Monday, December 24, 2012

Raphael by D.B. Reynolds (Vampires in America) @DBReynoldsWrite




It is no secret that I am a fan of vampires and if you can create a series that entangles me, well then I am a fan for life.  D.B. Reynolds has created a group of vampires that I am enthralled with.  Book one starts with Raphael.  Raphael is one of eight vampire lords that rule over the North American continent.  Sexy, rich and powerful.  Does it get any better?  While Raphael is away on business, betrayal is the name of the game when one of his "children" (Alexandra) is kidnapped.  Realizing that humans are involved and knowing that they are a weakness that can lead him to the person behind this atrocity, he has his people bring in a human private investigator.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, intuitive and is able to get the job done.  Even though she knows about vampires and has done odd jobs for them, the thought of working with the powerful vampire lord is a little unsettling.  Digging deeper into the powerful world of Raphael leads her into a love that consumes them both.

I really enjoy this series and have read all of them several times.  Cynthia is a very strong heroine and I love that she knows what she wants and goes after it.  There are moments when you roll your eyes and want to tell her to suck it up though. :)  Raphael's character is written so well, that you can picture him and since the power rippling off the pages.  The sex in these books is real.  What I mean is they are things that you could actually have happen to you, besides the sucking of the blood.

Don't take my word for it though.  Pick this series up and immerse yourself in D.B Reynolds' world of Vampires in America.

Rated 4.5 stars

Saturday, December 22, 2012

#Winner! Avon Addict Blog Tour

So the time has come to announce the #winner of my #avonaddict Blog Hop contest!  This was my first blog tour and it was so much fun.  I am grateful to all of my fellow Addict Sisters and special shout outs to Jena and Amy for all their help.

And the winner is...Janie McGaugh!!

Your package will be heading out next week and I hope you enjoy!  I will be doing periodic contests and giveaways in the next few months, so stay tuned.  I will also be joining several blog tours so check back on a regular basis!

~Brandy~

Destined for an Early Grave by Jeaniene Frost (@jeaniene_frost, @avonbooks)



Finally a break from all the constant battles, right? Not as much as you would think. For Cat and her new vampire blood-bonded husband Bones, there is never really a vacation. What started out as a trip to Paris turns into a living nightmare, literally, when Cat starts having horrible nightmares. When they arrive in Paris, they are met by Mencheres and it is discovered that Cat is being hunted by the Dreamsnatcher, Gregor.

Gregor claims that he blood-bonded with Cat when she was 16 years old and if that holds true, then it is a death sentence for Bones. Mencheres apparently intervened and locked Gregor away for 12 years, after he stripped a month of time from Cat.

What do you do when you are determined to find out the truth even if it destroys everyone and everything around you? This book was different to me then the first 3 books. It seemed that it was more raw in the emotional areas. I love the friendship that has developed between Vlad and Cat and that she has someone that is there for her, no questions or passions involved. When her relationship with Bones is destroyed, I cried. When she makes her choice, I was wondering what took so long! This story was amazing and had everything I wanted to see in an Urban Fantasy book!

Rated 5 stars

Friday, December 21, 2012

At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost (@jeaniene_frost, @avonbooks



What do you do when your job depends on no one recognizing you but everyone does? Cat has gone through multiple hair colors and looks but she still gets noticed(and not in the good way) when she is out on stings with Bones and the team. Cat is not happy that things are changing the way they are though. When a new advisary from the past makes an appearance, Cat is ready to whip some ass.

Patra is old and revenge is the name of her game. I would have liked to have seen more from Patra in this book. I think she is an interesting character and would have liked more hands on from Mencheres. This was his battle but he seemed to throw it at Bones and Cat.

Enter the world of ancient magic and the power it holds over all races. How far would you be willing to stop the one you love from destroying everything you hold dear?

Rated 4 stars

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas Shopping!

Avon Holiday Sale!

Hello, my darlings!  I just wanted to give a heads up that the link at the top of this post is a HUGE sale for books!  There are some fabulous authors and some books I haven't seen in awhile.  Take advantage of Avon's Christmas spirit and load up your E-readers.

Happy Thursday!

 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress) by Jeaniene Frost (@jeaniene_frost, @avonbooks)



This is the second in the Night Huntress story and once I started it I couldn't put it down. 

