Feeding the Book Addicton, Devoured by Emily Snow & a Rant…

Format Read: Trade Paperback purchased by reviewer
Length: 304 (it’s actually 280) Pages
Series: Devoured, Book 1
Genre: Erotic Contemporary romance
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Formats Available: Trade PB, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository, Bookish, BAM, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Goodreads.

Book Blurb:

Sienna’s dreams lie in California, but when she discovers her grandmother’s Nashville home has been foreclosed, she has no other choice than to move back to Music City, where she comes face-to-face with the flawed, gorgeous man she never thought she’d see again—and who now holds the deed to her grandma’s estate.

Millionaire rock star Lucas Wolfe is just as surprised to find the outspoken redhead glaring at him from across a courtroom. He still can’t get the night Sienna spent with him out of his mind, and the chemistry between them is as undeniable as ever. Now, Lucas is determined to do whatever it takes to lure Sienna into his bed, so he makes a deal with her: if she spends ten days with him, playing by his rules, he’ll hand over the deed to her grandmother’s home.

Though she agrees to the arrangement for her family’s sake, Sienna struggles with the promises she’s made to herself and a past that still haunts her. As Lucas’s game of seduction continues and Sienna is introduced to his dark, erotic world, she realizes that at any moment, she could be devoured.

So, I didn’t feel like going home after work one day and headed over to the mall for some shopping therapy and to, of course, feed my book addiction. Coffee in hand, I hit the bricks & mortar hallowed halls of Chapters and zeroed in on the Summer Reads shelf because I saw Lauren Dane’s book Tart prominently displayed. Beside Ms. Dane’s book sat Devoured with it’s sexy, very appealing cover art. When I read the synopsis and saw “rock star” and noted it sounded like a lovers reacquainted themed story I snapped it up and threw down my $17 + tax fee. Yep, $17 + tax for a trade paperback here in Toronto. Even though I’ve got stacks of books to read when I got home I downloaded All Over You, the 57 page short story prequel to Devoured for another $2 (yes I know I’m an idiot). You will understand the point of why I’m sharing how these books came into my hand/on my Kindle shortly. (BTW it says All Over You is a novella on Amazon, but its not.)

There are like 20,000 ratings on Goodreads for Devoured so you may wonder why I’m even bothering to comment about it, well mainly because I get extremely grumpy when I feel I’ve been taken. Anyway, I digress. This post started out as a review so I’m sharing a few thoughts. Devoured is a quick erotic read with some very light d/s scenes. Initially I thought Lucas was going to be characterized as a heavy duty dom but that wasn’t the case. I liked Lucas, a rich, sexy, damaged rock star hero with a sexual aura that attracts women in droves. Lucas has a cruel side and that facet of his personality was especially evident when he was being harassed and threatened by his insane ex-wife. Sam (the ex) knows something damaging about Lucas that apparently could potentially ruin him and his career.

I also liked heroine Sienna, a shy introvert who allows others to take advantage of her. This is especially the case when it comes  her mother and brother who are verbally abusive, demanding and manipulative. However, her inner strength shows in her resistance to Lucas’ attempts to seduce her and as their relationship progresses he does help her to come into her own.

You can get the gist of the story from the synopsis or from the 1300 reviews on Goodreads so I’m not going to rehash what’s already been said, but am going to grip a bit. I had a couple of issues with this book: First I felt Sienna’s personality transition from shy mouse to self-assured, assertive tigress happened too quickly. That being said, she did show good moral fiber in her exceptional resilience to Lucas’ charms given their explosive sexual attraction. Secondly I felt she forgave Lucas far too quickly given his extremely hurtful, inconsiderate treatment of her on more than one occasion. Another niggle was that there were intimations that Sienna’s presence in Lucas’ life is a source of artistic inspiration, she is essentially his muse and this is part of what drove his need to possess her. This aspect of Lucas’ deep desire for Sienna was not well developed or communicated and I would have liked to have seen him relay to her how she impacted his work as a songwriter and musician much more fully.

There is one more major problem, and its a biggie, and the reason for the ramble about my trip to the bookstore and said book. So here’s the thing: we are never given insight into exactly what information the vicious ex-wife holds that could potentially destroy Lucas. This plot point is the source of overwhelming angst and despair for the protagonists and I felt unsatisfied that there was no reveal regarding this issue by the end of the story. I later learned that Lucas and Sienna’s story is continued in Snow’s next publication Consumed and apparently his secret is revealed in that book. At this point the steam started billowing out my ears as my pissed off meter hit the red zone. There is no indication on the back, inside or anywhere else in this book that I can see to indicate its a CONTINUING STORY. As far as I’m concerned this is misleading, not to mention mercenary because if readers are interested enough to cough up the $ to purchase Consumed then when all is said and done it’s going to drain their wallets of upwards of $35… Needless to say I am unimpressed, but it doesn’t matter because the publisher knows Snow’s fans will likely cough up the bucks anyway.

The unfortunate part of this situation is that overall Devoured did keep me engaged, I cared about the hero and heroine and liked the secondary characters. I would like to know what the “big reveal” is and see if Snow patches up some of the plot holes. Admittedly I do have a soft spot for sexy, damaged rock star heroes and a lovers reacquainted theme, ergo my attraction to the story and getting duped into purchasing a novel that has the author and publisher laughing all the way to the bank. Will I read Consumed? Just on principle I doubt it. I think I might as well read some of the 59 reviews of Consumed that are already posted on Goodreads, someone is bound to have leaked a spoiler or two. Did I mention the publication date for Consumed is September 17th and there are already 702 ratings? *snort* I’d bet the cost of the next novel I buy that the books were self published first, most likely at a lower price. Yep, like I said, I’m an idiot, but once burned twice shy.

Okay, I feel slightly better now….but only slightly.

I begrudgingly give Devoured 3 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Guest Post: Melinda Dozier’s Time Changes Everything Blog Tour + Giveaway

We are pleased to welcome Author Melinda Dozier to BLI for the next stop in her blog tour celebrating the release of her new novel, Time Changes Everything, which is available today from Entranced Publishing. Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

We are looking forward to reading Melinda’s Guest Post today which is entitled: I’m Not Crazy! The Voices and Research behind Time Changes Everything.

