Review: "Marriage Merger" by Jennifer Probst

Her sisters have found wedded bliss with their wealthy, wonderful dream men, but not Julietta Conte. She’s stayed on terra firma as top executive of the family’s corporation, La Dolce Famiglia bakery. Work is her passion, and her trendy Milan apartment her sanctuary . . . until Sawyer Wells, a masculine masterpiece in a suit, lures her out of hiding with an irresistible offer: an exclusive partnership with his international chain of boutique hotels. 

Julietta’s been burned before—and trusting her brother-in-law’s friend, whose powerful gaze alone has her rethinking the best use of a conference room, is the riskiest proposition. But with a once-in-a- career chance to take the bakery global, will she mix stone-cold business with red-hot seduction?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Marriage Merger is the fourth book in Jennifer Probst "Marriage to a Billionaire" series.  It is scheduled to be released July 30th, 2013 but is available for pre-order now.

Julietta Conte is the top executive of her family's bakery company. Prim and proper, she's fought hard to make a name for herself and her family's company in a world dominated by men. Although her career has been extremely successful and fulfilling, there is one thing that eludes her... a man that gets her. That's ok... right? Who needs a man anyway, sex was overrated.  

Sawyer Wells owns a very successful chain of international boutique hotels. He's looking for a high end bakery to sign an exclusive agreement with his up and coming new chain of hotels. The Conte family is near and dear to his heart so he contacts Julietta and offers her a merger. But after their first meeting, he decides to up the ante and offers Julietta a deal neither her business savvy mind nor her body can refuse.

I took a break from my sexy vamps, hot werewolves, and angels with sensitive wings to finish the Marriage to a Billionaire series. I love Jennifer Probst's books. I've read all the books in this series and truly wouldn't be able to pick out my favorite. All the guys are sexy, hot, a little cocky... ok, some more than others...and vulnerable in their own way. "Merger" ends the series perfectly, wrapping everything up from book one. 

Can't wait to read Wolfe's new series... hint hint!

Warning! This book contains:
A novice in the bedroom who actually "tops" her man. =Holy Hell!

Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of both sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her novel, The Marriage Bargain, was the #6 Bestselling Book on Amazon for 2012. Her first children's book, Buffy and the Carrot, was co-written with her 12 year old niece, and her short story, "A Life Worth Living" chronicles the life of a shelter dog. She makes her home in New York with her sons, husband, two rescue dogs, and a house that never seems to be clean. She loves hearing from all readers! Find out more about Jennifer Probst and her books on her website at jenniferprobst.com. 




A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher/author for an honest and fair review.

Review and Giveaway: "Being Me" by Lisa Renee Jones

Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the missing journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca—but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?




Note about Inside Out reading order:  Following If I Were You, there are 4 serial novellas (that follow Rebecca's journal entries) prior to reading Being Me.  It is not necessary to read these between book 1 and 2 but please do... they are great and really add to the series.

Being Me picks up right where the first book left off, right at the big cliffhanger.   This series is a little different than my usual read as it is more of a mystery romance, but I am loving it.  I was intrigued with the storyline that began in the last book, with Sara discovering Rebecca's journals in a storage unit she purchases and the search for what happened to her.  The novellas were a great look into Rebecca's life and of course had me even more curious about who the mystery men in her life were and whether they were responsible for her disappearance.  We get just enough clues that by the time I read Being Me I was pretty sure I knew at least one of the men, but of course, just as I get confident Ms. Jones throws me for a loop.  Luckily, we did get some much needed answers... for both Sara and the reader.  

Sara has been unable to resist her sexy artist, Chris... who can blame her!  He's got everything she wants in a man and more, but fears that she's losing herself by being with him.  She's trying to find that happy balance of allowing herself to fall for him while still keeping her own identity.  This is even harder to do when she already feels like she's living Rebecca's life in her attempt to get answers.  Just to add a little more turmoil for her with Chris, she soon discovers that he has plenty of his own demons as well.   

Mark, the gallery owner where she works, proves to be a powerful and alluring distraction for Sara also.  She is well aware that he has many secrets however, and her concern for Rebecca has her on the fence about him and his associates.  

This is such a hot, sexy and mysterious series!  This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.  The first book felt like more mystery than romance where the rest of the series was really well balanced.  Ms. Jones has created an extremely well thought out and executed series which is harder to pull off than you might think.  I loved seeing the relationship between Sara and Chris build.  Not only did it get much steamier but you see them really connect emotionally and they're forced to deal with their pasts.  It's great to watch them grow as a couple... a very hot couple!  I just want to rave about this book but I don't want to give anything away so there are certainly some major aspects of the story that I have skipped over so I can't wait for you to read it!

