Guest Post and Giveaway: Terri Rochenski (Eye of the Soul)

I would like to thank Terri Rochenski, author of the "Pool of Souls" series, for stopping by today. She's here today to give us a little look at how she gets "in the zone" to do her best writing.


Terri Rochenski:

How I get in the zone...

For some, writing comes easy, a natural ability to put pen to paper and watch the story within their mind unfold. For others—ME!!—writing is a bit harder. Rarely do I have sudden inspiration and scribble until ‘The End’ makes an appearance.

I envy those who can do that. Big time.

I’m not saying all writers don’t find writing to be work, I’m just saying some need a ‘zone’ while others might not.

Most of my author friends enjoy listening to music, others need a hot java on hand and the bustle of a coffee shop. I need silence. It’s because the stinkin’ voices within my mind like to whisper rather than carry on in a loud, clear, and precise manner. 

Closing the eyes helps, especially when I’m trying to make sense of an unclear scene in my mind. My zone is concentration, and if I don’t have it?

Forget about it.

On the rare occasion I listen to music for inspiration, I tend toward instrumental since there are no voices and words to distract me. Classical is one of my go-to’s, but Celtic is bar far the most inspiring because of the haunting instruments and the magical otherworldliness sense they pour over me. I don’t write while it’s on, just let it lead the scene that needs clarity.

Then it’s back to silence so I can concentrate.

Did I mention that I’m a stay-at-home mom with three little kids? Yeah. Silence happens a LOT. *snort* Pretty sure that’s why it takes me so stinkin’ long to write a novel.


How do you get in your writing / most productive / most creative zone?

________________________________________________________________________________

     Escape. 
     That should be Hyla’s first thought as her people are chained and imprisoned for no imaginable reason. 
     Instead, Hyla finds herself traveling through a land void of Natives, with human soldiers pillaging in desperate pursuit of her, and in search of the mystical Pool of Souls—home to the one man who can save her people. 
     Or so she believes. 
     Led by her faith in the deity Fadir, Hyla is met along her journey by Jadon—a human male and fierce King’s warrior, and his childhood best friend Conlin—one of the few Natives aware of his Fadir-given Talents. 
     Protected by Jadon, guided by Conlin, and with an unfailing belief in the purpose of her pilgrimage, Hyla carries on. 
     Like her, though, another searches for the Pool, and should he gain access first, everyone she loves, and everything she knows, could be lost. 
     Forever.

Purchase links:    Amazon   /  Barnes & Noble  /  Kobo

Author Bio:

Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with the fantasy genre.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her two young daughters allow. When not potty training or kissing boo-boos, she can be found on her back patio in the boondocks of New Hampshire, book or pencil in hand.

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review and Giveaway: "Through the Zombie Glass" by Gena Showalter

Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly, they've got mine… 

Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.  

After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things.  

She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her…from everyone. Now, with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness. 

But the clock is ticking…and if she fails at a single task, they're                                                              all doomed. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Through the Zombie Glass is the second book in Gena Showalter's White Rabbit Chronicles.

This was one of my most anticipated books of 2013.  Even though I'm not a zombie book fan, I really enjoyed the first book and couldn't wait to get more of Ali and Cole.  I was glad this one started right where we left off in book 2.  Ali and Cole are finally together, but of course they don't lead an easy life so it's no surprise that their relationship isn't easy either.  

I was totally blind sided by the turn of events in Through the Zombie Glass.  I certainly did not see these issues coming.  The zombies are changing, there is a spy among the group and some huge changes are in store for Ali.  We get a lot more of Kat and Frosty in this one as well and there are some new additions to the group that stir things up.  Ali's internal struggles are as much a part of this book as the battle between the hunters and the zombies.  Ali is quickly becoming one of the most deadly hunters of the group.

It always amazes me how Gena writes such amazing storylines.  The blend between the main story and action going on along with the character relationships is amazing.  Even if you're not a zombie fan, you will still love this series.  Book 2 is even better than the first and you've got to love these covers!  Overall, a fast-paced, intense, romantic, action packed, battle filled installment of the White Rabbit Chronicles.  This is definitely a must read!!!
Release date: September 24th, 2013

The review of the first book in the series, Alice in Zombieland, can be read here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This book was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

Review: "A Soul for Vengeance" by Crista McHugh

Nothing stirs up Chaos like Vengeance.

