REVIEW: STAINED By: Ella James
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on March 22, 2014
BLURB:
Seventeen-year-old Julia is finally living the good life. She’s traded a hard cot in a Memphis orphanage for her very own room in a perfect little house, on a perfect little street, with a perfect set of parents who picked her to be their daughter.
But Julia is hiding a secret – and one fall night, she returns home from a friend’s house to find that her secret has found her. Her ‘forever home’ is ashes. Her parents are dead. And, in the sky above the flames, a winged creature hunts her.
The Nephilim King, Samyaza, has taken everything from Cayne. After struggling in the darkness for years to piece together his shattered life, Cayne is finally ready to confront his past and avenge the loss of everything he loved. He tracks Samyaza to a Memphis warehouse, where he winds up flat on his back, in the healing hands of a beautiful, dark-haired girl he doesn’t need to know.
Unbeknownst to either of them, they are already bound. Cayne’s past holds the answers to Julia’s future. But what will pose the greatest threat to her? The bounty placed on her head by the leaders of two Celestial realms, or giving her heart to a man who is bound, by birth, to break it?
Review:
This YA novel starts off with a terrifying beginning, which immediately grabbed my attention! Exhilaration filled me as an adventure ensued!
Julia’s a gifted young woman with a compassionate soul, but she’s not a normal teenager. Compared to Cayne, though, she’s the girl next door. Cayne is an impossibly gorgeous breed of his kind, but he’s got a real bad side. Fortunately for Julia, his anger is aimed towards someone else. These two have good dialogue and the author does a great job of building the romantic tension. The action-packed fights between Samyaza and Cayne create the perfect path of heroism for Cayne, yet terrifies you at the same time.
There’s another world and a few more characters that have an important impact on the story, but I don’t want to cross the spoiler line. I’ll simply say that although the narration goes back and forth between these worlds, it is seldom, and it’s easily understood.
I honestly don’t know how I’ve missed this series, but I’m glad it was sent to me! I kept thinking of a younger version of Hellboy throughout this novel, and for the record, I love Hellboy. The sensual aura between Julia and Cayne kept the romance lover inside of me wishing for more, while the danger around them caused me to read like a speed demon! My advice: slow down or you’ll miss important innuendos. Ending with a cliffhanger, which is an ingenious way of capturing the reader, this novel was a joy to read. Since I’m now a hostage, I can’t wait to follow this cast of characters in the next installment!
– STAINED BOOKS TWO AND THREE LISTED IN AMAZON’S TOP 100 YA EBOOKS OF 2012.
-NOMINATED BEST DEBUT NOVEL AT UTOPYA CONVENTION 2012.
-NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 10 YA ROMANCE BOOKS OF 2011.
-WINNER OF THE FLAMINGNET TOP CHOICE AWARD.
-CAYNE NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 10 BEST BOOK BOYFRIENDS OF 2011.
-FEATURED ON NUMEROUS AMAZON BESTSELLER LISTS.
-FIRST IN A COMPLETED SERIES OF FOUR (INCLUDING STOLEN, CHOSEN, AND EXALTED)
About This Literary Chef:
Ella James is a Colorado author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone’s parents go to war over the placement of a comma.
Ella’s books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon’s Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012.
http://facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage
http://www.ellajamesbooks.com/
COVER REVEAL: I KNOW LUCY By: Melissa Pearl
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, YA Fiction on March 20, 2014
Releases on April 20, 2014
Add to your Want To Read List on Goodreads
Genre: YA Romantic Suspense
Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she’s spent five years in hiding — taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can’t be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else…the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.
Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
Teaser
ZACH…
“This is different, you guys.” I shook my head. “I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I’m attracted to her, but it’s not just her looks. There’s something about her. She’s intriguing. It’s like she’s not all she appears to be or something.”
“You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break.” Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table.
“I know I don’t know her at all yet, but I can tell there’s something more there.” I rubbed my bottom lip.
“She looks normal to me.” AJ shrugged.
“I think she’s pretty. She looks sweet, but…” Liesl turned to spy her quickly. “AJ’s right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?”
“It’s something about her eyes. There’s a story in them. I can’t even explain why I think that. I just feel like she’s got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them.”
“I bet you do.” Elliot raised his eyebrows.
“Not like that.” I threw him a droll look. “I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison.”
“Dude, there is no mystery.” Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.