For an excerpt from the first book, If I Were You, see my previous post here.

For more information about Lisa Renee Jones and her books, visit her website at http://www.lisareneejones.com/.  Being Me is scheduled to be released June 11th, 2013.


An advanced copy of this book/series was provided by the author/publisher for an honest and fair review.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Updated: June 10th, 2013

We've just added a great giveaway for one lucky winner to win ebook copies of all 4 journals in the "Inside Out" series.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

June

Here are some of the most anticipated books being released in June.  Do you know of some other great ones coming this month?  If so, feel free to share in the comments section.

Week #1:
Entwined With You by Sylvia Day  (Bared to You - book #3)
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh  (Psy-Changeling - book #12)
Phantom Wolf by Bonnie Vanak  
Hunting the Jackal by Seressia Glass
Seducing the Demon Huntress by Victoria Davies
The Darkest Embrace by Megan Hart
Darkest Desire of the Vampire by Rhyannon Byrd and Lauren Hawkeye
Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead  (Age of X - book #1)
Darkness Unmasked by Keri Arthur  (Dark Angels - book #5)
Tiger Magic by Jennifer Ashley  (Shifters Unbound)
Midnight's Kiss by Donna Grant  (Dark Warriors - book #5)
Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards  (Black City - book #2)
Beauty and the Wolf by Marina Myles  (The Cursed Prince - book #1)


Week #2:
Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones  (Inside Out Trilogy - book #2)


Week #3:
Rapture's Edge by J.T. Geissinger  (Night Prowler - book #3)


Week #4:
After Dark by Gena Showalter and Kait Ballenger  (LOTU #4.5/ Execution Underground #0.5)
Witch Bound by Eleri Stone  (Twilight of the Gods - book #2)
Spartan Frost by Jennifer Estep  (Mythos Academy #4.5)
A Kiss of Blood by Pamela Palmer (Vamp City - book #2)

Hunted by Kevin Hearne  (The Iron Druid Chonicles - book #6)

"Winterblaze" Blog Tour: Exerpt and Giveaway

Kristen Callihan's Darkest London series has been getting rave reviews and Winterblaze is no exception.  In the latest installment of her historical paranormal romance, we get a much deeper look into the darker side of London that very few know about.  Thanks to Ms. Callihan and Grand Central Publishing, I have an excerpt to share with you from the first chapter of Winterblaze.  

You can check out my reviews for all of the Darkest London books here:  Firelight, Moonglow and Winterblaze.  
________________________________________________________________________________



The West End, August 28, 1883

A telegram, as sent to the SOS Home Office:

Daughter of the Elements STOP All of us must reap what we sow STOP Now it is your turn STOP I’ll take not the heart of ice that resides in your sweet breast but the fragile one that beats in another and sail away with it on a ship of fire STOP When I tear it to shreds you will remember the agony of failing STOP Again STOP


The way to her parlor was along a winding stair, but down, not up. Down in the pit of the earth where sunlight and fresh air never reached. Yes, a proper English parlor with electric lights and air forced by means of an elaborate fan system of such strange modern devices that even the most jaded persons took a moment to stop and wonder.

Poppy had recently shown her sister Daisy the way in, a fact that she was beginning to regret as she settled back in her desk chair and surveyed the two women sitting in front of her. One of the women was Daisy, looking luminous as ever and trussed up in an extravagant frock which was no doubt highly fashionable, and equally uncomfortable. Having ferreted out Poppy's secrets with surprising speed, Daisy had earned the right to be here.

The other woman was the problem. Miss Mary Chase. Oh, she sat demure and quiet as Daisy prattled on in that way of hers, but the girl's glittering eyes took in every nook and cranny of Poppy's office. Learning and secreting away bits of information as only a GIM could do.

GIMs, or Ghosts in the Machines, were the best spies in the underworld. Blessed by a demon to have an immortal body with the ability to leave it in spirit form, they could drift into any room, listen in on any conversation. And now this GIM knew the way to Poppy's office. Bloody hell. Poppy had requested to speak with Daisy. She had not expected her sister to bring along a guest.

"Well?" Daisy prompted, breaking into Poppy's thoughts. Poppy took a short breath and pulled herself together.