Four years after leaving Bones, Cat is working for an elite branch of the government hunting down vampires.  She has grown into a powerful woman, who doesn't take crap from anyone.  She is using the skills that Bones taught her to capture or kill vampires.  The department that she works for uses the information that she gathers to learn more about this race.  I love how well these characters have developed since the first book.  When Bones walks back into her life, Cat realizes that she can't live without him and everything else is secondary.

How will her team take the news that she has a vampire lover?  Not as well as you would think. :)  Throw in an assassin that is hunting down Cat and a jealous team member and Cat has her hands full. 

I never thought I would be able to get into Urban Fantasy and I will be the first one to admit that I was wrong.  Check out these books and dive into a world full of passion with two characters that explode from the page!

 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost (@jeaniene_frost, @avonbooks)




OMG! I do not consider myself a book snob and will totally read just about anything that sounds good to me. I was hesitant to read the Night Huntress books simply because I didn't think they would appeal to me. I can thank my friend Jena for setting me straight and introducing me to the world of Jeaniene Frost!

Any book that starts out with a girl driving around with a dead body in the truck and it doesn't faze her, has my attention!

Cat is out to hunt vampires. Plain and simple. Having been the byproduct of a rape against her mother by a vampire, you could say that she has revenge on the mind. Cat is not your ordinary girl though. She is a half-breed and with that status comes some of the same "perks" of being a vampire. Cat finds that the easiest way to hunt vampires is to work the bar scene. Pretending to be drunk, she lures them out and stakes them down. It seems to work for her until she meets a vampire that turns her down flat. Seems strange to her but she moves on to another and succeeds. Returning to the bar the next night she is approached by the vampire that turned her down and thinks she will strike gold twice in a row. She was wrong and winds up chained in a cave.

Bones is an old and very strong vampire who is also a hunter. After he follows the girl that hit on him and watches her stake one of his kind that he happened to be tracking, he follows her home and watches her nonchalantly destroy and bury the other vampire. Knowing that this was his only real lead in a long time to his prey, he knows that she has something to do with the man he is chasing.

When Cat wakes and realizes that she is chained in a basement by a vampire, she knows the end has come. Bones realizes that the girl is just a hunter until he sees the vampiric glow of her eyes. This girl is something rare and different. Bones sees an opportunity to train her and use her as bait to get to the big fish he is trying to reel in. Cat agrees since she is willing to work with a vampire to kill more of them.

You need to check out this series of books and enter the world of Jeaniene Frost. She is able to sink her teeth into you and draw you into her world. Check out Puretextuality's Author Interview with Jeaniene HERE.

While you are at it check out the rest of the amazing blog setup over at Puretextuality. I think you will all find something you will enjoy on the site and make sure you tell them that Romancebookworm sent you!

The Bite Before Christmas by Lynsay Sands and Jeaniene Frost (@Lynsay_Sands, @jeaniene_frost)




This is a two part book. The first story is by Lynsay Sands (Check out more reviews here!) one that I had been waiting on and was stoked that Teddy has his own story! Teddy Brunswick is the police chief of Port Henry, where several immortals have made their home. While not all the folks know about them, quite a few do and Teddy has had his hands full. With Christmas around the bend and no family, he is tired of going to other people's homes for Christmas and take Margurite up on the offer of a cottage for the holiday. Who knew a storm would blow in and take out the power.

Katricia Argeneau has reached the point where a lot of immortals go rogue. Having been alone for more centuries then she can count, she wants to get away. When a series of weather related events leaves her at her cousin Decker's cottage for the holiday, she hopes that it will get better. How much better can it get when you realize that the man you just ran into is the life mate you have been dreaming about for hundreds of years?

Teddy is shocked to discover that he is attracted to the beautiful young woman and is disgusted with himself. Having no intention of being one of those old men that chases younger women, he is hesitant at first with Katricia. When he discovers that they are life mates during a shared dream, his belief in a family of his own is restored.

The second story is a novella from Jeaniene Frost and I have to admit I have not read her stuff. I have read reviews from fellow bloggers and knew that there were a lot of folks that enjoyed her Night Huntress series. I just didn't know if I would. Let me tell you that I really enjoyed this novella. Even though I was a little lost on the characters, I still got a sense of their relationships and nuances and was intrigued.

Cat and Bones are a vampire couple who are completely in love. During a birthday celebration, a former flame of Bones is brutalized and the hunt is on! Discovering a long lost relative is in the cards and then a whirlwind of demonic mishaps. I don't want to go into a lot of detail with this story since I think you NEED to read the Night Huntress books! As my friend Jena would probably tell you, they are a must have in any collection!!