“Yes there is. I can feel it.”
“Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing.” Jaeda’s green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.
“I don’t care.” I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn’t. “That girl over there has secrets and I’m gonna figure out what they are.”
Giveaway
Author Bio
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan… not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. “Best. Year. Ever!!” She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 – True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.
“I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love.”
http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
Social Links:
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelissaPearlG
Blogs: http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/ and http://yalicious.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/melissapearl
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314516.Melissa_Pearl
Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/melissapearl
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/p3g8v
Website: http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/melissapearlg/
Other Titles by Melissa Pearl:
The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood – Black Blood – Pure Blood
The Betwixt Series
Betwixt – Before – Beyond
The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Forbidden Waters (due for release: 2014)
The Masks Series
True Colors
Book 2 (due for release: 2014)
Book 3 (due for release: 2014)
Book 4 (due for release: 2015)
The Fugitive Series
I Know Lucy (Releasing: April 20th, 2014)
Set Me Free (Releasing: May 18th, 2014)
The Song Bird Series
Fever (Releasing: June 15th, 2014)
Hosted By
DARE TO DESIRE By Carly Phillips
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 20, 2014
Title: Dare to Desire
Author: Carly Phillips
Release Date: April 10th, 2014
Synopsis
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women — until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long. Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily. But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
Sneak Peek Excerpt
“Has anyone ever said no to you?” she asked, hoping he didn’t notice the tears of frustration in her eyes, the pain in her voice for the things she wanted but could never have.
“Not when it mattered,” he said, his honesty surprising her. “And you matter. I also know how to work for what I want. And Madison?” He looked directly into her eyes. “I want you.”
Pre-order Your Copy Today!
http://www.itunes.com/carlyphillips
Amazon:
About this Literary Chef
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips has written over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels that today’s readers identify with and enjoy. After a successful 15 year career with various New York publishing houses, Carly is making the leap to Indie author, with the goal of giving her readers more books at a faster pace at a better price. Her Serendipity books will still finish up in January/February 2014 via Berkley as planned. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find all information about Carly at her website and other social media sites …
Facebook | Goodreads | Carly’s Website | Twitter
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BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY..DAMNED IF YOU DON’T By Linda J. Parisi
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on March 17, 2014
Blurb:
“Jack” Kent’s on the hunt for white collar criminals, and as a private
investigator he always gets his man. Except in this case it’s a woman, the
brilliant cellular kineticist Dr. Morgan Mackenzie, whose next thrilling
discovery is—him.
her employers with the formula for a priceless but deadly diet drug, Morgan
agrees to a night of pleasure with the outrageously sexy stranger. But when she
leaves the next morning, Jack won’t let her get far, and that’s when she
realizes the horrible truth. Her cowboy on a white horse isn’t a hero after
all. He’s part of the posse.
to turn Morgan in, he learns who the real criminals are, and suddenly, it’s a
race against time to find a murderer before they’re killed themselves. To do
that Jack needs to convince Morgan he’s on her side. Even though she doesn’t
trust him, Jack is a drug she can’t resist, leading her to find out that more
often than not you’re Damned If You Don’t fall in love.
Excerpt:
She forced her head upward. The breeze ruffled a few strands of his hair. His face grew taut with desire telling her exactly what his intentions were. But his eyes. Oh, heaven, his eyes. Those killer blues had softened. They’d gone from sapphire chips to the color of swirled marble, filled with confusion and heat. Funny, he didn’t seem to be able to understand this—thing—growing between them. Theirs was an insane passion, a fool’s passion, one she couldn’t begin to understand either.
Letting her see inside, though, made up her mind. There was no way to stop what was about to explode between them. He bent his headcloser and closer to hers. Her chin tilted upward to meet his. One touch would reignite the fire that would probably get them both locked up for certain.
His lips closed over hers, his tongue sweeping into her mouth before he let go, his breath going staccato as he leaned his forehead against hers.
“Jack,” she whispered, panting, her heart thundering, “all right.”
He grabbed her arm, pulling to where a steel beam met the sidewall of the ferry and created a tiny private corner.
Trembling fingers cupped her cheeks. Molten fire scorched her skin as his gaze roamed over her face. One enchanted evening had morphed into pure need. And that frightened her more than anything else. His head drew closer and Morgan fell back into the wall, finding the cold metal strangely comforting, solid in a sea of emotions she could neither accept nor deny.
