Sunday, March 31, 2013

Heart of my Hero Blog Hop


So Random House is having a blog hop, so join in on the fun!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bound Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!!




Bound
Eternal Guardians (6)
Elisabeth Naughton
 E Book
Published March 26th 2013
Fantasy Romance
Authors Website
Synopsis 
TITUS—To most his gift seems like a blessing, but for him it’s a curse the other Eternal Guardians—those who protect the mortal realm from threats of the Underworld—seek to exploit. One he would gladly trade for the chance to be free…

Obsessed. Her touch is like a drug. From the moment he met her, Titus knew she was different. Even dangerous. Yet though his guardian brethren are convinced Natasa is working for Hades, Titus can’t stop thinking about her. Can’t stop fantasizing about her. Can’t stop craving the one thing he knows could lead to the downfall of his world.

Possessed. Faced with stopping Natasa or joining in her quest, Titus falls to temptation and is thrust into a world of lust, deception, and deadly treachery designed by the gods. Her touch—only hers—frees him from his bonds, but desire may just condemn him. Because before the end he’ll have to decide which is more important: duty and honor to those he took an oath to defend, or a woman who could very well be the biggest curse to them all.
My Review
Summary 
Titus, part of the order of the Eternal Guardians, has for the longest time has been unable to bear another's touch on his skin, or feel every emotion and be splintered with pain. He has been having dreams of the one woman who he can bear her touch, and he knows it is doubtful that he will ever see her again. But then he suddenly spots her in the Castle of Argolea.  On his way to a meeting with the "Council" he sees a dark haired young woman who looks exactly like the one woman he has been dreaming about at night, hoping one day that he would find her again. When he endeavors to find her, he finds himself to have been drawn into her world. Titus is very powerful, and he knows that Natasa is innocent, that she doesn't mean to hurt or injure others. They begin together on a quest to find the answers that could solve every one's problems, only never expected the danger and intrigue that would come along with it. Natasa knows how dangerous she is, and wants more than anything to have the 'fire' that burns within her and threatens every one's lives, to be rid of. Natasa never expected to find Titus or expect to find such a passionate love that ignites every burning awakened with her....or even a powerful love that would lead her to finding everything she has been aching to have.

The Hero (Titus)
Titus, over a hundred years ago, was cursed after being a foolish and prideful young man. So he has been unable to bear another's touch, or ends up on the floor in pain and overwhelmed with every emotion and sense of the person that he touches. He has managed to hide that flaw from others in the order, seeing it as a weakness. Until he meets Natasa at the half breed colony, some time ago, and his whole world changes, when she touches him, and he doesn't feel emotion or pain. He only feels her beautiful touch and the heat of her skin, only draws him in. She has no idea what a wonderful gift she has given him, being able to Finally touch another after over a hundred years, and vows to protect her no matter what threatens them.

The Heroine (Natasa)
Natasa, has recently been woken up after being frozen for hundreds of years. Now a fire burns within her, that she has barely been able to contain; it has taken all of her self control to hold it within in. She knows she has little time left, and that she could cause the very own destruction of mankind if she doesn't find the one person that can save her...her father who is imprisoned. With Zeus and Hades trying to find her, she must find a way out of this mess she finds herself in. All she wants to do is get the heat taken away from her, its like her own curse, one she despises. When she meets Titus, she just want to faint at his feet, he makes her blood boil, and makes her heart pound with his beautiful and toned body that leaves her breathless. He shows her a passion and a love and prove to her they are meant to be.

My Thoughts 
I was given the ARC to read and then give a honest review in exchange. When I was asked to be a tour host for this book...I was beyond excited. Since I haven't done too many yet. I have been wanting to read this series, but until now had yet to read anything from Elisabeth Naughton. I have to say after reading Bound, I can't believe that I haven't read her yet. For one thing I just love it when Greek Mythology (or any kind of mythology) is mixed in with the story plot. The author writes it in such a way that enthralls the reader from the very first page, and I found it near impossible to put it down. I love the focus and the detail that is very thoroughly portrayed through the story. Even though when I first started reading this, I was a bit lost since I hadn't read the previous books in the series, I did catch on after the first few chapters, and I found myself totally drawn in with the story. I also enjoyed how Naughton puts in serious issues that we all deal with in a paranormal themed romance that helps the reader connect with the characters and the story line in a very real way. The emotions that were so vividly portrayed were so heart wrenching at times, that I did cry a few times. It had such a powerful effect on my emotions, that I felt like I was being overwhelmed at times with a sea of emotional effect that takes you on a adventure to rival any. I also found some great qualities that came with this author's writing, and her unique style will just captivate you and before you know it, you have fallen in love with the story and the characters that will take your breath away. A Poignant and intense love story that will take you places you can only dream about. I am now totally addicted to this story, and I can't wait until I can get my hands on the other works in the series!!! A True Treasure that will excited you and charm you!! Plus how can you resist such a gorgeous cover...with the water trickling down in the sexiest way. Utterly irresistible!!

