Thursday, May 31, 2012

Bewitching Blog Tour: A Skin Walker's Legacy by Shae Wynters



Description:

Lexia Torrance is a young woman with the gift of second sight. Her ability allows the Phoenix Police Department to solve crimes based on the gift of touch. Her latest case leads her to the body of a local man left with the killers' calling card—an emblem burned on the victim's chest in the shape of a sun. She soon finds herself facing five men looking for the necklace with the same emblem…and they are determined to find her as well…
Galen Cortes knows the immense ability deep inside Lexia as well as her destiny to take the throne as Skinwalker Chieftess to the southwest tribe. As a guard of the tribe, Galen has sworn to protect Lexia and teach her the truth about her powers. Despite what his heart feels, he knows a guard isn’t supposed to get too close to a betrothed Chieftess. But his fiery passion may soon override his rational thought.
With a murderous Lycan tribe on their tail and only a few hours to spare once Lexia learns her birthright, Galen will only have a day to teach her what those before her learned in a lifetime. Before their time is over, passion will erupt between the guard and his ruler, a fateful battle will dawn between two tribes and a new Chieftess will arise within the nocturnal hours…


Excerpt:

Lexia Torrance didn’t know when the soft classical music streaming from her television disappeared into the silence of her mind. Her conscious thought transitioned into the hushed, wistful nature of her dream state. She was like a cinematographer, now standing back and watching herself buried under the covers.
She was somewhere else.
The shadows creeping around the rooms told her it was nighttime. A warm glow of red, yellow and orange flickered from around the corner. She felt herself floating toward that room and as she turned the corner, she saw a tall figure.
The tall man wore a red flannel coat and blue jeans. His long, dark hair fell down his back. He was large, a mixture of both muscle and body fat beneath his bronze skin. He turned around with a gasp and his expression quickly turned to anger. A strong handsome face stared back at her. The prominent bone structure told her of his Navajo ancestry. Perhaps he was from the same local tribe as her grandmother. He wore a colorful beaded necklace that reminded her of the one with the same design that her father had given her.
She couldn’t turn to see who he was looking at, but she felt them. Thick tension, bitter and black as ink filled the air like a dark shadow. Something felt familiar about their presence but she couldn’t quite figure it out. She watched the man before her stand to attention. His face, a shade of golden brown with strong cheekbones and a lined jaw was tense. His dark brown eyes focused ahead with a veil of hardness that was a visible defense.
“Where is it?” the man asked, gritting his teeth.
The man before her shook his head. “You have no right to be here. Leave now and I won’t tell the council what you came for or what you’re doing.”
“You know who you’re speaking to, Micah?”
“A deranged power hungry prince, that’s whom. I won’t help you on your sick quest for power. Not over the tribe or her.”
Laughter filled the air, making her shiver from the ominous edge. “You have some moxie. I see why they gave it to you. But now it’s time to give up the necklace before I really get pissed.”
The man folded his arms and stood tall. “No one but the next Chieftess is to have possession of it. I’ve seen the way you look at it at the ceremonies. Like a power hungry lion waiting to catch its prey. Something is wrong with you and I’ll see that the Chieftess knows about it before she makes a mistake.”
The man named Micah made an attempt to move but was stopped by two other men in dark suits.
“Now, now Micah. You can’t stop what is already in motion. Either you’re a part of it or you’re a victim. I’ve given you one chance for the former. Now here is your second. I want the trinket I came for and since you’re so enamored with being the good warrior, I want the girl as well. Where is she? I know she lives in town.”
“She isn’t ready yet. She needs training.”
“You know the fate of the one who stands between a Skinwalker and his mate?”
“You mean a predator and his prey.”
That eerie laughter pierced the air again. “Whichever you choose. The end result will still be the same.”
Micah’s gaze darted from each man. Lexia wished she could keep up the count of how many were in the room. Even more, she wished she could turn to see the man speaking. Something told her she had to know and remember.
“I suppose you know where she is then?”
The man’s face grew blank before he shook his head. “You won’t find her.”
The scene flashed and two men held Micah down on the ground. His shirt was open, baring his thick chest, while a smoking hand clutching an unseen item branded a mark on his heart. His screams echoed throughout her dreams. She had to wake up. Why couldn’t she wake up?
She moved back to get a look at the man’s torturer. But as he moved into her line of vision, a loud ringing filled her ears.
Lexia’s eyes shot open into the darkness of the bedroom. The wireless phone blared to life on the table next to her bed. She looked outside the window where the night still claimed the city of Phoenix. The clear sky gave a view of a half-moon amidst the tall trees aligning her backyard. It took her a moment to realize that whoever was calling this late wouldn’t give up until she answered.
She pushed herself off the bed with a sigh and yanked the phone off the cradle.
“Yeah? Torrance here,” she said. Her voice was still heavy with sleep, and her mind still hummed with the loud, ear-piercing scream. Heat crept in her face as if she felt the man’s skin burning away before her eyes. It felt so real. But it wasn’t…was it?
“Sorry to wake you, kid,” the familiar voice of her boss, Rudy, echoed over the receiver. “I tried your office first but when you weren’t there, I figured you already crashed for the night. I would’ve let you sleep this one out but we’re going to need your expertise. Dead body here looks like a ritual killing by a cult or gang. I’m running some tests to see if it fits any initiation MO’s and we should have the results by morning. The vic’s place looks like a robbery but there aren’t any prints or signs that anyone was here besides the victim. No forced entry and only one room looks like a hurricane flew through it. Obviously they were looking for something and had an idea where it was.”
Lexia wiped her eyes. “You think they knew each other?”
“It’s possible but only speculation at this point.”
“Sounds like you guys ran tests already.” Lexia tried to focus on what little information she could deduce from Rudy’s description despite her mind replaying pieces of the dream.
“What little we could but it would sure help if you could feel the place out for us. Tell us what they were looking for and when they hit. Things like that. I estimate it happened an hour ago so they couldn’t have gotten too far.”
“All right,” Lexia leaned over to look at the digital clock on her nightstand. The red numbers blurred but she blinked a few times to clear her vision. Twelve forty-five. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
