Monthly Archives: January 2014
The Lion’s Embrace by Marie Laval
“Oh, my God,” Harriet breathed out. She glanced around, but nobody was
paying the two men the slightest notice. There was no time to think, a man’s life
was at stake. With a muffled cry she hurled herself at the tall stranger, jumped on
his back, and hooked her arms around his neck.
He let out a roar of anger and swirled round to shake her off, but she wrapped
her legs more tightly around his waist.
“Bon sang! Qu’est-ce que…”
He dropped the dagger, twisted his body, and managed to grab her waist to
slide her to the front so she was now against his chest. Aware she was losing her
grip she lunged forward and sank her teeth into his shoulder.
He growled, held her at arm’s length, and threw her off. She fell on the
cobbles. The turban softened the impact to the back of her head, but a vicious pain
at the bottom of her spine made her cry out. The man swore in French. Although
she only caught a few words, she understood he was angry. Very angry. His victim
had escaped.
She let out a sigh of relief. She had done it. She saved a man’s life. Her joy,
however, was short-lived. The Frenchman leaned over, picked her up by the collar
of her tunic, and lifted her as if she was no heavier than a bundle of cloth. The
savage glint in his eyes dried her throat; her heart hammered against her ribs.
“Please, don’t hurt me,” she pleaded, breathless.
His eyes opened wide in shock.
Since when did Tuareg fighters speak fluent English? Come to think of it, since when did they smell of Damascus rose soap?
He peered more closely at the face in front of him and saw two large, grey eyes bordered with long, dark eyelashes and the tip of a small nose above the dark blue scarf. He recalled the odd sensations when the soft, curvy body had thrust against
him earlier. This wasn’t a Tuareg fighter at all, it was a … He ripped the headdress
off and a mass of thick, honey blonde hair tumbled out.
“A woman? I thought as much. Who are you?” he asked in English. “What the
hell did you think you were doing just then?” He shook her a little, not to hurt her,
but enough to give her a fright.
The woman didn’t answer.
“You’re not so bold now, are you?” He narrowed his eyes, smiled his meanest
smile, and was satisfied to hear her helpless cry. She had cost him days of patient
stakeout. Now, because of her, Rachid was free to sell the map to the highest bidder. And he knew exactly who that would be.
“Maybe you want to take another bite?” he snarled, pointing to his shoulder.
“No,” she whispered.
“Actually, maybe I’ll be the one to take a bite. You look appetizing enough.”
He lifted her closer, until his mouth almost touched hers, and he felt her warm
breath on his skin.
REVIEW: The Just Beyond by Mark Tucker
But Michael has something going for him – a secret that not even he knows. And when he stumbles onto an astounding metaphysical discovery, his dire straits and the mad universe around him begin to look very different.
Nice guys finish last? Wrong. Nice guys rock, with a hidden power their enemies can scarcely imagine. And Michael Chandler is about to become their poster child.
I got the book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock for an honest review. I give this book 4 Fangs. Michael is a self sacrificing do-gooder who goes out of his way to help others. With his share of loss in his life he still has faith in right and wrong and helping others. Unfortunately, in an effort to save a child he ends up going against a corrupt political candidate. Follow his story full of twist and turns and way to many chance encounters with people whom he doesn’t know but who know him. Mystery, paranormal and faith keep you wondering what will happen next.
While I found the book to be a little long, it was worth it to read the end. The Just Beyond is the start of a trilogy. However the next books aren't out yet but don't worry the ending sets you up for the next book without leaving you feeling as if your cut off drastically in the middle of the story. Independent reviewer Colette Wills Buy http://www.amazon.com/Just-Beyond-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00H6U6L4G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391215098&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Just+beyond ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Once upon a time, Mark Tucker walked away from a perfectly good job in a Seattle corporate law office and moved to a picturesque beach town to pursue his creative dreams. In addition to writing fantasy and science fiction with encouraging success, he is a musician, songwriter, audio producer, and developer of computer games. He fancies himself a low-grade amateur scientist, hunting fossils and keeping current with developments in physics and cosmology, and counts among his dearest moments the first time he found the Andromeda galaxy with his telescope. He enjoys travel, the less scripted the better, and collects representative coffee mugs and Hard Rock Café City Tee shirts from the locales he visits. A collection of African and Polynesian tribal masks adorns the walls of his den. He delights in the beauty and temperament of the Hawaiian islands, and plans to settle on Kauai when circumstances permit.
Mark considers The Lord of the Rings the most satisfying fiction he has ever read, and holds writers Philip K. Dick and Jonathan Carroll in awe.
Mark’s incurable vices include a fanatical devotion to the band Genesis (to the point of sitting happily for two hours in shorts and sandals in the pouring rain for their reunion concert at the Hollywood Bowl) and an almost religious reverence for Batman. There may be therapy for this, but for Mark it is much too late.
All of Mark’s obsessions are creative. He plays guitar, keyboard, and most passionately drums, producing his own and other artists’ recordings in an elaborate home studio. He paints in acrylic and draws cartoons. He taught himself computer scripting, and can’t be bothered with food or sleep when piecing together a mod for the role-playing game Skyrim or creating an original world with RPG Maker. He loves playing games too, most fondly the Ultima series where ethical choices play a central role. But “making things” in any art form is what truly lights his fire.
Review/Giveaway: Angel’s Dawn by Komali Da Silva
Angels Dawn
Dawn Huntington wants what every girl wants, a sweet sixteen birthday party with her friends, family, and some hot boys, but fate has other plans. On the night of Dawn’s sixteenth birthday, she witnesses a crime she can’t turn her back on, and the decisions she makes that night will change her life forever.