First Line 
Anxiety was a bitch he did not have the patience to deal with.

Favorite Quote 
"Titus, I--"
He lifted his head, and before she could get the rest of the words out, his lips pressed against hers. 
Soft. Cool. Electric. Tingles rushed through her whole body. And when he nipped at her lower lip, when she felt the tip of his tongue slide across the seam of her lips, she gave up the fight. She opened to him. 
He was like a waterfall. Like a cool flood of relief, pouring over her skin, easing the burn from the outside in. Rejuvenating her in ways she couldn't imagine. 

My Grade On This Book 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The series 
Marked
Entwined
Tempted
Enraptured
Enslaved

Buy Links 
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About The Author 


Author’s Bio & Picture:


I was never one of those people who knew they wanted to be an author at the age of six. I didn’t have imaginary friends. I didn’t write stories in my journal or entertain my relatives by firelight after Thanksgiving dinner. For the most part, I was just a normal, everyday kid. I liked to read, but I wasn’t exceptional at it. And when my teachers complimented me on my writing abilities, I brushed them off. I did, however, always have a penchant for the unique and absurd. And as my mother told me all throughout my childhood, I should have been an actress—I was a drama queen before my time.


Years ago, my husband bought me Scarlett: The Sequel to Gone With The Wind. If you ever saw the book, you know it’s a long one. I sat and read that thing from cover to cover, and dreamed of one day being a writer. But I didn’t actually try my hand at writing until years later when I quit my teaching job to stay home with my kids. And my husband? After that week of reading where I neglected him and everything else until I finished Scarlett, he vowed never to buy me another book again. Little did he know I’d one day end up sitting at a keyboard all day drafting my own stories.

My writing journey has not been easy. I didn’t just sit down one day, decide I was going to write a book and voila! sell my very first attempt. As most authors will probably agree, the path to publication is filled with hours of work, pulling all-nighters I thought I’d given up in college, sacrifices, rejections, but a love I discovered along the way I just can’t live without. Instead of a big, thick book to read by lamplight (I do read much smaller ones when I get the chance), I’ve traded in my reading obsession for a laptop. And I’ve never been happier.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I have a wonderful family and fabulous husband who put up with my writing—and obsessive personality—even when life is chaotic. More than once my kids have been late to swimming or baseball because I needed just five more minutes to finish a scene. Their support and encouragement mean the world to me. I also have amazing friends and a support network I couldn’t survive without. So to all of you out there who have encouraged me along the way, sent me emails and fan letters, phone calls and congratulations, I just want to say, thank you. You make this whole writing gig that much more enjoyable. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.
 
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Giveaway 
Awesome giveaway we have here---this is what is included Remember to join in on the Rafflecopter below!! :)


·        1 ebook copy of “Bound”
·        Character Trading Cards
·        1 Eternal Guardian Bookmarker
·        1 Eternal Guardians Drink Coaster
·        1 Eternal Guardian logo Temporary tattoo
·        1 Bound Car Charm
·        1 Bound Keychain 




 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Book Review-The Many Sins of Lord Cameron

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
 Highland Pleasures (3)
Jennifer Ashley
Berkley Sensation
Mass Market Paperback
Published August 2011
311 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-425-24049-6
Author's Website
Synopsis
He is a man of simple tastes—and complex pleasures...

Cameron Mackenzie is a man who loves only horses and women—in that order—or so his mistresses say.

Ainsley Douglas is a woman with a strong sense of justice and the desire to help others—even if that means sneaking around a rakish man's bedchamber.

Which is exactly where Cam finds her—six years after he caught her the first time. Only then, she convinced Cam she was seeking a liaison, but couldn't go through with it because of her husband. Now a widow, she's on a mission to retrieve letters that could prove embarrassing to the queen. Cam has no interest in Ainsley's subterfuge, but he vows to finish what they started those many years ago. One game, one kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. And what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules—and heal the scars of a dark and damaging past...
My Thoughts

Summary 
Ainsley, has always felt a obligation to help others when they are in need. So when the Queen asks her to find some letters, she suspects that Cameron Mackenzie may have them. So she sneaks into his room, only to end up getting caught by him, and this isn't the first time it has happened. Cameron, is shocked to find Ainsley in his room, while he is seducing another woman. The timing could have been better. He is beyond angry, the first time he forgived her for. But the second time, he suspects that she has a ulterior motive, and is determined to find out what she is hiding from him. His plan--to seduce her until she completely surrenders to him. Ainsley, has no choice but to find important letters that could end up in a huge scandal for the Queen. But when Cameron sets out to seduce her, she knows she won't be able to resist him for very long. He awakens something powerful in her, a desire explosive and she now wants the one thing she knows he can never give her, but will she be able to live without him?

