Feature & Follow: #2

Feature & Follow is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read.The purpose is to meet new people and gain more followers in the book blog community. 

Q: Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

Quickie Review: The Selection By Kiera Cass (YA)

The Selection 

By: Kiera Cass

I have been on the fence about reading this book. When I read the blurb it sounded something like Disney's version of The Bachelor..

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

It was an addicting tale! Although many may say that is a combination of The Hunger Games meets Divergent meets The Bachelor.. The characters themselves bring the story to life. Not only becoming addicted to the the main story but also the minor character competing! 

LOVED:

• The Heroine- America is of course one of the lower caste (class). I really liked her character, she is very down to earth and is always thinking of others before herself. She is thrust into this new world and manages to remain honest and fair as she begins to realize that the competition she came into believing it was ridiculous and a financial help, has become a much more personal one. 
• Maxon, Maxon, MAXON! or better known as His Majesty, The Prince. I was expecting a cocky, maybe dark, cold prince that our heroine worms her way into his heart. Instead he is a genuine, honest  and caring. There is a love triangle, but Aspen (the other guy) claims to love America but to me seemed self-absorbed, fake an seemed to have a hidden agenda. Not really caring about America's feelings while Maxon is bluntly honest from the very beginning.
• I really enjoyed the events pertaining to the The Selection process and the world building.

Not So Much:

• The writing was easy to read but I felt if there was just a little more descriptive detain on how America felt certain times, I could have been more emotionally connected to the character. I love when I'm reading a book and actually feel what the character is feeling. Here it was mostly just stated. 

Overall, really great read!! We are left with many loose ends and mysteries that I really want to know!! The author decides of tease us with an evil cliffy leaving you wanting more!!

Quickie Review: Sempre (Forever) by JM Darkhower

Sempre (Forever)

by: J.M. Darkhower

Rating

I had heard about this story from a few friends, so I decided to check it out. I mean who doesn't like forbidden love, mafia crime, coming of age story... Well when I first saw the length I became a little intimidated but I continued on. I will say it was a good read but there was so much going on, at times I felt I was reading a three books in one.

LOVED:

• The Hero- Carmine was a great character. The author did a great job of connecting with the reader. I loved how he grew as a character as he had to deal not only with his fears but with life decisions. 
• Concept- I loved the concept had of creating a modern day version of Romeo & Juliet/The Godfather. It was very interesting and I liked how it was written.

Not So Much:

• I guess I would call it story structure. I kinda felt overwhelmed with all the information the author was giving me. I would get really into Carmine/Haven's story then we would switch to another. By the end I had to rally myself to finish because the plot progressed to slow for me. The ending was more of Happily-For-Now.

Overall, I did enjoy it. It was entertaining and I have a feeling their will be sequel to Sempre. :)

Quickie Review: Try Me By Olivia Cunnings

Ok so this is what i'm going to do! Since I read more books of my choice, those will be written in a "Quickie" Review. I'll be giving it to you straight and honest with NO SPOILERS!! Reviews ask by authors &/or publishers will be given a more detailed post. 

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Try Me 

By Olivia Cunnings

Novella

Just finished reading Try Me by Olivia Cunnings last night! It was Hot, sexy and very very good! If you like men with tattoos, nipple rings and a mohawk...well Gabe is drool worthy Male! PLUS a sexy Rock Star!! The only thing that let me down was how it ended. It was good but I was hoping to see more of how their relationship progressed...but thats a novella for you! I enjoyed how quickly we are sucked into the characters and you can't help but want these men to find their HEA!  =D Check it out!!

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EXCERPT!

Follow Friday!!!

Follow Friday is a meme hosted by Parajunkee and Allison Can Read, that allows you to meet new bloggers and make more followers.

Q: Happy Father's Day! Who is your favorite Dad character in a book and why?

When I read this question, one name popped into my mind and I couldn't agree more! He is a fierce protector when it comes to his family. He loves, cherishes and would do anything for his mate, daughter and the brotherhood he belongs to. So here are my pick...

