Monday, December 31, 2007

Velvet Leather and Roses by Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose is an absolutely wonderful author. I don't think I can say that enough, and being able to review her books is equally wonderful! Here's the review for Velvet Leather and Roses!

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Velvet Leather and Roses
Dahlia Rose

Amira Press, LLC
September 2007
eBook
75 pages
erotic romance

Cooper Jasper has found himself in a place known as Leather and Lace, and it’s not exactly his type of place. Leather and Lace is more for those who like to play a little bit differently, but Cooper had to come here, because he had to find HER. Finally, when he sees her across the club, the sight is absolutely mouth-watering. She’s wearing stockings, with stilettos, black netted clothing…and a voice like honey. Her name is Velvet…

Cooper wants to talk to Velvet. He is absolutely enamored with her, but when she leads him into one of the club's VIP rooms, he begins to get more than he bargained for. He’s always been the one to tie the ladies up, but now Velvet has him in her clutches, and well, Cooper loves every minute of it.

But after just a few moments of learning just what exactly Velvet can do, time’s up! But Cooper has to know more about Velvet, and as she turns toward to door to go back to work, she agrees to meet him, but until they can meet, all Cooper can think about is Velvet, and how he is just dying to get to know her better…

Dahlia Rose is at it again, with a fantastic piece of work. Velvet Leather and Roses has just the right amount of both romance and spice! You, the reader, will find that you just HAVE to find out what happens between these two and Velvet Leather and Roses is just perfect for that, because you can! The characters are realistic, but also come with some mystery, to keep the reader enticed. Go grab yourself a copy of the novella Velvet Leather and Roses by Dahlia Rose! You won’t be disappointed!

Velvet Leather and Roses is awarded our Rogues and Romance Erotic Must-Read for outstanding story, characters, and sex scenes!

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-Denise Kivett


Rogues and Romance





Heat Rating:
*5- Cupid's Whole Quiver!
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Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow


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Official Blurb:
Cooper Jasper was captivated, enticed and enthralled by one woman and he did not know her name. He saw her one night at his friend’s bachelor party and he could not get her face out of his mind ever since. The party was held at a place called Leather and Lace, a kind of strip club with BDSM thrown in. Since he saw her, he has been back several times, and each time he watched her. This night was different. She takes him into one of the VIP rooms where she introduces him to a sexy taste of being domineered. It excited him beyond anything he has ever felt but still he wants more. Billie might be the dominatrix as a job, but he intends for her to be his submissive.

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Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin

I had never read a futuristic romance with a military twist, such as Cold Warriors. Simply because I never thought I'd find it interesting, for my specific tastes. However, Clare Dargin has opened me up to yet another whole new world!

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Cold Warriors
Clare Dargin

Aspen Mountain Press
July 2007
978-1-60168-050-1
E-book
184 Pages
Futuristic

Cold Warriors takes place approximately 100 years in the future. Back in the late 90’s, some people who were nearing death were frozen, or placed into a cryogenic state. Now, the United States military is waking those who have been found, up. Only, they’re not on Earth anymore, they’re in the vast recesses of deep space, which comes as a huge shocker to Caitlin Driskoll, upon being awakened after 99 years.

However, much to Caitlin’s surprise, she’s told she gets to go back to Earth. Even though she knows A LOT has changed, she’s still excited to be able to pick up what’s left of her life, and learn about all that’s happened. However, upon departure, she’s told to report to Colonel Keegan. Colonel Keegan informs Caitlin that she is to say aboard the space ship, and that she must also earn her keep.

A war has been raging for the past three years in space, between us and the Verneans. If the Verneans win, we become enslaved. They are now “planet-hopping,” via planets that are much too cold for humans to inhabit, and therefore, too cold for us to fight on. However, that’s where the cyro’s come in, because they CAN withstand the frigid temperatures on these planets, and thus can come in especially handy for gathering intel.