Rated 4 stars

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Tall, Dark & Hungry (Argeneau Novel) by Lynsay Sands (@Lynsay_Sands @avonbooks)




I really enjoyed reading Bastien and Terri's story again. Bastien Argeneau is the go-to guy for the family. Whenever there is a problem or something needs to be taken care of, he is the one that gets called. It has been that way since his father died. He has been extra busy since his brother, Lucern, found his life mate and started planning his wedding. Terri is the bride, Kate's, best friend and cousin and she is flying in from England two weeks early to surprise her and help with the wedding.

Staying in New York is not cheap so her cousin arranges for her to stay at Bastien's penthouse apartment. No sooner does she arrive, then Kate has to leave to fly out to a writer's conference due to an unfortunate incident with a toliet. Throw in a vampire playing Dracula, a curse on wedding plans and a vindictive bee and the laughs just don't stop.

Terri has hangs up on relationships and it was lovely to watch her fall so hard for Bastien. Take the time to meet the Argeneau family. I am sure you will love them as much as I do!

Rated 4 stars

Thursday, December 13, 2012

The Immortal Hunter by LynsaySands (@Lynsay_Sands)



Oh my goodness! I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I love the Argeneau family and Lynsay's series involving them.

The Immortal Hunter is the story of Decker Argeneau. All the man wants is a simple vacation and that is thrown out the door when he is asked to assist in catching a rogue vampire. Since that is his job as a Council Enforcer he is willing to assist. What starts off as a simple capture of a rogue turns into much more when the enforcers realize that a family member that turned rogue fifty years earlier is in the area. Attempting to catch Nicholas Argeneau becomes their new target. Nicholas has been watching a nest of rogue vampires and enlists Decker and Justin in his quest to free the two young women they have taken captive.

Dr. Dani McGill has no idea what is with the crazy men that have kidnapped her or her baby sister, Stephanie. She just knows that she has to keep them alive. When gunfire erupts and her sister is forced away by one of the kidnappers, Dani is convinced things have gone from bad to worse. How do you trust a man you know is lying to you even if he takes a bullet for you?

Finding a lifemate when you least expect it is a blessing and it is one that this Argeneau man is going to fight for even if he has to fight the one he loves.

Rated 4.5 stars

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Curves by Design (Big Girls and Bad Boys: A BBW Erotic Romance) By J.S. Scott (@AuthorJSScott)



This is the first book by J.S. Scott that I have read and I will be hunting down more! It was nice to read about a full-figured woman as the main love interest and not your traditional type of woman. Molly knows that she has self-esteem issues thanks to her mom's thoughts on her weight all her life. Devon Richards is a sexy, archetict who thinks Molly is a sensual, beautiful woman and he would love to spend more time with her. He is devestated when he believes that she is dating his little brother. When he finds out that they are not together, he realizes that nothing is going to stand in his way of making Molly his. Their story is a nice case of the full-figure girl getting the hot man in the end.

I was not a fan of the manipulation that he used to get her to go on a date with him. However, I am a full-figured woman and I know how hard headed and stubborn we can get. My husband tells me that he would have probably pulled the same kind of stunt to get me to go out with him!

This is a short story but well worth the read.

Rated 4 stars

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Welcome to the Avon Blog Hop! (@avonbooks,@JQAuthor, @LynsaySands, @EloisaJames)

I wasn't sure what I wanted to talk about for my edition of our blog hop. I have been a fan of romance novels since I was about 11 years old and read my first Harlequin. It wasn't long before I moved into historicals and when I discovered that I was a speed reader, I never looked back!

There are so many amazing authors involved with Avon books and limiting myself to an absolute favorite is nearly impossible to do. I figured I would tell you about 3 of my favorites though.

Eloisa James is one of the world's greatest writers and if you have not read her Duchess books you need to link to Amazon right now and start downloading them! (Click to see some of my reviews for Eloisa) She creates a world that you can immerse yourself in and imagine that you are a member of the ton! I have been a fan since the first time I read Potent Pleasures. A delightful read and one I recommend for everyone's library. I have read every book multiple times and I am even an Ambassador for Eloisa!(Click here to go to Eloisa's website!)

