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RELEASE DAY BLITZ! ROMANCING CHRISTMAS: 10 LOVE STORIES TO SPICE UP THE HOLIDAYS!
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on October 24, 2014
Romancing Christmas: 10 Love Stories to Spice up the Holidays
Multi-author boxed set
Release Date: November 3, 2014
Genre: Holiday Romance
Cover Artist: http://www.bellamediamanagement.com
~~Blurb~~
Do you like your Christmas nice…or a little naughty? Bring the season into your heart with love stories to match your mood. This boxed set from 10 of today’s hottest romance authors will warm your heart even on the coldest night.
ONLY 99¢ FOR A LIMITED TIME!
~~Order Links~~
~~JOIN IN THE FUN AT OUR FACEBOOK PARTY~~
Join the ROMANCING CHRISTMAS authors for their LAUNCH DAY PARTY! The authors and a slew of their sassy friends will be celebrating the release, November 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM (EASTERN TIME).
Prizes Galore, Q&A, Authors, Readers, Books, and FUN! So what are you waiting for? Come join us and have a blast!
~~Review~~
This is an excellent collection that made me swoon, cry, want to hold my honey tight, and reconnect with loved ones! Each author has written a seasonal story to get you in the mood for the holidays. The variety gives each type of romance lover something to love about this set, as we all have different tastes. The gifts inside are as lovely as the wrapping. I definitely recommend!
~~Novellas included in set~~
USA Today Bestselling Author Dale Mayer ~ Broken Protocols 3.5
When Charmin Marvin wonders when Christmas Day would be in their new time frame, he sets events in motion no one could have expected.
Dani and Charmin lost a lot when they were brought 200 years into the future. But nostalgia brings the possibility of Christmas back into Dani’s life – if she can make it happen.
Levi hates to deny Dani anything, but all holidays were removed from his society by the government decades ago. He has no idea what she’s talking about – and when he does research and finds out – he wonders if something can be done. And someone outside of their small family wonders, too…
Dani has the best of intentions – but creating Christmas in a world that no longer knows what a holiday is makes her life very complicated very quickly.
Award-winning author H.D. Thomson ~ Shades of Holly
Do you like murder and mystery with your mistletoe?
Enter Zach Howard, a man who’s finally managed to get his life on track this holiday season, until that is, he comes across a pair of otherworldly sunglasses. They reveal scenes of a terrifying future. Holly, the one woman he’s never stopped loving, is in danger of a psychopath. This time around, he’s determined to fight for Holly, even at the risk of his own life. But even if he manages to save her, can Zach restore her faith in him? He prays that this Christmas miracles and angels do exist.
Chantel Rhondeau ~ Season For Love
The specter of death tempered by beautiful miracles is all in a day’s work for head nurse Tess Riggs and pediatric specialist Dr. Dash Brisson. But discovering Christmas is the season for love could be their biggest challenge yet.
Award-winning author Leslie Lynch ~ Christmas Hope
A one-man landscape business keeps a roof over Sam Bledsoe’s head and food on the table—and keeps his badly scarred face away from curious eyes. Free spirit Becca Sweet is pregnant—and down on her luck. With Christmas and a storm on the way, living in her car is no longer an option. When Sam comes to Becca’s rescue, they discover that Christmas hope applies to all, even to them. Will hope lead to love, the most precious Christmas gift of all?
Award-winning author Sandy Loyd ~ A Christmas Miracle
Megan Jenkins isn’t looking forward to Christmas, a holiday that reminds her of what she had and lost, a husband who died right after Christmas the year before, leaving her a young widow with a fatherless son to raise. During the course of this Christmas Eve, Megan experiences her own Christmas Miracle as she learns the true meaning of giving with the help of Kevin Murdock, a long-time friend who’s always been there for her.
Barbara Lohr ~ The Salty Carmel Christmas
Nothing ever changes for Rachel Morgan in Paris, Indiana. And then Eli kisses her. When Rachel returns home for Christmas, she’s not exactly the family success story. The soft-spoken guy with killer blue eyes makes Rachel take a second look. Paris offers her a second chance. Sometimes life can be like a salty Christmas caramel—sweet but with a tang you remember. Sometimes the boy you leave behind is the man you want forever.