War or not, Caitlin feels as if, “She had died and joined the Marine Corps. Or was God an aging general? Either way she knew it couldn’t be heaven ‘cause there was no chocolate…”

Cold Warriors is a great read for those interested in military and futuristic genres. However, Caitlin’s story, or better yet, life is during the 90's, a time which we, the reader, can find more relatable, making Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin, easily relatable to most any reader. Clare Dargin has written a great futuristic piece, and once Caitlin Driskoll is introduced into the story, you will find you just can’t put this one down!

-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance



Heat Rating: *1- Cupid's Affection Arrow
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Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow
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Official Blurb:
When Caitlin Driskoll is awakened from a cryogenic stasis, she's got a lot of adjusting to do. It's a new century and the planet is at war. Once married to a Navy JAG, she now experiences life from the viewpoint of a Jarhead, and the view isn't pleasant. Colonel Medoro Keegan lost the two most important things in his life during his Marine career: his wife to friendly fire, and his ability to fly combat missions. Now, he's stuck aboard the Blanchard as the XO. The Corps is the only family he has left and he's not about to lose the last thing he values. Until he meets Caitlin, who isn't shy about telling Medoro what she thinks about his Marines. How can such beauty wrapped in an icy body have so much fire? It's the future, and a new kind of prejudice has replaced the racial prejudice Caitlin experienced in the last century. After all, when you've been given a second chance at life, you are expendable.

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Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning

Tia Fanning has done a fantastic job with Rules of Darkness! There's just the right amount of romance, darkness, and magic to creat a perfect story.

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Rules of Darkness
Tia Fanning

Resplendence Publishing, LLC
2007
E-book
93 Pages
Paranormal Romance - magic

Katia has both rules and signs that guide her life, and in order to keep herself alive, she must follow the rules. The first sign was the brutal crime upon Katia’s mother that caused her conception. The second sign that followed was when Katia’s mother named her, shortly after birth, and then passed away. The third sign was when Katia’s eyes changed from blue to hazel, and with the third sign came the first rule: of those who flock to Katia, only those who live may she lay her hands upon them, but she must never touch the dead.

Then, Katia turns 16, and she loses her great-grandmother, and flees from their village. When she fled, she left the ways of the old, and moved into the modern world, what we know of. It hasn’t been easy though. The “lost,” as they are so called, still flock to Katia, and it was when she fled that she broke one of her 12 rules.

As she was driving home, one day after work, she passed a graveyard, and glanced at it, for far too long. Thus, breaking one of said rules, “Never glance into a graveyard as you pass it.” When rules are broken, there are consequences. Now, this boy, a ghost, has attached himself to Katia, because he just knew that she could see him. He's just a boy to Katia, but because he's a ghost, she CAN'T help him. If he accidentally touches her, she will lose her soul…

As Katia tries to explain to the boy that she can’t help, his rage fuels his power and more rules are broken. Katia has to get out of her house, and just as she thinks she is about to lose everything, she sees Stoyan, and he banishes the boy…

Stoyan was the love Katia left behind when she fled her village all those years ago. There’s a lot more left unsaid between Katia and Stoyan because their history and future both run far deeper than they could ever imagine. Katia is a healer of the lost, and Stoyan is meant to be her protector. Because of that, they are destined to be together, but when Katia needed Stoyan the most, he wasn’t there, and she sure doesn’t need him now. What Katia soon finds out though, is that she does need Stoyan. She learns that she carries the scent of the shifters, and those inflicted will try to use her as a mate. Now, everything will change in Katia…

Tia Fanning has written an exceptional novella. The relationship between Katia and Stoyan is realistically developed, and the rest of the characters bring much to the table. Fanning has fully developed Rules of Darkness, and the storyline is absolutely perfect. You’ll be laughing, and crying, but in the end, you’ll find yourself loving the story, and extremely happy with how things turned out. Rules of Darkness is a fantastic story, and Tia Fanning is an amazing author.

Rules of Darkness is a Rogues and Romance Must-Read!