Never having been confronted with such violence, Dawn turns to a mysterious and beautiful boy named Angelo, only she can’t remember what happens that night. To make things more complicated, Dawn is in a relationship with Angelo’s complete opposite, Nate. Dawn doesn’t want to hurt Nate, yet she can’t shake her feelings for Angelo, even when she can’t help but feel he’s hiding something from her, and it could be something dark. Why is Angelo acting so weird around Bonita? Are they together? Are they really only friends?
Angelo may be trouble, but Dawn can’t ignore her feelings for him. Dawn is at a crossroads. Should she choose love? Or friendship? Once Dawn finally finds the courage to choose, she thinks the drama is over. But Dawn wasn’t expecting her choices to have such dire consequences.
Do you believe in love at first sight? But can one trust someone blindly? Can love overcome all the obstacles?
Is friendship just the beginning of love?
EXCERPT:
“Don’t cry, honey. Everything will be all right. You’re safe now,” Mom said to me and kissed my forehead. She was stronger than I thought because she was doing a good job of keeping herself calm. Dad, on the other hand, was showing his emotions. Tears were pouring down his face when he took my right hand in both of his.
Dad and I don’t do much talking, but we unfailingly understand what’s going on with each other and he instinctively feels it when I require his opinion. Yes, yes, you could call me a Daddy’s girl, and I wouldn’t deny it.
“Dad, please don’t cry. I’m alright. Mom, where’s Nate? I want to see him,” I whispered.
Review:
I was gifted this book by the author Komali Da Silva and Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock fir my honest review.
Angels Dawn appears to be your typical teenage love triangle. Dawn, the high school cheerleader, dating Nate, the high school basketball player. They’ve been best friends since they were kids and had recently begun dating. She didn’t have romantic feelings for Nate. However, he was in love with Dawn and had been for awhile. Enter Angelo. Sparks fly between Angelo and Dawn. But Angelo is hiding something. A family secret.
I enjoyed this entire book. I was hooked from page one. This was a well written story. It kept me guessing as to what will happen next thrown in with a bit of ‘oh huh uh!’ I loved that even though this was another love triangle story it didn’t have the usual brainless, helpless female who didn’t even know she was pretty kind of cluelessness. Dawn was strong abs grounded with good friends and family. I can’t say I have a favorite character as I liked most of them.
There were a few typos but not bad enough to distract from the books awesomeness!! There was however a change in one if the characters that wasn’t addressed in this book but hopefully will in the next one.
The ending definitely left off on a cliff hanger. So it appears it will be a series. I personally cannot wait for the next book.
If I could give this book more than five fangs I would. So for now I give it a 5!
Angels Dawn could be read by young adults or older. I would definitely be recommending this book to friends. Fabulous job!!
Playlist:
About Komali:
Komali da Silva, was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an Island situated just south of India. .
She started writing as a teenager but never took it very serious, because at that time her love for basketball and track and field sports was much stronger.
At the age of seventeen she moved to Switzerland with her sister to live with their father. Komali has a degree in Insurance but is dreaming of having her own book cafe one day.
Komali adores reading. Some of her favorite authors include Lauren Kate, Cassandra Clare, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Cecelia Ahern, J.K. Rowling and Richelle Mead.
She started immortalizing her words on paper in June 2012. At that time What she didn’t know was, that she was pregnant with her first baby.
After her daughter Amália Ishwari was born, Komali finished her debut novel Angels Dawn.
Komali now lives in Bern Switzerland with her husband, daughter and two cats.
Stay tuned on her author page to find out more about her next adventure in Dawn’s world.
Find her on Facebook at:
And Goodreads here:
US and ASIA: http://www.amazon.com/ANGELS-DAWN-Komali-Da-Silva-ebook/dp/B00I1AF362/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1390678339&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=angels+dawn+by+komaliUK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ANGELS-DAWN-Komali-Da-Silva-ebook/dp/B00I1AF362/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390678727&sr=8-1&keywords=angels+dawn+by+komali
Giveaway:
Author Komali is going to give the first five people to make a new purchase of this book a reward. The reward will be an Amazon Gift card in the amount of $2.50.
Please use this FORM to enter your information.
A Girl By Any Other Name by MK Schiller
Title: A Girl By Any Other Name
Author: MK Schiller
Publisher: Totally Bound
Genre: Romantic suspense
Publication Date: 12th January 2014
Hosted by: Luscious Laylah Release Day
Synopsis:
Everyone tells him he needs to move on, but how can a man function without his heart?
Ten-year-old Caleb Tanner wants nothing to do with Sylvie Cranston, the annoying weird girl who moves next door to him and gets him in trouble for swearing. But at twelve, they become friends when he teaches her how to hook a fishing line and she shows him the value of a selfless act. At fourteen, he falls in love with her.
At sixteen, she dies.
Or so he’s told. But Cal never believes it. Sylvie has become part of his soul. He knows her like the steady beating of his own heart. He’d know if she was dead. Cal looks for her, prays for her and finally he just waits for her.
Nine years later, she walks into the community college English class Cal is teaching. Only this girl claims her name is Sophie Becker and she doesn’t know him. Cal knows better. He’s determined to get the girl he loves back—and protect her from the danger that took her away all those years ago.
Book Links:
Author Bio – MK Schiller
I am a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. I have a full time life and two busy teenagers, but by night, I sit by the warm glow of my computer monitor, and attempt to conjure up passionate heartwarming stories with plenty of humor.
