Monday, February 28, 2011

Bonded by Blood (Sweetblood #1) by Laurie London

Buy at Borders 






Laurie London's debut novel Bonded by Blood was more then excellent! I loved it!

McKenzie Foster -Shaw  enjoys taking pictures of new movie locations. As it just so happens today she finds herself in a very creepy cemetery. While there she comes across an injured man she wants to help. Little does she know she wont remember seeing him once this encounter is over.

Dominic Serrano is a good vampire. Now that he has caught McKenzie's scent, he has to taste her. He does in fact find the strength to stop drinking from her but only barely. He ends up giving her just a few drops of his blood to make sure she survives. Dom drops her off at her house, but will he be able to stay away?

McKenzie and Dom end up encountering each other several times and each time just gets more explosive. Not only are they attracted to each other, but come to find out they are Bonded by Blood.

Not only was this story easy to get into, but the world that London built is so hard to resist. The building of the sexual tension keeps you on your toes and plays out perfectly. The characters stand out just liked I hoped they would. Dom is not the classic male. He is more on the emotional, yet understanding side so I grew a soft spot for him fast. McKenzie is feisty and is ready to get all the answers to her questions. Although I liked McKenzie, I didn't really connect with her, but that was okay. I wasn't disappointed at all.

I absolutely loved Dom! He had a traumatic past but came out triumphant and I loved every single minute of it. I also loved him and McKenzie as a couple and how close they became. They started out slow in the whole getting to know each other and wow Dom was so good at that. Taking his sweet time....perfect. The side characters interested me more and more as it progressed. So now I really cant wait for the next release. 

The plot was very well written. It all flowed so nicely. Of course their are questions you will ask yourself but of course as in any good series you have to wait for the answers. I have a feeling the bigger picture will be more then extraordinary. I honestly cant wait to see where Laurie London will take us with the second book in this phenomenal series, Embraced by Blood, which is set to release July 2011. 

The journey that London takes you on is fantastic. This is a nice addition to all the vamp novels out there. She has earned her place up their with the best and I will continue on this ride. If you love vampires, romance, fun, and adventure this is the book for you. Happy Reading :)

The sky is falling..ok well not really, but it sure does feel like it!

Today was officially the worst day in a long time. Not only did some idiot try to file taxes in my name but decided that wasn't enough. Oh yes filed in my husbands as well. So now my plans on moving and everything else I wanted to do is now on hold. Sitting at the IRS office for over 3 hours = not fun! Just so they can tell you "this could take up to 14 weeks". Sure, take your time. I have my millions in the bank to help me with everything. The sad part is they are serious! Then having to go to the police station to file a report. Great. So not only did I miss a whole day of work, but someone decided they had a great plan going. So thank you to the system for not helping me when I filed a police report last year for the same thing! Glad to know this is where my money goes to. Now that might sound a bit bitchy but my father is a police officer (not the city I filed with) and to have not even someone in the police dept even look into it and mark my report as "info" is a slap in the face. If that officer would have done his job ...just maybe this wouldn't have happened to me a second time. I'm just throwing that out there. Be careful what you toss, even the littlest things because you never really know. *sigh* BlogBooster-The most productive way for mobile blogging. BlogBooster is a multi-service blog editor for iPhone, Android, WebOs and your desktop

Sunday, February 27, 2011

First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

"The beautiful young widow of the President of the United States thought she was free of the White House, but circumstances have forced her back into the role of the First Lady. Not for long, however, because she's made up her mind to escape -- if only for a few days -- so she can live the life of an ordinary person. All she needs is the perfect disguise...and she's just found it. As an entire nation searches for her, the First Lady teams up with an infuriatingly secretive, quietly seductive stranger and two adorable little orphaned girls in need of a family. And all together they head out across the heartland chasing their own American Dream -- on a wild journey, adventure, and glorious rebirth."




Mat used to work for a Tabloid TV Show but grew sick of it. He a had met a woman named Sandi, and they married but shortly after they were divorced. Sandi decided to keep his last name and come to find out he now has two daughters, Lucy and Button. Sandi passes away in a auto accident with Buttons real father. Since Mat is on both their birth certificates he needs to figure this all out and fast. 

Cornelia Case is the widow of President Dennis Case. The White House still wants her to continue her duty as First Lady and help the Vice President out. And that is something she does not want to do. She keeps it up as long as she can , but now its time to call it quits. Cornelia is tired of being in the public and she decides its time for a break, literally. Breaking out the White House couldn't be so easy, could it?

Cornelia meets Mat at a truck stop after her rental care is stolen from under her nose and the cash she needed. Let the adventure begin. How long is the First Lady able to evade the Secret Service?

