{Author Guest Post + Giveaway} The Bird with the Broken Wing by D.L. Richardson

I'm happy to welcome author D.L. Richardson of The Bird with the Broken Wing.  She's here to discuss her novel and how she got started. Also she has 1 ebook (Kindle only) of her book! 

I’m writing my second novel, which is a story about three teenage kids who feel isolated by their problems. But is it realistic these days to think that teenage kids are really alone?

Novels, typically, deal with as few characters as possible who are each experiencing the feeling of isolation. This is how readers are drawn into a story. However, the products of today’s society such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, cell phones, YouTube, gaming consoles, instant messaging, text messaging, Skype and over protective parents, means it’s reasonable to suggest that the sensation of isolation in today’s teenagers could be considered unrealistic. So how does a writer overcome the problem of telling a story without these external distractions interfering with the character’s credibility?

One way a writer can overcome this problem is by using Setting. We can set a story in the past or future, where technology either doesn’t exist or isn’t so rampant. We can set the story in a remote place like the frozen Arctic, a prison or asylum, or an apocalyptic wasteland. And we can also set a story in a fictional place where technology is forbidden. I got rid of the external influences in my novel, The Bird With The Broken Wing by placing my characters in a location where outside communication was banned.

Another way writers can create the sense of isolation is by using Point of View. Sometimes the real story is happening elsewhere, and it’s the writer’s job to go looking for it. An example of what I mean is a situation a fourteen year old girl I know – I’ll call her Piper - went through. Two years ago, Piper went for a blood test for celiac disease and came out diagnosed with Leukemia. This could have had the makings of a story, except that Piper had Facebook. Which meant she posted photos of herself undergoing chemotherapy, she posted photos of herself wearing various wigs, she convinced her parents to let her get a tattoo because “it might be the last chance I ever get”, she then posted her tattoo photos on Facebook, plus she made loads of friends whilst in the hospital. So instead of treating her disease as something debilitating to her life and retreating into the world of doom and gloom, she became more popular than ever. In this case, the real story lies elsewhere.

A writer looking elsewhere for the story could start with taking a peek inside Piper’s family circle. About a year before Piper got diagnosed with Leukemia, her older sister, Sam was in a car accident. Sam needed a hip replacement, only she came out of hospital in worse condition than when she went in. A year after Piper’s recovery from Leukemia, her dad had a heart attack. The only family member who hadn’t been in hospital during this three year run of bad luck was Gina, the mother. The real story could be Gina’s, the mother whose isolation comes from having to keep it all together while her family falls apart around her. Except that I write Young Adult Fiction so for me the story would never get off the ground. (Unless there is a third child experiencing the feeling of isolation. Cue spooky music.)

Sometimes it’s Conflict that places a character in isolation. Writers can give their characters huge secrets that to divulge would place everyone in grave danger. We can give them infectious diseases to explain the avoidance of human contact. We can give our characters special or magical powers they are forbidden to use lest they be exiled into another realm or locked in a closet. And let’s not forget the matter of simply wiping out the rest of humanity as a means of plunging our characters into an isolated world.

Basically, there’s a lot to think about when creating a believable story, and sometimes it’s got nothing to do with the truth.

About the Author:

D L Richardson is the author of Young Adult paranormal novel The Bird With The Broken Wing. She once ran a secondhand clothing store and played bass guitar and sang in a band she helped form when she was sixteen. She has worked in corporate jobs and in the entertainment industry and hopes to one day write a novel based on the music industry. She is currently working on her second Young Adult novel.

You can check out more about D L Richardson at her website www.dlrichardson.com

About the Book:

You can read an extract of D L Richardson’s debut novel The Bird With The Broken Wing at Kobo Books

Buy the Book:

You can purchase The Bird With The Broken Wing at these great online retailers: Amazon.com | OmniLit | Kobo Books | Barnes & Noble

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!

1 Kindle eBook of The Bird with the Broken Wing

Must answer authors question below

Since D.L. is a fan of Madonna, she wants to know whats your favorite Madonna Song and why?

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{Review + Giveaway} of Legacy: The Niteclif Evolutions by Denise Tompkins

SNR is the next stop in the Legacy Book Tour for Nuture Virtual Book Tourz. Check out my review below and enter for a chance to win 1 eBook Copy of Legacy by Denise Tompkins.