When Prince Kell returns to Ranello, he finds his homeland in ashes. The invaders from Thallus destroyed everything he held dear, leaving him heir to a throne he can’t claim. The thirst for vengeance consumes him and drives him right into the arms of the most unlikely of rebel leaders.

Zara has fought for months to keep the hopes of the Ranellian people alive. Finding Kell is just the thing their dying rebellion needs. But as she tries to soothe Kell’s bitterness and turn him into the leader he’s meant to be, she finds herself desiring the one man she believes she’ll never have. A man whose heart was broken by a yellow-haired witch named Arden Soulbearer.
________________________________________________________________________________

A Soul for Vengeance is the third book in Crista McHugh's Soulbearer Trilogy.

I have been anxiously awaiting this third and final book!  This is a truly unique series that I have just fallen in love with.  Crista McHugh has created such amazing characters and such vivid world building  that it would be hard for someone to not love this series.  

We've been following Arden and Dev's story for the most part throughout the last two books and their struggles coping with the Chaos God.  This book still continues their story but really focuses on Kell since parting with Arden.  I have to admit, I was a little concerned when I heard it wouldn't be all Arden and Dev but I should have known that Ms. McHugh wouldn't disappoint.  One of the traits I value most in an author's writing is the ability for you to "see" the world they've built.  She does an amazing job of this!  I feel like I'm right there in the towns and scenes she describes.

Arden is a strong, compassionate character and I love her interactions with the Chaos God and Dev.  It takes quite a woman to handle these guys and their powers.  I wish Dev would have admitted his feeling to her earlier, but what would be the fun in that?!  

I honestly can't remember how I came across this series initially but I'm so glad I did.  It has been an amazing and unique series.  I have had the chance to read some of Crista McHugh's other books as well and they have all been great.  Definitely one of my new favorite authors!

To find out more about Crista and her books, visit her website at http://www.cristamchugh.com/wordpress/.

"A Soul for Vengeance" will be released May 14th, 2013.

February

Here is a list of some of the most anticipated paranormal and fantasy books releasing in February.

Week #1:
A Howl for a Highlander by Terry Spear   (Heart of the Wolf #10)
Dead Things by Stephen Blackmoore   
Going Under by Lauren Dane   (Bound by Magick #3)
House Rules by Chloe Neill   (Chicagoland Vampaires #7)
A Lush Kiss of Surrender   (Renegade Angels novella - #2.5)
Hunting Daylight by Piper Maitland   (Acquainted with Night #2)
Magic at Midnight by Gena Showalter 
The Reunited by Shiloh Walker   (FBI Psychics #3)
Soulbound by Tessa Adams   (Lone Star Witch #1)
Undercover Wolf by Linda O. Johnson   (Alpha Force #6)
This Wicked Magic by Michelle Hauf   (This Witchery #2)  
Under the Gun by Hannah Jayne   (Underworld Detection Agency #4)
The Water Witch by Juliet Dark   (Fairwick Chronicles #2)

Week #2:
Feral Nights by Cynthia Leitich Smith  
How Beauty Saved the Beast by Jax Garren   (Tales of the Underlight #2)
Vampires Gone Wild by Sparks/Palmer/Arista/Falconer   (Love at Stake/Vamp City anthology)
The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead   (Bloodlines #3)

Week #3:
Neferet's Curse by Kristin and P.C. Cast   (House of Night Novella)

Week #4:
Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter   (Angels of the Dark #2)
Dead Letter Day by Eileen Rendahl   (Messenger #3)
Heart of the Demon by Cynthia Garner   (Warriors of the Rift #3)
Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian   (Midnight Breed #11)
Immortally Embraced by Angie Fox   (Monster Mash #2)
Immortal Ever After  by Lynsay Sands   (Argeneau #18)
Winterblaze by Kristen Callihan   (Darkest London #3)
The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter   (Goddess Test #3)


What am I most looking forward to?  Edge of Dawn, Winterblaze and Beauty Awakened were my most anticipated releases for February.  I did read Edge of Dawn, which was amazing.  I will have my review up soon.  I am almost finished reading Winterblaze, which so far has been very good. 

