VBT/Review: Wisteria by Bisi Leyton & Giveaway

I am thrilled to be a stop on Bisi Leyton's book tour for her debut novel Wisteria, Bisi is running a giveaway until November 30th for a Kindle Fire. When people sign up for her New Release Mailing list they get a change to win.
The list is not for a newsletter, but to going a mailing list where they'll be notified once a new book is released and that is it.
Bisi will also be awarding a $15 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Be sure to check out the other stops in the tour HERE.

BLURB:

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.

Excerpt

Wrapping her arms around herself, she moved away from him. Once again, humiliated and feeling foolish. “Goodnight, Bach!” She strode angrily to the side of the roof in order to climb down.

He grabbed her and held her back.

The guy came here just to tease her, yet again! Didn’t he know he was hurting her? Didn’t he care? “I’m tired of all this nonsense. I’m actually tired and need some sleep. I’m done with this. All of this!” She should’ve left the roof when she saw him appear. “Let go, so I can go.”

“Wisteria, it is not that.” Exhaling heavily, he released her. “My people could kill you if they knew I wanted you.”

This wasn’t at all what she’d expected him to say. “What?”

“I am in love with you. I do not know why, but I am. And it is selfish, because I just want you for myself.” Sadness filled his eyes as he spoke.

“Why would they do that to me?”

“Because you are human and because we see humans as Terran, or dirt people.”

“And you believe that too? So why are you here, living among us, if we’re so disgusting?”

“You are not disgusting. You are beautiful.” Rubbing his temples, he seemed troubled and bewildered. “But I chose Earth, because I came here as a child. Your people treated me so badly in the past. When I learned about the Nero disease, I wanted to see your world die.” He paused. “You were right when you said there was something wrong with me.

My Review:

Wisteria is set in a dystopian world, in England,it is a great combination of a sci-fi and horror novel with enough romance to make it interesting. It's a coming of age story in a world gone mad. I don't read a lot of zombie books and if you are looking for something all about the zombie this isn't it.

What you will find is a charming love story of a girl who feels unlovable and an alien boy who when you first start reading you think is a major jerk.

Wisteria is a smart, strong heroine that has a huge heart and low self esteem.Wisteria trains to be a tracker to help her fight the constant fear she has of the biters, it helps her to feel like she is doing something about the problem.

Bach is an alien her on Earth to prove his manhood and to watch the end of the Terran's that he has hated since he was a small child. As you read the book he grows into a much better man than he even knew he was, but how can he protect Wisteria from not only the infected on Earth but also from his own people who have nothing but disdain for "Terran's"?

I enjoyed the interaction between the characters and found this to be a very character driven novel. There is a ton of world building in this book between Earth after the Nero Disease hits and the other dimension that Bach and the Family is from. I felt the back story was a little weak and a little like I was thrown into the story but you are quickly able to follow what's happening and enjoy the book.

I give Wisteria red roses!

The Giveaway:
The conditions are at her blog and the link to sign up is HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Bisi Leyton was born in East London in 1978. She grew up in London, Nigeria and the States, listening to the stories life and love from aunts, cousins and big sisters.She lives in London, but has worked around Europe including France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium and the Czech Republic. She has a fondness for reading graphic novels.
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Happy Reading, Carin

VBT/Review Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe

Liz will be awarding a "swag pack" from her brewery, the Wolverine State Brewing Co including 2 tee shirts, a pint glass, a hat and a certificate for a free growler fill plus $15 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Be sure to check out the other Blogs HERE, the more you comment the better your chances!!

BLURB:
A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family's famous brewery, she's determined to be independent--never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business.

Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.

But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.

Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies man reputation. But he's sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.

Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” -- handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchannan... is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.

Excerpt PG 13 for language:

Lori wrestled open the back brewery door, ears already ringing from the curses that echoed through the large, brightly lit room. The brewery boys, and three second brewers stood in a line, like they were in a marine barracks all looking as nervous as mice observed by a very hungry cat.

“And who the fuck,” boomed a voice, “might you be? No one told me there was a girl brewer in this place.”

As a reflex, Lori looked around, seeking out the girl who’d pissed off the faceless angry voice that must belong to Eli Buchanan their new master brewer. She’d been instrumental in convincing her father to hire the guy. He was a brewing celebrity, a genius, temperamental and prone to quit perfectly good breweries if the mood suited him. He was exactly what Brockton needed. They had to to get past their staid, complacent attitude in a rapidly changing craft beer environment.

“Yeah, I’m talking to you. The one who showed up fifteen minutes late for my morning staff meeting.” She flushed, frowning at the line of men, many of whom had worked for her father for years as they shuffled their feet and wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Who the hell are you, and why are you on my brewery floor?”

She cleared her throat, squared her shoulders and channeled the anger building in her chest. “I’m Lori. Lori Brockton. This is the first day of my brewery rotation.” She hated how thin her voice sounded.

“Your brewery rotation eh?” She stepped back at the vision that emerged from between towering stainless steel fermentation vessels. “What is this? Brewing Day Camp? I’m supposed to babysit the Brockton kids?” He glared at her, making her blink in the glare of his bright, steely blue gaze. Eli Buchanan was larger than life. At least six foot five, with long blonde hair held back by a small piece of leather. Clad in light blue jeans and a Brockton Brewing grey t-shirt, the span of his shoulders and definition of his torso forced an exhale from Lori’s lips. He kept quiet as her eyes took him in, from rubber boot clad feet to the light red hair covering his jaw. “Well? See anything you like?”

“Uh, no, I mean, it’s not camp. I mean, you are…I’m…” she stuttered, then stopped. The man stood stock still, glaring as if challenging her. She stood up straighter. “I’m here for the next six months to learn this part of the business. You know, so I can be your boss someday.” The man frowned at her. She frowned back.