Lynsay Sands should need no introduction but if you are unaware of this creative genuis, then you need to check out the Argeneau Vampires series. (Check out a couple of my reviews here) I read Single White Vampire first and was so hooked that I hunted down the other books. Lucern is a vampire that writes romances. Love it! Fast forward a few years later and I have the complete series and hunger for more. If you like vampires you will love this family as much as I do.(Click here to head to Lynsay's website!)

And last but certainly not least, Julia Quinn. (Click here for a favorite review)I discovered Julia when I read The Duke and I, the first in the Bridgerton series. I was hooked from that point on. I have devoured every book she has written and The Duke and I remains one of my favorite books of all time. There is just something about Daphne and Simon that intrigues me.(Click here to head over to Julia's webpage!)

I hope that you will take a moment and discover these authors and some of their work if you are not already familiar. They are just as incredible as all of the authors at Avon books!



I am giving away a Goodie bag of Avon books! Included are Melody Thomas, Lori Wilde, Stephanie Laurens, Julie Anne Long, Caroline Linden, and Karina Cooper! Enter your information in the form below for your chance to win! Good Luck! Don't forget to check out all of the incredible blogs listed at the bottom of this post and continue your tour of the Avon Blog Hop! Contest is open to US residents only and ends at midnight on December 22, 2012.

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The Accidental Vampire (An Argeneau Novel) by Lynsay Sands (@LynsaySands, @avonbooks)



Welcome to the world of Port Henry! I am a huge Lynsay Sands fan and am seriously addicted to the Argeneau family. Elvi Black is the quentiessential newbie vamp. Having no idea how she was turned into a vampire on a vacation to Mexico with her best friend, Mabel, she has been trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Having watched the movie, Dracula, and becoming vampire experts, they are convinced they have Elvi's new life figured out. They made arrangements for a coffin, Elvi sleeps during the day and takes the rules of the movie seriously. Fast forward five years and the entire town is working hard to help Elvi. Everyone donates to the local blood bank and they do everything they can for her. In return, Elvi attends all the town functions, bake sales and "performs" as the local town vampire at her restaurant, Bella Black's.

Mabel and Teddy, the town sheriff, have taken it upon themselves to place a personal ad in the Toronto singles columns to find a mate for Elvi. They don't want her to spend eternity alone. According to the laws of vampires, this is a big no-no and they send in Victor Argeneau, a vampire enforcer, to take stock of the rogue(Elvi) and report to the council.

Chaos ensues when several vampires that Victor knows shows up in response to the ad and it becomes obvious that someone is out to end Elvi's immortal life. Between discovering his lifemate and trying to save her from the trouble she keeps running into, Victor has his hands full! I really enjoy the cast of characters in Port Henry and their obvious love and respect for Elvi.

Rate 5 stars

The Rock Star's Daughter (The Treadwill Academy Novels) by Caitlyn Duffy



This is a YA story that I really enjoyed.

Taylor Beauforte is your typical 15 year old for the most part. The difference is she attends a boarding school in Massachusettes paid for by her rock star dad, who she never sees. Growing up in California is never easy but having a party girl for a mom and a rarely seen dad, makes it a necessary to grow up fast. Taylor is your typical bookworm, who justs wants a normal family. With her mom, Dawn's constant drinking and partying it seems like a fairytale she will never see. When her mom dies at a party, Taylor is confronted with her father's new family and lifestyle before she knows what hit her. Forced to join them on her father's tour, she searches for a way to fit in and make a place of her own. Finding a kindred spirit in Jake, the son of one of the groupies, Taylor begins to find her place and fall in love.

I really did enjoy this book. It touched on a few topics that I feel need to be touched on with young readers. This book talked about grief and how the loss of a parent can affect you. It also reflects on how hard it is to develop a relationship with someone that you may be related to but no absolutely nothing about.

Rated 4 stars

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Dangerous Secrets (Tall, Dark and Deadly #2) by Lisa Renee Jones (@LisaReneeJones)



OMG! I recently read Ms. Jones' Secrets Exposed book which was a prelude to these books so when I realized they were sexy, hot stories that involved brothers, I went searching through Amazon. Turns out I had already downloaded several of her books so I got to reading!

Julie Harrison is a divorce attorney for the rich and selfish and is currently working on a case for a New York judge. Julie is very good at keeping men at bay, especially after she has seen the devestation left behind in relationships. Only one man has ever come close to bring Julie to her knees and that was Luke Walker.