Cover Reveal: "Styxx" by Sherrilyn Kenyon

The cover has been released for Styxx, the next novel in the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon.


The most highly-anticipated novel in the Dark-Hunter series since Acheron, is here - the unforgettable story of Styxx, Acheron's twin brother and one of the most powerful beings on earth.

Just when you thought doomsday was over . . .

Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now.

She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her. But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul? 

Review: "A Soul for Chaos" by Crista McHugh

                                                              Life is dull without a little Chaos.


Trouble is more than just a nickname for Arden Soulbearer. It seems to follow her wherever she goes, and no one knows this better than her protector, Devarius Tel’Brien.

Dev thought that by moving Arden to Gravaria so she could learn how to control Loku, the chaos god whose soul inhabits her body, life would be simpler. Wrong. Not only is he continually torn between his duty and his growing feelings for the Soulbearer, but he also has to contend with the rival prince who wishes to claim her heart. Adding to his problems, a group of powerful mages have banded together to rid the world of the disembodied chaos god once and for all. Of course, that means they have to destroy Arden in the process.
_______________________________________________________________________________

"A Soul for Chaos" is book #2 in "The Soulbearer Trilogy."

Arden Soulbearer continues to work on her partnership with Loku, the soul of the God of Chaos, which inhabits her body.  In the past, Loku has driven the other soulbearers crazy over time, eventually causing their deaths.  Luckily for Arden, Loku and her seem to be the perfect match for each other.  It was great watching them both grow throughout the series.  Arden used to be a timid barmaid, cast out by her family and friends due to her different looks and abilities.  She's now in a land where magic is not only permitted but encouraged and it has given her a new feeling of confidence. Loku, who once made it his mission to drive his soulbearers to death as quickly as possible, is learning that not only can he tolerate Arden but that he's coming to care deeply for her.  They have both made huge strides since the last book.


Book 2 in "The Soulbearer Trilogy" also continues with the Arden-Dev-Kell love triangle.  Arden has had strong feelings for Dev throughout book 1 but after not having the feelings returned, she found comfort in Prince Kell's arms.  Not wanting to be parted from Arden when she leaves for Gravaria to continue her training, Kell accompanies Dev and Arden on their journey.  Not only does Arden have her romantic relationships to worry about and her issues with Loku, but now someone appears to be out to kill the new soulbearer.

This series has a little bit of everything, which makes it an exciting read.  It is built around an amazing fantasy world which reminds me a little of a historical romance mixed up with an intricate magical fantasy with a little mystery, suspense and humor on the side.  I have to say, as much as I loved the first book in this series, this one is even better.  It didn't hurt that we get to find out a lot more about Dev and Arden's backstories.  The side characters are very well written and add a lot to the main story as well.  

The next book in the series, "A Soul for Vengeance" will be out next  spring.  The synopsis for the book talks mostly about Kell, but Crista McHugh says we will get plenty of Dev and Arden too.  Whew!  I was a little worried there for a minute!  I hope this last book heads in the direction I'm hoping that it will.  

If you haven't checked out this series, now is a great time to pick up the first two books.  Bonus, you won't have to endure the evil little cliffhanger that I had to after book 1 in which I may have sent a late night message cursing Ms. McHugh.  Okay, okay - it may have been more of me whimpering than cursing.  You can check out my review to "A Soul for Trouble," book 1 in the Soulbearer Trilogy, here.  Be sure to check out her "Tears of Elios" series as well.  You can find the review to the first book here.  The second book in that series will be coming soon.