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-Denise Kivett

Rogues and Romance




Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow
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Official Blurb:
One special gift...Twelve rules to follow...There are some rules that should never be broken.

They tell me that I am special, that my ability to heal mental illness is a "gift" that should be treasured and appreciated. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not gifted...I'm cursed. Nothing in this life is free, not even gifts. There is always a price to be paid somewhere, somehow.

My healing gift came with twelve Rules of Darkness, rules that I must follow at all times, until the day I die. The rules are ingrained in who I am. They dictate how I live my life when I am awake, and they haunt me when I'm asleep. Don't look into a graveyard, Katia. Don't touch the dead, Katia. Never seek out the lost, Katia...It's enough to drive a person mad.

And perhaps that's where I find myself now. A victim of a disease I can cure in others, but not in myself. It's madness to break the rules, and yet, I don't care anymore. I'm tired of living my life this way. I'm tired of the rules. I won't do it any more, and if that means I suffer the consequences, then so be it

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Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Caribbean Blue by Dahlia Rose

I absolutely love Dahlia Rose! Since getting into reviewing books, she's become one of my most favorite authors! Enjoy the review for Caribbean Blue!

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Caribbean Blue
Dahlia Rose

Phaze Publishing
November 2007
978-1-59426-790-1
E-book
43 Pages
Erotic Romance

Eli is a cop from Philly, and he needs a vacation. So, he visits an old friend, Mick, who has relocated to Barbados. As soon as Eli arrives, he is lounging in his bedroom, when suddenly he hears the most exotic voice singing. He just has to know where it’s coming from. As Eli walks down the beach, he eventually finds the woman singing, and is absolutely struck by her beauty, and when she leaves, he gives chase.

Day after day, Eli looks for the mysterious, yet beautiful woman, and each day he continues being unable to find her. He asks his friend Mick about her, but Mick has never heard of or seen such a woman. On the other hand, Mick’s wife, Jewel, is reminded of a local island legend. She tells Eli of a tribe of people, known as Baqeu, who are said to live in hidden caves around the island. At the end of the island legend, Eli finds out that the woman’s name is Alison.

That same evening, as Eli is heading home from a walk along the beach, he catches a glimmer in the trees. Then, catches a glance of black hair. As he catches up to her, he is more than surprised when she kisses him. Then, she leads him into the sea, to reveal much more to Eli...

But far underwater, things begin to heat up between Alison and Eli, and Eli just can’t seem to get enough of Alison…

Dahlia Rose is a fantastic writer, and she definitely will not disappoint any readers when they feast their eyes and minds on Caribbean Blue. The storyline is exceptionally strong, and even though Caribbean Blue is a novella, Dahlia Rose has a way of never making the reader feel rushed while reading. While there is some mystery with the island girl, Alison, the characters and the relationship between Alison and Eli is very real. Dahlia Rose definitely has a knack for writing, and an even greater ability to create such a real, yet enticingly erotic story, such as Caribbean Blue!

--Denise Kivett
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *1- Suction-Cup Arrow

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Official Blurb:
Eli Connors was a Philadelphia cop who was burnt out and just stressed out from the job. So when his friend Mick sent him and invite to visit him on the island of Barbados Eli jumped at the chance. He needed a break, the sun and surf would do him just fine. He did not know he would meet a mysterious woman called Alison on the beaches of the island, from a tribe called the Baqeu. Nor did he know that he would end up running from poachers on the island. Now in paradise he is caught up in the exotic Alison and the passion they created in between the coral and caves on the island. Will he be able to get on a plane back to the life on Philly and the cruel streets that made his heart cold? Or will he stay on the island and follow love's call by the Caribbean blue Sea?

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Happy Reading and Happy New Year!
*Dee*
R&R

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Babes in Toyland II Anthology

Babes in Toyland II has left me absolutely speechless. All I can say is: Hold on tight and get ready for a new favorite!!


