Blog Tour & Giveaway: Darkness Possessed by Stephanie Rowe!

DARKNESS POSSESSED

Order of the Blade, #9

by Stephanie Rowe

A fatal mistake stripped Zach Roderick of the powers that define him, leaving him a tormented shadow of the warrior he once was. Now, his teammate's life depends on Zach resurrecting the fire that once burned within him. As he undertakes a battle he has no way to win, he is derailed by a tempestuous beauty that awakens in him the dark desires that destroyed him once before.

The scars etched on Rhiannon Diaz's soul are so deep that she will never again be free. The once-powerful guardian is facing her last and greatest battle, and failure means a return to a sexual enslavement that is far worse than death. Her intense and passionate need for the powerful warrior who has vowed to protect her threatens the very foundation of her survival, but his refusal to abandon her drags them both into a world where wild, untamed passion rages, and surrender is their only chance.

All books in the Order of the Blade series are intended to be standalones that can be read in any order. The chronological reading order, however, is as follows: DARKNESS AWAKENED, DARKNESS SEDUCED, DARKNESS SURRENDERED, FOREVER IN DARKNESS, DARKNESS REBORN, DARKNESS ARISEN, DARKNESS UNLEASHED, INFERNO OF DARKNESS, DARKNESS POSSESSED (Available July 2014).

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Possessed-Order-Blade-Stephanie-ebook/dp/B00KY6Y2N6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1406321350&sr=1-1&keywords=darkness+possessed+stephanie+rowe

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/darkness-possessed-order-blade/id891547117?mt=11

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120006629?ean=2940149802906

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/darkness-possessed-order-of-the-blade

Review: Before You by Amber Hart!

Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.

Before You is such a beautifully written, moving and powerful love story. (And an amazing debut novel!) It is unique, not only because of the wonderfully poetic writing or the use of two languages, but because it features a diverse couple (and secondary characters). There is definitely not enough of this in books today. I had heard a great deal that Before You was similar to Perfect Chemistry, but I have yet to read that one, so I thoroughly enjoyed being able to read this one first. I love all the messages the book features about being yourself, escape, and starting anew. 

Before You is as gritty and dramatic as it is sweet. There is a great deal of heavy matter in the book: violence, drugs, and prejudice, among other things, but they made the book even more special and the messages even more powerful. It is so much different from most contemporary romances out there. Despite being over 300 pages, I flew through this book. It is an incredibly entertaining and fast paced read that will have you crying and smiling within a few pages. The author does a terrific job painting a vivid picture through words that is honestly incredible.

Before You is told in the points of view of both the main characters. Normally I do not care for dual POVs, but in this case, it really worked out well and gives the reader the opportunity to understand each character. I love that they both are broken by tragedy in the beginning, but can finally become whole together through love.

I am very much looking forward to the next two books!

If you are looking for a contemporary romance that is beautifully written and unique, definitely check this out out!

5/5

Review: The Haunting of a Duke by Chasity Bowlin!

Communing with spirits has been both gift and curse to Emme Walters. Now it's made her a killer's target. Emme knows why the Dowager Duchess of Briarleigh invited her to a house party--to investigate whether the duke, Rhys Brammel, murdered his wife years ago. But Emme never imagined she would fall in love with the brooding duke. Branded by society as a possible killer, Rhys is suspicious of Emme and her alleged "gift." Then a late night encounter creates awareness of her other, more attractive, aspects. When Emme's life is threatened, Rhys becomes her protector. Emme and Rhys find passion and peril as they join forces to solve the mysteries at Briarleigh. She made him believe in spirits, but can she make him believe in love?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22566746-the-haunting-of-a-duke

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KZXH5D2/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KZXH5D2&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Holy hell. Can I give this book six stars? Paranormal meets Historical plus romance? This genre match up is one of the most genius things I've ever read. (Paranormal and Historical are my favorite genres) After reading what the book was about, I knew instantly that I would enjoy it, but I honestly loved it way more than I thought I would, which is really saying something. This book is beyond fantastic and definitely one of the best books I've read all year.

The story is haunting and beautiful, dark, gritty and sexy, written in a lovely flowing way. It also has a fair share of mystery and suspense- an aspect that keeps your eyes glued to the pages and on the edge of your seat. It's a unique adventure with two great main characters that have quite interesting lives/pasts. I loved that Emme was a feisty medium. She has such spark despite all she has been through and all that rests on her shoulders. She made a fitting match for Rhys. The Duke is so swoon worthy and mysterious. The pair comes together in an unexpected way and I loved every second of it. Waiting was totally worth it as sparks flew with their chemistry. Throw in a good dose of sexy and sweet for all a romance lover could ever need in a story.