Legacy: The Niteclif Evolutions, Book 1 by Denise Tompkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Dragons, Fae, and Vampires
RECEIVED: Reviewing for Nurture Book Tour
AUTHORS BLOG: Denise Tompkins Site


BLURB:

When Fate makes you her bitch, accept it and adapt. Or die.

Looking back on the wish she made on Midsummer’s Eve, Maddy Niteclif should have been more specific. She only wanted to escape the shadowy nightmares that plagued her nights, not to be thrust into a completely altered reality.

If a strangely familiar, sexy dragon-shifter named Bahlin, who causes a never-to-be-mentioned-again fainting spell, isn’t enough to make her question her sanity, his insistence she’s the Niteclif ought to do the job. Prophesied super-sleuth of the supernatural world—a world that desperately needs her help—isn’t a job she’s remotely qualified for no matter what her family tree says.

Catapulted into a very different London ruled by dark mythology, mystery and murder, Maddy makes a few startling discoveries. Paranormal creatures exist. Getting shot really sucks. And her body responds remarkably well to dragon magic—in more ways than simple wound healing.

But in this kill-or-be-killed world, reality bites. And Maddy must choose to go back to what she knows…or stay and fight for the man she knows she can’t live without.

Warning: This book contains a shape-shifting dragon with a Scottish accent, modern and archaic weapons, global inter-species politics that make democracy seem mild, some very steamy sex underground, a severed head, murder, and…oh yeah…a woman caught in the middle of it all.

REVIEW:
I’m a big fan of paranormal stories with a mix of supernaturals and Denise Tompkins writes a unique story doing just that. Legacy is the first novel in the Niteclif Evolution series, filled with mystery, adventure, and lots of sizzling romance.

Legacy follows Maddy Niteclif, one day she gets sudden urge to drop everything a start a new life somewhere else, she ends up in England. Where she discovers the reason she felt the need to go there, her family’s legacy is linked to the real life Sherlock Holmes. Maddy is next in line to take over the position that is passed down in generations, which is to protect and serve the supernaturals and work with the council. But she has a lot to learn and with the help of the original Watson, who is actually a Dragon shifter, and she gets stuck in working for the council on a case that leads to question after question, as well as deep into danger.

Legacy was a bundle of fun with the thrill of having the lead character be a paranormal type Sherlock Holmes. Maddy is a likeable character but has many points of immaturity that irritated me here and there. She has a lot that is thrown at her and with the help of her Dragon shifter companion Bahlin, she’s able to handle all the supernatural mystery’s that come at her.

Bahlin was my favorite in Legacy; He’s sarcastic, charming and knows how to make a girl swoon. I loved his protectiveness with Maddy and how he took a lot of her mood swings. The chemistry was fantastic between them, Tompkins wrote some smoking hot scenes and great conflict.

Overall even though at times I felt a little overwhelmed with information, I loved the mystery, romance and the ending opens up a wide range for this series to go to. The characters were unique, exciting, as were the villains. I’m interested to see what happens next for Maddy.


RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with sexual content and mystery. Fans of Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series will enjoy Denise Tompkins Niteclif Evolution series.

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1 eBook of Legacy

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{Author Guest Post + Giveaway} Mary Abshire of the Soul Catcher Series

I'm happy to welcome author Mary Abshire to SNR, to talk about her Soul Cater Series. As a fan of paranormal romances I'm really excited to have Mary as a guest and who wouldn't want to know more about a series that has all the PNR goodness that we all love.

Half-demon catches souls and sends them to hell.

In a nutshell, that's what my Soul Catcher series is about. It sounds like an easy job, but trust me, it's not when you don't trust supernatural creatures and you have a noble vampire fighting for your love, a demon battling to win your heart, and vampires hunting you down. You just want to live a normal life, but that's not going to happen.

Oh, the dilemmas…

How did I come up with the idea for the series, you ask?

I'm a lover of paranormal, supernatural, dark and mysterious. Always have been. I especially love vampires. When I started the series, I didn't want a story just about vampires. There are plenty of vampire books out there. So, I thought about what I could write and what I came up with was a half demon soul catcher. She thinks she's destined to an eternity in hell and it will take someone to convince her otherwise. Who is that someone? I'm not going to say because I'd like you to read the books (smile) but you can probably figure it out from the blurbs. LOL. I add tons of conflict—external and internal, romance, suspense, and a bit of mystery in the latest. The goal seems easy, motivation clear, but nothing is ever easy. Curious to know more? I hope so.