Zsadist, Son of Ahgony

Hellren (mated) to Bella

Father to Nalla

Seduced by a Vampire King * Author Interview & Giveaway *

I'm excited to have on our blog today an author that I have fallen in love with each of her stories!! 

I will admit that the first novel I read by author Laura Kaye was back in January when In the Service of the King was first released. After that I couldn't help but check out the rest of Laura's works and have loved each one! Now here we are with book 2, in the Vampire Warrior Kings series!! Seduced by a Vampire King Tour stop with an interview & GIVEAWAY!!

Tell us a little about yourself Laura!

I’d love to! And thanks for having me here! I write paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance and Seduced by the Vampire King is my seventh book to be published. I’m also a wife, mom of two young girls (ages 8 and almost 6), college history professor, and complete vampire addict.

Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Rating:

Lethal Rider

By: Larissa Ione

Release: May 22, 2012

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Blurb:

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Cooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Matthews never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

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My Review:

1st line in book--> Regan Matthews was going to die.

I have to say that I wasn't really excited about starting Lethal Rider, well I was but not because of our main Hero Thanatos. It was because It brought us closer to Reseph's book and I hoped to see past characters. I LOVED Eternal Rider! Ares's story blew my away, I loved every minute of it. I couldn't wait for Limos's book! I mean she is Satan's bride, the only Horsewoman, so girl power and all that jazz!!! When I finished Immortal Rider I was a little let down. It was good but I wasn't in love with it like Eternal Rider. So I didn't have that high expectations for Than's book because: One- Throughout the previous books, the bits that Than appeared didn't really interest me. He was always closed off, serious.. not much to expect. Two- At the end of Immortal Rider, his storyline seemed kinda predictable.

Tour Stop: Guest Post/Giveaway Gabrielle Bisset

My writing process is shaped by my personality along with years of teaching students how to write and editing in the academic world. I tend to be a very linear thinker, so for me the writing process always starts with a very complete outline and then moves through the story from beginning to end. For Blood Avenged, I already had the character of Vasilije because he'd appeared in a novella I'd written entitled Vampire Dreams. So the idea of my hero was set, but he'd been a very selfish character in that story, so I had the job to show the other, more appealing side of Vasilije in his book.

Guest Post/Giveaway: Author Sharla Lovelace

Hi and I’m so glad to be here!

This is a special date for me and my book, April 16^th. If you read it, you’ll know why. It’s the main character’s birthday, as well as some other important little tidbits…

When I first started writing this book, it was starting over. I’d been shopping out the same tired manuscript for two years, revising and resending, lather---rinse---repeat.

I was ready to start something new, but unfortunately for me, I don’t just think up an idea and fill in the blanks. I’m a character-driven writer, finding my peeps before I find the story, and I can’t go looking for them. They find me. I know, it’s a bit strange, but if I try it the other way it always fails.

I started playing with two characters that had hung out in my head for a while…a forty-ish woman with a teenage daughter, and something unresolved in her past. All I knew so far was that her name was Dani Shane (they tell me that too), and she was driving down a highway in the hot summer weather in a car with no air conditioning, and her daughter was painting her toenails and hanging her feet out the window. Dani was stressed and tired and headed back to her hometown to start over. Someplace she didn’t want to go.

Interview/Giveaway: Author Carrie Ann Ryan

Tour Stop!!! Today on the blog, we have the lovely Carrie Ann Ryan. She was happy to do an interview promoting her new book Trinity Bound!! A yummy shifter tale with some hot loving!! [Warning the book is m/f/m]

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! Thank you so much for having me here today. I’m a chemist by day and a paranormal romance writer, wife, and kitten-mother by night.

With the release of your new book Trinity Bound, can you tell followers a little about it?

Trinity Bound is the third book of the Redwood Pack series that follows the middle son, Reed. Reed is an artist who can fight, but doesn’t want to unless he has to. He finds his mate in a fellow captive, Hannah. However, it is Josh, a human Finder, who is the one to save them. When the three are together it is revealed that they are all mates and must learn to deal with it…or walk away.

What is your creative muse? Do you listen to music or have a certain ritual that needs to be done?

I have music on in the background. But usually I close my eyes and figure out what my character wants to say. I’m a huge plotter however.