Be sure and enter Melinda’s Giveaway opportunity via the Rafflecopter widget following her post, you could win a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Take it away Melinda!

I’m so excited to be here. Time Changes Everything has been in the making for many years and today is release day!

Just last week, my sister-in-law asked me the most popular question for an author:  “Where did you get the idea for your book?” It seems like a simple question, but it’s not a simple answer. How can I explain to people that my ideas just come to me from nowhere or that I actually have characters talking to me in my head? I’m not crazy. It’s just one of the joys of being an author – all the voices that fill up my brain and scream to come out.

Jake and Amanda from Time Changes Everything screamed at me for a long time. On maternity leave with my youngest son, I had the time to sit down at my computer and wheedle out their ideas. It wasn’t hard, but it was all new to me. I’ve heard the phrase, “Write what you know” so often, that I thought I did it all wrong. I know different now. I often write what I don’t know and learn all about it. It’s called research.

Length: Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 13, 2013
Formats Available: eBook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Publisher

Book Blurb

“She wasn’t going to admit that she liked that kiss. He wouldn’t let her forget.”

Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn’t want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he’s a sexy, big shot lawyer.

Jake Edwards isn’t interested in commitment. He’s successful, sexy, and single–and that’s how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.

But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he’s ready to give her his heart?

Some of the ideas I had to research for Time Changes Everything included:

1. Their professions. Jake is a Sports Attorney and Amanda is a Buyer at Macy’s. Never in my life have I wanted to do either of these occupations, but they were perfect for these characters. It’s actually fun to learn about different jobs and what they entail. Although I could never organize a fashion line or write a contract for a sports figure, I do know a little more than when I started.
2. The setting. New York City is a dream for me! I’ve sadly never been. I researched Manhattan and all the different places that Jake and Amanda visit. I also talked to my father-in-law who is from Brooklyn. He still tells so many stories, that I know New York will be in many new novels to come.
3. Fashion Shows. Fun, right? Amanda ends up running a fashion show for a VIP fashion designer, Denalo.  I’ve never had to be in charge of a fashion show. I can barely manage my own household. Research helped me view the new lines, the runway, models, stage setup, crews, hairdressers… you name it. It’s a real adrenaline rush and Amanda takes us through it.

So, my answer to those who ask where I get my ideas is often, “The ideas are just there in my head.” I call it imagination. Artistry. Fantasy. But, one of my favorite responses to that answer came from a friend last week. It was this: “She’s just a bona fide romantic.” And that’s the truth!

Add Time Changes Everything to your Goodreads shelf!

Now it’s your turn to share. What are some crazy ideas you’d love to research about? Leave a comment below!

Free Novella by Melinda available from Smashwords:

Where to find Melinda:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

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~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Melinda is generously giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate & an ecopy of Time Changes Everything!

Enter Here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced on Melinda’s blog May 26th.

Good luck!

Katie Reus’ “Breaking Her Rules” Virtual Tour & Giveaway!

We are delighted to welcome back Katie Reus! Katie is a multi-published author of romantic suspense, paranormal romance and erotic romance. Katie is here for the next stop on her Virtual Tour celebrating the release of BREAKING HER RULES, the latest in her Red Stone Security romantic suspense. Breaking Her Rules was released on April 1st and has met with high accolades.

About Katie:

Katie Reus fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Take It Away Katie!

Thanks so much to the ladies at Book Lovers, Inc. for having me as a guest here today! Breaking Her Rules, the sixth story in my Red Stone Security series just released and I’m very excited about this one. True, I’m always happy about any book releasing but this one is special because it features the first RSS female agent in this collection. In the first story (No One to Trust), the heroine works for RSS and she’s a brilliant analyst type, but in Breaking Her Rules, my girl is a total badass. She doesn’t leave home without strapping on at least one weapon!

Iris Tarango is a former Marine and not afraid to get her hands dirty when necessary. Developing Iris’s character was interesting on so many levels. Before I’d started the story I always knew what her military background would be, but I wasn’t sure why until I actually began writing. Then her true personality just slammed into me as she took over the pages. As opposed to the other US military branches, the Marines are predominantly made up of males so for a female to make the choice to become one is bold (and very cool).

If you’ve read either my paranormal or romantic suspense before you’ll already know that in my character career choices for men that almost all of them are former military, whereas my females have a wider array of backgrounds.

So what about you? Do you like reading about military or former military characters?

Length: Novel
Series: Red Stone Security Series, #6
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 1, 2013
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Goodreads, All Romance,Kindle, Nook, Kobo Bookstore, iBooks

Book Blurb

Iris Tarango is a small-town girl from the wrong side of the tracks; she’s also a decorated former Marine who fought hard to become one of Red Stone Security’s most respected agents. But her perfectly ordered life is turned upside down when she’s assigned to guard the sexy, dominating tycoon she shares a secret history with. The instant Iris walks back into the billionaire’s diamond-studded orbit, the wild attraction flares between them…and her reputation, objectivity, and heart are in trouble.

After an attempt on his life, business magnate Wyatt Christiansen calls in major favors to hire Iris as his bodyguard. He knows she’s the best, though he has another motive too. He sees this as his final chance to win her heart. But when danger spins out of control, all Wyatt can think of is getting Iris out of harm’s way—even if it means losing her love in the end.

Unfortunately, the killer seems to know their every move. If Wyatt and Iris don’t figure out who put out the hit, they’ll lose more than their chance at happiness together.

Note: While Breaking Her Rules is the sixth story in the Red Stone Security series it can be read completely as a stand-alone.

Excerpt:

Iris Tarango slipped her hand into the crook of Gene Berr’s arm as they bypassed the extra security outside the already packed house party. She had more than one weapon strapped on her, as did all of the security team. The only difference between her and the rest of the team was that she was wearing a long, black formfitting dress. But strapping a blade to her thigh and a small gun to her calf was the perfect way to conceal her weapons.

