Tuesday, December 31, 2013

The Dark Huntsman, Tales of The Black Court Book One by Jessica Aspen with Excerpt & Review



The Dark Huntsman, A Fantasy of the Black Court
Tales of the Black Court,
Book One
Jessica Aspen

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: Abracadabra Publishing
Cover Artist: Kari Ayasha of

Book Description:

An evil queen, a dangerous man, and a witch, tangled together in a tale of Snow White...

Desperate to save the last of her family from the murderous Faery Queen, Trina Mac Elvy weaves a spell of entrapment. But instead of a common soldier, the queen has released the Dark Huntsman, a full blooded fae with lethal powers.

Caged for treason, Logan Ni Brennan, is ready to do anything to win free of the manipulative queen, even if it includes running a last errand for her…murdering a witch. The sight of Trina, ready to fight despite the odds, gives him another option: use the witch as a chess piece, put the queen’s son on the throne, and bring down the queen forever.

As the queen slides into insanity and her closest advisor makes plans to succeed to the throne, Logan secrets Trina away in the enchanted forest and makes a decisive move in his dangerous game of manipulation. But the gaming tables of fate turn on him, and when Trina’s life is threatened he discovers he risks more than his freedom…he risks his heart.

Dare to enter Jessica Aspen’s world of steamy, fantasy romance in her new twisted fairy tale trilogy: Tales of the Black Court…

Purchase it at Amazon   


Excerpt:
Riding into the dry-as-bones mountains on the back of the puca, Logan’s anger seared bitter in his chest. It rolled off him in waves, pulling thunder down from the sky. He toyed idly with the storm letting his anger draw the danger of the lightening to him as he seethed. Fifteen years away from his hounds. Fifteen years of Solanum’s running wild, the puca causing havoc wherever he went. Fifteen years of Logan’s life eaten away in the hole of the queen’s dungeons.
And now he was to kill witches for the queen. A fact that rubbed him raw.
Humans were amusing companions, why create trouble? Irritated with the brief flare of morality, he smothered it with brutal force. It didn’t fucking matter what he wanted. It never had.
Lightening cracked. The eerie silent hounds of the Dark Hunt tightened around him, their tense glances and snapping teeth reflections of his flaring emotions.
He had no room for second thoughts tonight. The Black Queen had given him no reason why she needed these witches killed, but if he satisfied her it might give him his freedom. At the very least it would give him some space. Maybe some time to figure out a way to stay out of the dungeons. And time to figure out how to truly extricate himself from her bloody dominion.
Because no matter what she had promised him, he knew, there was no way she would simply let him go. Not after the way he had betrayed her.
Solanum tossed his head and bucked. “Quit squeezing my ribs.” Lurid green faery flames leapt from his hooves, igniting short-lived cold fires in the dry Wyoming brush.
“Cease, horse,” Logan said, squeezing his legs a little more. Punching Solanum’s buttons felt good, really good. Just like his wrath at the queen felt good. Justified.
The puca tossed his long mane into Logan’s eyes. “Lay off, or you’ll be eating dirt,” the puca snarled, his nostrils flaring in the dimming light.
Solanum’s irritation put a hard smile on Logan’s lips. He tightened his legs and drove the puca harder down the hill through the brewing storm.
A hound pushed in close. Solanum’s hoof lashed out, connecting with a solid thud. The hound’s yipe sounded inside Logan’s head as he regained his balance, cursing the hound’s behavior and the puca’s intolerance.
He was back. The hounds would get used to him again. And Solanum too.
Thunder crashed in the sky, following him down into the shadowed hills as he approached the witches’ lair. Nostrils burning from the ozone, nerves tingling, he distracted himself with the dark moist wind, manipulating it to blow through the dry autumn brush like a child's tantrum.
He laughed, the spiteful wind stealing away the dark sound as cracks of thunder echoed off the mountains. He let the anger simmer and the lightening moved further away. He wasn’t free yet, and he wasn’t suicidal. What he was, was trapped. And it pissed him off, the frustration riding him like a hag.
What could he do when the queen changed her mind and refused to release him from her service? What if the bitch thought she could use him then put him back into her dungeons Underhill, calling him to her side like a lapdog? He needed a way to show her there would be repercussions. He needed leverage.
In the distance, thunder rumbled and they tipped over the edge of the valley in search of the witch. A wavering glow of candles shone above the last few rocks.
Almost there.
The telltale traces of a spell raised the hair on the back of his neck. He extended his Gift to perceive what he couldn’t yet see. A labyrinth set by a single inexperienced witch. His lips twitched. As protection it might have worked, had the Faery Queen sent her regular henchman. Unluckily for the witch, the queen had unleashed him. The Dark Huntsman.
He would kill the wench, and be done with this thing between himself and the queen of the Tuatha De Dannan. And when the queen refused to release him? He’d deal with that when the time came.
The wind carried the hot dry smell of sage mixed with the smell of fear and musky female. He inhaled the raw flavor of the witch, the taste of her fear and anger and power slid down his throat, easing his rage.
The anxious hounds shifted around him, sensing the proximity of their prey. Solanum rounded the rock.
And there she was.
The sight of her rocked him back like a blow, almost knocking him to the ground. And he realized that despite the stasis, fifteen years had been too long a time to be without a woman.
Glimmers of power limned her naked body and the silver blade of the athame that gleamed between her breasts. Her legs were spread slightly apart, tensed for battle. Long black hair crackled and lifted with static. Her expressive face was poised on the edge of dilemma, her body caught between the need to hold the spell and the need for action.
He paused to let the feel of power and woman roll through him.
Beautiful.
Unexpected.
Green, almond shaped eyes widened. Her stance firmed, her shoulders pulled back, and her full breasts rose, nipples tightened with cold or fear. Something wild and raw he hadn’t felt in a hundred years stabbed low in his gut.
His agenda changed.
The queen wanted to kill the witch. Why? His plan of placating the queen suddenly seemed weak. She’d never let him go without leverage, and here was leverage standing naked and lovely before him. He had a new plan.
Screw the queen.