Thank you, Kristen, for having me as a guest!

Mary Abshire 

Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy Author

Author Links: Site | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Linkedin | Blog

Author Bio:

By day, I am a government employee. At night, I am a Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author. I live in Indianapolis with my loving husband, witty daughter, and ridiculous cat.

My interest in dark, mysterious, and dangerous creatures started in my youth. Sci-fi and horror shows were my favorite. During my teenage years, I read every Anne Rice book available, had a plethora of pen-pals I wrote to, and enjoyed 80’s new wave music. In my early twenties, I dabbled with writing, but never pursued it as a career. Fifteen years later, I decided to write again. After writing a few full-length novels, I came to the realization that I couldn’t stop. What started as an interest grew into love and is now an addiction. (At least my addiction is healthy and legal.)

I am a Pro Member of the RWA. I’m also a member of ESPAN (Electronic Small Press Authors’ Network), Savvy, and the Paranormal Romance Guild. I enjoy reading, writing, and chatting with others who have similar passions. Drop me a line and I will respond.

Books by Mary Abshire:

The Soul Catcher Series

1. Claiming the Evil Dead
2. Catching an Evil Tail
3. Fighting Evil
4. Love Conquers All Evil

The Awakening (an urban fantasy novel) – set for release Jan. 2012 from Lyrical Press

Buy links : Amazon | B&N | Noble Romance | All Romance Books 

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

With four books in the Soul Catcher Series Mary has been kind to give away 1 eBook copy of any ONE of the novels in her series. Winner Choice!

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BOOK LINKS : Claiming the Evil Dead | Catching an Evil Tail | Fighting Evil

 | Love Conquers All Evil |

{Review} Blood of the Demon by Rosalie Lario

Blood of the Demon by Rosalie Lario
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Paranormal Romance
THEME: Angels/Demons/Fae/Zombies/Magic
RECEIVED: Review Request by Entangled Publishing
AUTHORS BLOG: Rosalie Lario Site

PURCHASE Blood of the Demon:

BLURB:

Keegan lives to exact revenge on the evil demon who sired and abused him. When his father devises a plan to bring on the apocalypse, he and his three half-brothers, interdimensional bounty hunters for the Elden Council, are charged with capturing and delivering their father for punishment.

Art gallery owner Brynn Meyers has no idea that her ability to read memories embedded in objects and drain people of their life force means she has demon ancestry. Unfortunately for Brynn, she's also the key to raising an ancient zombie army, which puts her on every demon's Most Wanted List.

And no one wants her more than Keegan's father.

Keegan must protect Brynn from his father by any means necessary, but he'll have to learn to harness the other half of his genetics-the far deadlier, uncontrollable half-when he starts to fall for the one woman standing between him and the vengeance he so desperately seeks. The one woman he'll never be able to resist.

REVIEW:
Blood of the Demon I felt had a little bit of everything, with a variety of paranormal beings, romance, action and holding your breath moments. The story reminded me a lot of Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed Series and Gena Showalter’s Lord of the Underworld Series.  Rosalie Lario has four prominent male characters as her leads and each have different powers and past that I can tell will have their own story.  I enjoy series that introduce the characters, which will lead you into each book, thus making me excited for the next in the Demons of Infernum Series.

This story follows a woman named Brynn who discovers that her heritage is connected to a very power book. Which brings bounty hunters sent by their council to capture her before a darker evil does, this evil wants to take over earth. The bounty hunters are four brothers who are each half demon and half something else unique.  Keegan the eldest is the one to capture Brynn, but he can’t seem to get her out of his head and starts to fall for the only woman who has ever made his blood boil.  What makes all of this a little bit more difficult is that the evil madman they’re all trying to stop is the four brothers father.

Brynn was the typical tough female, who falls into a world that she never thought existed. I felt that she took in the idea of demons, fae, zombies and so on a little too easily but otherwise she was a great lead. She is special not only because of her heritage but also she holds a unique power. It’s great when a lead character can hold her own and be just as tough as the men.

Keegan, the eldest brother and smoking hot half demon and half “I’m not going to say” was just down right great. I loved his personality, his relationship and protectiveness of not only Brynn but also his brothers. The chemistry with Brynn was hot and made me blush through most of the pages. Lario really knows how to make the reader squirm in her seat with the passion that her two leads shared.