Something that was getting harder and harder to do. Inside she was frozen and fairly certain that, one day, her outer skin would simply freeze over as well.

"You want me to bring this girl to Mother," Poppy repeated, her lips feeling numb. Mother was the head of The Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals, or SOS, an organization whose sole focus was to keep the world from learning the truth: that the monsters in their fairytales were real. Mother, whom no one, no one, ever met. Really, the nerve of Daisy sometimes. Poppy tapped her fingers to relieve the urge to wrap them about her sister's lovely neck.

Daisy too was a GIM. A decision she'd made in the face of a gruesome, prolonged death. She'd saved herself by making a devil's bargain. And now she would never die. Daisy would be here long after Poppy was dust in the ground. It made Poppy unaccountably sad, though she really couldn't say precisely why.

Daisy glanced at Poppy's thrumming fingers. Poppy instantly stopped. Daisy too tapped her fingers when she was agitated. A stupid slip to do in front of her sister. Damn it all.

When Daisy replied, it was with exaggerated patience. "Not precisely. I am here to make an introduction to Mother." Poppy  froze.  Daisy  could  not  possibly  be  implying what she thought she was. "Why did you not bring your
request to Lena?" Poppy hedged.

Daisy's eyes gleamed bright for one sharp moment. "I had assumed my sister would be a little more accommodating. Perhaps I was wrong."

Poppy looked away first. It had been petty to bait Daisy. While Lena was Mother's official go-between and requests for Mother always went through her, she had also been Ian Ranulf's lover years ago. As Ian was now Daisy's husband, the women did not particularly find each other's presence comfortable.

"Look," Daisy leaned forward, her tone forgiving when Poppy knew she'd normally drag out her displeasure, "Mary is the best GIM we have."

"Then why do you want to lose her?"

Mary Chase stirred. "If I may speak for myself?" There was a bit of fire in her eyes, something Poppy had to admire, and so she nodded. Miss Chase settled her slim hands on her lap as she faced Poppy without blinking.

"My term of service with the GIMs is over." Her hands clenched for a moment. "Mrs. Lane, I want to be a Regulator. I have wanted this for some time."

Poppy managed not to wince upon hearing her name. Mrs. Lane. A farce, for her husband had left her. The pain that lived in her chest spread out to her arms and then down to her fingers. She didn't allow it to show but let her gaze wander over Miss Chase. The young woman appeared to be all of nineteen, but from Poppy's reports, she was closer to Poppy's own age, having lost her first life in 1873.

"I gather you know this," Poppy answered. "However, I feel compelled to remind you that being a Regulator is no easy task. They live a hard life, and it is often quite short." Regulators were the SOS's agents, men and women on the front lines of the supernatural world. They came face to face with things that gave monsters nightmares. Poppy leaned in a touch. "And believe me, many an immortal's head has rolled while on the job. Just because you cannot die, doesn't mean you cannot be killed, child."

Mary Chase's wide, brown eyes narrowed. "I am not a child. And I'm not afraid of death."

Poppy rose from her desk, no longer willing to sit still. "Everyone says that." She grabbed her thick cloak. "And then they discover that, in their heart, they have lied. I don't believe GIMs get a second chance should they lose their head, do they?"

"No," Mary said after a moment. "Come."

The two women rose and followed her to the door. Poppy walked through it, not waiting to see if they kept up. Outside of the office, Mr. Smythe sat at his desk, his pasty skin blending with his grey hair. He faced a vast and dark corridor, and often times Poppy wondered how he could stand looking into that abyss on a daily, sometimes nightly, basis. Mr. Smythe, however, never complained. He gave her a deferential nod as she passed. She had worked alongside Smythe for fourteen years, and yet he did not know about Winston or that she had a fondness for meat pies sold by street vendors. Not one person within the SOS truly knew her. People tended to stay away from Poppy as though they felt she was something alien and not like them. Which said quite a lot, given that most of her colleagues possessed gifts that were the epitome of unearthly. She did not precisely mind the isolation. She had Winston. . . . Poppy's step nearly halted. She did not have Win. He was gone. And she was alone.

"I had a good reason for this, you know," Daisy murmured just behind her as they slipped into the stone-lined corridor. Here and there electric torches glowed, turning Daisy's blond curls a harsh yellow. Mary Chase followed at an inconspicuous distance, her eyes lowered and subservient. Ha. Men might be fooled by the display but not Poppy.