Then he tilted his head back and laughed, stepped into her personal space and smacked her ass so hard she yelped. “I look forward to that day girl Brockton. Yes, I do.” A couple of the men started forward as if to protect her but she waved them back. This asshole had another thing coming if he thought she’d be intimidated by him. As much as she might have been at one point, something about him was as non-threatening as Garrett, but in a different way—a much more spine-tingling way.

The following ten hours of back breaking work nearly made her throw in the towel. But after an hour scraping out the last of a twenty barrel’s worth of wet, heavy spent mash—the leftover grains from a batch of beer made on their smaller system, she felt sore as hell, but invigorated. The smells, sounds and sights of this place, the heartbeat of the entire operation, the reason all three hundred of her father’s employees came to work every day, this she loved.

“Brockton!” An angry voice behind her made her jump and turn. Wet, sticky malt grains dripped from her face where she’d accidently splashed some onto herself as she cleaned out the large vessel. She swiped at them, smearing even more of the mess across her cheeks. Without warning, Eli wiped her face with a clean white towel, his touch surprisingly tender, lingering longer than necessary. But his frown stayed stuck in place. She stepped away from him even though her body reacted, compelling her to move closer.

“Some guy in a tie is looking for you,” he jerked a thumb over his shoulder but didn’t move. Lori had no experience with hypnosis, but she’d swear at that moment he’d done it to her. They locked eyes, then the sound of harder heeled shoes on the concrete floor forced her look past him. Garrett’s bright smile was familiar, yet strange in the highly charged environment.

“I’m actually here to see you, Eli.” Garrett stuck out a hand and the other man looked at it, glancing over to Lori then back over before gripping it without a smile. “Glad to have you on board.”

Eli took his hand back, and swiped at it with the towel he’d used on her face. If he noticed the rude gesture, Garrett didn’t indicate it in the slightest. Impressed, Lori moved a step closer to him and glared at the tall, blonde man.

Eli shot her an unfathomable look, but spoke to Garrett. “Sorry, but no suits in the brewery. Wouldn’t want to get you messy.” He walked away, waving over his shoulder. “Glad to be on board, boss, thanks.” The sarcasm dripped from his words like venom. Garrett turned to her, his handsome face calm, as if the odd exchange with the rude employee had never happened.

My Review:
Paradise Hops is a thoroughly delightful contemporary romance that is had me laughing and crying as I read. Ms. Crowe writes a more true to life romance about 3 damaged souls who find themselves in a love triangle. The book has steamy sex scenes, poignant moments where each character has some part of the past they must overcome and a few tear jerker moments as well.

I Liked Lori and I liked Garrett but I fell in love with Eli right away. I have a soft spot for the bad boy in every story and Eli fits the bill to a T.

I enjoyed this book a great deal and sat down and devoured the entire book in one day. I loved the way you could feel a family connection when Ms. Crowe wrote about the family run micro-brewery and the people who worked there. I loved following the story as Lori overcame past issues and had to deal with new ones, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how this could have a HEA.
I give Paradise Hops red roses!

AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town. Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author.

When she isn’t sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.

Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)

Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices. Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.
www.lizcrowe.com
www.brewingpasssion.com
www.a2beerwench.com
www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
www.twitter.com/beerwencha2
www.facebook.com/romanceforreallife
www.facebook.com/jackgordonrealtor

Review: Riding her Tiger by Doris O'Connor

Title: Riding her Tiger
Author: Doris O'Connor
ebook only
Published: May 1st 2012
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Series: Club Ink #1
58 pages






Blurb:
Can one night change your life forever?

Estelle has been lusting after her kinky boss Nathan for ages, but how do you snare a much older Dom? You enlist the help of the internet.

Matched to exploration facilitator Ink, Estelle explores her submissive fantasies to the full. When online sex turns into a real life ménage, will a case of mistaken identity ruin her chances with Nathan?

Or will the shifter claim his mate?


My Review:
When I write my review I want to tell you enough about a book that you will get a eel for if you will love it or not want to bother without giving away the book and spoiling it for you, The shorter the book the harder this can be. This is fair warning as to why this review may be shorter than average.
Yes I am on of those people who don't want to know whats in the Christmas present, I love the surprise.

On to my review, Estelle has wanted her boss for ever but Nathan is into the BDSM lifestyle pretty heavy and that is something that Estelle has never gotten into. However she is willing to try so that she can get her bosses attention now that he is single.

Estelle decides the best way is to have some instruction and introduction to the lifestyle before she approaches Nathan so she doesn't look like a fool. She is to meet up with Ink and have that instruction.

All of this could be just another BDSM romance but this one has a twist, the characters are shifters, now that could make things feel unnatural (hehe unnatural paranormal romance) but Ms. O'Connor has made this all mesh together into a well written story that is as hot as Malibu during wildfire season.

I would have loved to have seen a longer story out of these characters, however there is a second book in the series. So sit back, take some me time, fill up a bubble bath or hide in the back yard for a little bit and enjoy the hot sexy tiger shifters, the BDSM and the menage scene that will have you reaching for a cold drink.

Riding Her Tiger gets Red Roses from me!

Review & Tour Giveaway: Beautiful Ink by L.C. Dean

Beautiful Ink (Sturgis Rally Riders #4)
by L.C. Dean
Published by Decadent Publishing
5,000 words (eBook format)
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Contains Elements of BDSM and Light Bondage
Heat Level: Sizzling


Available at:
Decadent
Amazon
B&N


Blurb:
Too many days of living on soda and energy drinks have left Ink Monroe too keyed up to sleep. She needs a good ride to release her sexual tension so she can get some rest, but when the perfect hottie turns her down flat, she’s too pissed to keep looking.