Overall a good start to a new series, Lario writes and great plot that I felt held a lot of depth for the future books. The strongest parts in the story was the relationship with the brothers,. I enjoyed their bickering moments, the bonds each had, and the wide range of entertaining personalities. The main issue I had was Keegan fighting for his feelings about Brynn, it was dragged on a little too long for my liking.  But none the less this is a great recommendation for paranormal romance fans.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult book with lots of sexual content, which means make sure you have a fan cause these pages get hot. Fans of Gena Showalter and Lara Adrian will devour Blood of the Demon.

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{Review} Hit List #20 by Laurell K Hamilton

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE:  Paranormal Romance
THEME: Vampires/Shifters
RECEIVED: Bought
AUTHOR BLOG: Laurell K Hamilton

PURCHASE Hit List:

REVIEW:
I can’t believe Hit List is book 20 of the Anita Blake series! I have read them all and re-read them, I love me some kick but Anita action with lots and I mean lots of hot men. Hit list reminded me of one of the earlier books Obsidian Butterfly, which I enjoyed! It brings in all the awesome Marshalls together to go hunting for some extreme baddies! I feel that this book went back to the early ones bringing in the case solving and less sex scene, I don’t mind either way though I love this series!

Anita Blake, vampire executioner, Marshall, and lover to many good-looking paranormal men, is back and stronger than ever. When a serial killer hits the Pacific Northwest and the killings seem out of the norm, Anita and Edward get called in because people think its “monsters” doing the killings. Old enemies are back known as the “ Harlequin” and they are more determined than ever to get Anita for the Mother of All Darkness. She’ll stop at nothing to have Anita, but she only wants her body to possess and to kill everyone else.

I really enjoyed Hit List; the old Marshal gang is back with Edward, Bernardo and the crazy scary Olaf. The Harlequin I felt weren’t as scary as they were in the past book, but the Mother of All Darkness sure is and she wants into Anita. I was a bit sad that none of Anita’s original “guys” were in this one. I really enjoy reading about Jean Claude, Micah, Nathaniel, Richard, etc. The newest of the crew Domino, Nicky and Lisandro came to help Anita and the guys solve this case.  Plus a very hot new addition named Ethan that makes you feel all tingly inside but the sound of him.

I like when Anita is solving cases and this one she does just that, there are a lot of action and fighting scene, which made me, want to do a happy dance. Edward was down right awesome and got some major playtime in this book. Olaf an ally and foe of the group was really creepy this time around and something I felt was a great twist happens to him. If your and old fan you’ll love the feel of this book from the earlier years and if your new to Anita Blake go grab a copy of Guilty Pleasures ASAP.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult book with lots of violence and a bit sexual content. Fans of urban fantasy's and Paranormal Romances, Kim Harrison, Keri Arthur, and Lara Adrian will love Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series.

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{Review} Sweet Light by Jen Wylie ( Fantasy Romance)

Sweet Light by Jen Wylie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE:  YA Fantasy Romance
THEME: Magic
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
AUTHORS BLOG: Jen Wylie's Blog
PURCHASE: Amazon | Smashwords | B&N

BLURB:

When fate conspires against you and gives you three loves to choose from, what do you do? What if you make the wrong choice?

Shara is a Healer, raised and trained from childhood until her unique gift manifests itself. When she gains the rank Journeyman she is hired to serve as the court healer for the barbaric kingdom of Glendor.

Untrained for war, she is thrust unmercifully into its bloody arms when the kingdom is invaded. Ordered by her king to the front lines to tend the wounded, she is forced to flee when their camp is attacked. Happening upon a wounded soldier in the forest, every mile back to the capital is a struggle, and breaking the Healer's code, she falls in love with her charge.

If Shara thought that to be the least of her troubles, the appearance of a fierce warrior captain who appoints himself her protector, teaches her differently. Trouble comes in threes at the appearance of a former love and fellow healer. Faced with decisions of the heart and the sudden manifestation of her gift, there is little room for anything else to go wrong. Or at least that's what Shara thought.

REVIEW:
And I thought being in a love triangle was tough… In Sweet Light debut author Jen Wylie gives her protagonist three very different men to choose from. It was a big change from the romances I’ve read before and very refreshing.