My Review: 5 stars
What an excellent introduction to this series. I love the twisted fairy tale version that Jessica has written, not to mention the erotic aspect that she's brought to the tale. It was creative to make the Huntsman the hero instead of bringing in a Prince. The Huntsman is the one who is already involved in the story by hiding the person the Queen wants dead, makes perfect sense. Although in this case, it's not a princess, but a witch that the Queen wants dead. Rather, an entire clan of witches, yet the Huntsman only finds one: Trina. Initially, Logan, the Huntsman, plans on using Trina to get what he wants. But the best laid plans swiftly fall away when the heart decides to become involved. Trina is angry at Logan, yet she finds herself very attracted to him. She tells herself it's because of his fae magic, but it's really not. This was really a great story to read and I truly loved all the different, slightly twisted aspects of the story that Jessica changed and wove into her tale. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to find out which tales she chooses, and what the prophecy brings forth.

About the Author: 

Jessica Aspen has always wanted to be spirited away to a world inhabited by elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side of the knife. Luckily, she’s able to explore her fantasy side and delve into new worlds by writing paranormal romance. She loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of ocean vacations, but instead spends most of her time, writing, walking the dog, and hiking in the Colorado Rockies.

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Make Me by Amanda Heath with Giveaway, Excerpt & Review



Title: Make Me
Author: Amanda Heath
Release Day: November 15, 2013


Synopsis:
“Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there.” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with mine. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back.

He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine, “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak, “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”


Paisley Vaughn grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. After finding her mother dead from an overdose, Paisley and her baby sister are shipped off to live with her maternal grandparents. 

She always knew they were rich, she just didn’t realize how rich they were. Now she’s being forced to go to a prestigious high school. One where the tuition is more money then she’s ever seen. 

Thinking these rich kids are going to be snobbish and rude, she’s surprised to find the Vaughn name means she is untouchable. Well unless your name is Channing Southerland. 