Hooking up with a stranger is not Jet Ryan’s style, but when he rescues the beautiful tattoo artist from the groping hands of a drunk, his personal boundaries fall to a desire to make her scream. He just needs to get past her anger, prove he’s not a serial killer, and show her what letting go is all about.

My Review:
Beautiful Ink is a fun, quick and very hot read! It has bikers, babes and bondage what else could you want? Jet lives near Sturgis so he is less than impressed by bike week, Ink owns her own traveling tattoo parlor that she has set up for bike week. When they meet it isn't love at first sight but lust is in the air and they soon find themselves headed to her trailer. As I said it's a short read but perfect if you need a quick fix before bed or while waiting for an appointment. I enjoyed this fun short story, it was funny, inviting and hot, hot, hot! I give it red roses!

This is a tour wide giveaway so be sure to stop by the other stops HERE
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

“You okay?”

She rolled her big eyes and righted her clothing while he mentally stripped her naked. “I could have handled him.”
“I’m sure you could have.” With a snort at the ludicrous statement and his own less-than-courteous response to her, he moved on but turned back. “You might want to head to Junction or Lazelle. It’s safer in the center of the action, even if you can take care of yourself.”

She flew him the bird and bent from the waist to straighten her fuck-me boots. “When I need your help, I’ll ask for it.”

His cock rose to full attention at the sight of her rounded ass peeking from beneath the short leather skirt. Was she stupid or just stubborn? He stormed back and grabbed the girl’s arm, pulling her down the street toward the bright lights. “If you want to get fucked, that’s one thing, but if you stay out here, dressed like a two-bit whore, you’re gonna get more than you bargained for. I’m not going to be responsible for you getting raped.”

Slapping at his arm, she tried to twist away. “Unless you’re doing the raping, I can’t see how it’s your business.”

He spun around and caught her wrist, jerking her against his chest. “You made it my business when you offered yourself in front of a balcony full of drunken men too far from their own realities to give a shit about right and wrong.”

She stilled as though his words had finally sunk in. Her eyes shone in the dim light.

His cock rose to full attention at the sight of her rounded ass peeking from beneath the short leather skirt. Was she stupid or just stubborn? He stormed back and grabbed the girl’s arm, pulling her down the street toward the bright “Are you crying?” He brought a hand up to cup her cheek.

“Hell no!” She tugged against his hold. “Let go of me!”

Jet moved away, hands spread wide. “You got it, honey. Have a good night.”

Before he could leave, he heard a sharp intake of air. “Answer a question for me first.”

He waited, uncertain what she wanted.

She wobbled, a bit unsteady on the high boots. “Why not?”

It was such a simple question. His cock wanted an answer; still he played dumb. “Why not what?”

She glared at him then looked down at her smoking hot body. “What’s wrong with me?”

Aw shit. He hated it when a woman pulled that crap. It never failed to get to him no matter how many times he told himself it was manipulative mumbo jumbo. “Not a thing and you know it. You’re just looking for some sap to tell you so.”

Her chin quivered for a moment before she flipped her braid over her shoulder. She had pretty breasts. Not huge but not tiny and they stood up nicely with only the light strings of her top to hold them in place. “Does your mother know what an ass she raised?”

Jet closed the distance between them. “Does your daddy know you’re out here begging for a stranger’s cock?”

Her lower lip disappeared behind her top teeth. She looked about to burst into full blown tears, but her spine straightened and she blinked away the sign of weakness. “Fuck you and the fucking horse you rode in on, you sanctimonious prick.”
God, she was beautiful. So lush and vulnerable and spirited. He didn’t think of the consequences before he swept an arm around her waist and jerked her to his chest. Her high heels sent her stumbling against him. Jet captured her mouth before she could protest. He deepened the kiss, and the taste of chocolate and a hint of wine hit his tongue. With a groan he lifted her higher until his swollen cock pressed to her heat. She smelled and tasted sweeter than any woman he’d ever had. He couldn’t get enough. He wrapped her braid around his wrist and tugged her head back to gain greater access to her lips and throat. Rising to her toes, she rubbed against him and rewarded him with a soft cry.

He fought for breath, for reason, for anything besides the burning lust she fired inside him. He did not lose control, did not fall for the tricks of lovely, brown-eyed strangers no matter how sexy they were. But for her—for her he feared he would crawl across fire if it meant she would praise him for the effort.

About the Author:
Although L.C. currently resides in Minnesota, South Dakota remains home on many levels and will forever hold a place in her heart. She loves to write but her day job keeps her from it more often than she would like. If you get a moment, drop her a note. She always loves to hear from readers.

Contact L.C. at:
The Hangout (blog)
Twitter
Facebook

ARC Review: The Importance of Being Wicked by Miranda Neville

Title: The Importance of Being Wicked
Author: Miranda Neville
384 pages
Expected publication: November 27th 2012
Publisher: Avon





The rules of society don't apply to Caro and her coterie of bold men and daring women. But when passions flare, even the strongest will surrender to the law of love...

Thomas, Duke of Castleton, has every intention of wedding a prim and proper heiress. That is, until he sets eyes on the heiress's cousin, easily the least proper woman he's ever met. His devotion to family duty is no defense against the red-headed vixen whose greatest asset seems to be a talent for trouble...

Caroline Townsend has no patience for the oh-so-suitable (and boring) men of the ton. So when the handsome but stuffy duke arrives at her doorstep, she decides to put him to the test. But her scandalous exploits awaken a desire in Thomas he never knew he had. Suddenly Caro finds herself falling for this most proper duke...while Thomas discovers there's a great deal of fun in a little bit of wickedness.