Shara is known as a healer, where she is trained from a young age to build her gift. Working for the king in another land, she is sent to help his army with any healing they need. After a horrible attack from the enemy she gets separated from her army and finds an injured solider.  She soon learns that her heart cannot resist this solider, but her heart still yearns for her past love… As well as another man, a Captain, who protects her fiercely. But her duty and what she was trained for might keep her from choosing any of them.

This is defiantly a story of love, destiny and magic. Shara begins to learn more of herself by becoming a stronger person as well strengthening her gift.  I really enjoyed her has a character, though I felt she was a little too innocent and sweet at times. I also was excited about Shara’s healing ability and that her power starts to grow, I like that its still a learning process for her.

David, the solider, my heart just went out to him all throughout the book. I really enjoyed the journey as a reader that Wylie took us with him. I really loved learning more about him and his family connections. Plus his love for Shara was so sweet that it made my heart melt. He had his rough sides,  he has his ups and downs that give his personality a lot of kick

Shara’s three love interests are a main focus, you see how their all connected and its mentioned why, but not in the detail I would of hoped. I have a feeling Wylie is going to have this be the major plot for the next book. I also was curious on a dark power that showed up randomly in the story. There wasn’t really any detail in where it came from, so I’m hoping to get more about that in the second book.

Overall Sweet Light was a great debut novel for Wylie. Her characters were really what made this book so wonderful. I loved all three love interest in their own way, Dric a captain and protector, her past love knows her better than anyone, and David whose just so loving and innocent.  I can’t wait to learn more about Shara’s gift and what happens with all the men who have stolen her heart in some way.

RECOMMENDATION:

This is a young adult book for all ages, minor violence with some fight scenes. Fans of Kristie Cook and Amanda Hocking will enjoy this series.

View all my reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Wylie was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales.

Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories. Sweet light is her debut novel published in 2011 by Echelon Press.

Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her two boys, Australian shepherd a flock of birds and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.

{Review} Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand (YA PNR)

Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE:  YA Paranormal Romance
THEME: Wolves
RECEIVED: Won from Author
AUTHORS BLOG: Heather Hildenbrands Blog

PURCHASE: Dirty Blood

BLURB:

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up. 

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.

REVIEW:
I’ve wanted to read Dirty Blood for some time now and I was so excited to win a copy on Goodreads. Heather Hildenbrand created an original story about werewolves and hunters, with a romance that has your toes curling with excitement.  I really enjoyed this first book in this new werewolf storyline.

Tara is a high school girl living the regular teenaged life; she has a rival, great friends and a boyfriend who is not always there. One night changed everything when a wolf attacked her and for some strange reason she knows how to fight back and fight hard. The bad part is… the wolf turned out to be a girl and the freak out session begins. When a mysterious guy named Wes comes to help her, Tara discovers her life was destined for not so ordinary.

I really enjoyed Tara as the lead female, she acted her age and really stood up against all the lies and secrets that people have kept from her. I loved the mystery behind her life that she discovers through out the book and how she starts to really grow up and become a stronger woman.

Wes just made me smile as well as frustrate me. I loved his mysterious bad boy side of course, but sometimes his decisions were just too selfish. But to me this gave him character and an idea of the life he has led. Tara wonderfully stood up to him a lot and she gained a lot of backbone with his mood swings.

The plot was exciting and I couldn’t get enough of the history behind the wolves that Hildenbrand created. She really brought a new life to the werewolf story. Though the romance was very obvious from the beginning I liked that it developed and there is still a lot to evolve.

Dirty Blood was full of action and fantastic characters that I can’t wait to learn and read more about in her second book. Tara has a long way to go and a lot to learn about her self and family. The villains are everywhere and the trouble is just beginning. Oh and if your curious about what Dirty Blood means, you will find out and its extremely important. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger and now I’m restless to read what’s next with Wes and Tara!

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a young adult book for all ages, minor violence with some fight scenes. Fans of Jennifer Sommersby and Jennifer L Armentrout will love this series.

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{Review} Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney

Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: Scottish Paranormal Romance
THEME: Highlander and Demons
RECEIVED: Received from Author for Review
AUTHORS BLOG: Anita Clennys Site

PURCHASE: Awaken the Highland Warrior

BLURB:

A man from another time...

Faelan is from an ancient clan of Scottish Highland warriors, charged with shielding humanity from demonic forces. Betrayed and locked in a time vault, he has been sleeping for nearly two centuries when spunky historian Bree Kirkland inadvertently wakes him. She's more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him, and if he's not careful, she'll uncover the secrets his clan has bled and died to protect...