Review: "Tangled Web" by Crista McHugh

                                                                 The deadliest assassin in the empire just got too close
                                                             to her target…
     Azurha, a former slave turned deadliest assassin in the empire, has just been offered the ultimate challenge—seduce, then murder the new Emperor. But Titus is not the tyrant his forefathers were, and his radical ideas might be the glimmer of hope the empire needs.
     Titus Sergius Flavus has yet to master the powerful magic of his ancestors—magic he must wield if he’s to protect his people—but his father’s death has left him no choice. Rule the Deizian Empire and attempt to right his ancestors’ wrongs, or watch her fall to his greedy kin.
     More than just Titus’ ideas hold Azurha captive. Night after night, he awakens desires she thought lost, and uncovers the magic of her hidden lineage. As her deadline approaches, Azurha is forced to make an impossible decision-complete her job and kill the man she loves, or fail and forfeit both their lives.


"Tangled Web" is the first book in Crista McHugh's new Diezian Empire series.  While I believe this book is classified as sci-fi, it has more of a historical romance feel to it with a fantasy twist.    

Titus' struggle to take over the role as emperor while trying to improve things for his people makes him such a likable character right from the start.  He's got that alpha, take charge attitude and is tough when he needs to be but manages to stay humble.  Azurha just might be even tougher though.  Working as one of the most feared assassins for the past few years, she never expects to have any problems taking out the new emperor.  Her horrible past and her years of killing have made her very cold but not completely heartless.  

Titus and Azurha have instant chemistry.  She has the opportunity to kill him almost immediately but doesn't take it.  Instead, they spend a lot of time together over the days leading up to her bosses deadline.  I love that it wasn't all just about the steamy nights between them.  She comes to care about Titus and his kingdom that he's working so hard to protect.  Both characters grow so much throughout the book.  I loved the chemistry between these two.  I wish Azurha could have found it in herself to be honest with Titus a little sooner, but it ended up making for a great story.  I hope we get a little more of these two in the next book.  

Tangled Web was very appropriately named.  There are so many obstacles that the protagonists must overcome if they have any chance of being together.  It was very fast paced with tons of suspense, especially in the second half.  The sequel is due out next year and I will definitely be anxiously anticipating it's release.  We will be getting Galerius and Claudia's story in this next one which should be interesting.  

_______________________________________________________________________________

Check out an excerpt from Tangled Web here.

Check out my reviews on a couple of Crista McHugh's other novels:
A Soul for Trouble - review
Tears of Elios - review

Want to find out more about Crista McHugh and her books?  Visit her website here.

Looking for a hot novella?  Be sure to check out her new short read, More Than a Fling.  I needed a little more Crista McHugh when I finished this, so I read this and was pleasantly surprised.  I'm usually not a big novella fan but this was an enjoyable one.  If you're looking for a steamy one sitting read, you can download it for free at Smashwords.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway and Review: "Alice in Zombieland" by Gena Showalter

Synopsis:

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave.  Forever. Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone. 

Her father was right. The monsters are real…. 

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….
______________________________________________________________________________

     Let me start off by saying that I am not normally a fan of zombie books.  I have had no interest in any zombie related books, movies or TV shows.  However, for Gena Showalter, I was willing to try anything.  She always blows me away with her amazing stories and characters and I new I would just have to give this one a try.  As usual Gena, you have blown me away!

     Alice is a strong protagonist through the whole book but certainly gains confidence throughout the story.  She's thrown into a life of zombies that she never believed existed.  Like most of my favorite heroines, she's got that snarky attitude that I love.  With the help of Cole, the leader of the zombie slayers, Alice must navigate her way through this new world.  What can say about Cole?  Yum!  I am used to reading Gena Showalter's adult series, Lords of the Underworld, and wondered how she would do in this new YA series.  Of course Gena managed to make Cole hot, without anything too steamy going on.  Everyone at school is afraid of Cole.  He's all tough muscle with a take no prisoners attitude (and yes, there's more than one meaning to that statement as you'll soon see).  I loved learning Cole's background and finding out why he is the way he is.  There's always a softer side to these tough guys.  He's also so loyal and devoted to his crew and Alice that you just have to overlook his bad side.  There's definitely something brewing between these two and it's not just romance.  I'm anxious to get some more answers about this, hopefully in the second book.  The zombies are not your typical zombies.  Oh they're dead, but that's about all that's the same. Unfortunately I can't really say anything more than that without giving anything away but Gena has definitely created a unique take on the zombies and how they behave.  This story has me thoroughly hooked!  I can't wait for the next book.  