She waited until Rudy finished giving her the vic’s address before she bid goodbye and hung up. Her mind was still on cloud nine as she tossed the covers off the bed and swung her feet onto the carpet.
The room had somehow grown warmer since she fell asleep as if a fire was burning nearby. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in Allegretto played from the digital music channel on the television. The light from the set illuminated her entire bedroom, cascading everything in a flicker of light against the darkness.
What just happened?
That was the first time she dreamed something so real. Normally when she fell into one of those dream states so quickly, it was when she was getting a feeling at a crime scene.
Lexia pulled her hairband out and shook her silky strands free around her shoulders. As she combed her fingers through her hair, she tried to coax herself back to the present. This was no time to have her head in the clouds over some crazy dream. She needed all her senses working tonight if she was going to be of any help to Rudy and his team.
Clearing her mind, Lexia immediately replaced any traces of the dream with the preparation for her investigation. First, she had to find something comfortable to wear. She had a feeling this was going to be a long night.
* * * *
Lexia pushed past the crowd of police officers on the dimly lit porch and stepped into the bright living room. She made sure to keep her ID card handy after she flashed it to the cops at the front of the house. Onlookers and neighbors had already gathered outside. Despite the amount of robberies in the city, it was always a circus whenever a crime took place. Unfortunately, this was another that ended with a person losing their life.
Once the cops recognized her, she ducked under the yellow tape lining that stretched across the front yard and headed straight for the busy home. It was a nice one-story modern, Spanish-style house situated on the outskirts of Paradise Valley and Phoenix. Pretty nifty place not too far away from her own home. For that, she was thankful for the short drive on half a night’s sleep.
“Welcome to the party, Lex.” Detective Rudolpho “Rudy” Marra smiled widely as he spotted her. He ran a meaty hand over the smooth bare patch in the middle of his thinning gray head of hair. His smile was warm, accentuating a large round face, rosy cheeks and a dark neatly combed mustache. He often joked about his round frame, attributing it to his love of donuts, sweets and his wife’s Italian home cooking.
Lex had to give it to him there. His wife’s cooking was worth risking a heart attack. “What do we have here that couldn’t wait until morning?” she asked, gazing at her surroundings.
“Vic’s name is Micah Cozel. Forty-eight year old single male. American Indian descent. Lived a quiet life and kept mostly to himself.”
Micah.
Lexia barely heard the rest of Rudy’s list after he mentioned the name. Yes, it was a long shot that it was the same Micah from her dream, no matter how close the description sounded, but a coincidence…she didn’t think so.
It took her a moment to realize Rudy was looking right at her.
“Ahh,” she cleared her throat. “Where’d he work?”
Rudy shrugged. “Volunteered at the local reservation and worked as an engineer.”
“Does it say which one?”
“Which…”
“Reservation.”
Rudy pulled out a notepad from his pocket and checked it before shaking his head. “Doesn’t mention which one but there’s a settlement outside of Avondale. Apparently, he goes there for volunteer work but nothing beyond that. Anyway, from what we could gather on short notice, he hadn’t been to work in the past day or so.”
Lexia exhaled. “Okay. I’ll do my best to see if I can dig up anything. Where’s the body?”
Rudy turned his head toward the back of the home. “Down the hall. Just follow the party. Everything is still as is. Just be careful to—”
“I know, I know. Watch where I step.”
He grinned, puffing out his already swollen cheeks. “Sorry to wake you so early, but I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like this.”
Lexia’s stomach turned. Once again, her overactive mind imagined the worst before her eyes had a chance to confirm the situation. She nodded slowly and told herself to suck it up before heading in. “I’ll take a look.”
She stepped forward, ready to enter the bright spacious family room when a loud voice broke through the hall.
“Marra, what are you doing letting a civvie in here? This is a confidential investigation,” a deep voice boomed behind her.
Lexia looked over her shoulder and met the bright blue gaze of a middle-aged man with thin, dark hair with silver at his temples. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed her from head to toe before he continued his tirade.
“She doesn’t look like an officer so I think you better talk fast.”
“Easy, Jerry,” Rudy turned to her, rolling his eyes. “He’s new. I’ll explain to him and you go on in ahead.”
“She—what the…”
Jerry continued to stutter as Rudy eased him back into the hall.
Lexia shook her head. The same thing happened with the last partner Rudy had to bring up-to-date. Right about now she suspected he’d be explaining how she could sense things. She was often called out of her office to sniff things out, so to speak, and assist the local police on criminal investigations. She wasn’t psychic or anything but her intuition and keen senses helped the police figure out the how’s and why’s of cases.
Their voices disappeared the moment she saw the body and his placement in front of a fireplace. It couldn’t be. Right away, she recognized the dead man, Micah, lying amidst the rubble of books, furniture and debris. His long dark hair was splayed across the wood floor. With charred ashes in the fireplace behind him, she could tell it had been in use recently. She walked closer, careful not to step on any bit of the debris lining the floor.
The female cop crouching over him peered up at her with a thin, neatly manicured, raised eyebrow.
“It’s okay,” Lexia said, holding her hands up. “I’m Lexia Torrance, special assistant to Detective Rudy Marra. I’m just taking a survey of things to see if anything pops up that can give you guys a start.”
“Well, have fun,” the cop responded, rising to her feet with a sigh. She snapped her latex gloves off. “Looks as if his body burned from the inside out. His skin is almost completely scorched. There’s a strange intricate design on his chest there. Never seen anything like it before. I suspect it’s something to do with the occult. Maybe an underground cult in town doing some kind of weird initiation for its members.” She shrugged. “In any event, we probably won’t find anything conclusive until the M.E. can take a look at him. See if you can find anything to give us a lead, huh?”
Before Lex could answer, the woman turned toward the hallway. “All right gentlemen, let’s give the psychic some room to do her work.”
Lexia suppressed a cringe. She forced a smile toward the female cop who patted her on the shoulder before taking her leave. She was not a psychic. She couldn’t see the future, only the past and the scenes came in waves of emotion. If anything, she would be an empath but even that couldn’t describe the intuition she had come to rely on. That and the heavy burden of extensive emotion that came with her ability. If she didn’t keep it under wraps the physical results would be disastrous.