This is the first of a four book series centered around a group of badly behaved late-Georgian art collectors. *Goodreads Synopsis*


*My Review*
We first meet Thomas and Caro when Thomas comes to call on Caro's cousin Anne whom Caro is chaperoning. The spark between Thomas and Caro is immediate but they are so vastly different that neither thinks that the spark will go anywhere. Thomas is all about doing his duty to marry a wealthy heiress and Caro still clings to her deceased husbands friends and their comparatively wild lifestyle.

I loved Thomas right away he is the good boy who has a wild side hidden within and he also is willing to do whatever it takes to be with the woman he loves. He is there for Caro through thick and thin and is willing to take down anyone he sees as trying to harm her. He is Sir Stuffy in shining armor! (okay Caro calls him Lord Stuffy so I took a little creative licence with his title :O) )

Caro I could identify with on many levels, she is the rebellious child (so was I), She will do things just to upset her mother who wants her to be more proper and less scandalous, she even went so far as at 17 she eloped to Gretna Green with her late husband. In order to deal with the grief of losing her husband so young she has walled away all the bad about their marriage and only dwells on and thinks of the good.

With Caros huge debt and her ability to get herself and those around her into all sorts of trouble and Thomas with his need to marry well and avoid scandal you would think these two could never make it work however with Thomas's love and devotion Caro finally is able to let herself grieve and fall in love again.

As I said I love love love Thomas, at times I found Caro a trial I wanted to shake her and tell her she was being stupid. But then that is just a mark of Ms. Neville's work that I was able to feel the characters and relate to them and fall right into the story. This is the first of a 4 part series and I will look forward to the next one to see if this series is as good as The Burgundy Club Series.
I give this a red roses rating!

Love's Debt Review & tour wide giveaway

Looking for the Naughty or Nice bloghop post

Author: Rachel Brimble
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Length: 91 pages
Genres: Historical Romance

*BUY LINK*
The Wild Rose Press - Love's Debt

The Rafflecopter giveaway is tour wide so be sure to catch the other blogs to better your chances http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/scheduled-vbt-loves-debt-by-rachel.html

*BLURB*
To keep herself from the depths of poverty, Milly Shepherd needs to be appointed manager of the Red Lion Tavern. The elderly owner is in failing health and has promised her the job permanently if no one more suitable applies. Milly will fight with her entire being to make the job her own.

Joseph Jacobs needs to supplement his income to pay off his father’s creditors and save him from debtor’s prison. Though the job as manager of the local tavern looks promising, Milly is favored by both the owner and customers. Instead, Joseph swallows his pride and agrees to tend bar.

As they work together, their attraction grows, their goals cross, and both Millie and Joseph find they must face their fears …the question is whether they face them alone or together?

*My Review*
Milly Shepherd has know poverty, she has worked hard to bring herself and her mother and sister out of the depths of the slums to where she now has a good job and the money to take care of her family.

Joseph Jacobs was raised with wealth until his fathers gambling first drove his mother away and now his father has creditors after him while Joseph works two jobs to try to keep him out of prison.

The sparks between Milly and Joseph are immediate and they build quickly, Joesph is a good honorable man and Milly is a smart and hard working woman. From the beginning you are rooting for them to make a go of it.

I have to say I am so glad I don't live in 1890! I know there are very few of us who aren't acquainted with at least some debt, however we no longer have the threat of debtors prison hanging over us. Debtors prisons were horrible places that people usually died while hoping for someone to pay their debt. This is the threat hanging over Joseph's father. It makes for a compelling story.

This short novel was written well, developed well and the characters are likable and realatable (that's a word right, it is now!) I give this book red roses!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*EXCERPT*
“No, I take it from here.” His jaw tightened. “I mean it, Milly. I don’t want you in there.”

“Why are we arguing about this? I thought we’d built a trust between us.”

His gaze darted over her face, lingered at her lips. “This has nothing to do with trust.”

“Then what?”

“Pride. If I haven’t got that…if I’ve stooped so low as to put a woman at risk, then there’s no point in going on at all. I won’t do it, Milly. I won’t expose you to whatever is behind that door. If you can’t stay here, then go back to the tavern. I’ll see you there shortly.”

His face was set, his shoulders stiff and Milly’s irritation grew. She poked a finger into his chest. It was like iron. She swallowed. “Have you heard the saying, pride before a fall?” He nodded. “Good, because if people don’t reach out to other people, Joseph Jacobs, they fall further than ever with nobody there to catch them.”

“Milly--”

She raised her hand. “Go. Do what you want. I’ve got more important things to worry about that a man full of so much pride, he looks fit to burst.”

Turning, Milly gripped her bag tightly in her hand and strode away. She did not look back, and she didn’t stop walking. Her stupid heart had let her down. Made her get involved in a man’s life and begin to care about him. Well, the buck stopped there. No more. If Joseph Jacobs ever needed her help again, he could take a long walk off the dock.

Blinking against the rare sting of tears, she tilted her chin and retraced her steps across town. Her shift at the tavern started in an hour’s time, but that didn’t matter; there was always plenty to be done and at least there, she was appreciated. Joseph certainly didn’t see what was right in front of his damn face.

Yet each step that took her across town weighed heavier and heavier. She’d seen where he and his father lived. It was little better than a hovel. She’d seen the newspapers stuffed around the window frames in an attempt to keep out the cold, the bare floorboards, and thick layers of soot from the fireplace spilling into the room. The landlady should be seeing to that, all of it. Bitter resentment furled in Milly’s stomach as her past flashed through her mind. She’d pulled her family from the gutter, and the future looked brighter than ever before.