He dragged his lips across her forehead, her skin burning under their trace, and then tasted her brows and cheeks as if touch could imprint her features. He drew in short, helpless breaths. His hard length pressed against her belly. How had everything gotten so out of control?
“Jack,” she choked out once more, trying desperately for one last bid at sanity. He stilled. His arms tightened around her back. His head dipped and his lips devoured hers.
So much for the word no.
Perhaps he tasted her inner struggle. Perhaps he tasted her fear, and not just the fear about getting caught making love on a ferry. Whatever the cause, his kiss gentled, coaxed. Their tongues tasted and mated, giving and taking. And that frightened her most of all. It wasn’t just about sex anymore. It was about sharing.
Jack tore his mouth away and leaned his forehead on top of hers. Neither of them could breathe. Two hearts beating out of control. They were both a hairbreadth from exploding.
It was all so wrong. And so right.
$75 Amazon Card Giveaway:
About This Literary Chef:
you through the darker, spicier side of Romance with her Paranormal, Paranormal
Romantic Suspense, and Romantic Suspense tales. Winner of the New Jersey
Romance Writer’s Golden Leaf Award for Best First Book for her novel, Noble
Blood, and winner of the 4th Annual Stroke of Midnight Contest for her
novel, The Joining: Bound by Blood, Linda is a long-time member of the
RWA and the current secretary of Liberty States Fiction Writers. Linda has seen
the publishing industry turn upside down yet stay the same because everyone
loves a well-written Romance. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, John,
and a family which includes Audi, a Cocker Spaniel mix who had her at woof!
Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: A Thousand Perfect Things
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on March 15, 2014
A Thousand Perfect Things
BLURB:
In this epic new work, the award-winning Kenyon, whose work has be compared to Larry Nivens and Stephen R. Donaldson, creates an alternate Earth in the 19th century. This Earth is ruled by two warring factions—scientific Anglica (England) and magical Bharata (India).
Tori Harding, a Victorian woman, whose heart aches to claim the legendary powers of the golden lotus, must leave her reasoned world behind and journey to Bharata. In pursuit of the golden lotus, Tori will be forced to brave its magics, intrigues, deadly secrets and haunted places, to claim her destiny and choose between two lovers in two irreconcilable realms.
As a great native insurrection sweeps the continent of Bharata—Tori will find the thing she most desires, beautifully flawed and more wonderfully strange than she could have ever dreamed.
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Book Depository
Excerpt:
Prologue
January 18, 1857
Lord Nelson’s statue perched on its granite column in the square, but to Edwina Banning it appeared that his shoulders stooped, as though he were weary of the heroic pose. It might have been a trick of the light.
Presently satisfied that the great naval hero was not drooping–and how, indeed, could a statue droop–Edwina tipped her parasol back into place and turned to watch six-year old Anna who was feeding pigeons with her father. The day darkened as a sudden high cloud tented the sky wintry gray. A horse pulling a coach shied in its traces, for a moment disrupting the decorous progression of carriages. Anna’s father pulled her close.
“Papa,” Anna said, pointing at Lord Nelson on his column, “the statue is bleeding.”
Mr. Banning held his top hat on as he craned his neck to see. “Pigeons do make rather a mess,” he said.
“But the mess is red.”
Edwina Banning turned to look, noting with alarm a red slime oozing down the column. Just as she was trying to imagine how this could be, she stared hard at one of the lions anchoring a corner of the plinth. The metal sculpture opened its mouth in a cavernous yawn. It was said that the iron lions had been cast from Scottish cannons. She had always found satisfaction in that story, and therefore it took her a moment before she entirely grasped that the animals were awake.
They stirred.
As Mr. and Mrs. Banning gaped in stunned denial, blood oozed from under Nelson’s coat and dribbled down the granite column.
Edwina’s lips parted for a scream just as one of the lions–the one facing the church of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields–leapt through the air and landed on a peanut vendor, crushing him to the ground. Then the second lion found its prey: a top-hatted gentleman with a cane. The cane crashed down on the beast’s head, but as the lion was made of iron, it had no effect. The square erupted with shouts and screams. Pigeons flew up in a clatter of wings and demented cooing.
Lord Nelson sagged and fell to one knee, clutching his chest.