Paisley has to navigate her new life and all the new people in it. While her mother might have lied about her grandparents, no one is lying about Channing. He’s beautiful, mean, arrogant, and turning her on. 

Before long a war is fought, leaving Paisley wondering if she’ll be ruined or made. Though she might just fall irrevocably in love.

Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/mnhghzj

Excerpt:
“Do you really want me to fall for you?” I whisper.

He gets up from the ground and runs his fingers through his hair. He seems frustrated but I don’t know why. “That’s what I want,” he whispers also. Looking back at me. I can’t see his eyes from here but I know what they look like. Full of fear and uncertainly. “I’m scared though. I’ve never been in a serious relationship. And I really don’t want to fuck this up.”

I’m scared too. Sometimes he consumes my thoughts and that was before I knew how he felt. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be with him and I screw up. But I know that I want to fall for him. I know deep in my soul that I will never have a love in my life like I would with Channing.

And that’s the scariest thought I’ve ever had.

“I don’t know if that’s what I want,” I tell him looking away.

He runs his fingers through his hair yet again. “Paisley, don’t fuck with my head. I’ve had enough of that in my life. I can’t do crazy bitches anymore.”

I flinch with the comparison to his mother. To my mother. “I’m not fucking with your head. Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”

I can see he’s pissed now. He’s unable to see my fear that I’m trying to push him away, like he was trying to push me away. “Stop. The. Fucking. Head. Games!” he yells, taking a deep breath after each word.

“I’m not!” I yell back. Who knows what the truth is anymore. I’ve been screwed by a lot of people, but I’m still here. I wouldn’t survive being fucked over by Channing. I wouldn’t survive him breaking my heart.

“Dammit Paisley! Open your fucking eyes! This is fucking real. You and me, that’s real. What we feel isn’t a fling. I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my life. Don’t take it from me,” his voice is pleading.

My body breaks out in a cold sweat and I wipe my palms on my leggings. My limbs shake and I don’t know if I’m mad or just plain fucked up. Maybe it’s me with the commitment issues. No, I know it is me. So I do something for myself, I let go of that fear. Though it comes out more like anger.

“Make me, Channing. Make me fall. Push me, shove me, just make sure I get there,” I shout at him, taking a step back. His eyes clash with me. I read the challenge there, making me take another step back.

He stalks the few steps to me and grabs my arms slamming his forehead down on mine. “I’ll make you.” His lips skim against mine as he continues to speak. “And I’ll be falling right there with you.”



a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review: 4 1/2 stars
This was such a good book. It was like sitting and listening to a good friend tell you about a love story of theirs. It was so easy to like Paisley. That girl went through hell, then she's uprooted and has to navigate through a world very different from the one she grew up in. From day one, Channing was pushing her away, being mean to her. Making her feel things she didn't want to feel. Paisley just doesn't get why. But Channing goes from basically bullying her to making her want things from him that he says he doesn't want from her. He teases her, entices her, into feeling things for him, into making her want to see on his face the emotion only his eyes show. He's so closed off from everyone except for his best friend, Royal. But Paisley can see in those beautiful smoky blue eyes whatever emotion Channing is experiencing, and that throws him. Paisley learns slowly about Channing and her newfound family. I like Paisley a lot, she figures out what she wants and goes after it the only way she knows how. She's fierce and tenacious, she loves with everything she has; and she expects that in return. Once Paisley figures out Channing, it's like there's a switch and you can see into him and feel for the things he's been through. Because his life wasn't all sunshine and roses, far from it. My favorite scene was when Paisley went into the kitchen at Royal's party and called Channing on his crap, then left. That was awesome! All the characters in this book were fantastic, and I really can't wait for more. There will be another book in the series and I'm dying to read it and find out more about all these people. Amanda did a fantastic job writing this book. Her way of writing was very compelling and just pulled you right into the story, making you feel like a part of it. I'm looking forward to the next book very much. 

