’t be refused. Yet as he and Lark become allies to defeat a mutual threat, loving the enemy may be the ultimate sacrifice.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June 25, 2013June 21, 2013

Kimberly reviews Sleeping With The Entity by Cat Devon

TITLE: Sleeping With The Entity
SERIES #: Entity #1
CHARACTERS: Daniella & Nick
AUTHOR: Cat Devon
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/04/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She has a sweet tooth and a dream.

Meet Daniella Delaney. She’s all ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man. He’s got fangs.

He has a constant craving…

As leader of the Vamptown clan, Nick has no intention of letting Daniella breathe new life into his old haunts. But something about her leaves Nick hungry…for more. He can’t control her mind like other humans, a trait that makes Daniella irresistible. Could it be that, for the first time in centuries, Nick has met his match? Love is always a force to be reckoned with. But can this vampire have his cake and eat it too?

REVIEW:
I am sorta on the fence with this book. It has a bunch of potential and I was interested and wanted to know what was going to happen because the story was very different but it was also really unimpressive in a way. The writing is very simplistic and the characters never seem to really have a connection. Nick is very brooding but not in a good way. He is almost rude in this actions to Daniella. And she is a bit irritating.

The thing that I didn’t like most about this story is how everything just happens to fall into place. I know that sounds weird but it gets old. They need something and it somehow is sitting right next to them. The author changes the “vampire rules” a lot in this story too. And the other irritating thing is she does too much name dropping. So many song/bands, authors, tv shows/movies, etc are listed to count. I do not know why but that also gets old quick. There is also the fact that there is very little of vampire acts in the story.. Honestly I do not think one neck was sucked at all.

Now that all being said it did hold my attention and the story is a bit different so it is something I wanted to finish to see what happened. If you enjoy cheesy vampire stories you will enjoy this one. It keeps your attention if you can get past all the other stuff.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 24, 2013June 18, 2013

Book Blitz of Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti

Happy New Release for Rebecca Zanetti!!! Twisted a Dark Protector novella is now available!

TWISTED

Dark Protectors, Book 5.5

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.

Terrent Vilks knows more than he’s let on for the past several years. After digging for answers, he knows exactly why the demons want Maggie dead. And he remembers his past with Maggie…very well. She is finally where he wants her. Now all he has to do is discover what exactly the Kurjans did to her, beat the demons into so much submission they leave her alone, and get her to fall in love with him. Again. Good thing he’s used to wrangling monsters.

TOUR GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Rebecca is giving away a HUGE SWAG Pack of Dark Protector and other Rebecca Zanetti goodies to one lucky winner at the end of the tour. US/CANADA ONLY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE DARK PROTECTORS

The Kayrs family leads not only the vampire nation, but also the Realm, which is a coalition of vampires, shifters, and witches. Years ago, an evil vampire race called the Kurjans declared war on the Realm by creating a deadly virus that infects vampire mates. The virus attacks chromosomal pairs and takes mates from immortal to human, and maybe down to death. No cure for the virus has been found for mates, and the vampires, who are male only, know that time is running short.

In addition, the demons declared war on the Realm, going so far as to kidnap the youngest Kayrs brother and torture him for five years. He has been rescued, damaged but still alive. The eldest Kayrs, the king, is out for revenge, no matter the cost.

The prophets of all the races predicted the coming of a young psychic named Janie who is destined to change the world. How, nobody knows. The vampires found her as a young girl, and one of their leaders adopted her and raised her with love and determination. In the final four stories of this series arc, Janie is an adult, and it’s time for that change—if she lives long enough.

FATED

Dark Protectors, Book 1

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Marry Me

Cara Paulson does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she’s used to fighting for whatever she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But “whatever it takes” has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous looking stranger with an attitude problem…

Or Else

Sure, the mysterious Talen says he’s there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he’s had that long to practice…

*****

CLAIMED

Dark Protectors, Book 2

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

A Daring Rescue

Emma Paulsen is a geneticist driven by science. But she’s also a psychic, so when a dark, good-hearted vampire frees her from the clutches of the evil Kurjans, she realizes he must be the man who’s been haunting her dreams. But with a virus threatening vampires’ mates, Emma may discover a whole new meaning of “lovesick”.
A Deadly Decision

As King of the Realm, Dage Kayrs has learned to practice diplomacy. Still, it’s taken three hundred years to find his mate, so he’ll stop at nothing to protect her—even if it means turning his back on his own kind…