"You  better  have,"  Poppy  said,  just  as  low.  "You've come quite close to breaking my trust today, Dandelion." Daisy made a noise of annoyance at the nickname, but she  quickened  her  stride  to  catch  up  and  then  grabbed Poppy's elbow, forcing her to slow down. "Pop. Listen for
a moment, will you?"

Every muscle in Poppy's body went heavy and cold. She knew that tone in Daisy's voice, as well as the soft, despicable pity that dimmed her eyes. "Well," Poppy said through her teeth, "out with it. And then explain what it has to do with Miss Chase here."

Daisy took a stabilizing breath. "She knows." Her voice dipped a bit. "Who you are."

The struggle not to break something, or someone, held Poppy in place, frozen with shock and outrage. Daisy took a half step back, her mouth opening and closing like a puppet's, her hand lifting as if in defense. Smart woman. Poppy couldn't fathom why her sister would break her trust in such a manner.

Poppy advanced. "Have you lost your nut? What on God's green earth gave you the right?"

Daisy's pointed silence gave her a moment's qualm, which Daisy pounced on. "I agree that it is bloody irritating to be managed by one's sister." Poppy scowled, and Daisy ignored it. "However, as you've been known to point out, I have only the best intentions." Daisy touched her arm. "You need a companion, Pop."

A harsh laugh burst from Poppy. "You think I'm that infirm, do you? I bid you to remember that I am thirty-two. Hardly ancient, despite what your society friends might think."

"I do not think that you are ancient, Pop," said Daisy quietly. "I think that you are in pain."

"Do not." Poppy took a sharp breath. "Do not ever pity me, Daisy."

Bad enough that her sisters knew Win had left her. It had been humiliating. But that was nothing compared to the emptiness and the dull, unwavering ache that his absence wrought upon her.

In the gloom, Daisy's eyes gleamed like star sapphires, the effect of her new GIM nature when emotions were roused within her. "Pity and empathy are not the same thing."

"You have brought a GIM to keep me company," Poppy snapped, "as if you fear I might do something drastic."
What nonsense. Poppy did not do drastic things. She simply died a little more inside each day and wished the world to go away. That had not worked particularly well; the world was still here.

Daisy's gaze searched hers. "Mary is loyal and discreet. And she is entirely trustworthy. On my life, I swear that."

"Good thing to swear, as your life might very well be what I take." It was entirely too temping at the moment.

"I am shaking," Daisy said with an unladylike snort before becoming serious once more. "You need someone to keep you focused. And lord knows that bitch Lena will not do that for you. She's just as likely to stick her fangs into your neck when your back is turned."

"You really ought to get over your dislike of Lena." "Pish," Daisy said with a wave of her hand, "that woman means nothing to me. And you know full well that I speak the truth in regard to her character."

Unfortunately, Daisy was right. Lena wasn't the helpful sort. She despised weakness even more than Poppy did.

Poppy sighed, then looked at Mary Chase who hovered just beyond the circle of light where Daisy and Poppy stood. The young GIM had drifted back, having correctly read Poppy's request for a modicum of privacy. Poppy turned back to Daisy. "I asked you here because I seek information, not a nanny."

"Then ask away," Daisy retorted. "Mary won't tell a soul, and as she is currently my right hand, I'd tell her anyway. So you can drop that repressive glare, Pop."

Just once, Poppy would love to wring her sister's neck. Hell, Daisy would easily recover so it wouldn't be out-right murder. She studied the unflinching Mary Chase for a long moment. Sensible woman, crafty, discreet. It could all be a lie. Poppy's life depended on her choices. Which meant she had to use more than logic, but instinct as well, to survive.

"All right then, Miss Chase," she said to the woman. "You have your chance"

Miss Chase curtsied prettily. "Thank you, Mrs. Lane." "Don't  thank  me  just  yet.  A  demon  has  escaped  his prison," she said to them. "I received the report from Lena an hour ago. The only information we have of his current whereabouts is from a telegram, which may or may not have been sent by him. It makes mention of a ship of fire." Her hand rested upon the cold, stone wall. "It is imperative that the SOS locate him. Immediately."

Needing to move, Poppy turned away and strode up the cast-iron staircase that spiraled upward. Heels clanked upon the metal, then Poppy reached the top and turned the handle, which released several heavy bolts. The heavy door pushed open without a sound, and the familiar, comforting scent of books and wood polish greeted her as she stepped into her bookshop.