I haven't read many novels that fall under the Regency category, but after enjoying this one so much and being very intrigued, I will have to pick up some more! That is, after I get my hands on book two in this series!

If you are a fan of Paranormal and Historical romance, buy this book now!

5/5

Release Day Blitz: The Prisoner by Rachael Wade!

The Prisoner by Rachael Wade

Series: The Replacement #1.5

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Release date: July 26th

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22675155-the-prisoner

The Replacement will be free 1 day only on release day!

***THE PRISONER IS AN ADDITION TO THE REPLACEMENT. IT IS A STAND-ALONE NOVELLA INTENDED TO BE READ AFTER THE REPLACEMENT.

My name is Christian Walker, and Elise Duchamp is my drug of choice.

No matter how hard I try to break the habit, it’s a lost cause. Okay, maybe I haven’t really tried to quit this particular habit. All I can think about is owning her. Making her mine. Can you really blame me? With that sinful body, luscious mouth, and wicked tongue, she’s every man’s dream, and she knows it.

No one is immune to her charm, not even me, a man who has everything—a beautiful wife, an office with a view, and more money than most people can spend in one lifetime. Only I know how to make her toes curl. Only I know her body better than the other men she screws in her free time. None of them can compare to me.

But the joke is on me. I’m the prisoner.

The one who will never compare to him. The one man who makes me see red. His name is stored in her cell phone. It’s the first one she calls out to, the first one she cries for when all hell breaks loose. Ryder Jacobson.

The name makes me cringe.

She loves him, and I love her. In my own way, I always will. But the bad guy doesn’t always belong with the bad girl. Sometimes the bad girl needs a good man to believe in her, to give her that final push toward ultimate transformation. I wish I was that good man. That I could be her happily ever after. I guess that’s the thing about prisoners, though. They’re left alone with their torment, and in the end, they have no one to blame but themselves.

Book Blast & Giveaway: Her Temporary Hero by Jennifer Apodaca!

HER TEMPORARY HERO

Once A Marine, #2

Author: Jennifer Apodaca

Print Length: 194 pages

Publisher: Entangled: Indulgence (July 14, 2014)

ASIN: B00L73W2J6

Former beauty queen Becky Holmes and her baby are on the run from her dangerous ex. With her dreams of love and marriage destroyed, she’ll do anything to protect her child…even agree to hide out in her boss’s cousin’s house while he’s away.

Wealthy, sexy, and emotionally haunted Logan Knight needs a temporary wife to get his land, per his dad’s rules. No wife, no inheritance. But when that wife lands on his doorstep and comes with a baby, his darkest memories are triggered. He tries to keep his distance, but his efforts are shattered when he starts to have real feelings for his fake wife and child.

Just as Logan begins to think he may have a future with Becky, his attempt to have it all backfires into a betrayal that forces Becky into a heart-wrenching choice no woman should ever have to make.

AVAILABLE JULY 14th:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Temporary-Hero-Marine-Entangled-Indulgence-ebook/dp/B00L73W2J6/ref=la_B001IXOJR8_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404912629&sr=1-15

B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-temporary-hero-jennifer-apodaca/1119856173?ean=9781622667628

Kobo: 

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/her-temporary-hero-a-once-a-marine-series-book

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Kingdoms Of War by Lisa Beth Darling!

Inside the Heart of every Warrior breathes the Soul of a Hero--even within The Heart of War

That's right, warriors need love too and Ares God of War is no different although he used to like to think he was until Maggie MacLeod came along and turned his world upside down in The Heart of War book #1 in the OF WAR Series of highly dark and adult romances.

It hardly seems like that was four years ago that our hero the grumpy, broody, and often intimidating God of War found a Fey washed up on the shore of his secluded isle.  Of course, being the arrogant god that he is the very first thing he did was change her name to Alena. Not that she minded, with the new name came a new woman one with renewed passion.

In all of that time our hero and heroine have been through many trials and tribulations as they struggled to build a family and life for themselves away from the divinely dysfunctional Olympians.  Who can ever forget Raven's harrowing birth or blood oath demanded of Ares by Zeus in Child of War-A God is Born?  Not to mention Raven forcing his pregnant mother down a very long set of marble stairs.