Cassandra Clare's Next Project!! More Shadowhunters!

For all you Cassandra Clare fans!! There is no end to her Shadowhunter series....yet. Hopefully more to come after that. It has been announced that author Cassandra Clare has signed another three-book deal with Margaret K. McElderry Books (an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s publishing) to write 'The Dark Artifices'

Series: A trilogy

Setting: Los Angeles, 2012

Characters: Emma Carstairs, Julian Blackthorn, Mark, Helen, Carmen, Olivia, Tiberius, Arthur + more

Release Date (s): 2015 (Book One)

Movie Review!! John Carter

John Carter

Rated: PG-13

Released: March 9, 2012

Civil War vet John Carter is transplanted to Mars, where he discovers a lush, wildly diverse planet whose main inhabitants are 12-foot tall green barbarians. Finding himself a prisoner of these creatures, he escapes, only to encounter Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, who is in desperate need of a savior.

My Review:

So I wanted to wait for Monday to post this since its all romance today! If you follow my on facebook you have already seen my review, so I will just add it here and add a little to it! This is my quickie movie review!

I give it a 4/5 stars. It is a Sci-fi action adventure with a love story.  There were some parts that were a little slow moving which caused the movie to feel longer. There is a twist that ties it all up in the end, but I feel it wasn't explained that well for audiences. Some of my friends kept asking me questions about it so I recommend the end monologue where he explains everything to his nephew is very important! The characters, (especially the side characters) were great. The special effects were well made and they made the aliens look  believably real. The alien creatures are a barbaric hoard but have the ability to have human emotions. The connection between John and Dejah is a love at first sight and fast moving. I liked the princess Dejah, she is a strong female who puts the wants and security of her people before hers. Lastly John Carter...is shirtless throughout 95% of the film...YUM!! I was expecting his eyes to turn yellow, grow fangs, reveal he had a prosthetic leg and say he has a brother named Zsadist..:D Very entertaining movie, Disney Studios is off to a great start!!

Have you seen it, will you see it?? 

Dejah & John

Trailer

**Book Spotlight & Giveaway** C791 by Eve Langlais

Today is The ParaNormal Romance Party Mondays!!! That means that any sub-genre in Romance can be showcased or discussed!So today I am happy to have a Book Spotlight/ Review/ AND GIVEAWAY tour for Eve Langlais's C791.

Excerpt:

**Review** C791 By Eve Langlais

C791 (Cyborgs: More than Machines #1)

Eve Langlais

Rating

Released: Feb. 2012

Blurb:

Machines aren’t supposed to feel, but this cyborg can’t help falling in love. 

Assigned as a specimen collector for a captured cyborg, Chloe is intrigued by the machine disguised as a man. Kidnapped during his daring escape, he shows her that despite the chip in his brain, his humanity is not completely lost. 


Formerly known as unit X109GI, Joe is on a quest to discover his origin. While he doesn’t find the answers he’s looking for, he does discover that affection and lust aren’t just for humans. But when it comes to a battle between logic and love, which side will the cybernetic organism—once a man—choose? 


Evaluating his feelings will have to wait though because the military isn’t done with Joe. But their threats against him pale in comparison before the shocking discovery of project C791, the revelation of which stuns the rebel cyborgs—and ignites a fury for vengeance. 


Warning: This story contains violence towards the heroine that might offend some readers, but rest assured the hero kicks the offending butts. This is a spicy romance featuring an ultra hot, cyborg male. Reader titillation is advised.

REVIEW:
This is an Erotic Sci-fi Romance! I say this because its not for the faint of heart! I have read some of Mrs. Langais's previous works and know what to expect. When I heard that she was writing a new series about Cyborgs I was immediately interested and excited!!

It was a great story, I liked it a lot. The characters are great, they are well written and defined but I wasn't blown away by they connection the characters had. I mean it was there but this story (to me) felt like there was more importance place on the love scenes than the actual relationship development. I mean I don't mind if there is one or 30 love scenes but I want the feel the connection of the characters whether they are going through good or bad circumstances.