*****

TEMPTED

Dark Protectors, Book 2.5

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

CONSTANT DANGER
On the run from a mental institution and her vindictive half-brother, it’s safe to say that Sarah Pringle’s happy life as a schoolteacher is on hold. Too bad that as far as self-defense goes, “run and hide” is the best she’s got. And with the monsters that started her escape hot on her heels, that’s not going to cut it for long…
INSTANT LUST
That is, unless Sarah has a bigger, badder, hotter monster on her side. Max Petrovsky is right at the top of the list of alpha male ass-kickers. And he knows exactly what Sarah’s up against. Good thing, because the minute he sees her something primal kicks in, turning everyday attraction into red-hot desire. As long as they’re cooperating, why not mix some pleasure with business? Of course, Max should probably tell Sarah he’s a vampire himself…

*****

HUNTED

Dark Protectors, Book 3

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Ready Or Not Moira Dunne is a witch–the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to “claim” her–and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing. But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him. . .

There’s Nowhere To Hide
When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn’t meant to mark her as his mate for all time. She was only twenty! But it wasn’t easy to wait for her. It was even harder to forget her. So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he’s ready to let the sparks flying. Even if he burns up in flames. . .

*****

CONSUMED

Dark Protectors, Book 4

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Sometimes You Mate For Life

Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting force trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus and drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call it southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about–a man on the verge of losing his very humanity. . .
Sometimes You Mate To Stay Alive
For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people from a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising. . .

*****

PROVOKED

Dark Protectors, Book 5

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

A TIME FOR WAR…

A casualty of the war between the demons and the vampires, Jase Kayrs has been missing for six long years. His older brothers want answers—but they’re going to have to get them from an unlikely source. For when Kane Kayrs tracks down Amber Freebird, what he finds is a blonde, vegan pacifist who has no intention of using her skills in his war…
A TIME FOR LOVE…
Amber enjoys her life of chaotic freedom and has no intention of falling in line just because a sexy-as-sin vampire insists on order. Unfortunately, he discovers she may be the only hope they have of finding his brother, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go—even if it means mating her to gain her cooperation. The two are as different as can be, yet when the dominant Kane and the untamed Amber finally unite to rescue Jase, they just may find that opposites really do attract…

*****

TWISTED

Dark Protectors, Book 5.5

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

****

SHADOWED

Dark Protectors, Book 6

PRE-ORDER: Amazon | B&N | Kobo (Coming Soon)

Jase Kayrs was the fun brother. The warm, charming, easy-going brother of the vampire leaders. Until he was taken and tortured by demons with their evil mind tricks for nearly five years. Upon his return, he’s dark, violent, and not the man they all thought they knew. Not the man he once was. He’s haunted that the only reason the demons would have let him live was to use him as a weapon against his family—but he can’t figure out when or how he’ll explode. Plus, once again the demons are after Jase with a vengeance…or rather, a female demon he rejected is out to destroy him.
Then the king asks Jase for a favor…a big one. To mate with one of their allies in order to save her. She’s everything that’s good and light in the world…while he’s at home with darkness. Yet he agrees…knowing mating may be the only chance to save them both.

A little about Rebecca:

USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day–or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.

Connect with Rebecca:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Rebecca Zanetti’s TWISTED Blast Schedule

June 17 – 28

6/17- Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

6/17- Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

6/17- Cocktails and Books

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

6/18- GraveTells

http://gravetells.com/

6/18- United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

6/18- Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

6/19- Close Encounters with the Night Kind

http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

6/19- Toot’s Book Reviews

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

6/19- The Reading Café

http://thereadingcafe.com/

6/20- Salacious Reads

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

6/20- Books, Books & More Books

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

6/21- The Jeep Diva

http://thejeepdiva.com/

6/21- Deal Sharing Aunt

http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

6/22- Page Flipperz

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

6/22-Joceleyn Dex Blog

http://jocelyndex.blogspot.com/

6/22- Musings From An Addicted Reader

http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/

6/23- Buffy’s Ramblings

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

6/23- Wicked Readings by Tawania

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

6/24- Books-N-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

6/24- Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

6/25- Darker Passions

http://darkerpassions.net/

6/25- My Reading Obsession

http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/

6/26- Paranormal Haven

http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

6/26- Romancing the Book

http://romancing-the-book.com/

6/27- Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

6/27- Bookin’ It Reviews

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

6/27- Reading Between the Wines

http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.com/

6/28- Under the Covers

http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

6/28- Riverina Romantics

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

6/28- Froggarita’s Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

June 24, 2013June 21, 2013

Kelly reviews Dragon Mine by Jamie Rush

TITLE: Dragon Mine
SERIES #: The Hidden (Novella #0.5)
CHARACTERS: Kirin & Elle
AUTHOR: Jamie Rush
PUBLICATION DATE: June 4, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
His Dragon, her magick, a dark mystery, and hot sparks!