Which didn’t help the nagging feeling that she could do more—wanted to do more to help Joseph. But she couldn’t. It would mean putting a hold on her own plans. All for a man she had hardly known more than two weeks.

She curled her hands into fists. This feeling inside her was new. This sense of wanting to fight for someone outside of her family. How had it gotten like this? To kiss him was bad enough, but to have this…this fear for him? That scared her more than anything.

*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*
Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle, of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

*Contact Rachel*
Website - http://www.rachelbrimble.com
Blog - http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/rachelbrimble or @rachelbrimble
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441
Happy Reading, Carin

Devils Mountain VBT, Review & Giveaway

Looking for the Naughty or Nice bloghop post

Title: Devil's Mountain (Devlin Legacy #1)
Author: Bernadette Walsh
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Length: 122 pages
Genres: Paranormal/Fantasy Romance (Horror)
Heat Level: Steamy

AVAILABLE AT
Amazon
B&N
iTunes
All Romance eBooks


*BLURB*
You will hate Him for all that he's taken, but you will love Him. God help you, you will love Him.

Mary Devlin accepted her fate years ago, to serve Slanaitheoir, the mountain spirit who saved her ancestors from the Irish Famine. The hauntingly beautiful woman submitted to His every caress, His every humiliation, but He’s gone too far by threatening her family.

Mary’s daughter-in-law is now an unwitting pawn in the fickle spirit’s game. Mary must challenge her fate and that of all future Devlin women, but Slanaitheoir is the most powerful being in the land. And when part of her still yearns for His touch and love, how can she fight him and win?



*Review*
This book was billed as horror/paranormal and while not a huge horror fan I thought what the heck. I am glad I did it is a unique combination that follows 5 Irish families and the deal they make with the mountain spirit to survive.
Rather than start at the beginning or the end this book starts in the middle and then you go back to get the back story and then forward to finish the book. I thought this was a very good way to give you the information and back story without trying to dump it on. The focus of this book is on the women because it's the women who have sacrificed to keep there end of the bargain.

The characters are well developed and the the story while the beginning of a series doesn't leave you with a cliffhanger ending. While being told from multiple points of view it as a rule is not hard to follow. Overall it is well written and an enjoyable read. I give this book red roses.

R-RATED EXTENDED EXCERPT:
Marcie, one of the Wanna-Be Manhattan Moms who had also experienced success, lived a few blocks away on East 85th Street. A group of successful Wanna-Be Manhattan Moms had formed a little Upper East Side sorority. We would go to Mommy-and-Me classes, play dates and at times babysat for each other. I’m not sure exactly what happened to the not-so-successful Wanna-Be Manhattan Moms. None of us mentioned them.

Marcie agreed to babysit Aidan while I went to my acupuncture appointment at the Yorktown Natural Fertility Clinic. Bobby refused to go back to the New York Infertility Institute. In fact, it was all I could do to convince him not to use condoms. “I’ve got my beautiful wife and my beautiful son,” he said in a sing-song voice whenever I raised the topic of another child. “That’s all I want. That’s all I need.”

Why wasn’t that all I needed?

The first few months of Aidan’s life, I was completely satisfied. I’d never been so happy or imagined I could be so happy.

But then, the old familiar niggling started. I’d take Aidan in his stroller through Central Park and see a woman pushing twins in a stroller. Or a mother holding the hands of a small boy and a girl. And I would get that sour taste in my mouth, the same one I had tasted for years whenever I saw a pregnant woman.

And so it began.

I couldn’t very well steal a vial of Bobby’s sperm and take it with me back to Dr. Feinberg’s office. But we had, somehow, managed to conceive Aidan on our own. Perhaps with some Chinese herbs and acupuncture we could conceive again. Marcie swore by acupuncture, and after she had been thrown out of two Manhattan IVF clinics she tried traditional Chinese medicine and conceived her own miracle baby. Why couldn’t I too, conceive a little miracle baby with the help of magic teas and shiny needles?

Just one more, I thought to myself as I opened the heavy glass doors of the Yorktown Natural Fertility Clinic. “Just one more miracle. And then. Then I’ll be happy and content.”

I promise, I silently swore to God, the universe or whoever else might be listening to my thoughts.

***

A row of needles lined my bare stomach. They were in my ears, on my wrists and even between my toes. The acupuncturist, a hippy-looking woman in her mid-fifties with frizzy red hair, twisted the needles between my toes once more before she lowered the lights and left the room.

The first five minutes were always the hardest. Inevitably at least one of the needles would burn. Dr. Hippy-Dippy said that meant it was working. It was all I could do not to rip the offending thing out.

I breathed in and out slowly, and tried to focus on my breathing, on anything rather than the needles. As I lay in the darkened room, with only the sound of a small fan to block out the traffic from Second Avenue, my shoulders, which had felt like they were jacked up below my ears, relaxed. I continued my purposeful breathing and closed my eyes.

Someone took my hand. I opened my eyes and was no longer on the table, but clothed in a long red robe and standing in a forest. And the most beautiful man held my hand.

“My love,” He said, His voice harsh and guttural. And somehow familiar.

A lone ray of sunlight made its way through the heavy woods and shone on His black hair. His pale skin glowed and His jade eyes glittered in the low light. They drew me in.

Without another word He led me to a roaring fire outside of a cave. The fire was hot, and a small bead of sweat formed on my upper lip. The man unbuttoned the red robe and took it from my shoulders. Underneath I wore only a thin sheath of white silk that hid nothing from His probing gaze.

I should have been embarrassed, but the hungry look in His hypnotic eyes stirred a fire within me. With a finger, he gently followed the lines of my plump, full breast.