Luke is a former Navy SEAL, who runs a security firm with his brothers. Walker Security is one of the best in the business. Julie and Luke had spent a month as lovers a few years prior until Luke had to go back to war and neither one of them had the courage to make a commitment. Since then they have been trying to avoid any entanglements with each other. Easier said then done. Royce, Luke's brother, is marrying Julie's best friend, Lauren. That makes Julie and Luke, the best man and maid of honor, which puts them together quite a bit.

When Julie gets tangled up in her client's shady dealings, she automatically turns to Luke for help. Delving into the world of drugs, cartels, and art these two take on a world of bad guys in order to save kids from tainted drugs.

Can Luke convince Julie to take a chance on their relationship or is he destined to remain a friend with benefits? This is an sexy story that draws you in and reminds you that sometimes you have to take a chance even when you are scared.

Rated 5 stars

Monday, December 3, 2012

The Secret Santa Wishing Well by Nikki Lynn Barrett




This was given to me by the author for review.

I have to tell you that this time of the year I tend to get very jaded just like Jacob was. My husband is currently battling cancer and the anger and helplessness that he feels in regards to his sister,Ada's illness, is something I understand well.

Cheyenne is a single mom raising a son, Ben and a daughter named Desi. Her ex-husband, Eric, doesn't want anything to do with baby Desi since he doesn't think she is his but likes to pretend he has a relationship with her son, Ben. Ben is an amazing kid who likes to help with food pantries and always seems more concerned with others.

Jacob takes a part time job at the local mall playing Santa at his sister's request. She knows he is suffering and she hopes this will help him find his missing Christmas spirit. Jacob is at the point where he wants to quit the job and then he meets Ben. Ben wants to make a wish into the secret santa wishing well. Jacob is impressed that his wish is for his mom and not for the lastest video game.

Chance meeting later and a news report on Ben's good deeds, leads Jacob to nominate Ben for a community award. Spending time with Cheyenne and the kids allows Jacob to realize how much he is beginning to care for this amazing family. When Jacob's sister dies and he realizes that Cheyenne's dad is the surgeon who couldn't save her, he is devestated. Storming out of the house in anger, Jacob feels like he has blown the love of an amazing woman and Cheyenne is confused. When Ben goes missing after a fight at his father's place, Jacob is devestated to think that he wasn't there for the boy and goes out of his way to bring him home. What happens when you realize that the magic of Christmas is real and that you are being given the gift of a lifetime?

This is a magical read for the holidays and I highly recommend it to all!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Duke and I (Bridgerton Series, Book 1) by Julia Quinn (@avonbooks, @JQAuthor)



This is the first book that I ever read by Julia Quinn and it is still one of my favorites of all time. I have to admit that I have a thing for books with dukes and Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, is the type of devilishly handsome rogue that gets my imagination flowing! Simon has been accosted by debs and their matchmaking mamas at every turn and is exhausted by the endless parade of young misses.

Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of the Bridgerton family, and longs to have a huge and loving family of her own. The problem is that most of the men of her acquaintance see her as a friend and not a romantic interest. Enter the devious minds of two kindred spirits. These two decided that the best course of action to get the ton and their families off Simon's back and to show the world how attractive Daphne actually is, is for them to become engaged. The theory is that the men who have seen Daphne as a friend will look at her different if a duke is with her.

It works like a charm. Come and enjoy this humorous and romantic story about how the best laid plans can lead to an everlasting love.

Be sure to check out all of the books in the Bridgerton Series here.

Rated 5 stars

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Let's Get This Blog Hop Started!! (@avonbooks, #avonaddicts)

What can you say when one of your dreams comes true?  I am a dedicated Avon books reader so when I was notified that I was an Avon Addict, I freaked out.  What is an Avon Addict, you ask?

Avon Addicts are specially chosen by the incredible staff at Avon Books.  We are given ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies), and ebooks to review for new releases by some of the best authors in the business.  We are also given some pretty cool swag that we like to include in giveaways on our blogs.  My sister addicts and I have decided that we want to celebrate the holidays with you in a BIG way.

Everyday visit one of these incredible ladies listed below at their blog.  Enjoy the fabulous reviews that they have posted and register for their contest.  Feel free to bookmark the schedule below and don't forget to come back and visit me on December 12th when I am giving out a collection of 5 Avon books!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

Secrets Exposed by Lisa Renee Jones



I have to admit that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this story but I found that I did.  I am not a big fan stories about lawyers and was surprised that this one read as well as it did.  Lindsey Paxton was a lawyer who had left her father's law firm in New York after a bad case.  She had been defending an accused serial murderer and won the case.  After he was released another girl was found and DNA evidence pointed to her client.  Feeling responsible for the death of the girl, Lindsey left law and moved to Washington to join the FBI.  Her father has been diagnosed with cancer and Lindsey has come back to New York on a temp basis to get the firm back on track.  Mark Reeves is an ex-partner of Lindsey's father and the one person Lindsey hopes will help.