If you have read Laurann Dohner Cyborg series, you will be pleased to find another fun series with the same theme. Eve does a great job of pulling the reader into her Sci-fi world. The loves scenes are HOT!! *fans self* I hope the next one we will get to see a little more romance. I love to read books that make me feel connected to the characters feelings to the point where I'm sucked into it and find myself crying, laughing or any other emotion the characters have. This series has great potential and will be waiting for the next one!

Buy Link: AMAZON

**Interview** Party with Author Madison Daniel

Today on the blog I'm happy to have debut published Author Madison Daniel!! He launches his Ember series with a bang that will leave many readers burning!!!!

Tell us a little about yourself Madison!

MD: My name is Madison and I’ve come to take you on a journey of sounds and landscapes only your deepest dreams can fathom. I have such sights to show you!

Ember is the first in your Ember Series. Can you tell us a little about it??

MD: Ember is the story of Max Valentine...future rockstar, hopeless romantic and absolute bad @ss! (he’s a fire-starter and has an inferno at his fingertips). He walks through life with a guitar in hand and a horrible mistake in his heart. On the island of Maui he finds a chance at redemption with 2 island girls. Asia, the beautiful and haunted rich girl. She holds a secret that taunts Max throughout the series. And Samantha, the sweet and artistic girl next door who just might heal his past mistakes...Max’s possible soulmate. A love triangle full of twists and turns consumes Max and leaves the island in flames. And it’s all wrapped in a musical bow. I attach a musical playlist with the book and every chapter!

**Interview & Giveaway** Party Time with Author Nana Malone

Hey Everyone!! I'm so happy to be having Nana Malone on the blog today! She was able to do an interview and I have a review also! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!! She Is giving away one copy of her book The Reluctant Protector!!   

Welcome to PNRP!!! Tell us a little about yourself Nana!

I’ve lived all over the world but my family is originally from Ghana. Growing up, I was always itchy for new adventures and slamming my nose in a book was the easiest, safest way I could manage it. It was during one of my less successful adventures in New York that I decided to actually do something about my writing hobby and aim for publication. It took me eleven years 3 completed manuscripts and more rejections than I care to count but I’m finally here.

**Review** The Reluctant Protector By Nana Molone

The Reluctant Protector ( #1 in Protector Series)

Nana Malone

Rating

Released: Dec. 2011

Blurb:

For five years, Cassie Reeser has been her brother’s personal lab rat. Peter’s experiments have made her a stronger, faster, better human. And she’s not the only one – he’s been experimenting on others as well. For five years, escape has eluded her. Until now. When she finds out he plans to sell her as a human weapon she knows it’s now or never. To make her escape she’ll sacrifice family bonds and leave behind the one person who’s ever helped her. Cassie’s learned to shrink from kindness and to never trust anyone. She knows the day Peter finally captures her will be the day she dies. To elude her brother and save the others, she’ll have to risk her body and her heart. What she doesn't expect is a chance at a normal life. 

Seth Adams is used to sifting through lies to find the truth. As a former war correspondent he knows what evils lurk in the world. When he finds Cassie hiding out in his car trunk, her story sounds like a fantastical dream. But, before long, he witnesses firsthand what she’s talking about when they’re attacked by a group of Peter’s soldiers. As a result, he goes through his own transformation into a super human and realizes the extent of what Cassie is running from. Cassie might not think she needs his protection, buthe’ll die before he lets her brother have her back

1st line in the book---> Frigid cold settled into Cassie Reeser's bones.

The first thing that I have to say is that this book is Very HOT!!! I didn't have any expectations but I was very happy to have received this book to review! Its more Romantic Suspense with some PNR elements but I enjoyed it very much. I don't usually read Romantic Suspense because I can't really get into it but I was hooked on The Reluctant Protector!

Cassie has had a rough time. She has been experimented on by her brother and he has turned her into a modern day superhero. She discovers she isn't the only one and escapes with the intent to rescue those like her. Then comes Seth Adams, a very sexy reported who's been trying o write a story on Cassie's brother. When the two collide, sparks fly!! 