I liked the story, but overall I just felt like I was missing something. 

The characters were the strongest when they were together, then they were alone. Cornelia was smart, wise, and goodhearted.  Mat on the other hand was macho, softhearted at times, and not interested in being a family man. Lucy was the teenager from hell, but who wouldn't be after everything she went through. Button was glue to them which I thought was super sweet due neither of them are her real parents. I was glad when Lucy comes around. 

The ending was a bit of a surprise, but overall this book is sweet, charming, and funny. Susan Elizabeth Phillips brings you not only into the White House, but shows you forever does come true.












Monday, February 21, 2011

its my birthday so how about a giveaway..









Since today is my 28th Birthday I will give away one of my favorite books to a lucky follower. All you have to do is tell me your best birthday and you could win Keri Arthur's Full Moon Rising. I love the Guardian Series and I hope you will as well.... so lets get started. This is open to the U.S. only and closes on March 1st at midnight. Good Luck!!!

Since my birthday is today, I want these new releases on 2/22

Since its my birthday today *happy dance*  I have decided to collect on my gifts tomorrow. I mean on February 22nd, killer books hit the stores. I have already read The Heiress (arc) and I am currently in the middle of Pale Demon (arc) but I still need them for my shelf. Yes I know its a problem that I am not actively working on *smirks*  and  I hope the hubby has saved up. This will cost him *grins* I am so excited to enter some new worlds and the ones I have already entered. Happy Reading!


Fated


  



 


 






 












This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 5)

Winner.....


And the Winner of  Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower is edmontonjb !! Congrats Jonnie.. your book is on its way.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Insatiable by Cari Quinn


Having all of her is the only thing that will satisfy him...

Shawn Griffin and Rachel Cooper have been best friends practically since birth, thanks to their families’ close relationship. But for the past few years, Shawn has been fantasizing about getting his best pal in his bed. When she announces she’s taking a trip to reconnect with an old lover, Shawn knows the time has come to put up or shut up. If she wants to go to New York City, fine. But he’s coming with her.

Rachel doesn’t know what to think of Shawn’s sudden interest. Determined to live life on her own terms, she refuses to fall right in line with her wealthy family’s wish that they get married and have perfect little babies. She just didn’t count on how determined her seemingly laid back -- and extremely sexy -- best friend would become after setting his sights on what he wants. Her, over and over again.

But when tragedy strikes, Rachel begins to wonder if she’ll lose not only her lover but her best friend too
If you want hot, romantic, fun and emotional this is the novella for you. Cari Quinn will take you on the sexiest roller coaster ride of your life when you get sucked into two best friends longing for each other, but who will make the first move?

Shawn Griffin is an architect who was born in California. Not only is Shawn is blessed with good looks, amazing green eyes and golden hair, but his father is the CEO of the company he works for. Shawn happens to have only one regret in life, which is the night he turned down his best friend’s proposal to become intimate. Since he turned her down when she was younger and curious she ended up in another mans arms. Shawn has been in love with Rachel forever and now it is the time to make her his.

Rachel Cooper is a middle school teacher. Rachel met Shawn just minutes after entering into this world, thanks to the lifelong friendship between both families. Shawn had become her best friend. Rachel had never considered opening up her heart to him other then just being friends but lately she has been noticing more about the man in her life who helps with all her problems. 

Rachel has been invited to New York by her high school boyfriend. This even has her thinking about rekindling what they once had. The kicker is if Rachel goes so does Shawn because he is ready to claim the woman he is in love with.
Shawn will have his work cut out for him when he follows Rachel and tries competing with her ex-boyfriend. 

Shawn is definitely swoon worthy. He is sexy, fun, sweet and determined. Rachel is strong and is ready to take on a whole new side of herself on vacation in New York. I don't want to give away to much but when they meet up in New York things tend to get a bit hot!! You might have to fan yourself ladies.

Not only does Quinn have some smoking hot sex scenes, but a wonderful storyline that you can't help but get caught up in. The characters are strong and you cant help but to be drawn to both their emotions. Sometimes I got really really frustrated with Rachel turning him down, I actually wanted to swoop in and take him for myself. *winks* It became clear why she did or said some of the things she did as the story goes on and then you help to feel a connection to her. While on vacation a  tragedy happens and now its time for Rachel to pick up the pieces and hopefully she wont loose just her lover and best friend.