Author Bio: 

I live in southern Arkansas with my husband and young daughter. There is also an insane Boston Terrier running around. I've always been a lone wolf and find my friends in books. I started writing at a young age and I haven't stopped since. Most days you can find me either glued to my laptop or my kindle. My first novel, This Beautiful Thing was an Amazon best seller for 11 weeks and a year later I'm still tickled to see people enjoy it. I may not be a huge seller but I have the best fans ever and I thank God everyday for every single one of them.

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This Regret by Victoria Ashley Cover Reveal & Excerpt


Title: This Regret
Author: Victoria Ashley
Release Date: February 2014

Goodreads Link:  

Synopsis:
Phoenix has been stumbling through life since her brother Adric's tragic death but after eight years, she is finally piecing what remains together. She has a nice apartment, a steady job and not to mention a fresh new 'relationship' with her childhood friend, Kade Haze. He's the sexy boy next door that she never even dreamed of falling for, but can’t seem to stop the pull she feels toward him.

Just when life began to make sense again and a feeling of normalcy was on the horizon, Phoenix's carefully constructed walls come crashing down. 

When walking into the tattoo shop one day, the last thing that she’s expecting to see is Kellan Haze, Adric’s best friend that no one has seen or heard from since the day that they found her brother’s body. He’s nothing as she remembers him as a child, with his wild messy hair, tattoos that cover most of his undeniably sexy body and eyes so intense that it makes her legs quiver with one look. The one thing that even she can’t deny is the instant rush that she feels just by being in his presence.

But how can you choose between love and lust when one of these hold a dark secret, one that can crush your world to pieces and leave you gasping for air. Who can you trust when your mind is pulling you in two different directions and your heart has to choose for you?

The Haze brothers are sexy, daring and possibly . . . dangerous.

This Regret is a story of love, lust, betrayal and danger with an ending that no one saw coming.
  
Excerpt:
      I sit there fighting to catch my breath as I watch him run his hands over his face before running his fingers through his hair, tugging it.

      “That’s all I’ll ever be to you, isn’t it? Adric’s little sister,” I say stiffly. “I’m not a child anymore and I have taken more pain than you know. You think you’ve been hurting over the years, well fuck you Kellan because I’ve been hurting worse.” I stand up from the desk and pull my skirt down. I’m in so much heartache right now, especially after getting to feel those lips on mine, just to take the feeling away and never give it again. It hurts like hell, but I refuse to show it. “Oh and don’t ever kiss me again. I don’t think your brother would like his lips to be where yours has been.”

      The look on his face is as if I’ve just slapped him.  It’s the same look that Kade had given me when I called him by his brother’s name. I don’t even know why I just said what I said. Maybe I want to hurt him just as bad as he has hurt me over the years.

      He rubs a hand over his mouth and looks me in the eye. “You’re right. I don’t think he would like that either.” He stares me in the eyes while walking over to stand in front of me. His eyes trail down to my lips as he speaks again. “But I think I fucking hate his lips on yours more.”

      Before I can speak, his lips crush mine again as he backs me up against the wall. This time he doesn’t even ask for entrance, he just takes it. He places his hand on my chin and pushes my head back, causing me to gasp as he slips his tongue into my mouth. His tongue hungrily caresses mine and this time, I feel the coolness of the steel in his mouth as he swirls his tongue around mine, before sucking it into his mouth. “Fuck the rules and fuck what Kade wants. Here’s to making this day better. Today, you’re mine.”

      I look at his mouth as he runs his tongue over his lip and looks me in the eye. “Kellan, you don’t have to-“

      “Come with me,” he breathes. “I have places that I want to take you.”

      His Adams apple bobs as he looks at me waiting for a response. “What about the party and your family?”

      “Screw the party, Phoenix. This day is about you and being sure that you never have to suffer on this day again. Give me a chance to change your mind.”

      He looks at me pleadingly and I can’t help but to give in. A part of me doesn’t even care where he’s taking me as long as I’m with him. “Okay, take me anywhere you want.”

      I hope this is the right decision or I’m in for a world of hurt.

Author Bio: 

Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion.

She lives for a good romance book with tattooed bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she’s not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows such as, The Vampire Diaries, Dexter and True Blood.