Mark has no desire to go back to the Paxton law firm.  Edward Paxton was not the same man who had trained him for years and the bad feelings between the two were obvious.  However, after meeting Lindsey in person and not just in pictures, he feels a connection he has never felt before.  He agrees to help the firm for six months as long as she stays as well.  Lindsey is not happy with that since she wants to get of New York and away from a case that is strangely like the case that almost destroyed her to begin with.

Join these two has they unfold the mysteries of love and murder.

Rated 4 stars

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Leather, Lace and Rock-n-Roll by Mia Dymond

Leather, Lace and Rock-n-Roll (SEALS, Inc., #1)Leather, Lace and Rock-n-Roll by Mia Dymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed Hawk and Rachel‘s story.

Hawk is a Navy Seal that is undercover as a international rock star. This gives his team a chance to fight terrorism all over the world. Rachel is being watched as a possible accomplice to a terrorist smuggling information through her firm.

Sometimes love develops in the most unexpected places. This was a good and I can't wait to read more from this author. I would be interested in seeing more back story to explain all the things that are going on with the characters in the book.

Fun read!

View all my reviews

Monday, November 26, 2012

Something fun for you guys!



I found this as I was searching the web and thought you guys would enjoy!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner!



I have officially validated my word count for NaNoWriMo and have been declared a winner!! This was an amazing opportunity and I can not even begin to thank all the new and old friends that have helped me along the way.

Now I just have to wrap up the ending to my book to submit to Avon publishing next month! Fingers crossed!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings for the holidays!

Brandy

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Don't Ask by Natalie Bell



I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It is one of those books that you can sink into the head of the main character and really understand what drives her.

Julia is your typical college graduate with no really "career" prospects. She is locked into what I would describe as unhealthy relationships. There is Greg who is her drugged up sex buddy who wouldn't know a woman loved him if she knocked him over the head. There is Brian who is Bi, but I suspect as feelings for Julia. Then there is Duncan. He is the college boyfriend that cheated on her but she still manages to have a pseudo relationship with.

It was nice to read a story that was not front to back sex scenes. She alludes to sex between the characters but the story was more about Julia's interpersonal relationships. All in all a very good read, and I am happy to support a fellow Wrimo!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

50 Shades of Grey by E.L James



I have to admit when I first became aware of this series, I was expecting something a little darker and more erotic. To hear some of the stories and television reviews, this was a truly naughty set of books. Now that being said, I really did enjoy this series. It took me 2 days to read all three of the books(thank goodness they were all available on my Kindle!). I laughed and giggled through most of the books, Ana really was very naive on so many levels. I did find it strange that a 21 year old in today's society wasn't a little more knowledgeable in some of the sexual areas. Not necessarily in the actual sexual acts themselves but she just seemed to lack some basic sexual knowledge. Christian, what can I say about him other than yummy? This is a man who knows what he wants and takes it. I am in awe of his prowess. I would recommend this series to anyone that wants a good love story with a little bit of edge to it.

Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett



I am considered a die hard historical romance lover. However, in the the past few months I have been trying to step out of my "comfort" zone and explore new genres. On a whim, I downloaded this to my Kindle and decided to try something new. Beauty and the Feast did not disappoint! The characters were well developed and passionate with just enough flavor to be amazing. The food descriptions are tantalizing and I love that the recipes were included! I can't wait to try Eva's rub

My Twisted Drink: A Vampire Romance by JoAnn Mayer



I am a vampire junkie and will read just about anything I can get my hands on. I was not sure how this story was going to go but I was blown away! It is a new spin on the story and I love that! Alexander is a love him, hate him character that you can't help but fall in love with! Charlotte frustrated me at times but when you understand her backstory, you realize she is a powerful woman. Take a chance and fall in love with a vampire story that is true to the heart of the characters.