She pushed that alternative thought out of her mind and leaned down. Sure enough, he was the man from her dream. Looking up, she deduced this was the place she’d dreamed about. Did she dream it the very moment it happened? It couldn’t be. Her ability only worked when she touched the scene. Never before had it happened just like that. Things were getting weirder than usual.
Lexia moved closer to the body and kneeled beside him. His bronze skin, indeed charred, revealing the bones and muscles and dried blood beneath. She took a few breaths to calm down and focus as she opened her senses to receive anything left behind from his encounter with the perps. What was once a strong spirit with a name, an identity and a life, was now an empty void with only memories left of what happened in the late hours. She held her open palm out over his chest and closed her eyes, allowing the past few hours to wash over her.
Nighttime. Four broad-shouldered men in dark suits stood in the room around Micah, their faces still drenched in shadow. A fifth man reached into the fireplace, his hand hovering over the blazing fire.
Where is she?”
“Be careful what you wish for. If she learns of your true nature, you will not have a prayer in ruling the tribe.”
“The Torrance girl is in this city. You didn’t think we were that stupid not to find her, did you?”
The Torrance girl? Lexia felt the images slipping away as fear sluiced through her veins. There had to be at least a dozen Torrances in the neighborhood. They couldn’t be after her, could they?
“Focus, Lex,” she softly whispered to herself. “There are more important things at hand right now.” Closing her eyes, she tried to push her cognitive mind aside and let her emotions release her powers. All she saw was black emptiness…until it appeared again.
The man balled his fist at his side and puffed out his chest. “You won’t find her! She’ll be kept safe, I promise you that.”
Lexia shuddered as the scenery quickly changed in her mind.
The four men held the victim down as he screamed and writhed to free his body from their grasp.
“Where is the necklace?” one of them demanded.
The man smiled then spat in his questioner’s face. The fifth man balled his fists and launched a series of hard blows across Micah’s face.
“Answer the nice guy, Micah.”
Micah spit blood into his abuser’s face. “You’d have to kill me first.”
“That can be arranged.” Another kick in the gut stole Micah’s breath. The unseen man punched him across the face again. Again. And again.
“Come on, Micah. Where’s this heroism getting you?”
Micah fell over in the men’s grasps, his tired weight ready to give into gravity.
“Tell ‘em where she is and where you’re hiding the necklace.”
Micah smiled, a row of white tainted with spots of deep, thick red blood. “You’ll never know. My honor and loyalty is to my Skinwalker Chieftess only. Nothing will break me. Soon she’ll know the truth and then finish you for breaking the code.”
“Lay him down,” the unseen man said through gritted teeth. The shuffle of bodies moving echoed against the walls. Micah’s body slammed down with a grunt before he struggled to escape their grasp.
The man in the suit cocked his head to the side and shrugged, curling his lips into a smile. “This is such a shame, Micah. You know the only thing I hate more than a person who sticks his nose where it doesn’t belong, is an insubordinate who believes he’s higher than his station allows. May your passing take with you pain and suffering into life after death because your Skinwalker Chieftess cannot help you now.” He raised his hand then slammed it on Micah’s chest, causing him to shake violently as smoke rose from his burning body.
Lexia opened her eyes and looked down. The scene happened exactly as in her dream only this time she had seen it all. Still she couldn’t see the other four men amidst the dark shadows. It was as if the darkness surrounded them, purposefully blocking her view.
Her heart raced, pumping wildly at the images echoed in her memory. Were they looking for her?
If not, what did all that mean? And why were they after this man? What was this Skinwalker Chieftess? A shapeshifter legend?
Lexia looked up around the bedroom, feeling another presence in the air. Something called to her, wanted her here, seemed intent on making her stay put. A cool wind caressed her arms, raising the hairs on her skin.
She peered down again at the man’s face. His half-buttoned shirt revealed a scar on his chest. This had to be the emblem the man was clutching in his hand. She couldn’t see it but something told her it was the very same.
Lexia looked over her shoulder, thankful to see the female police officer nearby. “Hey, do you have any spare gloves?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” Lexia flashed the woman a smile as she took the gloves offered to her and slipped them on. She waited until the room was empty before continuing. Who was this man and why did he feel so familiar to her?
She gently pulled back the plaid shirt to bare his chest fully. It was just as the cop told her. Among the dark, thin patch of hair was a clear indentation of the necklace burned on him like a brand. She nearly froze as she made out the mark—flames emitting from a round face with eyes in the shape of howling wolves. The image from her dream! But how? What was the connection here?
With a sigh, she stood, feeling like her senses had overloaded. Her mind raced to find questions. Another flash invaded her mind. The necklace, a beautiful gold embroidered rope tied to the sun-like mark. Deep in the midst of the wolves were eyes made of red jewels. Was that what they were after?
Then she felt it.
The necklace is still here.
Perhaps that was why this was the only room in shambles. They must have known. Lexia slowly surveyed the room, feeling the invisible energy guide her. A white bookcase sat on the opposite end lined with various old hardbacks thrown about. The unknown behind those walls drew her near. Raising her hand, she willed the books to move. She narrowed her eyes and imagined them falling off the shelf to the floor to reveal what she needed to see.
But nothing happened.
Lexia chuckled. Looking around, she hoped no one saw her failing mishap. Who did she think she was? Some kind of telekinetic warrior? She had the ability to see things, but the idea of moving things with her will sounded absurd even to her.
She turned at the sound of oncoming footsteps in the hall.
Rudy poked his head through the door as she gingerly stepped toward the hall.
“Anything?”
“Definite signs of foul play on his body,” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “He was attacked, beaten and branded like an animal.”
“Did you see the perps?”
“Unfortunately, no. Too many shadows hid their profiles. I just noticed they were all dressed in suits.”
“How many?”
“I counted five.”
Rudy cursed softly. “Any sign of what caused the mark?”
Lexia shook her head. “Not a clue. I did notice—”
A loud thump caught her attention. They exchanged glances and from the widening of Rudy’s eyes, she could tell he’d heard it too. She carefully turned around and headed back in the room.
There in one of the corners, books lay on the ground. The empty space they left made way for a large opening within the wall. Lexia immediately spotted the shiny gold sun talisman attached to a long braided chain. The same design branded on the dead man’s chest.