The Hero (Cameron Mackenzie)
Cameron, has known Ainsley for many years now, but doesn't trust her. He first met Ainsley when he found her searching in his room, and even though she was trying to do a good deed, he knows now she must have a ulterior motive. Cameron has major trust issues, especially when it comes to women. He was once married before, but his wife tortured him and his son in the worst ways, and he was barely able to protect his son Daniel, from a psychotic mother, who was more selfish  than anyone. He has had to raise his son on his own with help from his family. But swore to himself never to marry ever again. He never thought about marriage until he found Ainsley, and knew he needed to keep her in his life.

The Heroine (Ainsely 
Ainsley, lost her parents when she was a young girl, so she was raised by her bothers. The oldest Patrick, being only 20 years old. But then she made a mistake, that nearly cost her a scandal, and she was forced to marry a man way older than her. He was a good husband, but now he has died, and she is now a widow. She is currently employed by the queen, and its a comfortable life. The queen has sent her on a mission where she runs across Cameron Mackenzie, who is even more delicious than she remembered. He almost seduced her once when she was married, and now he is even more of a threat. She knows she could very much fall in love with him and very easily. But she knows because of his past, he will never marry her, but doesn't know if she is willing to be his mistress in order to be with him.

My Thoughts 
I have finally read Cameron's story and OMG It was such a delicious and seductive read, I had to be fanning myself, it felt like my room was going to explode with such fire. I think this one is one of the most heated books I have read in quite some time. Usually this author, is not as intense, but this one wins hands down. There were so many things I liked about this one. First, is I loved how the story is put together and how at the end everything falls into place. There is such a sense of sexy fun that fills the pages of this book. Jennifer Ashley has such a talent for putting a story together that is heart wrenching, emotionally provoking, and is unforgettable. Cameron wears a kilt, a tormented hero, and has a very passionate nature---I know...totally irresistable right? Ainsley, I found to be an endearing heroine. I can sometimes be picky about heroines, but I found I grew to like her quite a bit. She doesn't fight a whole lot on Cameron's seduction, she accepts him and his past, and she has a sweet nature that I felt I could relate to. She can be feisty and has spirit, but she knows when to pick her battles. I love how these two end up balancing each other out. Such a sensual and heartfelt romance that is a must read for any romance fan looking for a story that will go straight to your heart.

First Line 
I saw Mrs. Chase slide that letter into Lord Cameron's pocket. She did it almost under my nose. Bloody woman.

Favorite Quote 
Cameron leaned to her. "Unfinished business, Mrs. Douglas. Before you leave at the end of the week, we will finish it. Depend on that."
He jerked her up to him in a sudden movement and caught her lower lip between his teeth.

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy  

Other Books In The Series 
The Madness of Lord ian Mackenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Duke's Perfect Wife
A Mackenzie Family Christmas
The Seduction of Elliot Mcbride
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie

 
 

On My Wishlist (42)


On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday. It's where I list all the books I desperately want but haven't actually bought yet. They can be old, new or forthcoming.
A bride to save his name . . .

Unless he finds a wealthy wife--and soon--Lord Ian Sutcombe will lose everything. Left deeply in debt by his foolish father and greedy stepmother, his only hope is to marry for money.

Stung by a suitor's cruel betrayal, Hannah Leeds, daughter of a prosperous merchant, wasn't sure she'd ever love again. So when her father arranges her betrothal to the handsome lord, she agrees.

It was no more than a marriage of convenience. They would honor and obey, but never love . . . until a simmering passion exploded into a sizzling affair. Now, with Hannah socializing with members of the ton and another man out to win her heart, Ian will do everything in his power to show Hannah she is his ecstasy, his desire fulfilled . . . and oh so much more than a bride for his convenience.


A Notorious Gentleman . . .

Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the "ton"'s most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey. Clad only in a revealing nightdress, she's an entrancingly different kind of plunder, and how can a thief resist stealing a kiss?

A Curious Lady . . .