Could be the treasure she's been seeking all her life...

When Bree inherits an old treasure map, she discovers a warrior buried in her backyard. But the warrior isn't dead. Bree shocks Faelan with her modern dress and her boldness, and he infuriates Bree every time he tries to protect her.

With demons suddenly on the move, Bree discovers that Faelan's duty as protector is in his blood, and that her part in this fight was destined before she was born. But nothing is ever what it seems...

REVIEW:
I’ve read a few Highlander genre novels, but nothing compared to how much I love Awaken the Highlander by Anita Clenney. Not only did she add a paranormal touch, but the character both main and secondary were well developed and I enjoyed all the different personalities, with the addition of a wonderful well-put together story.

Bree Kirkland is a female version of how Clenney describes it “Indiana Jones,” after finding a warrior buried in a crypt that’s been behind her house for as long as she can remember, and her life gets a lot more adventurous than she could of ever imagined. The warrior needs Bree’s help to adapted to the world today being stuck in there for many years and with demons trying to kill him he has more on his plate than just a woman who makes is blood boil.

I really enjoyed the mix of Highland Warriors vs. Demons; it was full of action and lot of kilt wearing moments. Clenney creates a fantastic history that connects all the characters in the book, without it being overwhelming with information.  I loved the chemistry between Clenney’s two leads Bree and Faelan. Bree being strong but clumsy with a life full of independence, where Faelan was born a warrior and protector making Bree’s independent life not so much anymore.

Faelan comes from a long line of warriors in his clan and I was happy to meet more of his family, mostly all men, they were hilarious and intriguing. I can’t wait to see where Clenny takes the series with the characters she introduced. My ultimate favorite was Ronan, another warrior and family member of Faelan. He really knows how to get under Faelans skin, which made for some great scenes.

The romance was hot! Not just the steamy kind but the pages were on fire with the attraction between Faelan and Bree. When there’s a man walking around your house in a Kilt it would be impossible to resist staring…or even the accidental peak of what’s under there. I loved the funny moment with these two and how they developed through the book.

Overall I highly recommend this series to book lovers of paranormal romance and highlander genres. The mix just made for a wickedly awesome and thrilling ride as I turned each page. The villains, romance, characters, plot, it was fantastically entertaining and I never wanted it to end.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with some steamy sexual content and humorous moments. I recommend this book to fans of the highlander series by Karen Moning and Kinley MacGregor.

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{Review} of Watched by Sharde Richardson (YA PNR)

Watched by Sharde Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GENRE: YA Paranormal Romance
THEME: Shapeshifter and Demons
RECEIVED: Received from Author for Review
AUTHORS BLOG: Sharde Richardons Site

PURCHASE WATCHED: 

BLURB:

Mikayla doesn’t want much: just to rock out to her favorite band, become the next Kwiki Stop video gaming champion, and keep her Q-tip habit under control. What she does want is the sight of the sudden inexplicable dark auras around everyone to stop. Problem is, those auras are demons and Mikayla is the last trait holder with the power to ban them. Which is a total buzz kill. 

To make matters worse, the town folk of Sulphur Springs don’t look the same, and her classmates are a little dark in the eyes. There are murders, suicides, reckless skinny-dipping, gratuitous use of Q-tips, and newfound powers that Mikayla must learn to control. 

Her past becomes present when a shape-shifter tells her what her true identity is, and how to keep the demons of Hell from nipping at her Converse. Through him she’ll discover who to trust, who to kiss, and how valuable her abilities are to the right beings. Because the evils of Hell aren’t staying down without a fight.

REVIEW:
I was really excited when Sharde Richardson asked me to review her book Watched, it was on my wish list and I couldn’t of been happier. The beautiful cover originally captivated me for Watched, as always… It seems to me covers are get more exciting with every new book I find. Watched was defiantly what I would call snarky with a twist of shebang! This was a non stop thriller with everything a paranormal romance reader loves, not only is there sarcasm, angst and the goodie ness of romantic interest but the original story was so fantastic that when I hit the end, I went and re-read it.

Mikayla our lead and extremely snarky badmouth seventeen year old was brilliant. I would have befriended this girl back in high school if I’d met her.  She has a strange Q-tip habit, which I thought was hilarious whenever she was caught doing it, as some people in the book call her Q-tip girl… not something I would enjoy being called.