Author:



Shae Wynters is the pen name of an award winning, best selling author who has been writing for more than twenty years and has been professionally published for eleven years. A bonafide vampire, fantasy, sensual romance and speculative fiction lover, Shae sometimes meshes all these elements together for a rip roaring story to entertain her spectrum of readers.




My Review:



This was an interesting book.  It starts out with a very interesting premise.  The combination of shifters/werewolves/lycans, a mysterious necklace and a psychic that is more than just psychic can keep you guessing.  And with all that guessing, the energy of the book still stays up and keeps you moving. 

You definitely have an interesting combination of Celtic mythology and Native American mythology.  It was an unusual blend, as most of the time; you don’t read a book of just two mixed mythologies.  Rather it will be multiple, well known mythologies.  This combined the better known Celtic mythology with the lesser known Native American mythology, which did give it an interesting difference from other books. 

I loved reading about the Navajo, or the Dineh.  I had always loved hearing stories about them as a child, and I truly enjoyed this walk down memory lane with characters that were Navajo. 

There were a few confusing points in this book for me.  First was where in the beginning Lex says she has never shifted before, and she says she isn’t a shifter, but she takes meds to prevent it and remembers as a child shifting.  That doesn’t really make sense. 

Also,  there were a few spots where the action was so fast, confusion was easily going to happen.  Best example is in the beginning with the “wolfmen”.  It went so fast, I went “Huh?” and then had to re-read it several times to get a good picture. 

Overall, it was a good book.  So why don’t you check it out and let me know what you think!




Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 




Description:


In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. 


When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. 


As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. 


Coming out on August 7, 2012


Why?

  1. Dystopian... Sounds interesting, and I can't help but want to know more.  
  2. This mixing of the dystopian and the paranormal aspect where people have special gifts are being controlled by computer chips.
  3. Again, I think love triangles are the most popular of the YA angst.  But sometimes they are something more unique than in other books. 
  4. Look at this cover... I love how the chip glows and the girl seems so innocent of it all.  