“So ripe,” He whispered in a harsh rasp. “So fertile.”

That word hit me like a hard slap. I turned away. “No,” I choked out, “I’m not.”

He pulled me to Him, His lips mere inches from my own. His musky breath filled my

nose. “You could be.” His lips covered mine. At first soft, like the finest silk, but then more forceful, moreurgent. My passion soon met His and I couldn’t help but run my fingers through His magical hair as he devoured my lips.

He tore the sheath in two and it fell away from me, leaving me naked. His green gaze bore through me, and it was almost as if I could feel the very cells of my body change. My breasts felt heavier and skin softer, my lips fuller. It was as if He transferred His own beauty to me. I ran my hands across my face first, and then my breasts, my nipples, taut and tender. Instead of being embarrassed, I reveled in my newfound beauty.

My skin was hot but His hands were hotter and they almost burned my flesh as they explored every inch of me. Every touch brought both pleasure and pain.
I pulled at His golden shirt, eager to see all of Him and He seemed surprised by my daring, my need for Him. He smiled, like a wolf about to catch His prey, and ripped the silk from His body as well.

This nameless man pushed me onto the soft grass beside the fire. Starting at my toes, His scalding tongue sucked and bit me. As He traveled up my calf and along my thighs, I trembled, not with fear, but with a hunger I’d never felt before. A ravenous, ancient hunger.

He spread my legs and His rough, scalding tongue explored me, possessed me. Before I could climax, He stopped.

“Don’t,” I begged. “Don’t stop.” His animal gaze bored into me. “Are you mine?” I threw my head back and arched my back, inviting Him to enter me. “Yes, yes. Go on!”

“Are you mine? Will you give me what I want?”

My skin was on fire, dying for His touch. “Anything,” I moaned.

A terrible smile contorted His beautiful face. “Don’t you want to know what I want?”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I rubbed myself against Him. “Anything. You can have
anything.”

“I want you to have my child. I want to share the blood with you.”

I don’t know where I got the strength, but I pushed Him off me. He lay on his back, more surprised than hurt. His eyes darkened, but before He could get up I pounced on him, lowering my swollen sex onto Him, allowing Him to fill me. I ground into Him and felt Him grow even larger within me. I rocked back and forth, overcome with ripples of orgasms as I fucked Him, as hard as I could. Like a woman possessed.

Like an animal.

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http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/2012/09/scheduled-vbt-devils-mountain-devlin.html
Follow the tour at these other blogs for more entries to win

*AUTHOR BIO*
Bernadette Walsh has been writing contemporary and paranormal romance for four years. She has published three novels to date (The House on Prospect (Echelon Press) and Gold Coast Wives (Lyrical Press)) and the first book of her paranormal trilogy, Devil’s Mountain -- Book One of the Devlin Legacy. While Bernadette has hopped around genres, all of her books to date have a common theme: strong women handling what life throws at them the best way they can.


Website
Twitter: @BWalshWriter
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A Journey in Time by Chris Karlsen Review and Giveaway

Looking for the Naughty of Nice blog hop post?

Knights in Time book 2

London attorney, Shakira Constantine finally agrees to spend the day with her handsome client, Alex Lancaster. While riding in the countryside, the couple finds themselves caught in a time warp and transported back to the 14th century- and an England preparing for war. Everyone believes Alex is the Baron Guy Guisard, a baron who died in the upcoming battle.

If they can't find a way to return to the 21st Century, Alex will have to sail with the army to certain death. Shakira will be left alone to survive in the alien and terrifying medieval world.

*Excerpt*

"Alex, what is going on?" she asked in a frenzied whisper.

"Shh." After they mounted, Alex sidled over, so close their boots touched. "We're riding into a very perilous situation. I'll explain everything when we're alone. Your life, my life," he stressed, "depends on you being quiet until then."

Confused, it took Shakira a few seconds before she nodded yes.

"Remember what I told you," he warned and trotted ahead to chat with the knight he called Simon.

*My Review*
While this is the second book in the series there is no reason this can't be read as a stand alone book, the novel is a story in and of itself.

Shakira Constantine has worked her behind off to become the successful attorney she has become. From delaying her social life in college to make the best grades to not pursuing the handsome Alex Lancaster, the music producer her friend Miranda keeps trying to fix her up with.

Alex Lancaster is a playboy, he knows it but he finds that it is a regrettable reality when you date women then they want to get "serious" and he isn't able to put himself through the loss of so much ever again.

This story is a great mix of love, sexual tension, medieval knights, time travel and a great bit of humor thrown in to make it a delightful read. In the story we get to know Alex and Shakira is what has to be some of the strangest circumstances for a first date ever to befall a couple.

We get to meet Alex the modern day music producer as well as Guy the medieval knight and see how the two are connected through time and how Shakira comes to fall in love with him. The story is equal parts medieval romance and contemporary romance with a dash of astrophysics just to keep things fun.

Chris Karlsen has a great sense of humor and it comes through in this book in funny situations, comments as well as some well placed snark!
I enjoyed this book very much and give it a rating of red roses

Chris will be giving away a digital copy of her thriller, "Golden Chariot" to one randomly drawn commenter at every stop, and a $50 Amazon gift card to another randomly drawn commenter during the tour
So be sure to follow the tour either at Goddess Fish Promotions or the links below
September 24: My Reading Obsession
September 25: Reviews by Molly
September 26: The Bunny's Review
September 27: PROMO Traditional Romance for Modern Women
September 27: Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem
September 28: It's Raining Books

Author Bio:
I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.