There have been good times too I think we all found a new use for peppermint oil in Christmas Eve on Olympus. (wink)

Of course there was the time that Raven inadvertently helped to destroy the world in Child of War-Rising Son. It wasn't all his fault, growing up Olympian ain't easy especially not when everyone absolutely hates you. With an Uncle like Apollo nobody needs enemies.

In Women of War we looked back on Maggie's heritage from her great grandmother Shar  Draíocht the Last Queen of the Dark Kingdom to her mother the wild and wanton Maven.  We discovered the secret connection between Alena and her beloved Ares.

Now as we close out the OF WAR Series with Kingdoms of War it's time to find out if Ares and Alena will have their Happily Ever After or they will forever be separated by the Gods and their unruly Son. I hope you'll join me for this explosive finale.

KINGDOMS OF WAR

BOOK #6 OF WAR SERIES

LISA BETH DARLING

With nearly four billion souls lost to the ravages of anarchy and the dreaded disease Major Falls, Ares and Raven journey the Mortal World vainly reaching for a sliver of what was only to discover what will be. Unleashed by Apollo, Major Falls—a weaponized version of the flu and rabies-- has wiped out every person of watery Mortal Blood.
 From the fiery wreckage a new world is slowly arising one where the descendants of Olympians, Celts, Dark Fae, and all manner of Magickal Being will rule. For the last millennium the Dark Kingdom has sent small legions of its Daughters in search of its Lost Queen. Among their number is Lenora, a sharp tongued Dark Fae who joins up with ARES hoping to get close to its leader, Raven. And she does.
 The Wolf inside the God of War contracts Major Falls. As Ares and Athena wander the world hoping to curtail further damage by obliterating weapons of mass destruction he slowly succumbs to the sickness taking over his fevered rabid mind. Ares may not live to see the glory of Olympus restored nor fight to keep his Wife. If he does, how high will be the price for Ares' life? How long will Alena have to keep paying Apollo even once Ares is crowned King of Olympus?

Review: Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer!

How far would you go to find yourself?
That’s the question that’s been haunting Olivia Owens for years.
All Olivia has ever wanted to do is live and make mistakes, but her preacher father has made that impossible. She believes that her years at college will be her ticket into the real world and her chance to be wild and spontaneous.
But she’s never been able to do it on her own.
At the start of her sophomore year, she only has four things crossed off her Live List, but that’s all about to change thanks to a chance encounter with Trace Wentworth. She’s about to learn that there’s more to this reformed bad boy than just his looks and panty dropping smile.
Trace can’t explain what it is that draws him to Olivia.
All he knows is that he wants to get to know the girl with the sad smile but sparkle in her eyes.
When she tells him about her list, he knows that this is his chance to get to know Olivia Owens. Trace is determined to show Olivia that she can do all the things she’s ever wanted to do. So, he begins to help her cross things off her list, even the more outlandish requests.
What happens along the way is more than what Olivia or Trace ever expected.
Love, laughs, and a list.
That’s the name of the game when you’re Finding Olivia.

New Adult is not a genre I've read a whole lot from, so I was pretty excited to pick this one up. I wound up liking it a whole bunch! 

The best part of this story was how it reminds me a lot of real life, which was why I liked it so much. Right off the bat, the story was really relatable to me. I am also a college student (and in the same age range as the main characters) working through a list of my own! I think the author did a great job with the main character acting her age. Olivia felt like a real college student- which I was really grateful for!

There is a lot going on in this story, but it really works in Finding Olivia. The story was never boring. Instead, it was an addictive page turner that played in my head like a movie. Finding Olivia is not just a contemporary romance. It's much more than that. The book is really deep and deals with a lot of complex issues. It's a story that is about growing up, escaping, discovering yourself, first loves and so much more! It is a great summer read!

I loved that the story revolved around Olivia's 'Live List' and her being able to complete it throughout the story. It was a really creative idea and another great aspect of the story. 

I really enjoyed all of the characters as well. Trace is every girl's dream (seriously, where can I get one for myself?), but has a bit of a troubled past. It gives him a bit of a bad boy edge that I could not resist! I loved how he rescues Olivia in the beginning. It was a great way to start the story. Olivia herself is the perfect mix of all things that make up a 20 year old girl. They have wonderful chemistry that is so sweet and beautiful, yet sexy and passionate. Avery is the perfect best friend/comedic sidekick. The two girls are girls I'd want to befriend. 

This is a great one to check out for any New Adult fan! I am happy that there are two other books in this series, including another about Trace and Olivia! I am very much looking forward to diving back into this series sometime!

Thank you to the author for providing a review copy!

4/5