I started imagining stories in my head at a very young age. In fact, I got so good at it that my best friend asked me to make up stories featuring her as the heroine and the boy she currently liked as the hero. We’d spend hours on the phone while I came up with a series of unrealistic, yet tender events led the object of her desire to finally profess his love. You’ve heard of fan fiction… this was friend fiction.
Even with that, it took many years to realize I could produce an actual full length book that readers would enjoy. I try to make my stories humorous, realistic, with characters who are flawed but redeeming. I hope you enjoy my stories and never stop searching for your happily ever after.
Author Links:
Author Links:
Also by MK Schiller:
The Other C-Word:
The Do-Over:
EXCERPT 1
The worst part of being a kid was that you never knew how good you had it until it was too late.
Childhood was simple. My parents told me it was because I didn’t have bills to pay or mouths to feed, but it was more than that. It was because nothing was planned. When you didn’t plan for it, you didn’t worry about the consequences. They just happened naturally without the coercion, manipulation or mindfuck games that came with becoming an adult.
I never planned for Sylvie Cranston to be my best friend. I never expected her to be the muse in all my dreams, or the girl who later haunted my nightmares. I certainly never planned to fall in love with her, but that was exactly what happened.
Everyone told me I needed to move on. That was like asking me to pierce my own flesh and crush my empty, beating heart. They wanted me to toss it away and continue to breathe. How could a man function without his heart?
EXCERPT 2
She sat down on her swing again. “I think you’re the smartest boy I know.”
“You’re wrong.”
She blinked her eyes at my goofy grin.
“I’m the smartest person you know.”
“That can’t be, because I’m smarter than you,” she replied, jutting her chin out.
“You’re a smartass. There’s a difference.” I returned to the passage I was reading, doing my best to ignore her.
“Why don’t you want people to know you like to read?”
“I don’t want to talk about it, Sylvie. You’re annoying me.”
“Will you read one to me?”
“We’re supposed to be paying attention to the sermon. The only reason my momma lets me sit out here with you is because she thinks we listen to it.”
“You’re not listening.” She had me there. “Just read me one. Your favourite one. Please?”
I sighed. “Fine.”
I flipped to my favourite poem and quietly read The Raven to her I flipped to my favourite poem and quietly read The Raven to her. When I looked up, she was staring at me with wide eyes and a wistful smile. Even my ignorant eleven-year-old self could appreciate that smile.
“It’s so pretty. I wonder what it means.”
“I know what it means. He thought he heard the ghost of some girl named Lenore who he used to know, but it was just some stupid bird screaming that he’d never see her again.”
“That sounds sad and romantic.”
“Romantic? He was crazy,” I said, twirling my finger next to my head.
“I think it is. He had to love her very much if he kept searching for her.”
“Maybe he just went batshit.”
“Cal, don’t swear. We’re in church,” she scolded, wagging her finger at me.
“It’s okay. We’re outside of it,” I said, gesturing to the open space between us and the building.
“God can hear everything.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, but my momma can’t.” She punched me in the arm. “Did you just punch me or was it the wind? ’Cause I can’t tell.”
“Very funny.” She looked off into the woods, and I wondered if she was going to bolt early. “I think there might be a raven calling to me too. Do you think I’m crazy?”
“Heck yeah,” I replied, impressed with myself for not saying ‘hell’. I felt lousy, though, when she looked at me with those big chocolate-coloured eyes full of sorrow. I wanted to make her feel better. I wanted her to smile again. I knocked my knee into hers. “Girl, you’re such a weirdo,” I said, finding the most poetic words my childish mind could muster.
She laughed in that cynical way of hers. “Yeah, you’re right. Bye.” She took off, sprinting into the woods.
“Hey, Sylvie,” I called after her before she blended into the landscape. She stopped and turned, almost out of earshot. “Let’s go fishing tomorrow after school.”
“I knew you’d take me,” she yelled back, giving me a real smile.
EXCERPT 3
She put her hand on my arm. Her voice wavered, shifting into a soft whisper. “I can’t sleep at night and it helps me. Sometimes I get so scared that it actually hurts. I feel it in my bones, like they might crack open any minute, breaking my insides apart.”
I shifted my pole and reached for her hand. I hadn’t quite comprehended the value of hugging. “Maybe you should pray on it. Pastor Morrison says that prayer can solve a lot of problems.”
“You really think that will work?” she asked dubiously.
I shrugged. “I wouldn’t know for sure. I don’t pray right myself.”
She frowned, wrinkling her nose. “How can you pray wrong?”
“Momma says I do it wrong all the time.”
“I don’t get it.”
I sighed, staring up at the blue sky. “She always asks me what I prayed for. The first time she asked, I told her it was for a new bike and football cleats. She got real mad and said ‘Son, you are praying to God, not Santa Claus’.” I used my best Amelia Tanner impression, and the edges of Sylvie’s mouth curved upward.
“That sounds like your momma.”
“Yeah, but I guess I didn’t learn my lesson because I asked her what I should pray for then. She said I should pray to be a better person.”
“That’s a good idea.”
“That’s what I thought too. I started praying that I could throw the football longer and run faster so I could make the team in high school.”
Sylvie cupped her hand to her mouth to cover her laugh. I didn’t care. I wanted to make her laugh, even if it was at my expense. “What did she say?”
“She got pretty mad and said that’s not what she meant. She told me I was being selfish and since I couldn’t pray for myself correctly, I should pray for someone else.”