Kirin is summoned home to Miami when his father goes missing–the man who ruined his life, and his relationship with Elle, by being a suspect in her mother’s disappearance. When he runs into Elle, sparks fly, especially when he discovers her father is missing, too. Suspecting that their disappearances are linked, they must combine his Dragon power and her magick to find the truth in the darkest shadows. But as their desires flare again, can their burning passion overcome their past—or the danger that the future holds?

REVIEW:
This novella was just okay for me. There was a lot of down time in the story for me. I like the characters, but never really got invested in them.

I do plan on picking up book 1 when it is released and giving this world another try.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 24, 2013June 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Snowy Fate by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Snowy Fate
SERIES #: Fate Series #1
CHARACTERS: Aspyn & Damon
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/03/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Fate always knows when you’re ready for love.

The past is catching up with Aspyn Layton. The father she never knew passed away and she is left to deal with his estate. An unexpected snowstorm has her stranded at the one place she didn’t want to be—her father’s house—with a naked man.

Damon Andrews has a secret, one he shared with Aspyn’s father. He must convince Aspyn there is more to life than what she knows. How will she react when she finds out he is a mountain lion, and she is his mate? Their fates are intertwined.

REVIEW:
This is a very short shapeshifter story. The timeline is very fast . Damon is a shifter and Aspyn comes to her fathers home and meets up with Damon. Aspyn learns that fate is a powerful thing.

I enjoyed this story very much. I just wish this story had been a bit longer. I would have loved more time with these characters. If you love having a quick read around just in case you are stuck somewhere and need a story to grab this is the one for you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 22, 2013June 24, 2013

Naked Werewolf Trilogy by Molly Harper

How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf

Naked Werewolf #1

Northern Exposure Even in Grundy, Alaska, it’s unusual to find a naked guy with a bear trap clamped to his ankle on your porch. But when said guy turns into a wolf, recent southern transplant Mo Wenstein has no difficulty identifying the problem. Her surly neighbor Cooper Graham—who has been openly critical of Mo’s ability to adapt to life in Alaska—has trouble of his own. Werewolf trouble.

For Cooper, an Alpha in self-imposed exile from his dysfunctional pack, it’s love at first sniff when it comes to Mo. But Cooper has an even more pressing concern on his mind. Several people around Grundy have been the victims of wolf attacks, and since Cooper has no memory of what he gets up to while in werewolf form, he’s worried that he might be the violent canine in question.

If a wolf cries wolf, it makes sense to listen, yet Mo is convinced that Cooper is not the culprit. Except if he’s not responsible, then who is? And when a werewolf falls head over haunches in love with you, what are you supposed to do anyway? The rules of dating just got a whole lot more complicated.

*****

The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf

Naked Werewolf #2

Generations of werewolves have been secretly residing in a secluded valley a stone’s throw from Grundy, Alaska. So when a snooping Outsider comes to Grundy to investigate rumors of lycanthropic shenanigans in the area, the valley’s pack alpha, Maggie Graham, resolves to chase him away, even if doing so takes a quick bite on the butt.

What a pity that researcher Nick Thatcher turns out to be so drool-worthy, and that his kisses make Maggie want to sit up and beg. Maggie just can’t seem to convince Nick to leave . . . and even worse, she can’t convince herself to stay away from him. Cross-species dating is problem enough for a harried alpha female, but on top of that, a rival group of werewolves is trying to move into the valley. With interpack war threatening, Maggie can’t afford to be distracted.

Combining romance and a career can be tough for anyone; for a werewolf in love with a human, it may be disastrous.

*****

How To Run With A Naked Werewolf

Naked Werewolf #3

Coming in December 2013
Caleb Graham is a werewolf by nature, a tracker by profession. He uses his “extra gifts” to find people, and not always in the most legal or ethical manner. He doesn’t care what they’ve done, or who wants them found, as long as his considerable fee is paid. He likes his life simple and uncomplicated.