I  really enjoyed Insatiable very much and I hated to see it end. I wanted more! *pouts* One thing is for sure Quinn will have turning the pages faster and faster. If this is your first Cari Quinn book I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Cari Quinn has set her bar high and I am dying to read what will come next. 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Deep in the Heat of Texas by Alta Hensley, Melissa Ecker, and Amy le Blanc

Click here to Buy
Three fabulous authors together in one book is just the beginning of this journey. I never would have thought how much fun it would be visiting Texas, but after this steamy read, visiting just sounds more and more appealing. 

Los Angeles Times reporter, Maggie Wright, is assigned to do a story on the dying dude ranch industry in the south. When the newspaper offers to foot the bill for Maggie and her two friends, Payton Evans and Sophia Foster, to stay at the legendary Weston Ranch in Valentine, Texas, they jump at the opportunity. While it's not the Caribbean cruise they wanted, how bad could it be?
Expecting a tired farm with dusty old cowpokes, the three big city friends are taken by surprise when they're each assigned to a dashing cowboy or two for some good, old fashioned ranch training and a whole lot of rough riding. Their limits are tested in ways they never imagined, both in the bedroom and out on the range. After two weeks, will the women run back to the bright lights of Los Angeles without so much as a backward glance? Or will these skilled cowboys have them longing to stay for just a little bit more of their Texas-style heat?
These three stories will heat you up. They will also make you pant and drool. Caution things do get steamy. Hensley, Ecker, and Le Blanc make you want to pack up your belongings and head to Texas right that very minute. The women in the stories were strong, educated and beautiful, but each of them missing something in their life. Going on this getaway will help them find what they have been longing for but unable to find until now. They are all different but yet the same in a way. But this trip to Texas will change them all.

I actually adore these hot cowboys. Definitely swoon worthy. Not only were they Alphas but they had good hearts. Adoring them is a understatement, their characters just tend to jump out at you with each turn of the page. They are so hot *fans self*, I couldn't help getting sucked into ranch life.
  
Hensley, Ecker, and Le Blanc can really make your heart pound and blood boil. Not only are these women talented but they bring a new excitement not only to the erotic genre but the romance genre as well. They give you hot and heavy attraction and passion. And a happy ending is guaranteed. I loved the fact it wasn't so far fetched and it was nicely detailed. Everything blended together perfectly so while reading it had a nice flow. I found myself not being able to put it down.

Deep in the Heat of Texas will knock your socks off. Overall I really loved and enjoyed this book. I recommend it not only for Valentines Day but all year long. The sex is swoon and drool worthy. I hope in the future they will do another book.  And after reading this I never wanted a cowboy so much *smiles sweetly*  So saddle up and enjoy the ride of this Texas ranch.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Givaway, Giveaway, Giveaway...


I was lucky enough to be able to host my first giveaway for the much anticipated  Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower which is set to release on March 8th. One lucky commenter will Win!!! This is open to the US/Canada Only. This giveaway will close on February 16th at midnight... Good Luck!





In 1492, when Ferdinand and Isabella expel the Jews from Spain, six year old Esther Sarfati finds herself travelling to Rome to join her father, a successful banker who has helped his fellow Spaniard, Rodrigo Borgia, finance his bid for the Papacy. Nine years later, as Pope Alexander VI, he repays the favour by offering Esther a place in the household of his daughter, Lucrezia, who is about to marry Alfonso d'Este, heir to the Duchy of Ferrara. Against her own better judgement, but in accordance with her father's wishes for her future, Esther converts to Christianity and enters Lucrezia's service as lady-in-waiting. Flattered by Lucrezia's favour, seduced by the friendship of her cousin, Angela Borgia and swept off her feet by Lucrezia's glamorous and dangerous brother, Cesare, she is drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit which will test her heart to its utmost and burden her with secrets she must carry to her grave. Set against the glittering background of the court of Ferrara in the early sixteenth century, this is the heart-breaking story of what happens to an innocent abroad in the world of the Borgias.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Captive Soul (The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #5) by Anna Windsor

 
She’s definitely getting warmer.

Her flame power nearly extinguished in a battle against the dark forces attempting to control Manhattan, fire Sybil Camille Fitzgerald is down but not out. Joining a new squad of warrior witches, she hopes to reclaim her fighting spirit and, with luck, her pyrotechnic mastery. Two problems on that front: a new army of cannibalistic demons and her superheated lust for John Cole, an unholy blend of demon and U.S. Special Forces agent now working undercover for New York’s Occult Crimes Unit.
 John knows he can’t be trusted—hell, he can’t trust himself. His warrior soul has entered a new, supernaturally fit body. Unfortunately, it’s a body belonging to the Sybils’ worst enemy, whose supernasty essence still lingers. But when John’s demon energy seems more alive than dead, it’s Camille whose scorching kiss keeps him human—for now. All he’s got to do is master his dark side and save Camille and the Sybils from an army of satanic hellboys planning their ultimate destruction.