“Who did you pray for?”
I stared down at the lake. “I prayed for Mandy.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“Yeah, I asked God to make her less annoying.”
Sylvie cracked up so much I was sure she’d run all the fish away, but I didn’t care. It was one of the best feelings in the world to make this girl laugh. “You didn’t.”
“I did, but at least now I know what I need to pray on.”
“What’s that, Cal?”
I squeezed her hand, noticing how hypnotic her eyes were. “I’ll pray that you’re not scared anymore, Sylvie.”
EXCERPT 4
“Cal, you are such an idiot!” Sylvie said for the twentieth time since we’d been walking home from school.
“It’s not a big deal, Sylvie.”
“Not a big deal? Look at your face.”
“You should have seen his,” I said with a cocky smile.
She stopped and shook her head at me. “Why did you get into a fight with Nate?”
“He deserved it.”
“Y’all are best friends.”
“Girl, you’re so cute when you try to sound Southern.”
She squared her shoulders in a stance I recognised as pissed-off Sylvie mode. “But you’re wrong,” I said, tugging on one of her pigtails. “He’s not my best friend. You are.” She shook her head at me, but I could see the smile curling at the edges of her beautiful mouth.
“Are they going to suspend you? Oh, my God, are you going to get kicked off the team for this?”
“Are you on crack? We’re in Texas and I’m the reason we’re in the state championships. They are not going to kick me off the team. They care more about us winning than Nate’s busted nose.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t get in trouble.”
“Principal Sherman said he’s not even going to tell Momma. Nate’s parents won’t either.”
“Why not?”
I shrugged. “I’m the kid who lost his dad. I’m getting a lot of free passes these days. Everyone thinks I’m just acting out.”
“Is that why you hit him? Did he say something about your dad?”
I got quiet, not sure if I should tell her. I readjusted our backpacks, one on each shoulder. She reached out for hers, but I took a step back. I always carried her backpack when we walked home together. Today was no different. “No, we just had a disagreement,” I replied, hoping it was enough to stop her interrogation. It wasn’t.
“What kind of disagreement would cause you to pummel another kid like that? You could have gotten hurt. You risked injuring yourself before the championship game. What the hell was worth all that?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
She narrowed her eyes at me, staring me up and down, as if she could find the truth by studying my body language. Hell, she probably could. “He said something about me, didn’t he?”
Bingo. “It’s not a big deal.”
“What did he say, Tex? Spit it out and don’t lie.” She stood on her tippy toes as if trying to intimidate me. It was funny because she only came up to my chest either way. She jabbed her fingers into me as she asked every question. “Did he say I was a freak? Did he say I was a retarded mute? Did he say I was a psycho anorexic? I’ve heard them all and they don’t bother me. They shouldn’t bother you either.”
I grabbed her shoulders and brought her face close to mine. “They fucking bother the hell out of me.” Her eyes widened and her breath quickened. I let go, realising I was probably scaring her. “But that’s not what he said.”
“Then what?”
I sighed, knowing she’d keep asking until I relinquished the information. “He said you had nice tits and a fine ass.”
To my annoyance, she started laughing. “Hell, Tex, that’s kind of a compliment.”
“Not to me. He can’t check you out like that.” I was getting pissed. Not at her. She couldn’t help it that she was hot. She had started wearing regular clothes and doing away with the powder crap. She was wearing jeans and a simple T-shirt. She wasn’t trying to be appealing, and the clothes were still loose on her, but her beauty was apparent. How could it not show through with those long, silky curls that made a man’s hand twitch with desire to run his fingers through them? That perfect creamy complexion that looked like the sun had blessed her with a perfect tan. Those pouty kissable lips with the bottom one slightly plumper than the top, jutting out so invitingly. Guys noticed and I didn’t like it one bit. I’d always known she was beautiful, but that was a fact I really wanted to keep to myself.
EXCERPT 5
“What are you doing here?” she asked, blinking rapidly.
I took a deep breath, telling myself to calm the fuck down. “I wanted to dance.”
“Why didn’t you stay at the dance then?” she asked, with a weak smile.
“The girl I wanted to dance with wasn’t there.” I walked over to her and held out my hand. “She’s here.”
Sylvie stared at my hand for a minute, biting her lower lip nervously. She finally took it with measured hesitation, but I grasped it tightly and pulled her up.
“We don’t have any music.”
I chuckled. “I’m your Huckleberry,” I replied, taking out my cell phone.
“Is that new?”
“Yeah, it’s cool. I can download music on it.” I scrolled through the selections until I found the song I was looking for. Brown-Eyed Girl started playing. I’d downloaded it because it reminded me of her. “You like Van Morrison, right? You were listening to them the first day I met you.”
“You remember that?”
I slipped the phone into my pocket. “I remember everything.” She slid her arms around my neck and I grasped her waist. It wasn’t the slowest song, but we danced to it as if it was. I held her in my arms as tightly as I could, knowing this was where I belonged. I loved her and although she’d never said, I knew she loved me too.
“You smell good,” she commented, her body relaxing as we shuffled to the music.
“You smell like dead fish,” I replied.
This elicited a hearty laugh from her. Sylvie always got my weird sense of humour. I was kidding, though—she smelt fine. Actually, she smelt divine.
“Cal, I’m sorry,” she said. “I wish things were simpler. I wish—”
“Shush, girl, I’m trying to dance with you. Just stop talking and let me hold you.”