Eternal Crimson (Tears of Crimson Vampire Series) by Michelle Hughes



Sex and Vampires. Does life get any better than that? I am huge fan of real vampire stories(Twlight was okay but not earthshattering)and Ms. Hughes knows how to bring the steam to the pages! Rafe is a creature that all paranormal romance readers would love to sink their teeth into and I am awed by how well developed his character is. Cara is an interesting heroine to say the least. The dynamics that arise between the main characters is amazing and I was surprised at the way it all played out. This is one of those books and series of characters that you find yourself longing for more of.

A Night at Tears of Crimson (Tears of Crimson Vampire Nightclub) by Michelle Hughes



This has to be one of the sexiest paranormal reads that I have found. When I first purchased this book I was unfamiliar with the work of Ms. Hughes but I decided to take a chance because lets face it, sex and vampires are pure seduction. I love the setting of a bar in New Orleans. I am from the south and those hidden little bars have some of the most fascinating stories to tell. Her characters, Rafe and Cara, are real. They feel a connection that doesn't happen everyday and seeing that passion develop is like watching a flower unfold.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Loving Control (Club Rio Brava, Book One) by Ann Jacobs



Elijah "Eli" Calhoun is a top-notch trauma surgeon who also happens to be a practicing Dom. Margaret "Maggie" Berman is a third year resident studying under Eli and is a submissive. A past Master has turned Maggie off of new D/s relationships but she is wildly attracted to Eli. She is afraid to be too direct because she wants a man to know what she needs and make her submit. Sensing that Eli just might be what she has been searching for she makes a move. She wants a true Dom in bed with her and is surprised when it turns out that Eli is just the man she has been needing. He is everything she wants in a Dom and he is so enthralled that Maggie is the perfect submissive that he proceeds quickly with claiming her as his.

This is a quick read and a good book. I would recommend this to those who are interested in wading into the BDSM world but not ready to go stock their own dungeon.

Rate 4 Stars

Monday, November 12, 2012

I haven't forgotten you!

I feel like I have been so lazy lately since I have not added any new reviews I have not forgotten you though, I promise. It has been hectic with trying to work on my own book. I am currently competing on NaNoWriMo and it has been taking up quite a bit of my time. I am not complaining though! Writing a book has always been my dream and even if it never sees the light of day, I will be satisfied.

Writing has always been a dream of mine and to think that for the first time in my life I am actually attempting it has been very surreal to me. I have to admit that I am terrified that someone is going to read it and ask me what I was smoking when I wrote it!!

Wish me luck and I hope to have a few new reviews for you in the upcoming weeks!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Avon Addicts

So, I am new to the blogging world and have decided to begin by expanding the topics on my blog. I do review for Avon books. I am currently an Avon Addict squared. We are a select group of women chosen from around the country and given opportunities to review and promote Avon books and Authors. Since quite a few of my favorite authors are Avon authors I am a very happy lady! I am also currently involved in NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month. You have 30 days in November to write a 50,000 word novel. It is amazingly frustrating and I am loving the challenge. For more information, checkout www.nanowrimo.org.

I am open to request for reviews. I prefer romance and paranormal, but would be willing to persue other genres. If I don't feel like I could do your book justice or in a reasonable amount of time, I will let you know that. I have reviewed for several independent authors. I post reviews to goodreads, amazon, facebook, twitter, and my blog. If you would like to have me place a review somewhere else. Just let me know. As always, feel free to take a look around and let me know if you would like to see something in particular!

Brandy

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bonds of Trust by Lynda Aicher



I received this book as an ARC for review. This is one of those books that draws you in and keeps you there for the whole story.

Cali Reynolds is a 44 year old divorcee who is searching for something. She is hoping that she will find it at The Den, the Twin Cities most exclusive BDSM club. Her marriage fell apart since her husband seemed to have no interest in sex. On the first night at the club, newbies are usually paired with a Dom that helps them explore the club and become acclimated. The Den is owned by three "brothers." Jake, Deklan, and Seth all share in the responsibilites of the club. Seth has done the interviews for Cali and asks Jake to do a second interview with her. Jake is not sure he really wants to break in a newbie but he goes to meet her anyway. He is floored by the sensual innocence that Cali exhibits and decides to spend the evening as her Dom.

Her evening with Jake is everything sexual that Cali has been looking for her entire adult life. Jake is amazed at the feelings she brings out in him and the breathtakingly sensual submissive side she is exhibiting.

Her submission to Jake is everything that he has ever craved in a Sub and he is honored by her gift to him. His dominance of her is what Cali has always craved. This book wraps a sensual spell around the world of BDSM and draws you in, and leaves you longing to explore more.