Anna Moder, former physician to Caleb’s pack, happens across Caleb during a particularly violent “negotiation” that has left him bloodied and unconscious. She helps him, despite the fact that he’s cost her a car, so he insists that she stay with him on the road for a while. As they grow closer, Anna looks past the gruff exterior and and the questionable job to thoroughly decent werewolf underneath.

Anna – who is careful to edit her involvement with Caleb’s pack from their conversations – doesn’t talk about why a nice girl wants to live in the middle of frozen nowhere, but she’s obviously on the run from something. When Anna’s past collides with Caleb’s current assignment from one of his sleazier contacts, Caleb finally has to make a choice—protect his job…or his potential mate?

June 20, 2013June 11, 2013

Kelly and Kimberly review Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Twisted
SERIES: Dark Protectors #5.5
CHARACTERS: Terrent Vilks & Maggie
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: June 20, 2013

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maggie is a wolf shifter who was captured and experimented on by the Kurjans. Now that a cure has finally been found for shifters (although not for vampire mates or witches), she can concentrate on creating a new life for herself and finally accepting that her memories are gone forever. Most memories, that is. Sometimes in the hazy world between dreams and dawn, she hears a Scottish voice, dark and deep, that sounds suspiciously like wolf-shifter Terrent Vilks. A man she happened to anger by kidnapping a few years back. Hey, it was for a good cause.

REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh I was so excited to read Terrent & Maggie’s story. I would have loved for their story to be longer, but isn’t that the way most novella’s are? Always leave you wanting more?

In Twisted we finally get a little insight into why Maggie may have been taken by the Kurjans and her connection to Terrent. These two have a very interesting past and it looks like the future is going to be just as interesting.

And that is all I am going to say.. Hey it is a novella!! I can’t give anything away. If you are a fan of Rebecca’s Dark Protectors’ series then you know of Terrent & Maggie and the tension that has been brewing between them. If you are new to the series. I think you could read Twisted as a stand alone, but highly recommend that you read the series in order that way you have a better understanding of the world and Terrent & Maggies past. I am very much looking forward to what is next for the Dark Protectors’ series *cough* Jase *cough*

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
This is a short novella in the Dark Protectors series. This is 5.5 of the series. The characters of Maggie and Terrent are wonderful. I love the connection that they have even if Maggie can not remember it.

We finally get into the story of Terrent and Maggie but I wish the book had been a full story and not just a novella.

This is a great series that any shifter fan would love. You could probably read this book without reading the series but I would not recommend it. And Rebecca Zanetti is a incredible author so why would you want to?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 18, 2013June 3, 2013

Kelly reviews Shattered Emotions by Carrie Ann Ryan

TITLE: Shattered Emotions
SERIES: Redwood Pack #5
CHARACTERS: Maddox Jameson & Ellie Reyes
AUTHOR: Carrie Ann Ryan
PUBLICATION DATE: June 18, 2013
ORDER LINKS:

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Maddox Jamenson is the Omega of the Redwood Pack, the one burdened by emotions stronger than his own. He’s spent his entire life shrouded in the secrets of his “gift” and the price he has to pay to keep it, yet the cost just escalated. He’s known a mate could be in the cards for him, but he can’t have what he wants. Not when the battles he has yet to fight could destroy her.

Ellie Reyes was the Central’s princess, the daughter of the most hated Alpha of all time, yet not prized. No, she’s spent her life as the toy of her brother’s sadistic torture and has endured a pain that no one else should have to even contemplate. Though when she’s rescued, the one person who could help her, her mate, turns his back on her for reasons unknown to her. As each day passes, the strength that everyone sees in her dwindles to a point that there may be no coming back from.

When the Centrals find a new way to attack, leaving Ellie’s only protection a mate that she doesn’t think wants her, they’ll both have to overcome their fears and fight for something stronger than their pain. The war isn’t over and new players are coming that will decide the outcome. Maddox and Ellie’s connection will be tested even as their fragile bond is only newly forming.

REVIEW:

The beginning of the book was so heartbreaking and frustrating. Ellie’s history is anything but cheery. Ellie has endured many thing that no one should ever have to go through. That alone would be enough to break someone, but not Ellie. But the fact that her mate has denied her may just be the final straw.

Maddox is the Omega of the pack. He knows his place, his job and his future. But Maddox’s future changed the second the Redwood Pack saved Ellie. Maddox knew she was his mate. A mate he could never have.