The rampage began. The lions rushed to the slaughter, breaking necks with mighty paws and tearing at throats. They did not linger to feed, but turned from one victim to the next, finding their quarry closely packed in the square, though trying to flee. The fastest among them got as far as the steps of the National Gallery before falling.
Mr. Banning yanked open the door of a carriage, and surprised the lady inside by throwing his daughter into her lap and shoving his wife in as far as he could. He jumped inside and slammed the door closed. As terrified horses charged away, their careening carriages in tow, people in the square threw themselves on top of the conveyances, or clung to riding boards.
From the floor of the carriage where she huddled with her mother little Anna whispered, “They’re not real lions, though.”
Edwina clutched her daughter tightly. They weren’t, they weren’t at all.
But they killed.
Review:
An excellent Sci-Fi twist in Historical Fiction fashion!
I loved this beautifully descriptive novel, and was fascinated by its story line. The author has represented two worlds in a unique fashion, and created a wonderful cast of characters! Magic, religion, science, mythical creatures, and a land of exotic wonders await you!
About This Literary Chef:
Author Kay Kenyon
Kay Kenyon is the author of eleven science fiction and fantasy novels, including A Thousand Perfect Things. She is the author of the critically acclaimed science fiction quartet, The Entire and The Rose. Bright of the Sky was among PW’s top 150 books of 2007. The series has twice been shortlisted for the ALA Reading List awards and three times for the Endeavour Award. Four of her novels have been translated into French, Spanish and Czech. Along with her novels Tropic of Creation and Maximum Ice, two of the works in the quartet received starred reviews from PW.
Pinterest * Goodreads * Google +
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/31/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
SALE TODAY ONLY! LOVE, CHOCOLATE and BEER (A Cactus Creek Novel)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 14, 2014
Buy Links:
Love, Chocolate, and Beer (Cactus Creek)
http://tinyurl.com/n4q63s2
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-BarnesNoble
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-iTunes
http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateBeer-Kobo
Synposis
Romance has met its most unlikely match-up…
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success—by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his ‘romantic idealism’ a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can’t get enough of.
In his defense, she’s addictively easy to incite…and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It’s bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he’s selling—the kind her world has been crushed by before—is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What’s worse, he’s created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs ‘beer joints’ like hers as the “cave where romance goes to hibernate.” The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes…very likely, her heart.
Excerpt
“HEY, DANI. Why isn’t the coffee started? Breakfast is getting—OH!” Xoey dropped the box of bakery fresh doughnuts in shock at the foot of Dani’s bed.
Dani estimated the level of Xoey’s shock was pretty high up there. Not just because she was still in bed this late in the morning, but more so because she wasn’t in said bed alone.
“Get out!” Dani launched a pillow at her.
Xoey shot out of the bedroom. “I’m so sorry!” she shouted as she closed the door behind her. “I figured it was safe! I thought you two were waiting till your fifth date to…hey, wait a sec, did I count wrong?”
“Just stop talking and go wait outside! Or better yet, wait down in the brewpub!” Dani jumped out of bed, and instantly dropped flat as a pancake onto the carpet.
Good lord, she was naked.
And, criminy, she totally just gave herself a carpet burn on her belly.
Where the heck did her towel from last night go?
At the soft whoosh of falling terry cloth landing inches from her face, she muttered, “Thanks.”
“No problem,” came Luke’s amused reply.
Dani tucked the now dry bath towel around herself securely before peeking just her eyes and the bridge of her nose up from behind the tangle of goose down comforter lined-up like a trench barricade on her edge of the bed.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
She popped her head up fully like a prairie dog, and asked the first burning question that swirled around in her head. “Did we—ˮ
The heated look he blasted her stopped her from finishing that sentence.
“Honey, if we had, the trench barricade my soldier is failing to hide behind wouldn’t be taller than yours right now.”
Oh my. A quick glance toward the center of her bed had her rising to her feet quicker than the sound of the national anthem had ever inspired. Furthermore, she wasn’t the one saluting the flag in this case.
Before she could do so much as gape, however, he dragged the comforter over himself, and pulled her back up onto the bed beside him in one easy swoop.
With a sleepy morning growl, he gathered her into his arms and laid warm, rumbly kisses down the side of her neck. “Believe me Dani, the next time you wake up next to me in bed, you won’t be wondering if we did, you’ll damn well know it, remember it, and want more of it.”
All evidence in front of her would certainly suggest so.