Marcia James ~ Heating Up the Holidays
When Chris Spencer returns home with his daughter, he’s not looking for a second chance with his first love. And the last thing Nicky Paxton needs at Christmas time is her high school heart-breaker. But thanks to a hairless dog and a lonely child, they might get their Christmas desires.
Carolyn Hughey ~ Insanity Claus
A widow of two years, Mallory Gardner is struggling to keep her business alive and still function in her dysfunctional family. Having two daughters, one of which who blames Mallory for her father’s death is enough to test anyone’s sanity. But when Arden J. Miller waltzes into town, he has other ideas—like capturing Mallory’s heart even though love is the last thing on her mind.
Can two irresistible forces deal with immovable objects, or will the effects of the holiday spirit help resolve issues previously thought to be unsolvable?
Tallulah Grace ~ A Family for Christmas
Erin Matthews returns home to find closure, but she soon discovers truths that change her life forever. Luke Simmons never expected to meet a woman who sparks fire in his soul, even as his heart is breaking. Together, they find healing, and the true spirit of Christmas, in the love of a patchwork family.
Rachelle Ayala ~ A Father for Christmas
Single mother Kelly Kennedy can’t afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn’t believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.
Review! DAMASCENA-The Tale of Roses and Rumi by Holly Lynn Payne
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on October 13, 2014
SYNOPSIS
Holly Payne’s spellbinding tale brings the unparalleled poet, Mevlana Rumi, to life, and transports readers to the enchanting world of 13th century Persia. Simply but elegantly told, the story unravels the mystery surrounding a legendary orphaned girl, who discovers her gift of turning roses into oil. Named after the flowering rosa damascena, the girl reluctantly assumes the role of a living saint for the miracles she performs—longing only for one that matters: finding her mother. Deeply wounded by the separation since birth, Damascena undergoes a riveting transformation when she meets Rumi and discovers the secret of the rose. Imbued with rich historical research and inspired by the devastating disappearance of Rumi’s most lauded spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz, Holly Payne has courageously opened herself to receive Rumi’s teachings and offer a timeless love story. Inspiring and magical, the story of Damascena transmits the wisdom of the heart, inviting us to transform our pain into love.
REVIEW
My first thought was how brave the author was for choosing such a prominent figure for her novel. As I began reading her work; however, I couldn’t help but wonder if the figure chose her.
Holly Payne has delivered a masterpiece that embraces the soul. The beauty of this story mirrors Rumi’s poetry, which is placed impeccably throughout the novel. Every emotion imaginable accosted me at some point during my reading, but the overall feeling of love always rose above the rest. It’s obvious a great amount of research was involved, but the creativity of how Damascena’s life leads to Rumi’s is stunning. A beautiful mind crafted this novel.
Simply put, this is a must read!
BOOK LINKS
ISBN 978-0-9822797-4-8
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Holly Lynn Payne is an internationally published novelist in ten countries whose work has been translated into eight languages. Dutton/Plume published her first two novels, The Sound of Blue and The Virgin’s Knot, her debut novel, selected as a Discover Great New Writers and Border’s Original Voices book. Her third book, Kingdom of Simplicity was nominated for a national book award in Belgium and was named to the mandatory reading list in Ghent. It has also published in the Netherlands, Taiwan and China, and is the winner of a Marin Arts Council Grant, first place winner of a Benjamin Franklin Award 2010 and won Grand Prize for the Writers Digest Self-Published Book Awards 2011. Payne studied journalism at the University of Richmond, where she received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010. She earned a MFA from University of Southern California and has taught throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, serving on the faculty at the Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts and Stanford. She lives in Northern California with her young daughter, and serves the literary community as a writing coach, publishing strategist and volunteer producer for Litquake.
When she’s not writing or coaching other writers, she enjoys getting dirty on a mountain bike and studying integrative and holistic medicine. In 2013, she earned a master’s certification in intuition medicine and is licensed to practice Intuition Medicine in California. She is currently a PhD candidate for a doctorate in integrative and holistic medicine with an emphasis on creativity and consciousness at Energy Medicine University.
CONNECT WITH HER
RELEASE DAY BLITZ! FORSAKEN by Kristen Day
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on September 22, 2014
Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…
Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her
Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.
Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendants of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.
But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.
She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendants will forever depend upon it.
LINKS..NOW 99¢
REVIEW
This is definitely a cliffhanger!
I was completely immersed in this novel, as the writing is superb and the story line is enchanting. The adventure is exciting, setting is almost tangible, due to the descriptive writing, and the romance is appropriate for YA readers. I admire the creativity involved, and I have no doubt that lovers of this genre will be captivated.
Complete with crazy friends, a mysterious hottie, and an extraordinary paranormal world, this novel is a wonderful debut for the YA crowd! I can’t wait to read the next installment!
**I received a copy of this delectable debut in exchange for an honest review**
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I’ve been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses – swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn’t pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
When I’m not writing I’m making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband.
REVIEW! DARKNESS by ERIN EVELAND
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on September 10, 2014
One Girl. One Boy.
And the Masters of Darkness.
See the Shadow Creatures.
They are everywhere.
But you can’t run from the shadows.
At the age of sixteen, Catherine lives with an alcoholic mother and impoverished welfare. While searching for a way to tell her only friend Nathan of her desire for him, a hidden world starts to unfold with the coincidental meeting of a man in black, Jorgen. With this encounter, questions arise and unexplained events start to occur, causing Catherine to confront her past and an uncertain future.
Upon graduating High School, Nathan cooks at a local bar wondering how he can leave town with the girl he’s fallen in love with, Catherine. All seems hopeless until a man in black, Artros, introduces himself offering power greater than all the money that drives the world.
Ancient enemies with the power to control the Darkness and its Shadow Creatures, two Masters will fight to the death for what one girl may hold – the ultimate power of Light.
REVIEW
A wonderfully disturbing read! The author made me think of my own hometown and how hard it can be to escape such a black hole. Mill towns are the perfect setting for a horror novel, and Eveland delivered with exceptional precision.
Catherine comes off a little creepy at first, but after a while it’s hard not to like her. The traumatic life this young woman has to endure is heartbreaking, and her resolve is incredible. Nathan is a sweet young man who’s easy to relate with and very lovable. These characters and their story become rather addicting as friends become foe, and unimaginable creatures fill their lives with darkness.
I received a copy of this novel via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
BOOK PAGE:
http://www.darknesstheseries.com/
BOOK TRAILER:
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF:
Known for her short stories in the horror-genre, and as a mother of four, Eveland has published works in Dark Moon Books, Mocha Memoirs Press, Cromaine Press, and Dreamscape. Her forthcoming dark fantasy novel, Darkness is unique in style to bring art and music to the reader using the Quick Response Code.
With children, work and life, Erin usually writes between the hours of 9pm and 6am. She didn’t start writing until she turned 30. Through the following years of dedication and persistence, she has created a staple in the writing community, in which she grows, discovering new writers and listening to their stories – personal and written.
Erin loves spending time with her children and the great outdoors of Michigan. As a musician and songwriter, she enjoys music and the arts. She’s a nerd for how-to-books and as boring as they come across she likes discovering new things and believes one of the greatest values in life is to never stop learning.
AUTHOR LINKS:
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RELEASE DAY REVIEW! NEST by Esther Ehrlich
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on September 9, 2014
SYNOPSIS
For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you.
REVIEW
What a wonderful debut novel!
Ehrlich has created a very emotional story that moved me. The characters are relatable, the setting is perfect, and the flow is flawless. It has a “My Girl” feel to it, which I adore, and I couldn’t help crying during a few scenes. I also love how Jewish traditions and meals are shared with such ease; I want chocolate Babka! For those old enough to remember the ’70’s, be ready for a walk down memory lane as Tab and David Cassidy,(my first crush), make a debut. Although middle schooler’s are the targeted audience, I would consider this for mature eighth grader’s and up.
This is an author to watch, and a novel to pick up!
I hate spoilers, but I must mention that parents should be aware that serious illnesses, suicide, death, and abuse are part of the story.