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Babes in Toyland II
Anderson, Barrack, Delight, Glisan,
Greenough, Hasker, Montgomery, Sinclair
Aspen Mountain Press
978-1-60168-074-7
Available Now
eBook
Paranormal, Fantasy, Contemporary
All Heat Levels


Who Offed Holiday Spirit
Wayne Greenough

When Holiday Spirit, a man who Christmas just isn’t the same without, goes missing, it’s up to PI Thanet Blake to find him. If only he didn’t have a record of getting people “offed” in the process of his investigations!

Wayne Greenough brings us spunky, good-guy private detective Thanet Blake, a character as endearing as he is perceptive. This story probably has most wonderfully Christmas-y feel in the anthology, and you will love the warm feelings it brings you, as well as the smartly metaphorical storyline and characters. I loved Thanet Blake, and I will definitely be reading more of Wayne Greenough!


Christmas Ink
Skylar Sinclair

Christopher Kringle, son of you-know-who Kringle, has found a welcoming little town where he can do what he loves- practice medicine. But when he visited his parents this year, his father told him he needs to start looking for a wife so he can take over the family “business”. Chris is less than enthused, about having to leave his job as a doctor, and about being encouraged to settle down, when he doesn‘t even have a girlfriend! But when a motorcycle accident brings a woman named Candi Kane into his clinic, his life is changed forever.

Christmas Ink is a fun and magical story of fated mates who find each other by an unusual situation, with an even more unusual proof of being mates. Skylar Sinclair really knows how to put a fun dose of Christmas spirit in with magic and romance, creating one wonderfully fun time!


Devon Falls: Sticky Magic
Raine Delight

Devon Falls is a place where four founding (magical) families came to create a place where people of their kind would be safe. Since then, many love matches have been created in Devon Falls. Such is the story of Marc, who at the prodding of his intuitive mother, leaves Europe to visit his aunt in Devon Falls. Instead, he finds Jenna, the woman he has been waiting for centuries for, and gives her everything she’s wished for.

Devon Falls: Sticky Magic is a sizzling adventure about finding love when you least expect it. You definitely won’t be bored with this fast-paced steamy story. Raine Delight tops it all off with an ending that will have you craving the next story from Devon Falls!


Festival of Lights
Melissa Glisan

Jacob is studying to become a rabbi in a time when the Hellenistic leaders have outlawed the practice of Judaism. Fear for his son’s life prompts him to buy a slave to protect him- Saka, a fierce warrior woman from a strange and distant land. She more than proves her worth in the coming fight, as well as astounds Jacob as she works her way into his heart. But it seems too many obstacles get in their path and threaten their lives for them to be together. Jacob must trust that with God’s love and miracles, Saka can find her faith, and a place in the land of Judah.

Festival of Lights is by far one of the best novellas I have ever read. Melissa Glisan astounded me with her intelligent combination of history and fiction, creating a beautiful story and romance that is sure to touch you heart, no matter what your faith. Glisan’s retelling of the Miracle of the Oil is a religious fiction masterpiece, and a story that is going to become a holiday tradition for this reader.


Christmas Belle
Dawn Montgomery

After Belle, a Christmas fairy has an encounter at the spring with Roarke, the no-nonsense lawman fairy, she knows her heart is in big trouble! But when her denial of him accidentally triggers Christmas magic, she finds herself the cause of a magic that has touched the world of Fae and humans alike. It’s up to her and Roarke to figure out how to break the spell…

Christmas Belle is a fantastically magical story that I was entranced by, from start to finish. Everything about Dawn Montgomery’s story was wonderful- the writing, the plot, the characters, and those scintillating sex scenes! Belle and Roarke are two fairies that will work their way into your heart as surely as they do into each others, and you won’t want this story to end. Lucky for us readers, Montgomery ties the story up so nicely, it leaves you sighing with satisfaction.