He nipped at her earlobe. “I can practically see your thoughts, sweetheart. Before you slaughter my control even more than you already have, put some clothes back on me in that pretty little head of yours and go take care of Xoey. I’m going to see how cold I can get your shower to run.”
As she rushed out of the room to go demand her spare key back from Xoey, it registered belatedly that Luke had spent the entire night lying next to her, fully clothed and on top of her bed spread, just holding her hand.
A total gentleman.
With whom she fully intended to renegotiate the intolerable terms of their pesky five-date waiting period. Seriously, whose crazy-ass idea had that been anyhow?
About This Literary Chef:
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education who is ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romance novels. When she’s not arguing with her story characters or feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai’i with her two cute kids and similarly adorable husband.
Website: http://www.violetduke.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
Sign-up to get Sale & New Release Alerts: http://www.violetduke.com/p/join-email-list.html
Cover Reveal & Giveaway! WOLF HUNGER (Book 3 of the Dragon Heat Series) By: Ella J Phoenix
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 14, 2014
Blurb:
When the last box of deadly bullets is stolen, the hunt is on and the Vampire King’s band of fighters is set for the challenge of recovering it. But Yara, the shifter-witch, has other problems to face. She must help her leader to overcome the strange illness that has befallen her before it’s too late. For that, she must go back to the only place she swore never to return – her home land.
Rafe is a typical lone wolf who spends his nights earning his bucks in the fighting ring. When he was offered a pardon for his debts in exchange for the Vampire King’s head, he didn’t even blink, thinking it would be a hard mission but not impossible. He just wasn’t expecting the saucy shifter-witch to cross his path and ruin his plans. Now, he can’t get her out of his mind and the clock is ticking for him to make good on his word.
This is the third novel of the Dragon Heat series – a paranormal lover’s delight with vampires, shifters, dragons, witches, bathed in magic.
***Warning: this novel contains hot, steamy, descriptive sexual scenes. Enjoy.***
Giveaway Link:
Excerpt:
Hidden in the shadows, Yara cracked her neck, left, then right, then carried on wrapping her hands with the protective cotton straps. After ensuring both her wrists, knuckles and thumbs were safely strapped, she pushed off the stool and stretched her calves. In the corner of her eye she saw Dyam, her vampire friend and brother-in-arms of sorts, leaning against the bar. His silky-smooth long hair and olive skin contrasted heavily against those of the other patrons, who were basically a bunch of supernatural, stinking low-lifes. His chocolate gaze briefly met hers. He gave her a quick nod, then returned his focus to the octagonal cage-like ring in the middle of the club. Yara roamed her eyes over the crowd and spotted her other co-pilot in the mission, the vamp Joel, standing a few feet from Dyam. Just like his counterpart, the royal bodyguard exuded a calm that was as reassuring as it was deceiving. Yara had no doubts that he was ready to pounce at anyone or anything to protect her.
About This Literary Chef:
I discovered I was addicted to the paranormal when I was quite young – I blame it on the super heroes. Damn you, Wonder Woman! That passion led me to a number of amateur theatre productions in my home town, then ultimately to a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts.
It wasn’t very cool to spend five years working my ass off for no money. But, I have to say, it was then that I made my first attempts into the literary world. The first ones were writing children’s plays for my family’s language school. After a couple of blunders, I decided to translate Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream into a dancing and kicking play. It was so much fun that after that, let’s just say that I caught the bug.
Social Links:
Facebook page link – www.facebook.com/ellaj.phoenix
Twitter – twitter.com/ellajphoenix
Review: TRUE COLORS (The Masks Series #1)By: Melissa Pearl
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on March 12, 2014
BLURB:
Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama…until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.
Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and her high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.
Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends now appears terrified, but masks her fear behind a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?
Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.
At Palisades High School every face tells a story…
REVIEW:
The creative and beautiful cover for this novel is an exemplary example of what lies underneath.
I was immediately taken by the sweet and naïve heroine, as I was much like the young woman in my youth. After her true nature is tested, Caitlyn is given an unusual gift that jolts her face-first into reality. We all hide our true selves at some point, be it to spare feelings, or simply to protect our own. While Caitlyn was aware of how many times she had done this in the past, she had never considered someone hiding a dark agenda behind the façade. Being a pure soul, she soon finds herself unable to ignore her new talent, and follows her heart. Of course, the young tend to forget their mortality, which means danger is never too far behind.