What are you waiting for?  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Banshee Charmer by Tiffany Alee

Description:

When she’s sent to a crime scene and finds her second dead woman in as many weeks, half-banshee detective Kiera “Mac” McLoughlin is convinced a serial killer is on the loose. Incubi are extinct, her boss insists. But what else can kill a woman in the throes of pleasure? When her partner is murdered after using witchcraft to locate the killer and Mac is thrown off the case, her frustration turns to desperation.

Certain the killer is an incubus, Mac works behind her department’s back to chase down slim, sometimes perilous leads. While the killer eludes her, she does discover handsome Aidan Byrne, an investigative counterpart from the enigmatic Otherworlder Enforcement Agency. Mac typically runs her investigations fast and hard, but with Aidan at her side, she’s running this one “hot” as well. But Aidan knows more than he’s letting on—something that could shatter their blazing romance and add Mac to the killer’s growing body count…

My Review:


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing book!  Let me tell you the only problem that I had with it was when I finished it!  I could have kept reading it, honestly, as I loved everything about this book. 

I loved the chemistry between the lead characters, Mac and Aidan.  To me it was like a recipe for a decadent cake, like the you-tell-your-friend/boyfriend/husband-that-you-need-a-glass-of-milk-for-so-that-you-can-shove-it-all-in-your-mouth-so-you-don’t-have-to-share decadent cake.  In the real world that recipe would look like this: 1 part Mac + 1 part Aidan = Absolutely Freaking Delicious hotness.  And not only did it start out hot, but it just continued to burn through the rest of the book.  I loved how the whole chemistry started out as a pure irritation (on Mac’s part), and turned into pure lust and then maybe it might become something more. 

I think this book had the best characters.  I loved Aidan’s cockiness.  I mean, he just oozed it, especially when trying to irritate Mac.  To add to the cockiness, you add the sex appeal and you can’t help but love him.  (And yes, I knew exactly what he was, before and especially after he makes the smart ass comment to Mac about him being a sex god.)

I also really enjoyed Mac.   She is just one great character.  She is naturally insecure as a ½ banshee living in a world where she is surrounded by “normal” humans.  But she is stronger than she realizes.  She is determined, loyal, and stupidly brave.   She is the character that you want to be real and be your best friend just because she is so dependable… and that way you both can get in trouble together.  

Overall, this is a great book, with a great resolution.  There are a few twists that I wasn’t expecting and a storyline that kept me wanting to read more.  I highly recommend this book, and look forward to hearing what y’all think of it too.  



Happy Reading!


Cana

Monday, May 28, 2012

Bewitching Book Tour: Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis


Just One Drop
By Quinn Loftis

Jennifer Adams, best friend to Jacque Pierce and Sally Morgan, spicy, out spoken, a little crazy and human...or so she thought. Jen has just found out that human DNA is not the only thing that resides in her veins, she happens to share that little pesky werewolf gene, although it isn't more than just a drop. Now that she and her friends are living in Romania with Fane's pack, she is also oh so conveniently stuck with the object of her affection, the fur ball Decebel. 

Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves. This type of gathering hasn't taken place in over a century but with a shortage of females among the werewolf population the males are getting worried they won't ever find their true mates. 

Meanwhile Decebel struggles with the emotions he is feeling towards Jen. He tries to keep his distance but there is just something about the mouthy blonde that keeps him coming back for more of her verbal abuse that he just can't seem to get enough of...go figure


Excerpt:
Chapter 6
"What are you grinning about?" Decebel growled, knowing he wasn't going to like the answer.
"I think it's time we break up their girls' night out. Preferably before Jen falls off the bar," Fane told him. Though he tried, he couldn't hide the teasing laughter in his eyes as he watched his words penetrate Decebel's mind.
"She's in a bar?"
"Oh, she'll do you one better than that, Beta." Fane chuckled. "She's on a bar. As in dancing on a bar. The patrons are quite taken with her."
Decebel was out of his seat and ripping the door open before Fane could finish his sentence.
"Did you have taunt him?" Vasile scolded.
Fane shrugged. "Seeing the steely, calm Beta all riled is too much to pass up, Alpha."
Vasile tried to hide his smile as he shook his head at his only son. "Fine, but hurry up and go with him or he'll tear the damn bar apart, and I don't have the time or energy to deal with that mess."
"As you say." Fane winked at his father.
"Luna, I'm giving you fair warning. Your little adventure has been found out by the subject of your taunting. Do you think it wise, my love, to bait a dominant male?"
Fane could feel her surprise as she heard his voice in her mind. He smiled. He loved surprising her – it was a nice change of pace since he was usually the one being surprised.
"Crap. Is he on his way here?" Fane heard the anxiety in her voice.
"Hell is on his heels, love."
"You are enjoying this entirely too much, White Fang."
"Aw. Now, Jacquelyn, that is no way to speak to your mate." Fane couldn't cover his laughter.
"Just remember, wolf-man, I will follow through with my threat to have that dog house built for you. Now how long?"
"You wound me with your words, Luna."
"Fane, I'm not playing with you. How long till the brooding fur ball arrives?"
Fane had neglected to tell Jacquelyn that he and Decebel had been driving the whole time they'd been conversing. The bar was only five minutes from the mansion. He smiled to himself as he and Decebel climbed out of the Hummer.
Fane pulled open the door to the bar. He took in the scene and nearly lost his composure at the sight.
"You're looking stunning, Luna, if not a little under-clothed." Fane watched as Jacquelyn's eyes, big as saucers, met his across the bar. He grinned wickedly, raising his eyebrows as he whispered in her mind.
"Gotchya."