Heart’s Desire
Michelle Hasker

The past few nights, Adamh has been noticing a woman walk down the street past the café he comes to. She is so beautiful, he would have noticed her even if two strange men weren’t following her. He does some digging and finds out she is Ainne O’Leary, owner of an antique shop. He continues to keep an eye on her, but it isn’t until the men finally make their move that Adamh comes to her rescue. The fact that she instantly knows that he is a vampire tells him that there is much more to Ainne than meets the eye. But what neither one of them know is that they are connected in a way they could have never imagined.

Heart’s Desire is about finding exactly that. This story was full of mystery and suspense, and you will love Michelle Hasker’s style of uncovering those mysteries! This story is a marvelous true paranormal, and a love story that any romance reader will adore.


The Game
Jeanne Barrack

Dave Harris craves his girlfriend Shari like no other, and wants to take their relationship to the next level. The only problem is that Shari has yet to open up to him- about anything. When he decides to ask her to come to his family’s cabin, she knows what’s coming and asks to invite along Dave’s best friend Frank, and her roommate Marianne to help relieve some of the pressure. It’s not that she doesn’t want more with Dave, it’s that she doesn’t want to ruin a good thing when she tells him about her secret. But Shari is not the only one with a secret, and with a winter storm that leaves the foursome stranded, Dave gets a lot more answers than he could have ever asked for!

The Game is a scorching contemporary ménage, with enough sexy secret confessions to make your head spin! Join these four friends as they go on a trip of emotional and sexual discovery, that will leave their lives forever changed. This story will have no trouble making you feel all hot under the collar. Jeanne Barrack writes the most delicious, kinkiest holiday story ever!


Gift of the Holly King
Maura Anderson

After being hit by a drunk driver, Kayleigh is left with all kinds of scars- both physical and emotional. Needing some independence from her parent‘s house where her mother has doted on her in these months since the wreck, she rents a big, beautiful ancient house. But the house provides little refuge from the uncertainty she feels from feeling like a different person, and from the constant pain she is in. Until one day, when she decides to take a short walk and feels drawn by the goddess to a clearing where three holly trees stand, with one much larger than the others. She can feel this is a sacred place, and feels the presence of what she believes to be a spirit. But little does she know, he is the Holly King, and she’s not the only one who feels drawn…

Gift of the Holly King is a phenomenal fantasy that gave ME a new fantasy! Maura Anderson not only captivated me by her wonderfully non-complicated but intense plot, but with her ability to make her characters feel real enough to touch. The reader can easily identify and sympathize with Kayleigh, and it’s not hard at all to lust after the Holly King! The connection between the two is absolutely electric, and when they come together, look out for sparks!

My conclusion:
Babes in Toyland II really blew me away with it’s fun, smart, sexy, and imaginative stories. Every single one of those stories were ones I enjoyed reading immensely, and the folks at Aspen Mountain should get a big round of applause for choosing the perfect blend of fantastic stories for this anthology. Not only did I find Babes in Toyland II a definite keeper, but I found a ton of new authors that I loved. This is one I will certainly be reading again- at Christmas and all throughout the year.

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance



Heat Ratings: From none to *5- Cupid's Whole Quiver

Violence Rating: From none to *3- Steel Arrow


Babes in Toyland II, and every story within, gets the Rogues and Romance Must-Read Award. This anthology deserves special recognition for an outstanding stories, characters, and writing.

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Happy Reading and Merry Christmas!
Mandy

Bound in Lust by Dawn Montgomery

I have come to know and love Dawn Montgomery's stories through both Bound in Lust, and her fantastic story Christmas Belle, in the Babes in Toyland II anthology. This is definitely an author to take notice of- both stories were phenomenal, and after also devouring the free stories on her website, phenomenal is definitely par for the course!

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Bound in Lust
Dawn Montgomery

Changeling Press
ISBN: 978-1-59596-871-5
Available Now!
eBook
Novella
Paranormal
Erotic Romance

Elena is in trouble- big trouble. After being attacked and bitten by a demon, the curse of the bite turns her into a succubus. But she doesn’t know what to do to save herself, she’s a bartender for goodness sake! Luckily, she does know who to go to for help: Drake, a powerful lust demon. Drake can’t resist the gorgeous Elena, and agrees to do what he can. But when he realizes that whoever attacked Elena had a master plan that involves him, he knows he must bind her to him… forever!