She hadn’t been inside yet, but the line of cars along the winding driveway was a giveaway of the growing crowd and the security team inside had already let her know how busy it was getting. Which would just make her job that much harder.

With her two-inch heels she stood even with Berr at five foot eleven. He was a handsome, broad-shouldered, middle-aged man in good shape and for the most part she had no doubt that he could take care of himself in a one-on-one fight. There was a lot of muscle underneath the custom-made suit he was wearing and she could tell his nose had been broken more than once. She’d also read his detailed file and the man had been a boxer all through his college years.

Even if he could take care of himself, he’d hired Red Stone Security because someone had made it clear they wanted him dead. The threats had been escalating and last week his assistant had taken a bullet meant for him. Luckily the woman was going to be okay, though she was still recovering. Berr had paid for the best care, letting her heal at home instead of a sterile hospital. Berr was insistent that after his meeting tonight he be taken immediately to the woman’s home. Iris was pretty sure he felt guilty that someone close to him had been injured, but she could also tell Berr cared for his assistant way more than a boss should.

Not her business though. Tonight Iris was his shadow. Everyone but the security surrounding them would assume that she was his date for the evening. In reality she was the lead for his protective detail. If it was up to her he’d wouldn’t be at this party after such a blatant—if sloppy—attempt on his life, but apparently he couldn’t miss talking with someone important. She didn’t know the details of the meeting, just who he had the appointment with.

“No one’s going to believe you’re my date,” Berr murmured as a man wearing a tuxedo opened a large, heavy wood door into the main room of the palatial home and motioned for them to enter.

“You’re rich, of course they’ll believe it,” she said as she kept an eye on their immediate surroundings. Wealthy people could afford whatever they wanted. Sometimes whoever they wanted. Just because she was younger than him wouldn’t make most people at this party look twice. She actually wasn’t that much younger than him, maybe fifteen years, but she looked young for her age. Great genes was the only thing her mother had given her.

To their left Kell Malone and Vincent Hansen, two men she’d worked with on multiple occasions, were alert and prepared for any threats. Wearing dark suits, they blended in with the rest of this crowd. Well, sort of. She could see them for what they were. Dangerous men with a certain set of skills that would terrify most of the guests here. To their right were more men and women she trusted with her life and more importantly, the principal’s life. Protecting Berr was top priority tonight. They might be blending in, but every one of the team was on guard. As they stepped farther into the room, the team spread out into a circle surrounding her and Berr, but Iris doubted anyone else would notice the fluid movements of the team.

Berr chuckled next to her. “It’s refreshing being with someone so blunt.”

She blinked, then turned to look at him, realizing what she’d said. Sometimes she spoke without thinking. When she’d been in the Marines that hadn’t been much of a problem. Now that she was in the civilized world, she had to remember certain things. “Ah…I didn’t mean it like that. You’re handsome too…” She trailed off, realizing how lame she sounded.

But Berr just gave her a half-smile, clearly amused. “I meant that as a compliment, trust me. You remind me of…” His expression grew pained as he looked away, and Iris guessed he’d been about to say Loretta, his assistant’s name.

At least this guy wasn’t sensitive. She’d guarded enough men like that for a lifetime. Men who wanted her to stroke their ego—among other things. As if they thought that was part of her job. Fucking losers. They found out soon enough that she wasn’t just a pretty face. It was always a pleasure watching the shock on their faces when some moron thought he could lay hands on her then found himself flex-cuffed and flat on his face with her boot in his back. Her boss always warned their principals how things were done and made them sign very detailed contracts regarding their own behavior with her, but some of them never listened.

“The meeting starts in five minutes. We’re going to get you in, you’re going to take care of business, then my team is escorting you out. There will be no socializing or bullshit tonight. I refuse to put you at more risk than you already are. Understood?” Iris didn’t sugarcoat anything because it clearly wasn’t necessary with Berr. They’d already been over all this before, but she’d go over it a dozen more times if she felt it necessary. She didn’t think he would ignore her, but the last thing they needed was for anyone, including her team, to get hurt. Not only was she protecting Berr, but as team leader tonight, she considered her people her responsibility too.

“You’re the boss,” Berr said good-naturedly as they continued their slow trek across the marbled floor.

A few people nodded at Berr, but when he kept his expression stony and didn’t invite conversation, everyone stayed away. Which made her job easier. A jazz band played a slow song on the stage on the west side of the dimly lit room. A few giant chandeliers glittered prettily above them with what she guessed were real candles flickering from them. She was pretty sure the lighting was supposed to be romantic, but she didn’t like it. The brighter it was, the better she could see a potential threat. It was too dark right now. The sound of clinking glasses and laughter filled the air, various perfumes trailed around her, but she didn’t see anyone particularly threatening. Any server with a tray that got too close was smoothly cut off by Kell. The man was huge but moved with a stealth that impressed her. But if someone had managed to slip a gun past security…no, not with her team manning all the doors. It wouldn’t have happened. Still, she would never let her guard down.

“Iris, there’s a man at your six bearing down on you two. I’m intercepting.” Vincent’s voice had a deadly edge to it.

“Slow down,” Iris murmured to Berr, who immediately complied. Turning to the left so that Berr’s body was blocked from whoever was coming up on them, she swiveled and used her own body as a shield.

Then froze when she saw the man walking toward her, a determined glint in his piercing blue eyes.

What the hell was he doing here? Seeing him in the flesh after a month was a jolt to her system. She felt as if she’d been doused in ice cold water. Or punched right in the face. Somehow she found her voice. “Stand down, Vincent. Now. He’s not a threat.” Well, not to Berr. But he was a complete threat to her sanity.

She didn’t have to give any more explanation than that. Vincent stopped where he was, but his hand was close to drawing one of his concealed weapons from beneath his jacket.

Berr stiffened beside her, but then he shifted and must have seen who was walking toward them because he relaxed. “He’s fine, Iris. He’s joining in the meeting tonight. Last minute addition.”

Okay, that would have been nice to know, but she held her tongue. Mainly because she was having a damn hard time finding her voice. Her stomach tightened because of a whole mess of reasons, none of which she wanted to contemplate right now. As her pulse started to race, she bit back her anger at the affect he always had on her. Shit, shit, shit.