Author:

Quinn is a 31 year old wife, mother, nurse, and writer, not necessarily in that order.  She lives in beautiful North West Arkansas with her husband, son and Nora their Doberman pinscher. She loves writing, reading, and crocheting. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, favourite book(s) is Pride and Prejudice, The Alpha and Omega Series by Patricia Briggs, and the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. She loves to be silly and have fun, loves music and thinks there is no greater sound in the world than that of her little boy's laughter. 
@AuthQuinnLoftis

My Review:


I really enjoyed this book.  I think that this book was so much better than the second book in this series, and was just as good as the first book in this series. 

I loved the characters in this book.  I love how Jen was not the simple nympho that I thought she was from the first book.  Her character proved that she was a strong willed, brave, loyal and deviously cunning character that you just can’t help but love.  Though, sometimes her cunning and scheming got a bit irritating, and then there was her second guessing herself, but overall, you can’t help but love Jen.  And then there is Sally.  Here we get to learn more about her importance in the tribe.  You wonder how it is going to turn out for her in the next book.  Hmmm, will she be getting a book of her own?  Can’t wait to see.

And now, I can honestly say that I have a new book crush: Decebel.  Be still my heart!  I thought that I loved Fane, but let me tell you that he was quickly replaced by Decebel.  In the words of Jen, “Yummy!”

I loved how we got more details on the canis lupis.  It makes the book definitely more interesting as you can compare the werewolves to the fully wolf counterparts. 

There are some great and unexpected twists in this book that will keep you guessing… Unfortunately this includes the cliffhanger.  Speaking of which, can I just say how much I hate cliffhangers?  Like the one that is in this book, I turned the page and ended up yelling some choice words… Not a good thing to do at work!  Hoping that a resolution is coming soon!!!!

KUDOS to Ms. Loftis on correctly spelling “y’all” in this book.  Made me quite happy to see it spelled correctly. 

Honestly, with this book, my only issue was the lack of editing for errors.  There were many mistakes like main characters’ names being misspelled, grammar errors, and not to mention the missing words in sentences.  For my BOCD (Book Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), I found it very distracting. 

Overall, I think this is a great book.  I recommend this book, and look forward to a resolution in the next book. 

For the reviews on the other 2 books, click on the following links:  Prince of Wolves & Blood Rites.  


Saturday, May 26, 2012

Promo: Immortals And Melodies by Heather Jensen

So today at Place of Reads, we are proud to promote the upcoming book Immortals And Melodies by Heather Jensen, available on May 28, 2012 for Kindles.  You also will have an opportunity to win a copy of Immortals And Melodies through this week!



Description:


I stared into the face of a vampire, fangs and all. But she was my vampire. And I was about to be hers. She bit her own wrist and lowered it to my open mouth. She spoke only one word. “Drink.”
Catalyst frontman Trey is no stranger to chaos, but even the life of a rock star couldn’t prepare him for the consequences of loving a vampire. Trey’s life is in danger; threatened by the very group he must join to stay alive. His struggle to continue his career and release a new album with the band is marred by events that force him to ask a powerful Synod Elder for help.
Aurora has to keep Trey alive until she can make him a vampire, but her own kind will stop at nothing to prevent it. The head of the Emissary is having her followed, and if she can’t figure out who is behind the violent attacks Trey might not make it to the full moon. As Aurora battles her own kind, she’s also plagued by the risk she’s taking by changing Trey. Will her moon-given power be enough to carry Trey through the change, or will he be left floating in the wake of destruction?










Check out Ms. Jensen at www.heatherjensen.info and www.facebook.com/BloodAndGuitars

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!


Cana

Friday, May 25, 2012

Follow Friday (29)

Welcome to Follow Friday Hosted 

By Parajunkee.com and Alisoncanread.com




Q: Activity! Dreamcast your current read.


Here is the problem with this question:  I am reading 3 books at one time right now.  One for at home, one at job #1 and one at job #2 (yes, I work 2 jobs, and have a book for each one... I'm a superhero of course, so if I'm not working I'm reading).  So I'll give you the leads for the books for the job I'm at now.  :)


So for book from Job #1:  Immortals and Melodies by Heather Jensen 

  
Michelle Ryan as Aurora


Reeve Carney as Trey


I don't know about who else......