These two are truly heartbreaking. Maddox is beyond stubborn. But once he realized that Ellie Makes him stronger not make her weaker. He finally make the choice to take her as his mate, no matter the consequences.

Another wonderful story from Carrie Ann and brings us closer and closer to a final battle with the Redwood Packs enemy.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

June 15, 2013June 15, 2013

Angie Fox’s Demon Slayer Series

The Accidental Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer #1

Newly anointed with demon-fighting powers and suddenly able to hear the thoughts of her hilarious Jack Russell terrier, a preschool teacher finds a whole new world of dark and dangerous, including a sexy shape-shifting griffin she’s not entirely sure she can trust.

*****

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers

Demon Slayer #2

Demon slaying powers should come with an instruction book …

Seriously. Why does a new hair dryer have a twelve-page how-to manual, but when it comes to ancient demon-fighting hocus-pocus, my biker witch granny gives me just half a dozen switch stars and a rah-rah speech? Oh, and a talking terrier, but that’s another story. It’s not like my job as a preschool teacher prepared me for this kind of thing.

So I’ve decided to write my own manual, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, because no one tells me anything. Dimitri, my “protector,” may be one stud of a shape-shifting griffin, but he always thinks he can handle everything by himself. Only he’s no match for the soul-stealing succubi taking over Las Vegas. If I can’t figure out how to save him – and Sin City – there’ll be hell to pay.

*****

A Tale of Two Demon Slayers

Demon Slayer #3

Last month, I was a single preschool teacher whose greatest thrill consisted of color-coding my lesson plans. That was before I learned I was a slayer. Now, it s up to me to face curse-hurling imps, vengeful demons, and any other supernatural uglies that crop up. And, to top it off, a hunk of a shape-shifting griffin has invited me to Greece to meet his family.

But it s not all sun, sand, and ouzo. Someone has created a dark-magic version of me with my powers and my knowledge and it wants to kill me and everyone I know. Of course, this evil twin doesn’t have Grandma’s gang of biker witches, a talking Jack Russell terrier, or an eccentric necromancer on its side. In the ultimate showdown for survival, may the best demon slayer win.

*****

Last of the Demon Slayers

Demon Slayer #4

Lizzie Brown would like to have one normal date. Instead, she gets a towering inferno with a message: her long-lost dad is a fallen angel in danger of becoming a demon. Not good. Especially since she’s a demon slayer.

Her grandma advises her to stay out of it. Her sexy-as-sin shape-shifter boyfriend would much rather she devote her attention to more carnal pursuits. And her dog’s one demand is for more bacon. After all, he can’t train his pet dragon on an empty stomach.

But Lizzie knows there’s no other choice but to hop on her Harley and help her dad—even if the search for the truth brings a bad-boy slayer back into her life and leads her into the middle of a war to end all wars.

*****

My Big Fat Demon Slayer Wedding

Demon Slayer #5
Coming Soon

Lizzie Brown is about to have the destination wedding her dreams. But as this former preschool teacher knows, being a demon slayer makes everything more complicated. The vengeful Earl of Hell is still on her tail. And now it seems that one of the guests at the eccentric, seaside mansion is possessed and trying to kill her. Maybe she should just elope.

The groom, studly shape-shifting griffin Dimitri Kallinikos, vows to protect her at all costs. Yet even he is acting suspicously. And minions of the devil are popping up everywhere. Now Lizzie must protect her socialite mother, her Greek inlaws and her grandmother’s gang of biker witches – all of whom are convinced they know what’s best for her, and her big day. As the wedding draws closer, Lizzie has to learn who is behind the attacks – and fast – or risk losing everyone she loves.

June 13, 2013June 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Learning To Live by Marissa Dobson

TITLE: Learning To Live
SERIES #: Half Moon Harbor #1
CHARACTERS: Meg & Jay
AUTHOR: Marissa Dobson
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/04/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Meg Harper is tired of living in a box created by her overprotective brothers because of her ability to see guardian angels…

Jay Wilder a lion shifter so wrapped up in the guilt of not being able to save his friend that he might lose everything…

Can Meg and Jay save each other or are they destined to live half a life?