She did and when the dance was over, she surprised me by putting a hand on each side of my face and pulling me towards her. It was a passionate kiss, open-mouthed with our tongues exploring hungrily. Her lips were soft, and she smelt of mint and strawberry. I breathed her in, tasting her scent. I let my hands travel up her back and felt my dick grow hard when she pressed her body closer to mine. There we were, two figures against the pale Prairie Marsh moonlight, me in my Sunday suit and her in her fishing outfit, but it didn’t matter what we were wearing or where we’d come from. We belonged with each other. To each other.
EXCERPT 6
I hesitated, finally looking at it, knowing it would piss me off no end to see her naked body on display. I blinked in confusion, perplexed by the large canvas. She had told me it was abstract, but I wasn’t prepared for this. It looked more like a landscape scene than the gorgeous girl beside me. I had just thought about how a woman’s body was all peaks, valleys and curves, and that was literally what Rome had painted without any clear perspective. Well, at least I didn’t have to worry about anyone else seeing this.
“How many hours did she pose for you, Rome?” I asked him.
“About six in total,” he replied, not taking his eyes off Sylvie.
“It’s very…interpretational, isn’t it?”
“It’s modern abstract, so yes.” He turned his attention back to Sylvie. “I have to walk around, but have a drink with me later, okay?”
“’Kay. Congratulations, Rome.” She smiled at him and somehow this jackass took that as a sign to hug her. My hands twitched, but I let it pass. She was a beautiful girl and if I went around punching every guy who developed a crush on her, I’d be a pretty busy man.
I stared back at the painting, putting my arm around her. “So, what do you think?” she asked.
“Six hours, eh?”
“Yeah, it would have been less, but he kept getting the lines wrong and had to start over a few times.”
I felt the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. I bit my lip to keep her from seeing it, but I failed miserably.
“What’s so funny?” she demanded. I choked on a laugh. She narrowed her eyes at me, “What?”
I couldn’t control it anymore. I full-out laughed so hard, people turned to look.
“I’m glad I bent down to whisper in her ear so we wouldn’t be overheard. “Baby, isn’t it obvious to you? That guy just wanted an excuse to see you naked.”
She released my hold. “No, that’s not true. This is his interpretation of me. Jesus, Tex, that’s very petty of you to say.” She hissed the words in my direction, managing to keep her voice to a very low level, although she was shaking mad.
I pulled her back against my chest and put my arms around her so I could have full access to her ear and she could clearly see the painting while I explained myself. “I know you’re an artist, and you know art much better than I do, but I’m a guy, and I know the male head—both of them—much better than you. Right now, I’m struggling whether to kick Florence’s ass or pat him on the back.”
“His name is Rome,” she replied, trying to keep her composure.
“Whatever. I’m not trying to be a jerk here. In fact, I think the idea was fucking genius as hell and very creative, but then again, he is an artist. I’m just being honest with you when I tell you that this”—I gestured to the painting—“has no resemblance to this.” I ran my hand down her neck, over the swell of her breasts and down her trim waist. We were in a corner and the way I was hovering I knew we wouldn’t be seen, not that I cared, but she would. Her breath hitched with my touch. “I know I’m way too possessive of you, but it’s not something I’ll ever apologise for because I love you so damn much. And the fact is, you are too free-spirited and look at the good in all people. It’s the thing I’ve always loved most about you and the very thing that scares the hell out of me too. Do you understand?” Her body was melting into mine, and I knew from the way she shivered it wasn’t from the cold.
EXCERPT 7
She cupped her hand over her mouth. “Did you just quote Mr Darcy?”
“I did. You see I can appreciate art, but I prefer the written word to the visual experience. So please allow me to paint a picture for you.” I cleared my throat. “‘I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, nor their offences against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.’” I finished the Darcy monologue with another bow.
“Holy hell, that was hot.”
I stood, grinning at her, backing her farther against the wall, a hand on either side of her head, in our own little world. “That turned you on, my love? Let me assure you, it’s just the tip of my knowledge base. Would you prefer poetry? Maybe Keats, Wordsworth or Blake? How about the female perspective? Emily Dickinson, perhaps? I know them all. I can sonnet you all night. And yes, I use the term as a verb because the way I do it is an action.”
She waved her hand in front of her face, fanning herself. “All night?” she asked, arching her brow, a sexy smile curling her lips.
“I have plenty of material. I hold a Master’s in literature, and words are my medium of choice.”
“I think you may have just mastered me, sir.”
I jerked my head towards the exit. “Shall we take our leave?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
EXCERPT 8
“Shit, that hurts.”
“Good,” she replied. “It serves you right for getting into a fight.”
“Do you get off on my pain or something?”
She laughed, placing a bandage on my wound. “I finished the book by the way.” Sylvie and I had our own private book club. Whenever I bought a book, I’d lend it to her afterwards or vice versa. She was the only person my age who loved to read as much as me.
“Did you like it?”
“Not particularly.”
“Why not? It’s a classic.”
She sat on the bed next to me. “I don’t think Steinbeck liked women very much.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, there was only one female character. She wasn’t very likable, and he didn’t even give her a name. He called her Curly’s wife, for God’s sake, throughout the whole book.”
“Not every single character needs a name.”
“I think you’re wrong, Tex. Everyone needs a name. It’s a right, not a privilege.”
“I think you’re reading too much into it. It wasn’t intentional, I’m sure.”