“Wyatt, good to see you. Thought you’d already be in the meeting by now. We’re running a bit late.” Berr held out a friendly hand to Wyatt, but the other man’s laser-like focus was all on Iris. And he was pissed. The anger rolling off him was almost palpable. “This is Iris Tarango, my date for the evening.”

Iris swallowed hard. Oh, Wyatt freaking Christiansen knew her very well. Too well. They’d grown up together, been friends for a long time, then a month ago she’d gone and done the dumbest thing ever.

She’d married the frustratingly sexy man.

 

Where To Find Katie:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Author Page

Find more tour stops and follow to increase your chances of winning at: Lit Connect

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~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Katie is offering up 5 backlist ebooks from her Red Stone Security series (one per the number of stops). The winner can choose from the first five installments as their choice for their prize. The contest is open internationally, entrants must be 18 years of age, and will run from 12:00am EST 4/8/13 – 11:59pm EST 4/15/13. Winners will be randomly selected and notified via email, as well as displayed on the Rafflecopter widget within 5 days close of the tour. Full terms and conditions can be found on the widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview With Mary Honey B. Morrison + Giveaway

We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Mary Honey B. Morrison to BLI today for the next stop on her Blog Tour in celebration of the release of her new book The Rich Girls’ Club which hit the stands and e-readers on March 26^th.  The Rich Girls’ Club is published by Grand Central and is Mary’s 4^th HoneyB novel. Mary indicates her books address social and sexual issues while empowering her female characters. Mary is an up and coming artist with a multiple book-to-film deal.  She has eighteen published novels to her credit.

Welcome to BLI Mary, it’s a thrill to be able to chat with you today. 🙂

Lea: The women in your book are intelligent, empowered and completely at ease with their sexuality. The protagonists in your story, Brooks, Morgan, Hope, and Storm, are very wealthy and decide it’s time for California to have a female governor. The campaign strategy is unorthodox because it involves sexual blackmail. You tell a fast paced story that is a mix of humor, erotica and suspense. What genre do you see this book falling under?

HoneyB: If The Rich Girls’ Club were to become a movie, it would definitely be erotic drama. All of my books are a perfect fit for women’s fiction, and human sexuality. The scandalous blackmail techniques the characters use makes The Rich Girls’ Club a great read. As outrageous as the book may seem, this could one day become a true story.

Lea: The Rich Girls’ Club is a book about four very strong women, written for women, is there a message in your stories that you try and relay to readers?

HoneyB: Absolutely and always. I have yet to write a novel that is not intended to empower women. I use words to lift women up. Some of my female characters have a difficult journey but ultimately they learn from their mistakes. Bad things happen to good people. There are women who have been molested, raped, and battered. I’ve been all three. When I was molested, I didn’t lose my virginity. When I was raped, I wasn’t a virgin. When my ex-husband beat me−I did say ex right−I divorced him “immediately.” We as women may not have control over a man’s actions but we have the power to make decisions in our best interest.

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Fiction
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook, Hardcover, Trade Paperback
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Powell’s, The Book Depository, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

Garnishing the backing of the wealthiest women in California, Morgan Childs convinces Brooks Kennedy to run for governor.

Morgan’s campaign strategy is non-traditional. She convinces her stable of escorts to sexually blackmail each of Brooks’ opponents, and Kitty Cantrell, Storm Dangerfield, and Hope Andrews will do whatever it takes to bring them down one-by-one.

All goes according to plan until someone attempts to kill Brooks. With so many enemies, Brooks has no idea who wants her dead. When a secret is revealed, Morgan feels betrayed and will stop at nothing to get revenge.

Lea: Along with their unconventional quest for the governor’s house the ladies do deal with relationship issues. What role do the men play in this novel?

HoneyB: If we were playing chess, the men would all be pawns. Most men are you know. Men aren’t as smart as they think they are because they constantly undermine women. When a man believes no one is watching, his dick dictates his outcum. I’ll use Bailey for example. He’s outraged when his mistress announces her candidacy for his governor’s seat. My question is, “Why shouldn’t she?”

Lea: The Rich Girls’ Club is the fourth in a series of novels; beginning with Sexcapades, then Single Husbands, and the third book is Married on Mondays. I had no difficulty reading The Rich Girls’ Club as a standalone, how are the books connected?

HoneyB: They’re not in a series. The books are character driven. Due to the extensive erotic scenes in each, I decided not continue the characters forward. In Sexcapades, Nick and Natalie compete for the same promotion. The one that sexes their bi-sexual boss is promised the position. I love Single Husbands because lots of married men live as though they are single. Married on Mondays is awesome! If a woman treats her man/husband well one day a week, she can keep him happy but is he satisfied? Couples and singles rave about my HoneyB books after re-enacting the scenes.

Lea: Mary (HoneyB) you founded the non-profit organization “Lift Every Voice and Write”, please share with readers what its focus is and how it benefits involved students.

HoneyB: LEVAW was originated to encourage and support middle, junior, and high school students interested in writing as a career. I published an anthology of thirty-three students, entitled Diverse Stories: From the Imaginations of Sixth Graders. The project was mutually rewarding. The students bonded on a higher level as they learned things about one another they didn’t know. I didn’t want a theme. The purpose of LEVAW is to support individuality.

Lea: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us today Mary, congratulations on the release of The Rich Girls Club! 🙂

HoneyB: My pleasure!

You can learn more about Mary Honey B. Morrison on her website.

Places you can also find Mary:

Twitter | Facebook

 

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~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Grand Central Publishing has generously offered a paperback copy of THE RICH GIRLS’ CLUB to one lucky commenter! *US entries only please*

We at Booklovers are offering a copy of THE RICH GIRLS’ CLUB from The Book Depository to one lucky commenter! *International Entries Accepted*
Please Check The Book Depository’s list of countries for free delivery.*

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment or a question for HoneyB
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

Giveaway ends on Saturday, April 6, 2013; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

Guest Post: HelenKay Dimon + Giveaway

We are delighted to welcome back HelenKay Dimon today in celebration of the release of the first book in her new Hanover Brothers series, No Turning Back which has been greeted with rave reviews! No Turning Back is published by Berkley InterMix and became available for download on March 19, 2013.