Surprised by a masked man in her own home, Isabel should be quaking with fear. Instead the sight of the sinfully handsome Sullivan makes her tremble with excitement. Who is this man, and why is he so set on this reckless pursuit? Lady Isabel loves a challenge, and she'll dare anything to uncover Sullivan's secret--but she may instead convince him that she is the greatest prize of all.


For centuries, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as the Pyr have hidden themselves from mankind, defending the earth's treasures in secrecy. But as the final reckoning with the Slayers--who are determined to eradicate both humans and the Pyr who protect them--heats up, even the most ancient secrets will be revealed....

Brandon Merrick is determined to banish his shifter nature forever. The charismatic tattooed surfer is on the cusp of the ultimate challenge--to prove himself on the whitecaps of Hawaii and secure his future as a pro surfer. But his dragon isn't prepared to be tamed so easily....

One look at marine biologist Liz Barrett ignites the spark of a firestorm: Liz is his destined mate and his chance for happiness. While Brandon sees their first night together as just the beginning, his dragon seizes the upper hand. Awakening in the company of a raging dragon challenges Liz's ability to believe her own eyes.

Can Brandon accept his inner beast in time to make it work with Liz? Neither one realizes Brandon is caught in an ancient Slayer's scheme to enslave him. When the deadly plot ignites, the very island will be at risk...and Brandon and his mate could be the ultimate sacrifice.



Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.

Linnet is not just any woman.

She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love--in just two weeks.

Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.

If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Book Review-The Making Of A Gentleman

The Making of a Gentleman
The Son's of the Revolution (2)
Shana Galen
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Mass Market Paperback
Published October 2010
373 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4022-3866-6
Author's Website
Synopsis (Goodreads)
Twelve years in prison has stripped him of his humanity…

Armand, Comte de Valère has lost the ability to interact with polite society, until his family hires him a beautiful tutor, and he starts to come alive again…

Saving him is her only chance to escape a terrible fate…

Felicity Bennett vows she'll do whatever it takes to help Armand fight back the demons that have held him captive for so long…

With Felicity's help, Armand begins to heal, until a buried secret threatens to destroy their growing passion…
My Review
Summary 
Armand, has recently been rescued from twelve years in prison by his brother that he barely recognizes. Armand, can't stand another's touch, and he doesn't understand most of what is going on around him. He can understand some of that which his family speaks of, but he has yet been able to communicate with them. After continually suffering from nightmares, his brother and sister in law decide to hire a tutor for him, to bring out his speech. Felicity, needs this job desperately. Her father has just passed away, and unless she can come up with the funds, she will be forced to marry someone she despises more than anything. She is shocked to learn that she won't be a governess for a child, but a tutor for a grown man that has a wild look about it, but for some reason she doesn't fear him. She senses something more about him, she feels drawn to him. Armand is shocked to find that for the first time in his life, he can touch someone and not be overridden with pain. He knows he must have her, he doesn't understand his attraction to her, but he starts to feel love and will do anything to protect her from those that would destroy him.

The Hero (Armand, Compte De Valere)
Armand, doesn't remember much from his past. He just remembers pain and torture, and being forgotten in a prison in France. He has nightmares of fire and heat and burning. Armand was able to barely escape the chateau before it was burned. Which led him to being alone as a young boy, with no food, no home, and no family. But then he ended up eventually being in a prison, held in a tower, where he was only fed once or twice a week, enough to keep him alive. He hasn't been able to speak to anyone for years, but within a day of being around Felicity he has been able to force himself to speak. He knows she is his destiny.

The Heroine (Felicity Bennett)
Felicity, is forced to become a tutor for the Valere's. When her father is sick and dying, she finds out that he has had her betrothed to a man with a hidden agenda, who only wants money. Felicity knows her father had good intentions, but she finds herself embroiled in a scheme that she doesn't know how to get out of. When she first meets Armand, she knows he is not normal. He has a fierce look about it, but she feels a connection with him, where she discovers a fierce desire for Armand. Armand needs her, and she needs him even more. She just hopes that her past won't destroy the love and trust he has for her.