Camille Fitzgerald is a fire Sybil, but unlike her other fire Sybils she is unable to call and control her fire. John Cole has been a spirit hanging around in his friend, Duncan's head until Camille finally sets him free, but his spirit ends up in the body of Camille’s enemy. He is only trying to look out for Camille even though she trying to kill him.

Knowing he is marked for death at first sight, Cole searches for Strada by himself. Struggling to keep the essence of Strada withheld and his deep desire for Camille hidden beneath it all. Meanwhile Strada’s brother has taken over to destroy the sibyls. The war of saving the world has begone. Who will win?

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood is a fabulous, romantic ride due to the location of Manhattan and all the characters. *loved*  Camille and Johns attraction was definitely page turning but they weren't the whole story. Cole he has a fear of losing control to his enemies and Camille is afraid up giving up her control to Cole. Now its time for John to figure out a way to become free of Strada’s soul without dying himself and a way to be with the one he loves. 

The world of The Dark Crescent Sisterhood is not only passionate, but a thrilling ride. I loved the way Camille got the chance to grow throughout the story. The one who once felt shunned on is now the one calling the shots. John is a fighter, he doesn't just fight for his freedom but for the woman he has fallen in love with. Captive Soul is a novel that really compliments the series.

Since the start of the very first book in the series you get a chance to fall in love with a whole new world. I enjoyed this world greatly. Different, hip, and loved the kick ass women!! Usually its the men trying to save the world, but not here, girl power all the way.

I really do enjoy this series but this book sets you up for more never ending questions. John and Camille have their own personal demons and doubts they are trying to figure out by themselves. John has gone from his own body, into living in two others and still trying to be himself and keep his control. Camille must discover how to keep control of her new fire abilities without taking others down with her. Their love story is complicated but adorable. The whole book is really about the war against their enemy more than falling into their relationship.

I liked this book better than the first, but I didn't just fly through this one like I have with the others. Although I loved the couple and the storyline, I was more interested in the characters for the next release Captive Heart. The first story had to have a lot of plot building, so I had hoped this one would move along with more action. If you haven't read this series, start with the first trilogy. Even though it is long, the series is a good one and I am excited to move on to the next book, Captive Heart, to see where this battle will finally take them.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Cowboy Domination by Stacey Espino

 






 
[Erotic Cowboy Ménage a Quatre Romance, F/M/M/M]
Callie will do anything to save her grandfather’s farm. She’s even ready to offer her body to one of the wealthy Black brothers in exchange for peace of mind. What she doesn’t expect is how much she loves being dominated by the kinky trio. But can she trust the known playboys with her heart?

 I love sexy cowboys so I was told by a fellow blogger to check this out. And check it out I did *grins*

A small town ranch owner and her grandfather are being run off their land by other ranchers. The Black brothers want to expanded their land, that means they are ready to take over the Johnson ranch. Taking over the ranch is not what was originally intended by these three sexy brothers. When they are confronted with the reality, they begin to wonder what their motives really are.  

Callie Johnson is a little firecracker. Not only is she a head strong cowgirl, but she has such a pure heart. Callie will do anything necessary to save the ranch.Yes, that even means sleep with men that she views as the enemy. Colton, Waylon and Boyd aren't real sure what they did to piss off  Callie, but she has them twisted around her little finger. They want her in ways they could never imagined. Two cowboys offer her a taste of a  ménage, but only one cowboy gets the chance to touch her soul deep. Now Callie is caught between three sexy cowboys and is still unsure if she can trust them. What is a cowgirl to do?

Cowboy Domination was scorching! I finished reading this in one sitting. Although it was shorter then I would normally liked, I did enjoy some parts. I liked each of the brothers in their own very special way. The love scenes were hot and well written. I just wish the book didn't feel so rushed. I felt like I was missing something that should have been included. Callie’s relationship grows with each of the brothers. It was special and that part I did enjoy to the end. Cowboy Domination was a quick, hot and sexy, yet still had its loving moments. These cowboys know what they want and nothing will stop them once they get it. 


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

"Worth Your Weight in a 'Gator Battle Award"

I got this award from the awesome Tigris Eden And I give this award to

Stacy from Stacys Place On Earth
Nikki Brandyberry
Fiction Vixen 
Marissa from The Romantic Hideaway
Attack of the Book


Here you go ladies click on the link and let the journey begin!
http://ginikoch.com/winstuff.htm