Take it away HelenKay! 🙂

Thank you for having me here today to talk about my newest release, NO TURNING BACK. The book follows the sons of a notorious con man, focusing on our hero, Declan. The heroine, Leah, is the daughter of one of the con man’s first victims. As you can imagine, that makes for a rocky road to romance.

I loved the idea of exploring how events outside of the hero and heroine’s control could have them spinning. Declan has his father’s messed-up legacy to handle and overcome. Leah has been taught by her father from birth to hate all Hanovers. But when attraction steps in, common sense sometimes steps out…and isn’t that one of the things that makes romance novels so great?

Just because Declan and Leah have rough pasts to deal with, a house they’re fighting over and a mutual attraction they can’t fight off, that doesn’t mean they can’t have an old-fashioned date now and then. I thought I’d show you a bit of that:

Leah leaned against the side of the car and glanced around, but no one walked down the street. Nothing but a stray car at the stop sign up at the end of the block. “What are you doing here?”

“Dinner.”

She didn’t like where this conversation headed. Actually, she did like it, which was the problem. “You’re eating it on my porch?”

“I’m inviting you to join me.” He leaned a hand against her closed driver’s door and dipped in closer to her.

Being this close, smelling the soap on his skin touched off a memory of those kisses and had her heart flipping around. The stupid, traitorous thing. “I don’t see a pizza on you. Is there a sandwich hiding around here somewhere?”

He shot her that panty-dropping smile. “There’s an Italian place about fifteen minutes from here.”

“How would you know that?” He’d been in town about a week and already had the food scene down. Men and their meals.

“There is this amazing new invention called the internet.”

Since he was standing there looking all adorable and offering food, she ignored the sarcasm. “Which restaurant?”

“Does your answer on coming with me depend on my choice of venue?”

Sad thing was he could probably suggest fast food and she’d jump at it. Her control had deflated that far. “Maybe.”

“Castellano’s.”

The man had taste. “Good choice.”

A car drove by and honked. Without thinking she waved. So did he.

“So is that a yes?” he asked.

It should be a no. A definite no. The last two times they were close they’d climbed all over each other. “You know this is a terrible idea, right? We should negotiate on a price for the house—”

“I’m not ready to talk sale, it could be days or weeks or never. I don’t know and I’m not making a decision.”

He didn’t say the word ever but she thought she heard it. “It’s the best answer.”

“I’m not sure that’s true. Not for me.”

“Declan, we could—”

“Arguing with me is not going to change my mind. No real estate talk. Just dinner.”

She inhaled long and deep, hoping her brain would restart and the word no would form on her tongue. None of that happened. “Food. No kissing.”

He raised both hands in the air in what she guessed was his version of a vow. “I promise to keep my lips off you, but you can feel free to put your hands all over me whenever you want.”

If she did that they’d never get in the car.

Thank you so much for joining us today HelenKay. 🙂

 About NO TURNING BACK:

Length: 272 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Hanover Brothers Book I
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Berkley InterMix
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info:Publisher, Author’s Website, Goodreads, iBookstore, Kindle, Nook.

Book Blurb:

The Hanover brothers inherited some bad behavior from their con artist father. Now three strong women will make honest men out of them.

After ten years in the Army and four overseas deployments, Declan Hanover is ready for life away from a military base. Sweetwater, Oregon, a sleepy coastal town, seems like the perfect place to start over. His plan is to work out a deal with his brothers and the bank to let him keep the estate they’ve inherited, Shadow Hill. But he wasn’t prepared for Leah Baron, whose family lost everything to his father’s cons—including the house Declan intends to make his own…

Leah thinks Declan is just like his conman father. He possesses a bad boy charm that makes her heart pound, but that doesn’t mean she can trust him. All she wants is to get close to him so she can get her house back. But Declan has other ideas. He doesn’t mind being in close proximity to Leah—as long as it’s in the bedroom…