     Gena Showalter has created a unique, captivating world of zombies, slayers and more that will have you flying through this book.  It's full of action, mystery, romance, a little humor as well as some real life drama that everyone can related to.  Gena is a master at making me stay up way too late reading.  This was certainly one I didn't want to put down.   "Alice in Zombieland" is definitely a must read!  

"Alice in Zombieland" will be released September 25th, 2012.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway and Excerpt from "Shadow Rising" by Kendra Leigh Castle

Thanks to the wonderful Kendra Leigh Castle for this great excerpt from Shadow Rising and for offering a signed copy to the winner of the giveaway!  Just fill out the form below to enter.  You can also check out my review of this latest book in her Dark Dynasties series here.


Synopsis:

      As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend Sammael vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.     
     A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, they begin an alliance of necessity that soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally . . . or tear them-and everything they care about-apart.



Here's an excerpt just for you:
     Slowly, the tension beneath his hand eased, and the woman sank back down onto her stool. Damien released her reluctantly. His hand tingled where he’d touched her. For a moment, her awkwardness vanished, and the woman looking back at him was every bit as cold and ancient as her dynasty mark proclaimed her to be.
     He wondered fleetingly if playing with a Grigori this way was wise, then brushed it aside. He’d lived for centuries doing just as he liked, and it had served him well enough. Why stop now?
     “I’ll stay. For now. But I’m not going to entertain you…cat.” Her gaze dropped to the concealed top of Damien’s right collarbone. There, beneath his shirt, was the mark of his bloodline, a trio of entwined black cats fashioned into a Celtic circle. It branded him as Cait Sith, a cat-shifter.
     And without looking at it, she shouldn’t have been able to tell so quickly.
     “How did you know?” Damien asked.
     The woman shrugged, a dainty lift of shoulders exposed by the sleeveless little black dress she wore. The movement made him look below her neck, which he instantly knew he shouldn’t have done. He could stay distracted for weeks by the wonders showcased by that dress. With some effort, he dragged his eyes back up to meet hers.
     “I’m good at identifying who’s who,” she said, her tone defensive. “I studied.”
     “Really. And what identified me?”
     She turned her head to glare into her drink. “Does it matter? You’re just going to make fun of me, whatever I say.”
     The accusation startled him…more because she was probably right. And for whatever reason, the knowledge bothered him.
     “I won’t. I’m genuinely curious.”
     She didn’t even look at him. “I doubt that. You’re just bored. Go away.”
     Damien watched her face, seeing the frustration likely borne of fumbling her way through modern vampire society without a lifeline for at least a couple of weeks, and something in him softened. He didn’t bother to try and analyze it, but his voice sounded strange to his own ears as he sought to reassure her.
     "I’m not leaving until you tell me. But I’m happy to drag this out if you’d rather.”
     She looked up at him through long, dark lashes with such world-weariness that he had to fight back the urge to pull her into his lap and nuzzle her. The idea had some merit, actually…but Damien was pretty sure that would just put them back at square one. The longer they looked at one another, the more Damien had the unnerving sensation that she was sizing him up, judging him by some measure he couldn’t begin to guess at. The intensity of her focus on him was as pleasurable to Damien as a caress. To his shock, he had to swallow back an inadvertent purr. He didn’t purr for anyone. Anyone. And certainly not for something as cheap as a little attention.
     At last, she relented with a sigh. “It’s your eyes, for one thing. The pupils do some interesting things in the light. They’re very feline, if you look close enough. But mostly it was just the way you move. I’d read about it, but the words didn’t really do you justice.”
     He lifted his brows, surprised by the simple honesty of her answer. “Oh?”
     She nodded, obviously an eager student of a subject Damien was inclined to find ridiculously flattering. He didn’t think any woman had ever remarked on the way he moved before…out of bed, that was.
     “Yes,” she said. “Very graceful, very sinuous. Very…” She trailed off, and it seemed she’d been about to say a lot more than she’d intended. Damien watched her pale cheeks flush again.
     “Well. It’s unique anyway. So…” She looked a bit at a loss, grabbed the martini she’d been nursing, and took a large gulp. Then she looked at him over the rim of the glass, eyes glittering in the dim light, and Damien found himself momentarily lost again. All vampires were beautiful. It actually got boring after a while. But this one was damned near a work of art. Sculptors would have carved her likeness on temples; famed poets would have composed masterpieces extolling her beauty and then drank themselves to death over her. He could imagine it easily.
     Except that she acted like she’d been locked in a closet for the last five hundred years.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Release: "Immortal Craving" by Kendra Leigh Castle