There was good chemistry between the characters. I really enjoyed how the author set up the start of this great series. I was surprised at how short it was though. Its a novella, so it ended too soon for me. Cassie is a very strong but damaged heroine its a good thing she finds Seth because he is able to give her that happiness and trust that was taken from her by her brother. 

Again I say this read is an Adult book!! I guess you are wondering how a human reporter can help a genetically enhanced superwoman fight the bad guys....well Seth gets some powers of his own in a very interesting way ;) Thats all I'm going to say!!! You need to read to find out!!!

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords

**Review** Ravished by a Viking by Delilah Devlin

Welcome to the beginnings of The Romance Party Mondays!! I felt that not just PNR feels like a Party when you read them but also many other genres!! So I hope you join me on Mondays for some great reads!!

Ravished by a Viking (The New Icelandic Chronicles #1)

Delilah Devlin

Sci-fi Erotic Romance

Rating

Released : March 2011

Pages: 320

Blurb:

What a Viking wants, a Viking takes. 

When his younger brother goes missing, Dagr, Viking warrior and Lord of the Wolfskin Clan, will do whatever it takes to get him back. But nothing could have prepared him for Honora-a feisty, intelligent woman who is nothing like the women of his world-women who are content to serve their men in all things. Drawn to her despite her recalcitrant nature, Dagr is determined to show her who's boss both in bed and out. 

When the two enemies-turned-lovers join forces to find Dagr's brother they are thrown into a rousing adventure full of danger, intrigue and erotic abandon. Can their passion truly unite them or will their different worlds lead to destruction for them both?

Blog Promo Tour Stop: E Van Lowe Valentine Giveaway!!

Fall in Love with the Falling Angels Series

Valentine’s Giveaway

E Van Lowe is giving away a signed set of his books: Never Slow Dance With A Zombie, Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel 

Along with a fun Valentine theme YA Gift Basket containing a plush puppy, a heart mug, an ARC of Wintertow by Stephen Emond, devil socks, devil and angel duckies, RockStar Sweethearts, Red Hots Lip Balm, Bath and Body Works pocket bac, and travel size Pink Chiffon lotion, pencils and a Bewitching Book Tours bookmark.

~Interview/Book Promo/Giveaway~ Party Time with Tory Michaels

Today on our blog, I am pleased to announce Author Tory Michaels!! Her new book Blood Rage was just released On Feb. 8th from Evernight Publishing, with its sequel Blood-Mage Rising coming out in March!! She was also kind enough to give us an exclusive never-before-seen excerpt from Blood Rage! Did I mention she is also giving away some treats!!  

Thank you so much for being here with us!! With all authors we like to know a little background info :) can you tell us a little about yourself Tory!

I really wish I had something catchy to answer this with. I’m a book slut, with a taste for paranormal (duh) and regency romances (though depending how well they’re done, I like a lot of different eras for romance), with urban fantasy and high fantasy thrown in for balance. Not a huge fan of contemporary romance (unless it’s Harlequin Presents, mind you).

I live with my twin girls (10.5 months), 5 y/o boy, in-laws, and hubby. We have a husky, and it can be chaos around the house. In-laws are leaving in May.

Teaser Tuesdays 2/7/12...Slack Tide by Vanessa Barger [YA}

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Title: Slack Tide [YA]

Author: Vanessa Barger 

Blurb:

At a time when most girls are worried about prom dresses, Lorelei Stamper is worried about losing her skin—literally. Receiving a sealskin from her Aunt, her world is changed. Not only is she a selkie, but she holds the key to breaking a curse affecting all selkie.

Now, monsters are stalking her, forcing her to decide if she will end the curse before she even really understands what’s happening. When Declan, one of two bodyguards sent to protect her, wakes her sleeping heart, she must try to balance love, surviving her senior year, and deciding whether she wants to be human or not. No matter what she chooses, the fact remains that breaking the curse demands blood. Hers.

A strange grunting growl thrummed in his chest and he tugged me closer, wrapping his arms around me, resting his chin on my head. “Never going to happen.”
Never say never, Declan. Shoving the thought away, I let him comfort me. ~Pg.70

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So Far I'm really enjoying this book!! Its the first time I read something froom author Vanessa Barger but I hope there will be more to come!! 

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!