Excerpt

~~~~~~~~~~~~

About HelenKay:

HelenKay Dimon is an award-winning author of more than a dozen novels and novellas. Her first single title, Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy, was excerpted in Cosmopolitan magazine in August ’07 and spotlighted at E! Online. She made Cosmopolitan a second time in December 2009 with her novella “It’s Hotter At Christmas” from the Kissing Santa Claus anthology. Her books also have been published by Doubleday Book Club and Rhapsody Book Club and translated into several languages.

After twelve years as a divorce lawyer specializing in unhappy endings, HelenKay now writes romance for a living. The sudden career change resulted from her husband getting one of those “can’t turn it down” job offers. With only a few months’ notice, his work took the family from Maryland to their current home in California. So, instead of days filled with court, clients and a great deal of whining and complaining, HelenKay now writes for a living. She thinks of herself as a “recovering lawyer” and is grateful every day for the ability to write full time.

Where to find HelenKay:

Website | Twitter | Blog | Facebook

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~*~*Giveaway*~*~

HelenKay has generously offered a digital copy of NO TURNING BACK to one lucky commenter!

All you have to do leave a meaningful comment regarding HelenKay’s post or a question for her!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open to International entries!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, March 30, 2013; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

ARC Review: Thrill Ride by Julie Ann Walker

Format Read: e-ARC provided by NetGalley courtesy of Publisher for Review
Length: 352 Pages
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Black Knights Inc. Book IV
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Amazon, Books-A-Milliion, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Book Depository, IndieBound, iBookstore, Kindle, Nook.

Book Blurb:

He’s Gone Rogue

Ex-Navy SEAL Rock Babineaux’s job is to get information, and he’s one of the best in the business. Until something goes horribly wrong and he’s being hunted by his own government. Even his best friends at the covert special-ops organization Black Knights Inc. aren’t sure they can trust him. He thinks he can outrun them all, but his former partner—a curvy bombshell who knows just how to drive him wild—refuses to cut him loose.

She Won’t Back Down

Vanessa Cordova hasn’t been the team’s communication specialist
very long, but she knows how to read people—no way is Rock guilty of murder. And she’ll go to hell and back to help him prove it. Sure, the sexy Cajun has his secrets, but there’s no one in the world she’d rather have by her side in a tight spot. Which is good, because they’re about to get very tight…

My Thoughts:

This novel is aptly named because it is a THRILL RIDE. You not only get a romantic suspense that moves at warp speed, Julie Ann Walker also gives us a sexy Cajun hero to die for and a heroine who risks all to bring the man she has warm and fuzzy feelings for back to Black Knight Inc. A man accused of being worse than a traitor to his country.

Richard “Rock” Babineaux a former SEAL and one of the founding members of the clandestine group of government defense warriors called Black Knights Inc., has unwittingly got himself into very deep weeds. Outside of his missions with the Black Knights, Rock used his skills as an interrogator to assist in a project he believed was operated by the good guys to ferret out evil crime lords. However, when he uncovers information indicating “the good guys” were actually not at all what they seemed he started poking a hornets nest to find out the truth. Framed as a rogue operator Rock has very big CIA guns looking for him as the evidence supporting he is a traitor to his country is irrefutable. Rock eludes the authorities, utilizes his formidable survival skills and sequesters himself deep in jungles of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Despite the damning evidence against Rock, the close family of BKI specialists refuse to believe the worst about one of their own and set out to find him. When Rock is finally tracked down the beautiful Latino communications specialist Vanessa Cordero along with a small support group of Knights head to Costa Rica to bring him home. Rock is not pleased to see her and has no intention of putting the people he considers family in mortal danger and tries to send Vanessa packing. Vanessa is determined to convince Rock to accept the team’s help and follows him back into the dense jungle. Rock has no choice but to protect her not only from the host of dangers inherent to the location, but also from a major influx of CIA commandos with a shoot to kill agenda.

This book is a total adrenaline rush. Walker’s vivid descriptions plunge us into the lush jungle environment where Rock helps Vanessa maneuver one peril after the other, then the commandos arrive and things REALLY get tense and exciting. The enticing Cajun is an intelligent, battle-honed warrior who is prepared for every contingency. He also helps Vanessa deal with a paralyzing fear that has been relentless and traumatic. Rock and Vanessa have been dancing around an intense sexual attraction for some time. However he has some heavy-duty baggage with accompanying commitment issues that despite the desire flowing between them won’t allow him to give his heart to her. Walker builds the sexual tension over the course of the novel leading to hot, emotional love scenes. However, even after they become intimate, Vanessa still must face that Rock is determined to leave her.

Along loving the action and intrigue offered in this story, I enjoyed the laugh-out-loud humor that included a serving of awesome snark. Rock’s New Orleans’s dialect and colloquialisms are hoot-worthy and used liberally during dialogue and introspection. I have a thing for Cajun heroes, and in Rock, Walker developed a winner.

Julie Ann Walker gives excellent background information regarding the Knights and I didn’t feel disadvantaged at all for not having read the earlier series books. I understood why and how Black Knights Inc. came to be, had a good picture of each of the operatives as well as their quirks and quarks, and how they interact as a cohesive loyal group. There are also plot twists and quite a surprise in store regarding the identity of the very manipulative antagonist whose agenda and secrets are so well hidden proving Rock’s innocence seems hopeless.

There was a secondary plot-line developed between team member Bill and socialite Eva Edens so it will be interesting to see where Walker takes the Knight’s next. I was sorry when Thrill Ride ended; I loved Julie Ann Walkers’ voice and am eager to read the earlier and future books in this series.

I give Thrill Ride 4 1/2 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

The High Risk Adventure Tour with Vivian Arend + Giveaway

We are thrilled to welcome Vivian Arend back to BLI today for the next stop on her High Risk Adventure Tour in celebration of her new book coming from Berkley Sensation on March 5th entitled, you guessed it: HIGH RISK. Viv has unique and special treat in store for us today! A photo album/tour of one of her adventurous trips…to Alaska! So join in on the fun and be sure to stay tuned to the end of the photo tour for Giveaway information!

About Viv:

Vivian Arend in one word: Adventurous. In a sentence: Willing to try just about anything once. That wide-eyed attitude has taken her around North America, through parts of Europe, and into Central and South America, often with no running water.

Her optimistic outlook also meant that when challenged to write a book, she gave it a shot, and discovered creating worlds to play in was nearly as addictive as traveling the real one. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both contemporary and paranormal stories, Vivian continues to explore, write and otherwise keep herself well entertained.

About High Risk

Length: 368 Pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Adrenaline Book I