She stood up and put her hands on her hips. “How could you say that? I mean think about it. Sometimes a name is the only thing you own. For instance, I’d hate it if people started calling me Cal’s nutty neighbour or Cal’s crazy friend.” She looked so damn beautiful when she was aggravated. I grabbed her waist and pulled her onto my lap.
“What about Cal’s hot girlfriend? Would you be okay with that title?” I whispered against her ear.
She stood up, pushing my hand away. “We’ve talked about this.”
“Shit, why not? Is there something wrong with me? I recall you mentioning that I was perfection so I just don’t get it.”
“Yeah, and you let it go straight to that big head of yours,” she replied sarcastically.
I smirked. “Girl, stop acting hard to get.” I patted my chest, knowing full well she’d been checking out my abs at the pool yesterday. “You know you want this.”
“I know vanity is a sin,” she said, crossing her arms and fighting a smile.
“Seriously, Sylvie, why not? You have to know how I feel about you. Don’t you feel the same?”
“I care about you, Tex. It’s not you. I told you, my dad won’t let me date.”
I laughed cynically. “Your dad? You mean the man who’s so drunk he can’t even remember your name? That guy?”
She clenched her fists, and I winced, knowing I’d majorly fucked up this conversation. “You need to leave.” She hated it when I brought up her dad’s drinking. Instead of agreeing with me on any level, she made excuses for the guy.
“Sylvie—”
“Leave!” she choked, pointing at the window, my usual exit.
5 Fang Review: A Girl by Any Other Name by MK Schiller
A Girl By Any Other Name by MK Schiller
Everyone tells him he needs to move on, but how can a man function without his heart?
Ten-year-old Caleb Tanner wants nothing to do with Sylvie Cranston, the annoying weird girl who moves next door to him and gets him in trouble for swearing. But at twelve, they become friends when he teaches her how to hook a fishing line and she shows him the value of a selfless act. At fourteen, he falls in love with her.
At sixteen, she dies.
Or so he’s told. But Cal never believes it. Sylvie has become part of his soul. He knows her like the steady beating of his own heart. He’d know if she was dead. Cal looks for her, prays for her and finally he just waits for her.
Nine years later, she walks into the community college English class Cal is teaching. Only this girl claims her name is Sophie Becker and she doesn’t know him. Cal knows better. He’s determined to get the girl he loves back—and protect her from the danger that took her away all those years ago.
Review:
Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock and M K Schiller sent this wonderful and gripping story my way for a review. I instantly fell in love with Cal and Sylvie. They have such a wonderful relationship and it steadily grows unlike other novels where they fall in love instantly. This isn’t your normal romance, this is told from Cal’s POV and flashes from past to present which only enhances the telling of the story. Without those things this would be a little story about a guy desperate for a girl from his past and seeing her in every woman he passes. Not the sweet, heart-breaking, hopeful story of a boy and girl who change each-others worlds, and long for more. This is my first novel by M K Schiller and I hope to read more from her. She has such a refreshing way of telling a story and keeping the reader engaged. She has a way of making the characters come alive and having the reader feel every emotion they feel. There were twists and turns that one didn’t see coming and a few that took you by surprise. I most definitely will recommend this book to others!
MK Schiller
About the Author:
MK Schiller is a hopeless romantic in a hopelessly pragmatic world. By day, she dons a magic cape, calculator (sometimes an abacus), and an assortment of gel pens for her work in the world of finance. But by night, she sits by the warm glow of her computer monitor, and conjures up handsome heart-warming heroes and the vivacious heroines they love.
A wife and mother of two loveable, but angst-ridden teenagers, she enjoys movies, gardening, and travelling. Although she loves to write, she is a reader first and enjoys nothing more than curling up with a good book and some tasty Italian (the food, of course!). She hopes you will enjoy her stories and write to her.
Buy:
Giveaway: Because of Ellison by M.S. Willis
BLURB:
When I was nineteen years old, I lived for sex, drugs and a good party. I had it all – good looks, a fast car and a hot girlfriend. Nothing in life was more important.
That was, until I met Ellison James….
Since the moment I first saw her she was a raging bull; tackling me in the mud and throwing out insults as fast as her tongue could form the sound.
She was snarky
She was rude
And she pissed me off like no other woman could.
I lived beside her for a summer and in the three months that I walked by her side…
She opened my eyes
She changed my life
And she made me a better man
Excerpt #1:
“Why do you keep chasing after me, Hunter?” I could tell how raw her throat must have been by the scratch in her voice. I was thrown off by her question and it took me a minute to formulate a response.
I didn’t answer her immediately because I felt like everything, all the times we’d spent together, all the smiles we’d shared and the tears that had fallen, and all the years I wanted to share those types of moments with her in the future hinged on my response. Why did I keep chasing after her? To most, she was just another girl in small town who was struggling like the rest of us in an attempt to find a place where she belonged in this world. Most of those people weren’t lucky enough to know her like I’d known her – they hadn’t talked to her, hadn’t been shown the depths that existed within her. Much like the moon and stars that hung above us tonight, Ellison was a light that wasn’t easily contained. She burned bright enough to break through the dense fog I’d walked in my entire life. Because of her, I’d opened my eyes when I hadn’t even been aware they’d been closed – and for that, I’d chase her forever.
Clearing my throat, I reached up and pulled her hand from my cheek when I turned to look her in the eyes.
Speaking quietly, I confessed, “Because you are a dream and someone once told me that if I had a dream, I should chase it.” It was a simple explanation, but somehow I knew Ellison would understand the honest weight of what I’d said.