But anyways Mikayla has some heavy stuff to deal with, her past before thirteen is completely gone, which brought her to her adoptive parents who care very much about her. She gets hurt extremely bad and soon problems start occurring when she notices unusual auras surrounding people and family. These auras are signs of demons, which she soon finds out she is connected to in every which way.

To make matters more interesting, Lucas a mysterious boy starts working for her mother and seems to know way to much about Mikayla for her own liking. Now she has a destiny and needs to learn how to keep these demons from hell from hurting her and her friends.

I absolutely loved this book; I have to say it has entered my spot in the top five favorite YA books that I’ve read this year. It was so different with Richardson’s writing being extremely bold and really captivating me into this fantastic whirl wind of a story. The characters Mikayla and Lucas were just fantastic, I loved how Mikayla stuck to her gut feelings and really just wanted to be a normal girl. Lucas was my favorite kind of bad boy with a hint of tease.

Now for the ending, oh how it left me with my heart jumping all over the place. Meaning it was intense, shocking and down right awesome! I can’t wait to read the next installment of Sharde Richardson Watched Series. This is a much read!


RECOMMENDATION:

This is a Young Adult Novel with minor adult language. Fan of Lauren Kate’s Fallen Series and Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade series will love this book.

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{Review} Anathema by K.A. Tucker

Anathema by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE:  Paranormal Romance
THEME: Vampires/Magic
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
AUTHOR: K.A. Tucker's Site

BLURB:

Evangeline has spent her teenage years in obscurity. Her foster parents have the emotional aptitude of robots and her classmates barely acknowledge her existence. About to turn eighteen and feeling like a social pariah, she is desperate to connect with someone. Anyone.

When Evangeline meets Sofie after literally stumbling upon her café, she believes she’s found that connection. Willing to do anything to keep it, she accepts a job as Sofie’s assistant and drops everything to fly to Manhattan, where she is thrust into a luxurious world of Prada, diamonds, and limitless cash.

With such generosity and kindness, it’s easy for Evangeline to dismiss certain oddities . . . like Sofie’s erratic and sometimes violent behavior, and the monstrous guard dogs. She’s even willing to dismiss her vivid dreams of mob-style murders, beautiful homeless people living in caves, and white-eyed demons that haunt her each night as figments of her imagination—especially when one of those figments is the gorgeous Caden. When she wakes up with bite marks on her neck, the fairy tale quickly turns into a nightmare. She slowly unravels the mystery surrounding Sofie and friends, and the reality of the bites and the “dreams.” What she discovers is far more mysterious and terrible than anything she could have imagined.

In a world where everyone has motive to lie for personal gain, Evangeline must decide which deception is least likely to get her killed.

REVIEW:
Anathema had a very original plot using the typical vampire paranormal romance, but Tucker was able to create a very unique plot that really intrigued me.  The story is full of deception and adventure, the lead character being pushed and pulled in every direction and as the reader you’re along for a very adventurous ride.

Evangeline is a young girl who has a very trustful mind, but all the while lives a very lonely life until she meets Sophie. From there her life changed dramatically after meeting Sophie’s acquaintances that are very mysterious and usually friendly. While living with them Evangeline begins dreaming every night of a world similar to her own… but there something different…something more terrifying about it. She soon becomes enthralled in this new world after meeting a group of people who take her in and befriend her, one of which is named Caden. A man whom Evangeline cant stop thinking about.  Little does she know that both her world and the world she’s dreaming of have one very dangerous thing in common, vampires.

I really enjoyed the plot to Anathema; though the beginning pace was a bit slow for me. Once the story developed a little more I was sucked into Tuckers writing and her characters were fun, exciting and enthralling, I just couldn’t get enough.  The story takes you back and forth between each world without it being confusing, the characters were all well developed and I have to add there are some really awesome animals in the book. My favorite being a dog called Max who is Evangeline’s protector and friend and is a lot more than what he seems.  

The romance wasn’t an in your face typical romance, it was paced well with bumps in the road that made it realistic and fun. I enjoyed Evangeline as the lead, she was thrown into a situation that was difficult and she handled it like any real person would: she was scared, distrustful when she knew something wasn’t right and always questioning, making for a smart lead character.