REVIEW:
This is a short but enjoyable read. This is a shifter story without any shifts and a guardian angel story without guardian angels but somehow it works. I would have loved for this story to be a bit longer. Maybe a interaction with an angel. Letting Meg see Jay shift. Something like that but it is a very sweet story about a woman who wants to live and the man who comes along to show her how.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 12, 2013June 11, 2013

Guest Review Dianna reviews Dead To The World by Charlaine Harris

TITLE: Dead To The World
SERIES #: Sookie Stackhouse #4
CHARACTERS: Sookie & Eric
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/03/05
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Sookie Stackhouse—a Southern cocktail waitress with a supernatural gift—Harris has a created a heroine like few others, and a series that puts the bite back in vampire fiction. Now the hit series launches into hardcover for Sookie’s biggest twist-filled adventure yet.

When cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse sees a naked man on the side of the road, she doesn’t just drive on by. Turns out the poor thing hasn’t a clue who he is, but Sookie does. It’s Eric the vampire—but now he’s a kinder, gentler Eric. And a scared Eric, because whoever took his memory now wants his life.

REVIEW:
Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress. Just ask her and she will tell you that. But that’s where the normalcy stops.

She has a vampire “hidey-hole” in her closet, an ex-boyfriend who is a vampire, and a boss who is a shifter. In fact, most of her acquaintances are of the paranormal variety.

This fourth entry into Harris’s Southern Vampire Series is just another hit with a sense of humor, a smear of gore, and wisps of paranormal romance and suspense.

Where else can you come across a partially naked man running on the side of a dark, country road? Of course good-hearted and humane Sookie cannot abide by someone alone, in the winter cold, and apparently in trouble.

It seems this man has not a clue as to who he is, where he is, or how he got there. However, Sookie knows who he is, Eric Northman – Vampire Sheriff of Area 5. Eric does think that whoever took his memory also wants his life.

Eric’s memoy loss has changed him from a pompous person into a very kind, gentle, and basically innocent man, I mean Vampire. A version of Eric that Sookie finds difficult to resist.

Sookie’s investigation into the who, why, and what for, leads them into an adventurous and dangerous battle between Vampires, Weres, and Witches. These Witches are not simply Wiccans, but Weres as well. Did I mention that they drain and drink Vampire blood? Only by capturing the leader of the witch group can Eric be returned to his former self.

At the same time Sookie is trying to focus on solving Eric’s perplexities, another travesty occurs. Jason, Sookie’s brother and only living relative (except for a cousin that can’t be found), has disappeared. While the police think the worse and feel he is dead, Sookie refuses to accept this. Her research introduces her to the natives of the little village of Hotshot. The inhabitants are strange and aloof and for a good reason! They play heavily into Jason’s disappearance as the last person to see Jason alive is from Hotshot.

For fans of the Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton on a lighter version, the Sookie Stackhouse Series is right up your line. Harris always leaves your curiosity tweaked and looking forward to the next book and this one is no exception.

Disclaimer: The above review was written by a guest reviewer, is the opinion of that reviewer and not a paid review.

June 6, 2013June 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Highland Werewolf Wedding by Terry Spear

TITLE: A Highland Werewolf Wedding
SERIES #: Heart Of The Wolf #11
CHARACTERS: Elaine & Cearnach
AUTHOR: Terry Spear
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/07/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Elaine Hawthorn is a gray American werewolf, currently out of work, and on a mission to share in a family treasure. When she arrives in Scotland, she nearly has a head-on collision with one hot, kilt-garbed Highlander, and runs him off the road.

Werewolf laird Cearnach MacNeill isn’t happy Elaine ruined his car, but he quickly becomes her protector after a misunderstanding lands her right in the middle of two feuding clans. Now he’s out to ensure that this sexy female wolf gets her fair share of her clan’s treasure. He knows he should leave well enough alone, but it’s too late to leave his heart out of it.

REVIEW:
This is actually the 11th in the series which I did not know when I requested it but for the most part it can stand alone. There was some parts that made me realize that other characters had their own stories but nothing I found that confused me enough to not understand the story.

This is an interesting way of writing. Being about werewolves it is set in modern times yet the story has a historical feel. I really enjoyed the story. Cearnach is a great character. He has the heart of a warrior with modern time romance in his soul. Elaine is written as strong and independent but yet she follows her heart. I enjoyed the background characters too even though honestly there was not a lot about them.

This book also had a number of wolf scenes which it seems is forgotten in a number of shape-shifter stories now. Even the connection when the characters are in wolf form is interesting.

Any fan of shape-shifter romance will love this story and as I said it can most certainly stand alone but I think I might go back and read the rest of the series one day and will definitely read the next in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.