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
TO LEARN MORE CHECK OUT HER WEBSITE:
Blog Stop & Review! New Release: The Empress Chronicles by Suzy Vitello
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on September 4, 2014
Published by Diversion Books
In this dazzling first book in the EMPRESS CHRONICLES series by the author of THE MOMENT BEFORE, one courageous girl seeks keys to the past to unlock the future…
When city girl Liz is banished to a
rural goat farm on the outskirts of Portland, the 15-year-old feels her life spiraling out of control. She can’t connect to her father or his young girlfriend, and past trauma adds to her sense of upheaval. The only person who seems to keep her sane is a troubled boy who is fighting his own demons. But all of this changes in one historical instant.
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One-hundred fifty years earlier, Elisabeth of Bavaria has troubles of her own. Her childhood is coming to a crashing end, and her destiny is written in the form of a soothsaying locket that has the ability to predict true love. But evil is afoot in the form of a wicked enchantress who connives to wield the power of the locket for her own destructive ends.
*
When Liz finds a timeworn diary, and within it a locket, she discovers the secrets and desires of the young Bavarian princess who will one day grow up to be the legendary Empress of Austria. It is in the pages of the diary that these two heroines will meet, and it is through their interwoven story that Liz will discover she has the power to rewrite history—including her own…
Readers of books like Rachel Harris’s MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY will love THE EMPRESS CHRONICLES
Review
Only a few days short of the 116th anniversary of The Empress Elisabeth’s death, I was excited to get my hands on what turned out to be a creatively crafted novel!
Although I’m an avid Historical Fiction fan, I’m very open-minded with the avenues an author can take. It’s hard not to become immersed completely when a story steps out of the norm and leads you into the unknown. I love the fact that Vitello paired the famous beauty “Sisi”, known for her eccentricities, with a young woman from present day who suffers as she did. This tale takes the reader on a mystical journey full of sorcery, love, and aristocracy. It suits the Empress, as she herself was a mystical force on her own!
The Bonus material at the end is always a favorite of mine, as well. The author gives background on one of the focal points that connects the two heroines, and interesting tidbits about some of the characters.
I rather enjoyed this read and I’m quite curious as to where the author will take it from here.
About This Literary Chef
Suzy Vitello is a proud founding member of a critique group recently dubbed The 
Hottest Writing Group in Portland, and her short stories have won fellowships and prizes (including the Atlantic Monthly Student Writing Award, and an Oregon Literary Arts Fellowship).
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/suzyvitello
website: http://www.suzyvitello.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzyVitelloBooks
Twitter: @suzy_vitello
REVIEW! THE BEAUTIFUL ASHES by JEANIENE FROST
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on August 31, 2014
Title: The Beautiful Ashes
Author: Jeaniene Frost
SYNOPSIS
In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.
Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.
Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…
REVIEW
What an exciting start to the series!
The author has creatively blended mythology, folklore, and fantasy with skill. The romance blooms slowly, but the action and suspense take a front seat in this installment. The background is revealed on a “need to know” basis, which fueled my need to know! As I raced through the pages, I was entertained and intrigued by the various obstacles Ivy and Adrian had to overcome. Biblical/Christian mythology is the front runner here, and very brilliantly implemented. It’s always a refreshing treat when an author puts an impelling twist in a novel that involves ancient beginnings that most can recognize.
Ending, or pausing, with a cliffhanger, I’m left with too many questions to stop now. Bravo to Frost, as you’ve hooked another fan with your enticing bait!
LINKS
LAST DAY OF GIVEAWAY!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, and the upcoming Broken Destiny series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty different countries. Jeaniene lives in North Carolina with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
For information on Jeaniene’s books, reading the first 20% of each book free, book trailers, deleted scenes, creature mythology, and more, please visit: http://www.jeanienefrost.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
REVIEWS! MEMBERS ONLY SERIES by JENNIFER KACEY
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on August 18, 2014
****THE FOLLOWING IS FOR MATURE READERS ONLY****
She knows it’s wrong. Cyn shouldn’t have feelings for fraternal twins Jared and Chris, her best friends. She shouldn’t want them to tie her up or strap her down, to take her one at a time—or together. The only way to control her taboo desires is to write them down and lock them away in her diary. Guys like Jared and Chris could never be interested in someone like her, or in the kind of sex she craves.
But Jared and Chris have read her diary, and sweet little Cyn is in for the shock of her life. The brothers not only own a members-only BDSM club, they want her. Need her. And now, with their unlimited funds and an entire establishment devoted to fulfilling her darkest pleasures, they’re going to claim Cyn for their own.