Daisy and Mary followed, and then she pushed the door shut and heard the sound of the bolts slipping back into place.

Daisy's pretty face was pale. She knew something. Damn. Instinct had Poppy's hackles rising before Daisy even spoke. "Winston is on holiday in Paris."

"Paris? Win hates Paris." Poppy had tried to get him to take her there on holiday years ago, and he'd outright refused, calling it a heathenish, boorish city, filled with wastrels and gadabouts. Poppy told him he'd overstated his case, but Win had made it up to her by keeping her in bed for their holiday, giving her an interesting demonstration of his own rather heathenish proclivities.

Thankfully,   Daisy   responded   before   Poppy   could dwell any further on that time. "All I know is that he went there after . . ." Daisy nibbled on her bottom lip.

"After what?" Poppy could not cull the worry from her voice. Win had left her, and still she was fretting over him like a bloody mother hen.

Daisy's nose wrinkled. "He beat a suspect to a pulp two weeks ago. The CID let him go, Poppy."

Poppy sagged against the counter. She could not fathom Win losing control of his temper. And the CID was his life. Winston Lane was an inspector, first and always.

What would he do now? How must he feel? Lost, she realized. Win had given up everything to become an inspector, including being cut off from his very powerful family. Daisy's voice broke through her musings.

"He is set to return aboard Archer's boat," 

"Ship. One does not call an ocean liner a boat."

"Ship," Daisy corrected with an eye roll. "At any rate, the ship is called The Ignitus." Daisy made a halfhearted attempt to smile. "Archer named it for Miranda."

Poppy's heart stopped. Ignitus, Latin for "set on fire." Daisy's breath came out in visible puffs as the air about them chilled and ice began to crackle over the counter. Poppy couldn't rein in the reaction. Dear God, how had Isley known? She'd been so careful to keep this life separate from Win.

"When is the ship set to sail?" Poppy's body hummed with the urge to move, to run.

"I believe it's due to depart this Friday. That is two days from now." Daisy's smooth brow furrowed. "Poppy, you can't mean to meet it. The bloody thing is in Calais! We are in London," she added with unnecessary emphasis.

Rage pushed its way along Poppy's veins, making her see more clearly than she had in months.

To find out more about Kristen Callihan and her books, visit her website here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Review: "Reflected In You" by Sylvia Day

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.


My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity.

We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...



     "Reflected In You" by Sylvia Day is the highly anticipated second book in the Crossfire series.  If you haven't read the first book, "Bared to You," now's your chance.  This book will be released October 2nd so you have plenty of time to catch up.  This is one of those books that you wont be able to put down until it's finished.

     Gideon and Eva are still trying to work through their less than perfect relationship.  Throwing to people together that are as screwed up from their past as these two are is proving to be quite the emotional rollercoaster.  This book brought out so many emotions will reading it.  At times this book was blissful, happy, sad, frustrating, suspenseful, gut wrenching and of course hot!   Sylvia Day is a master at writing steamy scenes and when you throw dreamy Gideon in the mix... wow!  

     While Gideon and Eva are trying to work on their relationship, I felt like they didn't make much progress through most of the book.  They were still having trouble trusting each other, still dealing with the nightmares and their shared history of abuse.  The one area they don't have a problem with.. their steamy romance.  No matter what's going on in their lives that seems to ground them and bring them back together.  When that's taken out of the equation, it brings up lots of changes between them.  Eva, especially, has to sort out her feelings and try to learn to trust Gideon through it all.  While most people would have given up on him, Eva can't bring herself to let go.  This is probably one of her biggest faults but it's hard to blame her when it's Gideon she's hanging on for.  There dysfunctional relationship makes me just want to scream at them and tell them how much they are screwing up but somehow it works for them.  Having some of the same issues, these two understand each other in a way no one else can.    We do finally get some answers about Gideon's history and learn a little more about Eva's.  Cary plays a bigger role in this book as well as someone from her past.  

     I hate to compare this book to the Fifty Shades Trilogy but it has a similar feel to me.  It has similarly screwed up characters and the same rich, powerful protagonist.  While Eva's not as innocent as Anastasia was, they have to deal with some of the same issues.  While the Crossfire series doesn't have the BDSM that Fifty Shades had it has some very hot scenes!  I was anxiously anticipating this novel to see where Gideon and Eva's relationship would go and it certainly did not disappoint.  

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

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.

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!

"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.