Check out the sexy new cover for "Immortal Craving" by Kendra Leigh Castle.  This will be the 4th book in her Dark Dynasties series.  It is scheduled to be released January 29th, 2013.  I am loving this series and am really looking forward to more of her hot vampire shifters!

Synopsis:
Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.


The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay's gentle touch can subdue Tasmin's inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?


The 3rd book in this series, "Shadow Rising," will be released next Tuesday!  I'll have an excerpt up on the blog tomorrow along with a great giveaway!

Review: "A Hunger So Wild" by Sylvia Day

     A Hunger So Wild by Silvia Day is the second book in the Renegade Angels series.  There are also a couple novella's in the series as well if you're looking to stay in the Renegade Angels world a little longer.

     Elijah is one of the rare Alpha's still leading his pack through the revolt against the Sentinels angels. When a new virus begins sweeping through the vampires, Vashti is forced to seek an alliance with Elijah.  The vampires and lycans are natural enemies and it's only made infinitely worse by the fact that the lycans are the ones that killed Vashti's mate.  Elijah has his own beef with Vashti as well, since she killed his best friend in an attempt at seeking vengeance for her mate's death.  When the lycan Alpha and the vampires second in command get together for an alliance, sparks will definitely fly, in more ways than one.  Learning where their true loyalities lie may prove more difficult than either of them imagined.

     Sylvia Day has certainly taken a new twist on the vampires, angels and werewolves here.  In this series they are all angels in one form or another, or were at one time.  There's a little murder mystery, with the plot and cover up of the murder of Vashti's mate.  We certainly have some mystery/action going on trying to find a cure for the vampire virus.  Then of course we have some romance... my favorite!  There's definitely something between Vashti and Elijah from the beginning but with the different "species" factor and the past troubles between them, it makes for some serious tension.  I love that Elijah is the ultimate male alpha character without being full of himself.  He seems to genuinely care about all the members of his pack and doesn't treat anyone as though he's better than them.  That's hard to pull off with such a tough hero.  There's just one scene that was a little disconcerting between the two of them but I wont go into details and spoil anything.   Overall, they had great chemistry.

      I have recently read several of Sylvia Day's books and have really enjoyed her writing style.  Well, for the most part... I did kind of want to scream at her "What, are you kidding me!" after reading the ending of this book.  It's not so much that it was a cliffhanger just that I wanted a little more closure at the end and well, just more of their story.  I actually had to give myself a couple days before I wrote the review  because I had to let myself get over the ending first.  I am most certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.  I'm also very intrigued with the head of the vampires, Syre, and his story.  Hopefully we'll get that soon.

     If you're not familiar with Sylvia Day's work check out her website here.  She writes a wide range of novels: historical, contemporary, fantasy, paranormal and more.  If you're a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, Sylvia Day even has the Crossfire Trilogy which reminds me a lot of that.

Review: "Moonglow" by Kristen Callihan

"Moonglow,"  the second book in the Darkest London series, will be released July 31st, 2012.


Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . . 