So what about you?  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Under a Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands

Description:


Christian Notte's story, the sixteenth book in the Argeneau series is set on an island paradise called St. Lucia. After a bad relationship and an even worse divorce, Carolyn decides to go on a long overdue and much needed vacation with the 'girls'. Only the rest of the vacationers didn't get the memo. Around every corner there seems to be another couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary and the few single men she does see are far too young to even consider, including an irresistibly attractive rock violinist she meets. It's really too bad he's so young but in the end it doesn't matter because according to his cousin, Giacinta, women in general aren't Christian's type. But there's a catch, Christian needs Carolyn's help. He needs her to be his beard (to play the part of his fake girlfriend) for the week to appease his 'machismo' family. Carolyn just can't seem to say No and decides to help Gia's cousin. The only problem is that being around Christian and acting like they are a loving couple is wreaking havoc on her emotions. Carolyn's thoughts keep drifting back to places they shouldn't, like kissing his full lips or feeling his broad shoulders under her fingertips... good lord, she's in trouble.


My Review




Under a Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So as usual, I have my bodice rippers that just can't be avoided.  I mean, lets be honest, what woman doesn't enjoy a good bodice ripper here and there.  Most of the time they aren't too deep, they are definitely quick reads, and they pretty much relate to the delish piece of German Chocolate cake that is sitting beside you (and if you don't know, I have one right now :]...).  So I'm very happy with this book, because it fulfills the requirements for a good bodice ripper.  


So, why did I enjoy this book?  First, I read the rest of the books.  They were good, and entertaining.  This book definitely met that expectation.  But it was more than that.  It gave another perspective of a vampire looking for a lifemate.  I mean, you have Christian who is waiting, and not wanting to rush things with Carolyn, but you can't help but make them rush. Second, the whole "I'm gay, but I'm not gay" was hilarious.  Too many things to really go into, but it was great!  Had me rolling on the floor as I read it.  Finally, the mystery about what is going on for Carolyn, and her "accident" prone occurances made you think, and it wasn't even the person you were thinking.  


Overall, this was a great book, and I recommend it, especially if you have read the others.  Looking for the next one in August (just in time for my birthday! Yipee!).

Happy Reading!


Cana

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday: Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 





Description:

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . . 
Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . . 


Their growing passion knows no bounds . . . 
Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.

Coming out on August 1st, 2012

Why?

  1. I read the book before (Firelight) and I really enjoyed it.  I'm hoping this one will be just as good.
  2. I wonder what the mystery is.  It is suggested, and it is killing me not to know.
  3. I love this cover!  It has a haunted or seducing look.  Like a spirit leading you on, or a siren luring you to your death, you can't help but want to follow to find out what is going on. 

What are you waiting for?  


Happy Reading!


Cana

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Bewitching Book Tours: Cover Reveal for Succubus Lost by Tiffany Allee

Cover Reveal:


Tour wide giveaway is a Salamander Pin and Succubus Lost ebook
the giveaway open to US Shipping





a Rafflecopter giveaway


Happy Reading!


Cana

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Bewitching Book Tour: Stealing Breath By Joanne Brothwell


Stealing Breath
By Joanne Brothwell

Deep in the backwoods of North Dakota, Sarah Ross is searching for a missing child when she is attacked by a glowing-eyed, transparent creature.

Using mysterious abilities, Sarah escapes, only to run directly into Evan Valente, a handsome, charismatic stranger who helps her back to safety. But why is Evan out in the forest so early in the morning?

Sarah learns her eyes bear the mark of the Indigo Child, an evolved human with the ability to feel the emotions of others; unfortunately, her indigo aura is highly desirable to those who wish to steal her powerful essence.

Soon, Sarah falls deeply in love with Evan and wants nothing more than to follow her heart, but she can't ignore the lingering feeling that Evan is hiding a terrible secret. The deeper she digs, the more danger she faces, forcing her to face the darkest, innermost parts of her soul.