Her eyes blinked slowly as she studied my face and as usual, she did something unexpected. She laughed. The corners of my lips turned up when I tried to suppress my grin. Her laughter sounded fragile, as if something so tiny could come along and break it apart – but it was there and my heart raced against my chest to hear it.
“That is probably the strangest thing I’ve heard you say yet.”
Review:
I was gifted this book by the author MS Willis and Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock for an honest review.
I give this book a four out of five fangs.
Because of Ellison is a wonderful story about life and love. Two young people from two different backgrounds forging a friendship then later finding love. Spoiled rich boy Hunter having everything given to him. He didn’t have to work for anything. He was reckless, partied hard and cared only about himself. After his latest mishap mommy and daddy decide to send him off to go live with a relative in another state. Their goal was to teach him to appreciate what he had and see how the ‘other’ people live. His parents take away all forms of communication and his credit cards and serve him to his uncle in Florida. Once Hunter gets there he meets the neighbors daughter Ellison. Hunter is immediately attracted to her. Ellison on the other hand is not impressed with him. They bicker back and forth but it only makes Hunter like her that much more. Ellison teaches him about real friends and what real love feels like.
My favorite character would be Ellison. Her strong willed personality and easy going ways. She loved and respected nature. She stood up for what she believed in. There is a major sad scene that was written really well. I could easily put myself in her shoes and know the pain and heartache she felt. I was laughing and tearing up towards the end.
The book started out slow for me. It took a while for it to catch my interest. There were several typos and sentence phrasing that was overlooked. Several times words were missing in sentences but not so much to ruin the whole reading experience.
Overall the book was great and I would consider adding MS Willis to my list of go to authors. Due to language and a few intimate scenes I would recommend this book to young adults or older.
BUY LINKS:
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/because-of-ellison-ms-willis/1118054773?ean=2940148165392
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About The Author:
Author Bio:
M.S. Willis is a romance novelist whose debut novel, Control, was released in 2013. Although currently writing in the romance genre, Willis has plans to expand her literary pursuits into multiple genres and has no fear conquering difficult subject matters in her writing. Willis is a native Floridian who is also a photographer and musician. When not absorbing herself in written, visual or musical expression, Willis is an adrenaline junkie, a ‘closet’ video game enthusiast, and an avid outdoors person and nature lover.
Visit M.S. Willis on her author page: www.facebook.com/mswillisbooks
Follow on Twitter – @mswillisbooks
Mailing List –
http://mswillisbooks.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e23eb93c7056b1b15c0c35ba4&id=3506e32acb
PLAYLIST:
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GIVEAWAY:
We have the wonderful opportunity to give one of our readers an ebook through this post. To enter please leave us a comment on this post.
Banded Together by Hilary Storm
You’ve asked for them, some have even begged for more of the Walker twins. ‘Banded Together’ is a continuation of the Rebel Walking Series that will give you insight on Talon and Eaven’s wedding as well as the rest of the characters in the series. Taron and Ivy are not left out of this one and you’ll quickly see the banter between them remains.
The previous books in the Rebel Walking Series should be read before this one for the best experience and optimal character development.
“I’m already yours. You know this.” So much has happened since he proposed. We were going to wait another year, but Talon is ready to make it official. I love his urgency—I’m ready, too—but I don’t want to rush it with everything that’s going on with the band and the trial.
Rebel Walking lost their spot on the tour when Taron was arrested. We’ve spent the last five months, either in court or in limbo, waiting for something to happen. A few months ago Taron was released from all charges, but the Walker’s haven’t rested while the trial for Dylan has been on going. Luckily, this morning he was found guilty on multiple counts of attempted rape, attempted murder and countless other offenses. He will be spending many years in prison, which is where he belongs.
The instant relief when the verdict was read was so peaceful. We should be celebrating, but everyone is too exhausted to do anything today.
“Simple. I like it.” His hands begin to roam over my body and I take the opportunity to rotate my hips just right so that he feels my warmth. Sleeping naked has its benefits.
“Oh, I’m not teasing.” My breathy voice amuses him.
“What’s so funny?” This time it’s my impatience that’s obvious.
“You’re always so ready for me. You never disappoint.”
He loves to watch me during sex. It strikes me to the depths of my soul when he does this. His stare pierces straight through my body the entire time. It’s raw and so real, but I love it.
Eaven Bennett is a college student with a passion for photography. She has high hopes of completing college and starting a new life as she moves away from her hometown with her best friend, Ivy Adams. Her last boyfriend ruined any chance of her trusting ever again.
Talon Walker is the dark and intriguing drummer for the up and coming band ‘Rebel Walking’. A tragedy in his past has left him empty with no desire for a relationship. That is until he meets Eaven.
One minute your heart is filled with love, the next your entire life comes crashing down. Everything can change in a heartbeat. Can Eaven and Talon overcome the obstacles in their way and find love?
Heaven Sent
The Rebel Walking Series continues with Taron and Ivy’s story, Heaven Sent. The explosive chemistry that these two share ignites a relationship of epic proportions.
He has been dubbed ‘the panty stealer’, but Taron Walker has his eyes set on the beautiful, full of life, Ivy Adams. Ivy doesn’t usually put up with the player type, yet there is something about Taron that has her intrigued. Taron must leave to go on tour with Rebel Walking and Ivy will be left to face serious struggles on her own. Will she reach out to Taron for help, or will she push him away? Can these two find happiness in each other’s arms, or will they tear each other’s world apart?