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.
______________________________________________________________________

The Darkest London series' Victorian London setting is one of my favorites.  I love this era and can just picture all of the beautiful dresses and cozy little homes.   Throw in a hot werewolf and it makes for a good read!  I'm starting to really enjoy the historical paranormal romance novels in general and this certainly fits the bill.  While I didn't feel quite the same spark with Daisy and Ian that I did in the last novel, with Archer and Miranda, I still enjoyed it.   Kristen Callihan is certainly building on all of the supernatural beings in this book.  We get introduced to much more than just the lycans.

Fans of the first novel, "Firelight,"  will definitely enjoy this one as well.  Haven't started the series yet?  Check out my review of the first novel here.

The next book "Winterblaze" is expected to be released February 26th, 2012.

Cover Reveal: "Edge of Dawn" by Lara Adrian

Check out this hot cover for Lara Adrian's upcoming book, "Edge of Dawn!"

This is the 11th book in the "Midnight Breed" series.  It is schedule to be released January 22, 2013 (available for pre-order now).  

If you haven't read this series yet, now is the time to catch up.  Lara Adrian has created an amazing world of vampires that is like no other.  This is one of my favorite series and I can't wait for this next novel... it's certainly going to be a game changer!






Twenty years after the Order’s vanquish of their chief adversary, conflicts and skirmishes continue for the Breed, violence escalating toward war. Peace seems elusive, but the Order and their allies will not rest until it is won. 


For Mira, raised with the Order from the time she was a child and now the formidable captain of her own team of warriors for the Order, the fight is personal. War has cost her a great deal, though nothing more precious than the life of someone she loved dearly. Vowed to avenge his death, Mira blazes into every battle like a Valkyrie, poised to make her enemies pay. Until an unexpected encounter with a rebel leader brings her face-to-face with a startling truth, and a betrayal that will cut through her every defense . . . straight to the core of the wounded woman whose faith has never been tested more, nor her heart more deeply torn.

Set of Lara Adrian and Gena Showalter bookmarks to one lucky person who comments.  Would love to hear your thoughts on The Midnight Breed series for those of you that have read it.  Especially where you think it will go with the 20 year time jump with this book.

Review: "Wicked Nights" by Gena Showalter

"Wicked Nights" by Gena Showalter is the first book in the "Lords of the Underworld" spin-off, "Angels of the Dark."  It was released June 26th, 2012.

      As leader of one of the most powerful armies in the heavens, Zacharel is not only fighting demons but also fighting for his salvation.  He has been on a dangerous track, risking becoming one of the fallen if he can't make his deity happy.  He has been fighting and killing demons at any cost, which lately has meant killing and injuring humans in the process.  It isn't until Zacharel meets Annabelle that he starts to learn the value of the human life.
   
      Annabelle Miller has spent the last four years in an institution for the criminally insane after being wrongly accused of killing her parents.  Unfortunately for her, she knows all too well what killed her parents and their kind have been hunting her ever since.  It isn't until Zacharel and the angels fill her in that she truly understands the danger that she's in.  Her only hope for survival may very well be Zacharel himself, but how can she trust this stone cold warrior with her life?
   
       If Zacharel isn't careful he may very well become one of the fallen, but would it be worth it to save this human?
________________________________________________________________________

     For those of you that know me, you know all to well my love addiction with The Lords of the Underworld.  How could you not love these demon possessed warriors that will let nothing stand in the way of their women's happiness and protect them at all costs?  We have only gotten a few glimpses into the warrior that is Zacharel up to this point.  To be honest, I didn't have any great desire to know more about him during LOTU, maybe I was too distracted by the Lords.  However, I knew that Gena Showalter would make us love him and that she did.
 
     Annabelle Miller certainly isn't the damsel-in-distress type.  Her spunky, fierce personality is probably why she's still alive.  She has had to fight to survive for the past four years.  Fighting demons that no one else can see certainly didn't help her cause of proving that she was sane.  She didn't let this deter her nor the abuse she receives while at the institution.  Zacharel has been around for a LONG time and has certainly had to fight his own inner battles as well.  As scarred as they both are they are exactly what each other needed.  Due to the nature of Annabelle's abuse and Zacharel's lack of experience in the love and lust department, their romance is slow to build but they still had a tone of chemistry.  We also got a little peek at a few of the LOTU characters throughout the second half of the book as well which I loved.