Bound in Lust is a devilishly sexy tale that you will not be able to put down. This story easily captures the reader’s attention, and keeps you in suspense, wondering how this plot against Drake (with Elena as a pawn), will all play out. Drake is a drop-dead sexy demon, and Elena is the perfect woman to slake his lust! The sexual tension between the two is palpable, and the author really drives home the attraction they feel for each other. Dawn Montgomery reveals plenty of the plot and characters to get you involved with the story, while whetting your appetite for the rest of the series. Bound in Lust is one of those stories where you never know where it’s going, but happily follow!

-Mandy Briggs
Rogues and Romance

Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating:
*1- Suction-Cup Arrow

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Official Blurb:
A bite by a demon leaves Elena cursed. When the dark mark of the succubae entwines with her soul, she becomes the enemy, one who drains the élan vital or life force of her victims. Now she is the hunted. And the only place she can find refuge is with a demon. Drake Oblivion, dark demon of lust. For a price, all things are possible, but will a cure be worth the cost of her soul… or heart?
For Drake, a millennium of lust is the icing on the cake of demonic life. When the sexy bartender asks for his help, he can't help but agree. But things aren't always what they seem. An enemy has created a double-edged sword in the luscious curvy body of the passionate woman. He'll have to successfully bind her soul to his or die. For once the succubae has you, you are bound in lust to her unto death.


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Happy Reading!
Mandy

Monday, December 17, 2007

Vanessa Gilfoy- Guest Blogging!

Hi readers! I am absolutely thrilled to have Vanessa N. Gilfoy guest blogging with us today. She is a fabulous author, published with Cerridwen Press and Ellora's Cave, and she has just come out with the first book in her new series. Let me welcome and thank Vanessa for being here and introducing us to her phenomenal new series, New Pangaea!

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I’m addicted to fantasy for the most perverted reasons. Whether sitting in a theater, or reading in my bed, I can’t help but wonder what an elf’s spells would feel like on my skin. How does magic apply to their love lives? What about vice versa? Wizards, too. They couldn’t have always been gray and wrinkly. What were wizards like in their youth when their flesh was firm and warm? The sick part of me also wondered about dwarves, but I push that out of my head.

Dreams and nightmares grew from these ponderings until New Pangaea formed in my hard drive. Because of my science background, I wanted reason behind the possibilities. What could cause humans to evolve into elves, wizards, and dwarves? The creation of new races or species is normally caused by separation of populations for long periods of time in which catastrophes and harsh living conditions select for new traits, in my novels - magic. This is the premise for a story between our time and New Pangaea, but that transition is still in the works.

My New Pangaea stories take place in a post-apocalyptic Earth after the catastrophes are forgotten, technology lost, and magics emerged. Elves, wizards, humans, and dwarves struggle for power, fueled by desire. Their battles rage between the bedroom and the battlefield. Every detail is explored within this darker realm. Experience the exhilarating touch of an elf. Spells are no longer just for saving short guys from demons and rings.

You’ll catch a glimpse of my wizards in Masquerade of the Cursed King and Guardian of the Onyx Empire. My wizards strengthen not only their minds with spells, but their bodies as well. Much yummier than traditional magic-wielding sort. I’m eager to share more of them. A wizard centered novel is also in the works within New Pangaea.

-Vanessa N. Gilfoy



I am so excited about the New Pangaea series! Vanessa gave me the opportunity to read Masquerade of the Cursed King (review coming soon), and let me tell you, I was absolutely blown away! You can pick up your own copy now at Ellora's Cave. The second book in the series, Guardian of the Onyx Empire, comes out January 18th, with the third book, Quest into the Forbidden, to follow on January 23rd! Be sure and check out Vanessa's website, where you will find all kinds of info about her new Pangaea series, book trailers, screensavers, her monthly contest, and other goodies, as well as info about her vampire romance, Healing Wounds. If you caught and loved her post on the Cerridwen Press blog about using the Nintendo DS as an eReader, and my post on her blog about the PSP as an eReader, you will absolutely love the gamer friendly site Vanessa created, as well as all the DS and PSP goodies she has available!