ADD TO GOODREADS
SALE: 99 Cents (limited time) : Awakening by Ashley Suzanne
Skylar’s wrestling demons he never imagined in his wildest dreams. The girl he’s been in love with for years finally has feelings for him. There’s only one problem: her heart might lie somewhere else. How long until his will power shatters?
Who will seize Mira’s heart and never let go? Will these feelings ever go away or will they be an AWAKENING?
**Recommended for mature audiences only**
99 cent deal: Fortune Calling by Hunter S. Jones
Fortune Calling
The first installment in The Fortune Series.
The Story of Dallas Fortune.
Guitars. Hillbilly Music. Nashville, Tennessee.
Dallas Fortune is a small town girl with a gift for playing guitar. A member of her family has played the Grand Ol Opry since it began as a simple radio show in 1925. But, they are the minstrels, the troubadours–session players–not stars.
Dallas lives her life on the road. She’s just another guitar player with a dream until she finds an antique blue mandolin in a pawn shop. Her life comes into focus as the enchantment of the mandolin captivates her audiences. The Guitar God of Nashville beckons her. Everything is there for Dallas at last, until a stage accident sends her home and shatters her dreams. Blow after blow she fights the hand of fate. Is she destined to lose out in life? Hope, dreams, and love seem to be just out of reach. Every girl dreams of a happy ending. Dallas Fortune has the best Fairy Godmother in Country Music history. Will she help make Dallas’ dreams come true?
Is the future among the stars, in the cards or locked in your heart?
Fortune Calling is the first story in The Fortune Series. Set in contemporary Nashville and rural Tennessee, the series chronicles the life and loves of Dallas Fortune.
TAGS: Fiction, Country Music, Nashville, Tennessee, Guitars, Short story, Contemporary
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20516112-fortune-calling
© 2014 Ra Jones Publishing
Fallen From Grace by Leigh Songstad
Fallen From Grace
Synopsis
Expensive cars…
Penthouse apartments…
Exclusive clubs and endless money…
By day, Judas Woods practices Law in New York City.
By night, he’s forced to portray a playboy image he despises.
Past resentments his father holds against him have made Judas a prisoner in his own life.Just as he is ready to give up on life, he meets her—Grace Winters. Beautiful, intelligent andwayout of his league.
Years have passed since the tragic accident that destroyed her family in just one night, and Grace Winters has finally found her new normal. Congressman Ellis Randall is charming, charismatic, flawless…and he wants to marry her.
Things are perfect.
Almost too perfect…
When Grace meets the enigmatic and troubled local bad boy, Judas Woods, she is swept into a whirlwind affair of passion, desire, and secrets.
What is Congressman Randall hiding?
And can Grace trust the bad boy she is falling hopelessly in love with?
Review:
My rating – 4 Fangs
I received this book from the author and PR&ATR for an honest review.
Let me start with stating that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I didn’t know what it was about so went in kind of blind as to what to expect. I was excited, but also nervous that I would not like the story line or be able to get into the book. And then I started to read about Judas and slowly got sucked in. It wasn’t one of those stories that grabbed me immediately, but about a quarter way through I got hooked.
Judas had just graduated from Law school. He has his entire future ahead of him…., until he learns what his father’s plans are for him. Although he wasn’t on the best of terms with his father, no son would expect the turn his life would take from that point on. He had hoped that after becoming a lawyer, as his father wanted, things would be different between them, but instead his father uses his feelings surrounding the death of his mother as a way to control him. The strange part is that I liked Judas. I didn’t agree with his decisions to go along with his father’s scheme, but I could understand his fear and the guilt that dictated his actions. A stronger, more confident person may have said to heck with it, and walked away, but it would have been difficult to start out with nothing. I’m just amazed he wasn’t as selfish and spoiled as one would expect given he was raised with money. That doesn’t mean I was not frustrated with him either. Especially as he got older. A 29 year old man who has worked and saved should have been able to stand up to his father. I do give him credit for trying to balance the bad with some good deeds. It showed that his heart was in the right place and that he was trying to atone for his role in his father’s schemes.
Enter in Grace. Grace was everything Judas wanted, but couldn’t have…or so he thought. Her background is the opposite of Judas’. Grace didn’t come from money and actually had to work very hard to become successful. Similar to Judas, I liked Grace. There wasn’t much to not like about Grace. She was smart, kind, considerate, and caring. She saw something in Judas, outside of his bad boy looks and reputation. Her one flaw is that she was blind to Ellis’ faults and manipulations. But who could blame her? She had been dating Ellis for awhile and thought she knew him. The people loved him; he was charming, successful, intelligent, and charismatic. How does a woman choose between two men? One that seems too good to be true and the other who is too sexy for his own good. Yep, I got caught up in the tug of war going on here. By the last quarter of the book I wanted to reach in and shake Grace. Not fair, I know, but dang it…by then I just loved Judas and I wanted him with Grace. I was conflicted. Why? I don’t like love triangles in general. And in this case, I WANTED the woman to break up with the man she was currently with for the other guy.
At the end, I’ll admit I had not caught on to the final twists, but all in all happy for Judas and Grace. If you like a bit of intrigue and suspense, I think you’ll find this book interesting. I won’t say everyone will love it and like me you may find the beginning a bit slow, but it does pick up.
Buy Links:
Leigh’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Leigh-Songstad/143312655816013?ref=hl
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20326404-fallen-from-grace?ac=1
Giveaway: 2 signed paperbacks US Only and 2 ebooks awarded to 4 individuals. Here’s the links:
brriske
eclipse0926
mindygrindstaff
pratr.wordpress.com 