Overall this was a great first book in the Casual Enchantment Series, the ending really leaves you wishing that the next were in your hands. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, but I was actually happy with what Tucker did and thought it was a perfect fit to get me ready for the second installment. If your looking for a paranormal romance, with adventure, plot twist, and a great big cast of fun characters then this is the book for you!

RECOMMENDATION:
This is adult book but is suitable for many ages; fans of the adventures in Rachel Caine and Nalini Singh’s writing will love K.A. Tuckers Anathema.

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PURCHASE: Anathema by K.A. Tucker

{Review} 44 by Jools Sinclair

44 by Jools Sinclair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

GENRE:  YA Paranormal/Mystery/Romance
THEME: Visions/Dreams
RECEIVED: Received for Review from Author
AUTHOR: Jools Sinclair's Blog

BLURB:

Last year after falling through the ice, seventeen-year-old Abby Craig woke up from death.

But she woke into a world she barely recognizes. She can't see colors, memories have been erased, and her friends all hate her. And then there's Jesse, who she loves, but who refuses to forgive her the one mistake she made long ago.

Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, the visions begin. In them, she sees a faceless serial killer roaming the streets. While the police believe that there have been a lot of accidents in town lately, Abby knows differently. And she soon realizes that it’s up to her to find him.

But to stop him, she'll have to confront more than just the killer. She'll have to face something else that was lost in those dark waters. The truth.

In the tradition of Amanda Hocking, 44 is a thrilling paranormal romance mystery novel that keeps readers at the edge of their seats and glued to the very end. The ending will haunt you forever

REVIEW:
Imagine yourself falling through thick ice, your lungs taking in ice-cold water and your heart slowing down with every inch you fall below the depths. For Abby she experienced just this and was claimed to be dead until she startlingly woke up, but something was wrong she didn’t wake up normal. 44 is a book of fantastic mystery and thrilling twists.

After the accident of falling through the ice Abby’s life has never been the same. Her friends don’t talk to her, she can no longer play on her soccer team, and she starts having these awful nightmares of a man killing people. Luckily she has her best friend Jesse who still is talking to her and her sister who is her biggest supporter. But when the deaths she see start happening for real outside her dreams, her life takes an even deeper and more dangerous turn.
I loved 44, I don’t want to giveaway why it’s called 44 because I feel as a reader its fun to discover that on your own.  Abby is a character that has really hit rock bottom when it comes to her social life, I really felt for her as she struggles with being an outcast and trying to find herself again.

The plot was brilliant and chilling, I had no idea who the killer was and when you think you’ve figured it out another twist happens. I really enjoyed how Abby and her sister tried to solve the mystery together like a little team.

Jesse, Abby’s best friend was a breath of fresh air as a male lead. He was a big mystery and someone who was always there for Abby.  He made sure she knew he was there for her, even if he wasn’t always around. I enjoyed reading about his relationship with Abby and their chemistry really pulled everything together.

Overall a great mystery story with a touch of paranormal elements and romance, the ending was a major shocker and leads into the second installment. I can’t wait to see what happens next with Abby.  Mystery, romance and paranormal elements, you can’t go wrong with 44.

RECOMMENDATION:
This is a YA book with some minor graphic murder scenes but overall enjoyable for all ages.  Fans of Amanda Hocking and Kristie Cook.

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PURCHASE: 44 By Jools Sinclair

{Trailer Reveal & Giveaways!} Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

Today I have the privilege of revealing the trailer for Descended by Blood
 (Vampire Born Trilogy #1) by Angeline Kace. Coming Spring/Summer 2011 YA Paranormal Romance


Enter to win two awesome prizes! An ARC of Descended by Blood and a Skin for your eReader! How awesome is that!" What's better than winning and reading the ARC? Reading the ARC on your eReader while it's wearing the Descended by Blood Skin!

Blurb: Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

Alrighty everyone Now who thought that trailer was as awesome as I did!! *Raises Hands!* So now you've seen the trailer and want to book really bad. Well here is your chance! I have a ARC copy to giveaway to one lucky person!! + Dont forget to scroll down and enter to win a SKIN for your eReader (US only for eReader)

Open International 

As I said before "What's better than winning and reading the ARC? Reading the ARC on you eReader while its wearing the Descended by Blood Skin!"

Open to US only

Above is a Kindle Example
Available for Kindle, Nook,Nook Color, Kobo and Ipad
Fill out the form by clicking the link below to enter for your chance to win
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