She is the author of Wake Up Call and is currently working on her next book, This Regret releasing in February 2014.

Please check out her author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaAshleyAuthor1
        
Social Media Links:




Monday, December 30, 2013

A Mate's Bite by Milly Taiden Cover Reveal with Character Bios & Book Trailer


Blurb
Mission: Don’t fall in love

After an explosive night of passion during a scenting ceremony, Karla Alves is sure she was just a one night stand for the man she'd been crushing on for years. She teased him and pleased him, and Nate hasn't been around since. Her fear of becoming clingy kept her from risking her heart and asking for more than a few hours of skin sin.

Mission: Crack her walls

She. Is. His. Nathan Wolfe marked Karla. His mate. Deeply involved in pack politics, Nate has had to stay away. When his sister warns that Karla needs him more than he thinks, he'll discover a bundle of secrets only his wolf can sniff out. But getting the woman he cares about to let down her guard may prove to be his undoing.

Mission: Embrace the bite

With Karla's wayward sister wreaking havoc and friends needing more of his time than ever, Nate will have to rearrange his priorities if he ever hopes to earn Karla's trust. But will time with her be enough? Only true love and a wolf's promise can hold together a relationship created with a bite, a scenting, and a hope for tomorrow.


Book Trailer



Author Bio

Hi! I'm Milly (AKA April Angel) I love to write sexy stories. They're usually either paranormal or contemporary with a large dose of heat. My paranormal stories can be anything from wolf-shifters (my favorites) to witches, demons and anything in between. My contemporaries are usually anything from soldiers to corporate romances.
I was born the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, I live in New York City with my hubby, the bossy kiddo and our little dog "Needy Speedy". Don't ask.
When I'm not working some really long hours at the day job, or hanging out in the awful life-sucking invention known as Facebook, messaging my bestie in the UK or shopping with my sis Julie, then I can be found watching scary movies. Buuut when I'm not doing that, I'm usually writing because the voices won't shut up.
I am addicted to shoe shopping, chocolate (but who isn't, right?) and Dunkin' Donuts coffee.
Come on over and visit me! I love to meet new readers!
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There’s a monthly $50 GC Giveaway to all the emails signed up to get the latest news on my releases.



Beg Me To Slay by Lisa Kessler with Giveaway & Review



Beg Me to Slay
Lisa Kessler
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: Entangled Covet

Book Description:
He’ll slay her demons, but it may cost her heart…

Four years ago Tegan Ashton was attacked. Determined never to be a victim again, she devotes her life to martial arts and self-defense. When her assailant returns to finish what he started, only one person can help her.

Gabe is a private investigator by day and demon slayer by night. After losing loved ones, he vows to defend people from a threat they don’t realize exists.

The relationship is supposed to be strictly business, but fighting demons together stirs up emotions they never expected. Turns out demon fighting is a breeze compared to facing their scarred pasts and even worse - hearts.

Amazon     BN     Goodreads  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review: 4 1/2 stars
This was a very good book for an afternoon read. I loved how Tegan learned about her family history while she was also fighting to stay alive. That was quite an interesting twist. I also really enjoyed the was that Tegan and Gabe seemed from the beginning to be a match for each other, in many ways. Tegan is a fighter, she's survived an attack that she didn't know was demonic until Gabe told her so. Then she had to wrap her mind around that. That's difficult, to alter your reality to fit a new one, knowing that everything you knew was not really real. I thought that Tegan carried it off well. She seemed to thrive with newfound knowledge and the survival instincts of a natural born fighter. Soemthing that she and Gave had in common, since he is a Slayer. Gabe does his best to protect his heart, but when he finds out the truth about Tegan and who she is, he has a tough choice to make. I always love Lisa's characters, she finds a way to make them interesting and makes you care what happens to them. The storyline is always moving forward, bringing a little more of the past out to see the light and let you into the characters mindset a bit more with each page. Loved the ending. That was pretty awesome. 
  
About the Author : 

Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror as well as the Romance Through the Ages Award for Best Paranormal and Best First Book.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com







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