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Amazon, Books-A-Milliion, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Book Depository, IndieBound, iBookstore, Kindle, Nook.

Book Blurb:

LIFELINE: an elite search-and-rescue squad based out of Banff, Alberta. Specializing in high-risk rescue missions, this team goes wherever the job takes them…

Rebecca James was once revered for her devil-may-care attitude and backcountry survival skills. But ever since she lost her partner in a fatal accident, patches of her memory have been missing. And until she can recall those final, tragic moments before the accident, she can’t move on.

Since Marcus Landers was permanently injured during a mission, all his energies have been focused on his Lifeline team. When Becki—whom he had an intense affair with seven years ago—arrives in Banff, he’s inspired to reignite the spark they once had. Their mutual ardor slowly awakens Becki’s dormant, haunting memories.

New truths surface until Becki must at last confront her greatest fear. Remembering the past might mean a future without the man she loves…

Excerpt

Take us away Viv!

Where to find Vivian:

Website | Twitter | Facebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~*~*Giveaway*~*~

Viv has generously offered an Adrenaline Swag Pack and winner’s choice of any of her ebook backlist to one lucky commenter (Format winner’s choice)!

All you have to do is leave a meaningful comment or a question for Viv!
(You can read our full giveaway policy here)

Please leave us a way to contact you.
(Email in blogger profile or twitter name – no way to contact you – no entry).

This giveaway is open to International entries!

Giveaway ends on Saturday, March 9, 2013; and we will announce the winner on Sunday.

Good luck!

ARC Review: Free Fall by Catherine Mann

Format Read: digital ARC provided via Net Galley courtesy of Publisher for Review
Series: Elite Force Book 4
Length: 352 Pages
Genre: Military Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook, Mass Market Paperback
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Powell’s, The Book Depository, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

Pararescueman Jose “Cuervo” James is committed to his job and not much else. He thought nothing could change that, not even sexy, smart Interpol agent Stella Carson. Their affair burns hot and fast, but family is everything to Stella, and Jose just can’t go there. His family demons are too deep, too tenacious.

The demands of their work make it easy to stay away from each other, until a fateful mission deep in the African jungle unexpectedly throws them together. With Stella’s life on the line, uncovering the truth about Jose’s fears and her tragic past might destroy the spark between them, or gain them a second chance at passion and forever…

My Thoughts:

After landing a job in Interpol’s American office as a code breaker Stella Carson set about securing an assignment in Africa. Why? When Stella was 15 year old her mother, an aid worker in the country was killed, supposedly in a car accident. The reported cause of her mother’s death doesn’t ring true for a variety of reasons and Stella is determined to discover what really happened, maybe then she would feel a sense of closure.

Now, a field operative for Interpol, Stella finds herself commandeering a speedboat through rough waters with four CIA operatives aboard to provide back up in case a helicopter was unsuccessful in picking up the SEAL’s and pararescuemen assigned to disable small pirate vessels reaping havoc in the sea off the coast of the Horn of Africa. When things go awry, Stella skillfully maneuvers the speedboat to enable the elite special forces to be pulled from the water. Stella takes a “free fall” into love when she lays eyes on pararescueman Jose “Cuervo” James.

“Need help?”

She turned and there were those coffee dark eyes again. Static-like awareness snapped when she looked back at the intense gaze that had held hers earlier as he’d lifted his facemask. Except now he was more than eyes and a wet suit. He was a lean, honed man in a pair of fitted swim trunks he must have worn under the diving gear. He was glistening bronze with a body trained for survival anyplace, anytime.”

Yummy!

Jose and Stella’s situation is reversed 6 months later as he and a team of elite forces are flown to a concrete hellhole south of the Horn of Africa to rescue Stella and a group of foreign college students kidnapped by a group of separatists. A whirlwind affair with Stella Carson had ended in a painful breakup but Jose’s feelings for her haven’t lessened with time, failing to rescue her isn’t an option.

Catherine Mann developed an amazing hero in Jose James, as a pararescueman or PJ (Parachute Jumper), he and his team are “like Supermen with EMT bonus powers”. These guys are “the best of the best”, trained for combat but also go through intense training as paramedics. Jose and his teammates are focused and exceptional at carrying out rescues in the worst of circumstances. However Jose carries a truckload of personal issues along with his rifle and medic supplies. Said personal issues were the source of monumental conflict between him and Stella resulting in their break-up. Despite their relationship disaster it is Jose she calls on when she is thrown into the worst of situations, and you are not going to believe how she sends out the call. I loved this guy, he is sufficiently tortured to make you want to hug him but also fearless, and fiercely protective of Stella, you can feel their love radiating from the pages.

Stella is equally unique, her brilliant logical mind enables her to break and interpret coded messages vital to national security. She is also trained in the use of weaponry and battle ready. Stella does have a soft, feminine side and she ultimately desires a stable home life with Jose at her side, but as she has learned, that isn’t meant to be.

Free Fall offers rescue scenes involving death defying feats and action aplenty. Stella and Jose become embroiled in thwarting a heinous plot to kill a high-ranking visiting dignitary along with hundreds of people. Mann gives us a plot riddled with surprises and It the background of the danger, subterfuge and betrayal and endearing heart wrenching love story that caused a lump in my throat more then once. The well-choreographed rescue/action scenes caused goose bumps to rocket up my arms. In addition, we get standout secondary characters both good and evil that add punch to this memorable story.

If you enjoy a high stakes military romantic suspense, you may well like to give Free Fall a try. This is the 4th book in Mann’s Elite Forces series, but it can be read as a standalone with no problem.

I give Free Fall 4 1/2 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Review: Wolf Nip by Vivian Arend

Format Read: e-ARC provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 117 Pages
Series: Granite Lake Wolves, Book 6
Genre: Paranormal / Shifters / Erotic Romance
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: eBook, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Publisher, Author’s Website, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Goodreads.

Book Blurb:

Cat got your tongue?

Tessa Williams is looking to make her mark outside the family business, and the unusual landlocked paddle wheeler she spots in Haines, Alaska, strikes her as the perfect location. Only the owner is being difficult, refusing to sell. Still, she’s sure that replacing her written queries with a little in-person charm is all she’ll need to shortly have her Eco-tour B&B on the road to success.

Local wolf-slash-owner of said vessel, Mark Weaver, isn’t hanging on to the landmark building out of spite. There are more reasons for holding back the sale than are easily explained on paper. A face-to-face meeting to resolve the matter only confounds it—when Mark recognizes Tessa as his mate.

But she’s a cat…and cats don’t do insta-mates.

The sexual attraction between them isn’t in question, just everything else. He wants her. She wants twue wuv. His wolf can’t figure out what the holdup is. Her cat thinks the entire situation, and the pack, are rather amusing.