REVIEW
This is an excellent start to the series! The story line is well developed for a novella, the emotional twists make the characters interesting, and the erotic scenes made me quiver! Well done!
Ink.
A three-lettered word that means different things to many people. Pictures and words that might stand as a reminder of love, loss, rebellion, or camaraderie. For Haleigh Grace, it meant freedom.
Walking through the doors of the tattoo parlor, Inkfluence, marked the start of taking her life back. Making it what she wanted it to be. No one was going to tell her she couldn’t. Not ever again.
Little did she know that behind those doors stood Kyle Muse. He was her best friend, who had walked away years ago without a backwards glance. The one man she fantasized would someday be her knight in shining armor. The one she saved herself for.
But, he has a knight of his own. Tall, dark, and dangerously sexy, Scott Preston. The owner of the very shop Haleigh has an appointment with at midnight.
Feelings long buried rise to the surface and the three find themselves bound by more than just ink…
REVIEW
Not unlike the first novella in this series, the characters have a history together and a foundation in which they can build from. The emotional struggles are not endured alone and the strength each character possesses elevates the quality of the story line. Wonderful erotica!
Skye has spent her life being the perfect daughter for her prominent, wealthy parents. She says all the right things, wears all the right clothes…and lies through her teeth about the kind of sex she needs. The bland “gentlemen” she dates don’t know a thing about what gets her going—and when they find out, they run screaming. In her deepest, naughtiest dreams, she finds a man…or two…who knows just how to tie her up and tease her until she’s begging for more. But those guys don’t really exist, do they?
Jackson wants one thing for Christmas, and her name is Skye. He’s watched her from afar for ages, biding his time, waiting for his chance to give her the kind of pleasure she craves. And this Christmas he’s going to get his way. He’s enlisted his buddy Nick and the two of them are going to give Skye a holiday treat she’ll never forget.
REVIEW
An unfortunate ending turns out to be one of the best Christmas gifts Skye could receive! With emphasis on the fact that variety can spice up any season, and expanding on the idea that one of the perks of being a “grown up” is being able to act out your fantasies, the author delivers another great read!
Victoria’s been called frigid by every boyfriend she’s ever had. Having never gotten off during sex with even one of them probably has something to do with it. But none of them knew how broken she really is. She not only hasn’t gotten off having sex, she’s never orgasmed…EVER.
Then she sees an interdepartmental memo for a university study that claims it can help with her little problem. Once she signs her name on the dotted line, Dr. Hotlidge, finds all the right buttons to push.
He’s been looking for the perfect subject for his grant study, but something’s been missing from each of the women he’s questioned so far. Everything changes when Jane Smith #129 steps into his exam room.
It’s supposed to be anonymous, clinical research and nothing more. But when he finds her inner submissive hiding just below the surface, they both find more than they bargained for.
REVIEW
Stepping out of “The Library” for this novella, the author has written a story that can be a stand-alone, as well as linked with the rest of the series. I love Dr. Hottie and his ability to build Victoria’s confidence, while giving her the firm hand she needs. Very sexy indeed!
It’s been years since Angel and Davis said “I do” but husband and wife are no longer their most important labels.
He demands nothing short of her complete submission and she finds her place in the world. On her knees—at his feet. Now as members of The Library, a private BDSM club catering to the dark and decadent, they get to explore fantasies they never expected to have.
Marriage. It was supposed to be everything. But for Angel and Davis, it is only the beginning.
REVIEW
In this installment, we follow a married couple with an open relationship. For me, this was much naughtier than the rest! The vocal expressions in the erotic scenes were stronger and more effective. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
LAST THOUGHTS ON THIS SERIES:
I simply adore this author and her writing style! The endearing moments in her novellas give each story more depth and characterization. There’s a naughty side to counteract the sweet, which allows the series to develop wonderfully as a whole. I loved this set and will read more from her!
NEWEST STAND-ALONE NOVEL OUT NOW!