This is an extraordinary YA novel with a wonderfully unique concept! It’s always a treat to discover a fresh story line with a superb cast of characters. The slight touch of romance is sweet and fitting, considering our hero and heroine, and beautifully written. Full of suspense, comedy, and the paranormal to boot, I highly recommend this novel to all YA fans! I cannot wait to read more from this splendid author!
WHERE TO FIND THIS LITERARY CHEF:
https://www.goodreads.com/MelissaPearl
http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/
TWITTER: @MelissaPearlG
This novel was provided to me via:
COVER REVEAL! LET LOVE BE By: Melissa Collins
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 11, 2014
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Book Title:Let Love Be
Author: Melissa Collins
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date:April 7, 2014
Hosted by:Book Enthusiast Promotions
BLURB:
What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?
For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.
Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in his life, he’s tired of being alone.
Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.
EXCERPT:
“Oh, I love this movie.” She settles on Forrest Gump as I grab my second slice.
“So, you already know about my history. What about you? Have you ever been married?” Forrest’s proposal to Jenny plays in the background.
“No. I mean, I’ve had a few relationships here and there, but work always got in the way. Staying single was somehow easier.”
“Same here. I mean, when Melanie was a kid, it was much easier to just focus on that part of my life.”
“Now?” I hazard a question that takes even me by surprise.
She puts her plate down on the coffee table and swallows back a large sip of water. “Now, I’m not so sure.”
Suddenly, my mind races with the possibilities of what her words mean. It’s crazy to think how just a few encounters with Lucy have made me re-evaluate my feelings. Obviously, she feels the same way. A calm and peaceful air falls on us as a small smile curls at my lips.
A comfortable silence fills the space as we watch the movie, recalling some memories when certain scenes come up.
Nothing prepares me for Lucy’s reaction when Jenny and Forrest get married and she tells him she’s sick. I try not to look at her, wanting to avoid making her feel like she’s in the spotlight or anything like that. I do notice a few stray tears streaking down her cheeks so I can only imagine what’s to come.
As we watch Forrest sitting beside Jenny’s grave, reading a letter from their son, Lucy reaches for a napkin. Clutching it to her chest, I can see her breathing rapidly. What were just a few tears earlier is now a steady stream. She doesn’t say anything, won’t even look at me, but I can’t watch her cry like this.
I shift on the small, overstuffed sofa and drape my arm around her. The top of her head fits perfectly into the crook of my shoulder. The scent of her hair takes over my senses; the sound of her softly sniffling through her tears tugs at my heart.
I alternate between squeezing her arm and tracing my fingers up over her shoulder. When she seems to have gathered her emotions, calming down a bit, my instincts take over and I act seemingly without thinking.
Or maybe I am thinking and I’m just afraid of what I’m thinking.
Gently pressing my lips to the top of her soft, brown hair feels like second nature. She tenses momentarily, and I realize I may have just overstepped my boundaries.
“Sorry about that.” I straighten in my seat and try to move my arm, but her fingers fall to my forearm. She looks up at me through long lashes with puffy, red eyes from crying.
“Don’t be.” Her voice is soft, angel-like. “It’s nice to be held.”
That piece of information prompts me to pull her even closer. “Well, I’m glad I could be of service.”
She laughs softly and then takes a deep breath before she shifts to move away from me, which just makes me pull her close once again. “Don’t,” planting another quick kiss to her head, “it’s nice to have someone to hold.”
Where To Meet This Literary Chef:
Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Web – www.melissacollinsauthor.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/melissacollins.author
Twitter – @mcollinsauthor
Book Trailer:
Social Links:
Let Love Be
Let Love Shine
Let Love In
Let Love Stay
Let Love Heal
Purchase:
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COVER REVEAL! The Veil: Sorcery Book 2 by Cassandra Burchett
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on March 6, 2014
BLURB:
Emotions run wild in the second installment of The Elven God’s series.
Sasha’s life has become something of a fairy tale of sorts only, not the happily ever after kind. She lives in a beautiful castle and is surrounded by friends and most importantly her parents. However, that is where the fairy tale ends. Her love life is more often than not a mess, and the first war in her new home is upon them. Sasha must journey to the most dangerous of this world’s species in hopes of their help. Will Sasha be able to gain the allies she needs to defeat the Shifters or will she die trying?
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