My Thoughts 
After reading The Making of a Duchess, I had heard some average things about "The Making of a Gentleman", so I wasn't expecting a great and fabulous story. I just love it when I am wrong though. The circumstances of the story are exactly what I love about a good book. The hero is different, the kind that we don't see too often. He is a very tortured hero, he can't even speak, has never felt desire for anything, and can't abide another's touch. Armand has a strong will though, stubborn to a fault, and defends fiercely. Armand is a virgin hero. Which is one of the things I enjoyed about this story. Its rare to find a virgin hero, and I enjoyed seeing Armand and Felicity grow together in a intimate way. It was such a delight to see these two fall in love, it was very heart wrenching at times. Felicity, has a difficult past, grieves for her father, but is determined to help Armand, even though her life is about to crumble. I did feel like Felicity could have had a bit more backbone though, but eventually we see her finally have one toward the end. I did like how Felicity is able to reach a part of Armand that no one else is able to, there were many sweet and tender moments of the story that totally captured my heart. Overall a entertaining read, that had such vivid descriptions and such a delicious story that is unforgettable. Full of intensity, passion, intrigue that turns into a wonderful tale.

First Line 
Eleven year old Armand Harcourt, the Comte de Valere, should have been asleep.

Favorite Quote 
She couldn't remember ever being so drawn to a man, had certainly never been drawn to Charles like this. but this man--this aristocrat, whom she had expected to abhor--drew her like no other. The comte said more with his eyes than most men did with a lifetime of words. 

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
The Making of a Duchess
The Rogue Pirate's Bride 

Feature Follow (32)


The Feature And Follow (Follow Friday) is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and its tons of fun to do this meme and find tons of new friends and great blogs!!! So come and join in this fun meme every friday!!!!

Q: Tell us about the most emotional scene you’ve ever read in a book – and how did you react?

A: That is a tough one. I would say from This Is All I Ask, the book was like a emotional roller coaster, and there were times I could hardly read, blurry vision and all. Lynn Kurland has a way in this book of vividly portraying emotion. 


Library Loot (41)


Eva with A Striped Armchair, and Marge with The Adventures of a Intrepid Reader, which you should check out both of them, they are great!!! This meme is created to encourage bloggers to share books that they get from the Library, and since I am a avid lover of Libraries this is going to be one meme I am going to love doing every week.



Book PROMO-The Lady and the Highwayman

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Lady and the Highwayman
Charolotte Davila
April 1st, 2013 Entranced Publishing
Blurb:

Lady Elizabeth Bennington has the perfect life: she's the daughter of an earl and betrothed to her childhood friend, William Hartley, the second son of a duke. But, when her sister's indiscretion leads to an unplanned pregnancy, and the subsequent disgrace of Elizabeth's entire family, her idyllic life is thrown into disarray.

First, her fiance is prohibited from marrying her. Then she receives word that William has been killed by thieves. To top it all off, she gets abducted by a highwayman. Can Elizabeth find love again, and with the most unlikely of people?



Ashley M. Christman writing as Charlotte Davila

Romance Author

As a child, Ashley M. Christman spent many hours in imaginary worlds, exploring the depths of mythology and immersing herself in a breadth of classics. After spending so much time reading, she decided to try her hand at writing.

An avid fan of film noir, she combines fantasy, noir style heroes and heroines, and the paranormal in a modern day setting in a way that hopefully would make even Bogie proud.

When not writing, she can be found in the wilds of Minnesota enjoying great cuisine, avoiding the gym, and being walked by the dog with her partner, Tom.


Author Links








 Excerpt

Every morning, at exactly half past noon, Lady Bennington began her traverse of the entire
length of Rathbonne, the Bennington family estate. She did this at the insistence of her Mama, who recommended that she do so in order to have a desirable marriage. It was advice that she took very seriously — that is to say she took only half of it very seriously. She refused to refrain from pastries and pies, both of which satisfied her demanding sweet tooth.
The estate did not make for an easy walk. It spanned over twenty acres and took her the
better part of half an hour to complete, if she moved at a leisurely pace. She always moved at a
leisurely pace, getting lost in her thoughts and fantasies of faraway lands and foreign cultures.
Sometimes, rather than walk back to the house, she would bring a book and stay in the high field amongst the shepherds and their grazing sheep, and read.
This morning she decided that rather than reading in the high field, she’d go to the brook
behind the property that divided Rathbonne from the neighboring Highborne estate. Highborne was the country home of the Duke of Staffordshire and his family, with whom the Benningtons were well acquainted. She removed the blanket from under her arm and smoothed it out on the grass beneath the tall oak, making herself cozy enough to lose herself in Paradise Lost.
“Lady Elizabeth, I bid you good afternoon,” a familiar voice yelled in the distance.
Elizabeth looked up from her book. Lord William Hartley, her childhood friend and the
second son of the Duke, was approaching on horseback. Will, like herself, was a younger child and the two of them had been raised closely. Unlike Elizabeth, he would inherit property in his own right, and his father’s title if something should cause the death of his brother. Elizabeth’s fortunes relied entirely on her marrying well.



 


 

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