Kerrington needed her best friend Danielle in her life. Secretly, she wasn’t just a need. She was an ache, buried so deep Kerrington couldn’t breathe without wanting her. But she’d promised her grandmother she’d make her proud and find a man to marry, to have children with, to love, to cherish…
Nothing else mattered more than following the straight and narrow path set before her. Until one night, when a simple kiss changed everything and put Danielle and Kerrington’s strained friendship into question.
Searching for answers, Kerrington finds the permission she thought lost forever—unearthed by hypnotherapist, Dr. Mackenzie Raith. Now Kerrington must convince Danielle to give her one last chance, if it’s not too late.
REVIEW
I’m an unbiased reader, but this was a heart-warming story that doesn’t focus entirely on sexual preference. The struggle between being who you should be and who you really are is a subject that this author depicts expertly. I was captivated throughout. Beautiful job!
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Jennifer Kacey is a wife, mother, and business owner living with her family in the great state of Texas. She writes contemporary, adores menage, but regardless of the number of partners each tale she weaves will come with a full side order of kink. She sings in the shower, plays piano in her dreams, and has to have a different color of nail polish every week. The best advice she’s ever been given? Find the real you and never settle for anything less.
MORE ABOUT THESE BOOKS CAN BE FOUND HERE:
REVIEW! FIREBOLT by ADRIENNE WOODS
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on August 14, 2014
Dragons. Right. Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales, and sixteen-year old Elena Watkins was no different.
Until the night a fairy tale killed her father.
Now Elena’s in a new world, and a new school. The cutest guy around may be an evil dragon, a Prince wants Elena’s heart, and a long dead sorcerer may be waking up to kill her. Oh. And the only way Elena’s going to graduate is on the back of a dragon of her own.
Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales. Now it’s time for Elena to believe – in herself.
REVIEW
Woods’ has conjured up a new and exciting world for the tweens, and the young-at-heart to enjoy!
Beginning with a tragic start, I was immersed in the story of Elena the orphan. As Elena is thrust into a phantasmal world of Dragonians, she becomes acquainted with an unusual cast of characters that add humor and romance. Young and fearless always leads to an adventure, and this little group of misfits delivers! Complete with quirky teachers, a magical school, and a fearsome villain, this was an enjoyable read.
This is an excellent YA read that immediately grabs your attention! Elena’s choices are typical for a teenage heroine, but it wasn’t a nuisance. There are a few swearwords and “making out” scenes, for those that monitor their child’s exposure, but not in excess. My recommended age restriction is 12 & up. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter & Percy Jackson series, this could be for you!
BOOK TRAILER
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Adrienne Woods is born and raised in South Africa, where she still resides on the East side of Johannesburg with her husband and two little girls. She’s been writing for the past four years and in her free time she likes to review books of new and upcoming authors.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
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99¢ SALE!! SMORGASBORD BY Jagjiwan Sohal
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on August 11, 2014
Do you like having cookouts in the summer? Well, what about a smorgasbord? This book is totally out of my comfort zone as a reader and I loved it! I am normally not the zombie/vampire fan and I’m here to tell you, this is a fun summer read! Great for all ages, young and old.The story centers around Julie, who was born as a vampire when she was a teen. She is older, but still lives in her teen body. She saves a little zombie boy from danger and takes him under her wing, staying clear of humans. Yes, in this story, humans hunt ghouls of all kinds, and serve them up at the annual Monster Mash Food Festival. I don’t think I would personally like to eat a zombie or a werewolf and vampires are hard to catch, so that’s way too much work for me. But the suburbanites, also known as the Wilkerson family, work hard to kill the ghouls in the neighborhood, even by teaching their children to shoot them dead. Our main vampire, though, snacks on veggies only.
I loved that this story was like a car chase, not knowing what was around every corner as Julie protects the zombie boy while trying to outwit the Wilkersons. She learns to fight for her survival and makes many friends along the way. Sohal makes us root for the monsters, which I thought he did brilliantly. Also the big plus was learning about Julie’s past. I connected with her during this flashback as she tells the zombie boy a bedtime story: The story of her early vampire life. The only disappointment for me was, I was hoping to read more about the ghosts. I found it clever that ghosts were drank, not eaten, hence the term: Spirits.
Highly recommended for a fun summer read, fast paced, and keeps you on the edge! I really hope there is a book two in the works, because I cannot wait to get a copy!
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