Somewhere in here is the beginning of a beautiful relationship—if they don’t drive each other mad.

Warning: One hyper cat, one laid-back wolf. Inappropriate use of permanent markers, and a heaping side dish of cat/dog jokes. Shenanigans (read: nookie) in front of a roaring fire. Spiced liberally with sarcasm. Enjoy!

Excerpt

My Thoughts:

You can always expect a good time when reading a Vivian Arend’s wolf shifters story. The Granite Lake shifters are an especially fun-loving bunch who enjoy life to the fullest. Book 6 in Arend’s series matches wolf shifter Mark Weaver with the high strung, success motivated cat shifter Tessa Williams. We met Tessa in the previously published Wolf Line when she supported her best friend Keri during the antics inherent to her shipboard romance with Jared.

Tessa is determined to establish a Bed & Breakfast offering excursions to visitors and has her eye on Mark’s unique inherited paddle wheeler home. Tessa submits an offer to Mark to sell but he is unable because of stipulations regarding ownership of the family property. Mark has a counter proposal which he sees as ideal as he has identified the bouncy, impulsive Tessa as his mate. The wrench in the whole mating forever is that Tessa is a cat and doesn’t have the immediate “we are meant to be together thing” going on. Tessa wants to mate for love. Mark therefore makes her a joint-business offer she can’t refuse and sets about to woo said cat in the sweetest of ways.

I loved both these characters. Mark is kind, very hard working and absolutely devoted to Tessa. In Tessa, Arend develops a stellar cat shifter, she moves like greased lightning, speeding around the paddle wheeler in the blink of an eye, bouncing on her feet and loves making dog jokes. Their romance is endearing and special, Mark is respectful of Tessa’s need to be head-over-heels in love before she mates. The sexual attraction burns between them and it’s especially potent for Mark who battles with his wolf who is desperate to have his mate. Tessa’s cat is unsettled but she doesn’t quite get what is wrong with her other half.

Keri and Jared make an appearance so we learn how their relationship is progressing. As well there is the visit to the Granite Lake wolves pack house where a particularly aggressive female has something to say about a cat shifter in their midst poaching one of their eligible males. Tessa handles that issue in an absolutely hilarious way.

Can a wolf and a cat mate and share all the special benefits that two wolves do? Well, you may like to give Wolf Nip a try and find out. 😉 Wolf Nip is a quick, fast paced read and my favorite of Vivian Arend’s shifter stories to date. This story can be read as a standalone but it will make you want to catch up on the series.

Oh, and by the way–the Samhain warning for this one? Perfect! 🙂

I give WOLF NIP 4.5 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

Review: Haunted Sanctuary by Moira Rogers

Format Read: e-book provided by Novel Sidekick courtesy of Author for Review
Length: 191 Pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Green Pines, Book 1
Release Date: January 22, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Formats Available: ebook Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info:Author’s Website, Publisher, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, iTunes, Kobo, Books On Board, Sony

Book Blurb

Eden Green can’t remember a time she didn’t believe in monsters—her cousin was born one. Her family’s dark past casts a long shadow, making it hard to make friends and harder to commit to a lover. She lives a quiet life in small-town Clover, Tennessee, but she’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Tired of the city packs’ corruption, yet too alpha to be a subordinate in a sanctuary town, Jay Ancheta satisfies his need to protect by serving as Clover’s Chief of Police. As much as he’s drawn to Eden, he can’t offer forever to a woman who doesn’t know what he is—or trust himself to let her go after one taste.

When Eden’s cousin and his battered pack stagger into town, their tormentors hard on their heels, Eden is bitten in the chaos. Now Jay not only has a traumatized pack to deal with, but a newly turned wolf with enough hungry alpha power to consume them both.

With their combined strength, they can create a new sanctuary—if their passion can survive the ghosts of the Green family’s legacy.

Warning: Contains a newly turned werewolf heroine who enjoys a little rough dominance in bed and a badass alpha wolf hero who’ll fight bad guys, ghosts and even the past to protect what’s his. Be prepared for violence, death and heartbreak on the way to a happily ever after.

My Thoughts:

Werewolves, a witch and ghosts, oh my!

A ragtag pack of werewolves flee Memphis after suffering significant physical and emotional trauma at the hands of a cruel, brutal pack taking over the city. Zack, their leader, takes the small pack of wounded werewolves to the small town where he grew up on a farm called Green Pines. Unfortunately the Memphis pack tracks them to the farm and a brutal battle breaks out.

Eden Green inherited Green Pines from her uncle so Jay Ancheta the police chief of the small town goes to see her to find out if she expected visitors. The farm has been empty for an extended period of time and has fallen into disrepair, visitors are not expected, the ‘commotion’ needs to be investigated. Eden insists on accompanying Jay to the farm to investigate. They discover the small-injured pack of werewolves fighting for their lives against the vicious attackers. Unknown to Eden, Jay is a werewolf and he jumps into the fray instructing Eden to remain in his vehicle. Werewolves keep their existence a secret from humans but Eden is familiar with the species because Zack is her cousin. During the height of the battle Eden is pulled from the vehicle, bitten and turned.

Jay has wanted Eden for a long time (the feeling is mutual) but avoided starting a relationship with her because she was human. Eden needs help and understanding to adjust and Jay becomes her mentor and eventually her lover. As Eden becomes acclimated to her new state it’s evident that she, like Jay is an alpha.

Zack is emotionally damaged and weakened because of his experience in Memphis, he is no condition to remain his pack’s leader. The small group of werewolves needs a place of safety and security and Jay steps in to become their de facto leader. He expects another attack from the Memphis gang for a variety of reasons so calls in friends, all strong alphas for support and deems the farm a sanctuary, a place of reverence and safety.

Haunted Sanctuary offers appealing protagonists and a compelling plot that incorporates action, emotion and humor. Eden is burdened with family secrets that she has kept locked inside since she was a child. As she embraces her newfound strength and power Eden realizes she must reveal the family skeletons to save Zack from a decent into madness. I really liked how the alphas respect and protect the beta wolves of the pack and give them the time they need to trust and heal. I loved Stella the witch who is called to Green Pines to help ward the farm against attack. Stella wields significant power but is also good fun. Jay and Eden’s relationship is a slow burn and I have to admit there were times when I wanted them to get on with it but Rogers makes up for it when they finally do the deed with an amped up sexual experience due to a special bond. Is Green Pines haunted? Well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out that one.

I’m sitting at the back of the bus, as this is the first Moira Rogers novel I’ve read despite a number of recommendations to try the authors work. Rogers kick starts the Green Pines series with excellent world building and I am excited to read the next book, Haunted Wolves. If you enjoy a good paranormal romance, you may like to give Haunted Sanctuary a try. 🙂

Coming in July 2013

I give HAUNTED SANCTUARY 4 Stars

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.