Links: http://www.chriskarlsen.com/index.html
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chriskarlsenwriter
http://pinterest.com/chriskarlsen/



Happy Reading, Carin

The Pirates of Vampire Island (Steamy Voyages #1) $25 Givaway & review

Be sure to enter the rafflecopter drawing at the end of this post for a chance to win a $25 Gift Card from the author, be sure to follow the tour to enter and increase your chances.

Series: Steamy Voyages, Series #1
Author: Phoenix and Lover Boy
Publisher: Self (Amazon and B&N)
Length: 61,700 words
Genres: Paranormal Romance (Adventure)
Heat Level: Sizzling


AVAILABLE AT:
Amazon and B&N


*Author Blurb*:
Pretty Jane O'Doherty always chooses the wrong kind of guys. Her specialty seems to be guys who have serious flaws and who break her heart.
Her last breakup was a year ago and still she can hear his final words, "I'm sorry, Jane. I've found someone else."
A 30-day cruise through the exotic Indonesian Islands with her best friend seems like the perfect distraction to mend her broken heart.

On board, she meets devastatingly gorgeous Nick, who attracts women in droves, including our lovely Jane.
And she meets Peter, who is the cute geek with puppy dog eyes.
Will either one just lead to another broken heart?
Should she run the other way from them both and just enjoy the cruise?
But before Jane can decide, the ship is attacked by modern day pirates.

Unlike the pirates of old, these guys are vampires and are more interested in human treasure than gold and jewels.
They take over the ship and take twelve women hostage.
And the handsome pirate leader—with eerie chalk-white skin, and red eyes, is looking for a special prize. He wants a woman for his mate and queen . . .

Jane catches his eye, but she, along with Nick and Peter, manage to escape in a lifeboat and onto the open sea.
They drift for fourteen days before finally finding an island.
But the fates are cruel, and their island turns out to be the home of the pirates and the lair of the Vampire.

The Pirates of Vampire Island is non-stop action . . . filled with adventure, suspense . . . and steamy romance.

*My Review*
What a better way to get over a broken heart than to go on a fun cruise and learn to scuba, at least that is what Jane has convinced herself. With cute single men she and beautiful places to scuba Jane is trying to get over the fact she has horrible taste in men and the latest has broken her heart. When the hottest man on board takes an interest in Jane she is thirlled, she also meets an adorable, shy man who knows some of everything. When the 3 of them are stranded on an island peoples true colors begin to show.

Of all of the island that the could land on some how they end up on the same one as the pirates that took over the ship, vampires if Peter is to be believed. As we learn more about Peter, Jane and Nick through the exciting and sometimes frightening adventure they have in trying to save themselves, and the captives from the cruise ship, Love starts to bloom and strengths that Jane never new she has are shown.
I love that Jane has the chance to pick between Mr Hot and Super Geek and that she becomes a strong woman who is able to realize her own worth.

The imagery and the setting is so well written that you can picture the island, the cruise ship, the vampires and the characters with absolute clarity. I felt like that the author was describing real places and events they were so well written. I loved the love story that developed but would loved to have seen more of a true break from the "other guy", not the villain but the other man. It seemed like there was just something missing when Jane finally decides.
I love that the ending included a HEA but also left you ready for the next book, Overall a well written, short novel with the set up for a series. I give this my second highest rating of red roses.

*Excerpt*
A warm wind fanned my face. I watched the colorful flags wave in the breeze, as our sleek cruise ship, The Jakarta, cut through the Southeast Asian waters.
We had boarded the cruise in Bali. Yesterday, we stopped at Komodo Island for diving, sightseeing, and ogling the famous Komodo dragons. Now we were sailing due east through the Flores Sea. I was so looking forward to seeing some of the thousands of large and small islands, each exotic and mysterious, with strange creatures, amazing fish and birds, impenetrable rainforests, and people who still lived in the stone age.
The ship was a small luxury liner that held ninety passengers and a crew of thirty. And though the posh thirty-day cruise was a beacon for singles looking to be pampered, the main billing was its stops to scuba-dive off a few of the seventeen thousand islands of the Indonesian Archipelago – our ultimate destination the Forgotten Islands in the Banda Sea.
They would even teach us how to scuba for free; I had always wanted to learn. I tried it yesterday and was hooked.
I left the deck and went back to my cabin, which I shared with my best friend, Remy. She had dresses and shoes all over her bunk. I plopped down on mine and sighed.
"What're you going to wear tonight?" she asked as she grabbed another dress and held it up to her, turning this way and that in front of the mirror.
"I don't know. I don't feel very social today. Maybe I'll just order something and eat here. And read."
"Which one?"
"Which one, what?" I asked.
"Dress … dress."
"Oh yeah, dress. I like the red one on you. Looks great with your blonde hair."
"Done." She started hanging the other gowns. "Wasn't that guy last night tasty?"
"Who? The one every girl's eyes were glued to?"
"No. No. Who can be interested in a guy who attracts woman in packs? No, the one last night at dinner. With the green eyes and sweet smile. Zack."
"Oh, yeah. Nice."
Actually, the guy who attracted every female on the ship had also attracted me. I had seen him by the pool with his ever-present fan club. The guy had it all. A classic Greek face, black curly hair, olive complexion – probably never visited by a zit. Fabulous build. He seemed to be charming the knickers off every young woman aboard. Maybe that's what my bad mood's about, I thought. Being attracted to the gorgeous guy started me thinking about Tony again – and the phrase that runs over and over in my head – "Jane, I'm sorry. But I've found someone else."

I hadn't been attracted to a man since my fiancé left me for another girl a year ago. You get burned, and you stay away from the stove.
I sighed. I had to stop this. I jumped off my bed. "I need to shake this off. How about a swim?
"Sure."
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*About the Author*
I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in California. I came from a long line of Americans who were pioneers and individualists. The family tree is filled with rugged people: rough coal miners, pioneers, and farmers living in log cabins in the early west. I wrote A Whisper from Eden, A Historical Fantasy, but like to write in several genres.