Excerpt:
CHAPTER ONE
I awoke to rustling outside my tent. The crunching of footsteps on gravel, twigs and branches snapping. Was that a voice? I lay motionless inside my sleeping bag, heart pounding, listening.
“Help.” A disembodied whisper. Was it right outside? I strained to hear but the throbbing pulse in my head drowned everything else out. I sat up. The atmosphere within the domed tent was wet, ripe with morning breath. The tip of my nose was cold as an icicle.
“Help.” The murmur came a second time, more audible than the last. I was sure it was a child’s voice. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be the voice of the eight year-old, Jessica Crow, who had gone missing from the neighboring Indian Reservation three days ago?
I thought of the drive out to the campgrounds when my friends, Amber, Kate, and I had been listening to the radio report on the status of the missing girl from the Wakina Reservation.
Poor Amber. Once again, she’d cried at the reminder of her third cousin, Jessica, lost and alone in the forest. Everyone in the community, including Amber, had been searching for her night and day but had found nothing. I’d practically dragged Amber along camping, telling her she needed a night off from her worries. It was a hard sell, but she’d finally agreed.
I glanced at where Kate and Amber should have been laying, but their sleeping bags and pillows were missing. The last I’d seen them had been around the bonfire at two in the morning. They could have ended up crashing just about anywhere, and I wasn’t about to go peeking into random tents to find them.
Having fallen asleep in my jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, I slipped on my jacket and shoes, pulled the ponytail holder off my wrist and wrapped my hair into a tight bun. I swallowed hard and took a deep breath. Then, unzipping the door flap of the dome tent, I stuck just my head out.
Nothing was out of place. Empty cooler bottles atop the picnic table, charred wood in the fire-pit, and the car we came in. Every campsite around us was nearly silent. The sounds of late-night make-out sessions, pounding music, and yelling were replaced by the occasional snore.
Using my empathy, I focused on trying to pick up on the emotions of any lucid person around, hoping I would hone in on Jessica’s emotions. Normally, the waking feelings of others hit me like a gale force wind, without my even trying. In fact, it had always felt like a bit of a curse that I was a walking sponge for other people’s pain. But right now, all I felt was…nothing.
The voice had seemed right outside the tent. Could I have imagined it?
I slipped out. A low, white fog blanketed the earth, enveloping the world in silence. The temperature hovered around freezing, way too cold for camping. And last night’s vodka was no longer taking the edge off. I shivered.
After checking around the cars and circling the campsite, I started down the road. Inside the forest, the eerie glow of early morning and the cool fog blanched the world a ghostly white. The moist nip in the air sharpened the scent of pine needles that littered the camp ground. I continued down the road for about ten feet until it led to the mouth of a hiking trail.
Now that I was half-frozen and shivering, the May long weekend at the campgrounds of Greater Slave Lake, North Dakota, seemed like a very stupid idea, even if it was the annual spring kick-off party.
“Help!” the diminutive voice called out again, this time, louder.
The memory of Jessica’s face flashed through my mind when I’d met her last summer; honey-brown eyes and springy hair that always stuck up around her head with static, and her sweet smile, part baby teeth intermixed with adult teeth. She was such a sweet, innocent child. If she had survived this long, she could be dangerously close to death from cold. My heart battered against my chest wall, and I fought off the urge to start running, directionless, into the bush to find her.
The voice had originated from further within the tree-line, I was sure of it. Closer now, yet still far away. I entered the trail and headed straight.
“Jessica?” I called out. No response but the echo of my own voice from the trees around me.
The trail was straight and narrow for well over a hundred feet, the trees like two solid walls of green on either side of me. Then the trail began to snake back and forth until it forked into several side-trails. I stopped to listen.
A dry crackle emerged from the trail to my right, and I immediately followed the sound. This far into the forest it was darker, the only light filtered through evergreens and fog. I looked back. The vapor had closed in behind me, obscuring the pathway like a curtain of white. Shivering transformed into shaking.
Despite running these trails in the early morning numerous times, today it looked different. I cursed under my breath and shoved my hands into my pockets.
“Hello?” I called, my voice immediately diminishing, muffled by the woods. Other than the odd bird chirp and frog croak, the forest was quiet. If the voice really had been Jessica, she would need help and most likely immediate medical attention. I forced myself forward.
The trail wound to and fro, the brush dense, the fog almost material as it clung to the spruce needles. The path grew thin and sparse, barely enough room to place one foot in front of the other, with the way the underbrush encroached on the trail. I stumbled on twigs and logs as branches clawed my cheeks and pulled my hair. I began to trip, reaching out for something to hang onto. I fell, my hand forced into a thorny bush.
Damn it! I stood up and peered at my scraped hand, blood beading out of paper-cut sized scrapes. I’d been out here for at least ten minutes, but still, I heard nothing but the crunch of my feet snapping the twigs underfoot and my breath echoing through my own head. Ready to turn around and head back to my tent, the high-pitched voice rang out once again.
“Help.”



Author

Joanne Brothwell is the author Stealing Breath, a paranormal romance from Crescent Moon Press, who has also published Vicarious, the prequel to Stealing Breath. Joanne lives in the country with her family where her stories are inspired by the dead things that appear at her doorstep on a daily basis. You can find her online at www.joannebrothwell.com

Blog:

YouTube:

Twitter:
@JoanneBrothwell

Facebook:
Author Joanne Brothwell

Joanne Brothwell

Goodreads:



My Review:  


I think that this was a good book, as it had a lot of interesting elements.  With the mystery of who the Skinwalker is, to learning about the Native American traditions in the local tribe in North Dakota, you can't help but be drawn into the story.


I will say the book was interesting to me the most was because I am not familiar with Native American traditions and mythology, and I thought it was an interesting introduction to it. 


I must admit that the author had an interesting way of describing scent.  Some of the descriptions are of things that I had never thought of before.  The main one coming into my mind was her description about the scent of warm condoms.  I’m sorry, but warm condoms are only warm after they have been used and then you are smelling more than just the condom.  Or the condom is warm because you are an idiot and don’t know how to take care of your condoms.  And again, why are you smelling warm condoms?  The only thing that made me think about that is “Ewww!”


This was a good book, but I did have a hard time getting into it.  Part of the reason that I might had a hard time getting into the book was because I felt like I had been thrown off a cliff with the immediate action.  The immediate action without a lot of back story was a bit disconcerting and was not at all attention grabbing for me.  I think another reason I had a hard time getting into the book was because of the main character, Sarah. Sarah was not appealing as a character to me.  With the constant fretting and fear of her thoughts it wasn't as entertaining to read.

I LOVED the cover art to this book.  It is extremely eye-catching and mysterious.  

So, why don't you give this book a try and let me know what you think of it!


Happy Reading!


Cana