       As usual, Gena Showalter has created a dark paranormal romance with plenty of alpha-warriors and a kick-ass heroine.  I'm anxious to get to know more of Zacharel's army!  Koldo's book is due to be released February 2013.  Personally, I can't wait for Thane's story!

Review: "Deadlocked" by Charlaine Harris

Deadlocked is the 12th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Novels.

Back cover synopsis:
It’s vampire politics as usual around the town of Bon Temps, but never before have they hit so close to Sookie’s heart…
Growing up with telepathic abilities, Sookie Stackhouse realized early on there were things she’d rather not know. And now that she’s an adult, she also realizes that some things she knows about, she’d rather not see—like Eric Northman feeding off another woman. A younger one.  There’s a thing or two she’d like to say about that, but she has to keep quiet—Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), is in town. It’s the worst possible time for a human body to show up in Eric’s front yard—especially the body of the woman whose blood he just drank.  Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s set out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Unfortunately I was let down again.  I am a huge fan of the Sookie Stackhouse Novels, up through book 9 at least.  This is a unique fantasy series that brings us a whole new take on vamps, weres and fairies.  That being said, the last three books have been truly lacking, each one more so than the last.  The characters seem to be changing to suit that particular book now and not staying true to the people we've come to know throughout the series, especially Eric, Sam and Alcide.  It seemed like they had totally different personalities in this book.  I'm a huge Eric fan so of course I was also disappointed that there wasn't more Eric/Sookie time but I could have forgiven that if I was wrapped up in the story.  There was a main story arc, but for the most part it seemed like random things going on in Sookie's day to day life.  I was hesitant to even write a review on this book as I don't want to deter anyone from reading this series if they haven't started it yet.  Like I said, it was an amazing series for many books and I would still highly recommend it.  The next book will be the last of the series, which I can only guess that perhaps the author realizes that it's time to end it as well.  On a positive note, thanks to the Charlaine Harris series and HBO we will have a brand new season of True Blood starting this Sunday!

"Once Burned" Trailer

Jeaniene Frost's first novel in the Night Huntress spin-off The Night Prince, featuring Vlad, will be released June 26th.

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...


Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all--but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him - a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

Review: "City of Lost Souls" by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls is the fifth book in Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series.

We left off in book 4 with the demon Lilith being destroyed and Jace and Sebastion are now missing.  When the Clave gives up the search for them, Clary and her friends band together to search themselves.  When they finally find Jace he is "changed".  Clary is ecstatic to know he's still alive but desperate to try to get "her" Jace back.  One big problem... Jace and Sebastion's life forces are joined.   This forces Clary to convince Sebastion that she has forgiven him in order to get close enough to find a way to seperate them.  If the Clave finds out where Jace and Sebastion are they will kill either one at the first chance they get.  Will Clary find away to save Jace before it's too late?

This book had a lot more romance and relationship building then the previous books.  Not only do we have Jace and Clary's relationship, but Simon's and Alec's as well.  We got a lot more of Magnus in this one - he cracks me up!  Simon is proving that he's really not the monster that he thinks he is and he has been an amazing friend to Clary.  I'm glad Clary is finally realizing this.  The chemistry between Jace and Clary was touching as usual.  Them kissing or even holding hands is as good as some of the sexier scenes in some other novels.  I was glad Cassandra Clare didn't end it with a huge cliffhanger like the last book.  I almost through the book across the room screaming "Noooo!" when I finished book 4.  This book had a little different feel to it then the previous books since there was a little less action and more on the characters but I loved it.  This is one of my favorite YA series and this book certainly didn't disappoint.

Cover Reveal: "Rapture" by J.R. Ward

Here's the new cover that was just released for Rapture by J.R. Ward (in hardcover).  This is the 4th book in her Fallen Angels series.  It is due to be released September 25th, 2012.  You can pre-order here.


Amazon synopsis:
Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they're over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too ...As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover's memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you're trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels' heart at risk, what in heaven - or in hell - will it take to save them both?