Lover Boy (aka my husband) was born and raised in Anaheim, California and wishes to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want anyone to know he likes to write romance novels. (Let's keep his secret.)

We wrote THE PIRATES OF VAMPIRE ISLAND, A Paranormal Romantic Thriller (Steamy Voyages #1). And we are working the sequel to Steamy Voyages and a dystopian thriller, The Trash Pile People. We live in Hollywood with our ornery tomcat, Snickers.

Website: http://www.fictionbyphoenix.com
E-mail: read@booksbyphoenix.com
Twitter: @PhoenixRead
Goodreads: Phoenix Reads
Facebook Page: Fiction by Phoenix
Facebook Profile: Lee Jordan
Pinterest: Lee Jordan
Amazon Author Central: Amazon.com/author/phoenixread
Amazon Reviews by Phoenix Profile Page: http://amzn.to/P8T5QD

*Follow the rest of the tour*
Sept 17: Shah Wharton's WordsinSync (Guest Post/Review)
Sept 18: My Reading Obsession (Review)
Sept 28: Night Owl Reads (Guest Post)
Sept 28: SnifferWalk (Author Interview)
Oct 3: Kristy Centeno (Guest Post)
Oct 4: Carly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romance (Guest Post)
Oct 5: Reading with Holly (Author Interview/Guest Post)
Oct 6: Sapphyria's Steamy Book Reviews (Guest Post)
Oct 8: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess (Guest Post/Review)
Oct 9: Harlie's Books (Guest Post/Review)
Oct 9: For The Love of Reading (Review)

ARC Book Review: Something Witchy This Way Comes by H.P. Mallory

For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight.

At least Jolie has her soul mate (and finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.
*Author Blurb*

Book 5 Jolie Wilkins Series

With her beginnings in a humble fortunetelling shop to finding out she is a witch, from being crowned queen of the underworld to time travel, with Jolie Wilkins you never know whats going to happen to her next. With her one true love finally at her side, and aren't we glad that is all worked out now and Jolie is finally with Rand (with Sinjin finally back to just friend status). Now as if she can just take care of the Lurkers problem life would be grand.

Once again J.P. Mallory takes us into the crazy, mixed up world of Jolie Wilkins, Ms. Mallory has done a fantastic job creating that world and bringing us into Jolie's life and into her head.
With witches, warlocks, vampires, fairies and even a prophetess it could be easy to get lost and confused but the story is so well wtitten that never happens. Ms. Mallory makes sure that Jolie leads a wild and exciting life where anything can happen and usually does but through it all it is written in a way that you never lose track of the characters of the role they play in Jolie's life. The history, the environment and the back story all work in seamlessly while the story is exciting, funny and always has a element of suspense.

These novels are written as part of a series and while you can read them as stand alone I wouldn't. My reasons are simple I am totally OCD about reading things in order. To me I pick up little things as each story builds on the next and so when I read the next one I am able to understand the context of a situation or a scene.
As I said this is not required just recommended ;0)

So for this latest in the fantastic adventure of Jolie Wilkins I give Something Witchy This Way Comes Red roses

Happy Reading, Carin
RRC copy recieved from Edelwiess

Review: An Illicit Temptation a novella by Jeannie Lin

***The novella sequel to My Fair Concubine***
Tang Dynasty China, 824 A.D.

Dao was raised as a servant, but when her half-sister flees an arranged marriage to a chieftain, Dao is sent in her place as Princess An-Ming. Such a future is better than she could have hoped for, yet she dreads a passionless union with a stranger.

Taken as a virtual hostage to the Imperial court, Kwan-Li is torn between his people and his duty to the emperor. He is bound by honor to escort the princess safely across the wild and untamed steppe, but the greatest danger they face on the long journey may be the forbidden temptation of each other…
~Author blurb~

An Illicit Temptationis a companion piece to My Fair Concubine an while it can be read alone it is best read as the sequel it was meant to be.

Dao is thrust into a world she is ill prepared for, that of being the Princess by decree sent to be an Alliance Bride and help secure a peace treaty between her Kingdom and the neighboring one. Dao was raised as a servant because she was the daughter of the second wife in the household, as such the opportunity to be a Princess is one she isn't going to pass up even for Kwan-Li who makes her feel things she is afraid the old chieftain she promised to never will.

Kwan-Li has spent the last 12 years learning about court politics in the Tang Dynasty away from his home and his roots. He is given the job to escort the Princess to her future husband the Emperor of his people. He finds what sounded like a simple task of escorting a snobby Princess turns out to be an exercise in self control when he discovers An-Ming isn't at all like he expected, she is so much more.

When the caravan is attacked and Dao and Kwan-Li are forced into close quarters things smolder as they battle inner desires for each other and concern about the political situation they are in.

This is an extremely well written novella, I had not read My Fair Concubine at the time I read this and even not having that to understand some of the history involved in the story I was able to jump right in and read this. There is enough explanation given that you are still understood and were able to connect with Dao and Kwan-Li. You get a wonderful sense of what a full novel by Ms. Lin is like, she is able to paint a picture of the conflict between the Empires, the honor and pride of the people, the beauty of the land and the love and desire that grows and builds between Dao and Kwan-Li.
The only problem I felt with this novella is in a small way it felt like the deleted scenes of My Fair Concubine. I felt like there should have been more to the story, that I was getting the details of The Rest of the Story. Overall I would say great novella but read it as a companion not as a stand alone, I give this my second highest rating. Red Roses

Happy Reading,Carin