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Happy Reading!
Mandy

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Contest- Rynne Raines

Hey guys! I know this is a bit last minute notice, but I just found out about a contest at Rynne Raines' blog to win her short story, The Awakening! Defintely hop on over there and enter, it's a great story- and one of my favorite short stories ever! But hurry, because the winner is going to be drawn tomorrow, Sunday December 16th! Also, if you haven't read my review of The Awakening, be sure and check it out!

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Monday, December 10, 2007

A Year of You by Adra Steia


Boy has life been busy! This week is finals week, and these past 2 weeks or so have just been way to hecitc. Finally though, I have my reivew for A Year of You by Adra Steia, and she definatley knows how to write a dark romance! I absolutely love her writing, and A Year of You just proves how much of an amazing awriter she is.

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A Year of You
Adra Steia
Tease Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-934678-33-6
Available Now
eBook
Contemporary Romance

Matilyn’s nightmare began when her mother married Kirkland’s father. Kirkland seemed to be the perfect older brother, especially only being a few years older than Maty. But when she was eight years old, he raped her for the first time. Then, when Matilyn told her mother, she was grounded, and Kirkland took every advantage. Mattie has lived her life being broken and terrified, because as an adult, Kirkland is still around, and Mattie doesn’t know what to do…

Mattie wanted nothing more than to be free of Kirkland when she became an adult, but he has prevented that. See, K got Mattie into a lot of trouble, and ended up paying for her lawyer in order to keep her out of legal trouble. But now he wants his money back. So, he has sent her to Daytona Beach to play Elaine, the long-lost granddaughter of a very wealthy woman, Mrs. McKendrick. But that’s not all Mattie has planned; because the farther away from K she is, the safer everyone is.


But there’s a problem, because on the flight to Daytona, Mattie meets a man named West, who is a good friend of the McKendrick’s. But as it turns out, West knows more about Mattie than she thinks, because Mr. McKendrick sent West to Atlanta, where Mattie lives, to keep an eye on her and find out more. But when Mattie and West meet face to face on the flight back to Daytona, West is conflicted because Mattie does share some qualities with the McKendrick’s, but definitely not all. But when she tells him where she’s headed (though, he already knows), he offers to give her a ride.

When West and Mattie arrive at the house, Mattie feels like everyone who greets her does it in a cold manner, and every instinct in her tells her to turn and run. But that’s not what matters, Mattie has to convince Mrs. Ruth Ellen McKendrick. But when Mattie goes up stairs to visit the old woman, Ruth Ellen spills the beans. She knows Mattie isn’t her granddaughter, and she knows exactly who Mattie is, where she came from, and what she does. The thing is, Ruth Ellen wants Mattie to find Elaine, because she knows where she’s buried…

Despite the definite intensity of A Year of You, Adra Steia still throws in a few little quirks here and there to help keep the mood light. This story is very thrilling, but one that I think anyone can find themselves relating to, because the circumstances are so real. It’s one of those stories, where you may not know exactly what the characters are feeling all the time, but at one time or another you do. A Year of You is on the darker side of fiction, and contains a lot of depth. If that interests you, then Adra Steia will not disappoint. I recommend trying this one out though, because even with the darkness and depth, I think everyone can enjoy A Year of You. This is definitely one for your keeper shelf!


A Year of You is a Rogues and Romance Must Read!

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*Denise Kivett*
Rogues and Romance


Heat Rating: *4- Cupid's Aphrodisiac
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Violence Rating: *4- Fire Arrow
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Happy Reading!
*Dee*
R&R