Monday, December 31, 2012

Exposing Kitty Langley

Exposing Kitty Langley  
 5 of 5 stars false
For almost four years, Kitty Langley has been part of a ‘mean girls’ group called the Bee Hives, the most hated and feared girls at West Windrake High. That is until she witnesses their relentless attack on her former childhood friend. Making a drastic decision, she takes a stand against the dreaded B’s and thus becomes their new enemy and number one target. Now an outcast, not only of the B’s but of the entire school, she will have to pull from her inner strength as she prepares for the persecution she will face in the name of revenge.

Reed Reynolds is not looking for trouble. He just wants to get through his senior year and work on his music in peace. But when he mistakenly kisses Kitty Langley at their annual Masquerade Dance, he is both appalled and intrigued, never having experienced a kiss so powerful. Reed soon finds himself drawn in by this new Kitty and her tolerance for her so called ‘deserved punishment’. But will he endanger himself to defend her against the B’s and the entire school in the name of honor—or more importantly, in the name of love?

A Charity Series Novella, or a stand-alone

Review

****I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review****

Exposing Kitty Langley is the story of a girl named Kitty who was a bully, when she sees a child hood friend being bullied by the leader of the Bee Hives; she takes a stand and her life changes. She no longer has the protection of the other bullies and everyone she hurt is ready to take their revenge. Reed Reynolds is a shy boy who just wants to go to school and write his music. When he looses a bet to a friend and accidentally ends up kissing Kitty instead of his friend Haley, then rescues Kitty from an attack all in the same night his priorities start to change. Reed wants to help Kitty, Kitty thinks she deserves what she is getting and doesn't want Reed hurt. Kitty is a young woman who spent close to four years torturing people, but she eventually does do the right thing. I liked Kitty she was so strong, she decides she deserves the abuse she is receiving and doesn't do anything about it. She pushes Reed away to protect him and doesn’t let anybody see how badly she is really being hurt. Reed is just a really wonderful guy, he doesn't even know Kitty and he helps her. I  loved this book, the two main characters interacted well together and their love story was sweet. I also really loved the message behind the story, bullying is not a joke and DeAnna did a really good job writing about the consequences and the effects it has on people.

Post by: work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39

Semester Aboard

Semester Aboard (More than Magic, #1) 
 3 of 5 stars false 
Jen is looking forward to spending an entire summer studying abroad on a cruise ship and she knows the experience will change her life. Then she sees something she wasn't supposed to see, something she can't explain. Jen finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed and her life will change more than she imagined. That is, if she can survive the dangers lurking on the ship

Review 


Jen is a normal girl enjoying being able to go on the semester abroad cruise ship, she is learning new things, getting to visit new places and make new friends. One night when she can't sleep she goes on deck and sees a group of kids, one gets pushed overboard and nobody does anything. Then the boy climbs back up like nothing happened, everything in Jens world changed. She has a new group of friends who are Mariana a mermaid, Dani a water elemental, Tethys a werewolf, Charlie a fire elemental and Thomas a vampire. She has to keep everything a secret (she isn't told Thomas is a vampire till later), and after she meets Jon she finds out she is a witch. On top of everything there is something on board that is feeding off the passengers and now they have to find out what and who it is. I wanted to like this book so much; I just had a really hard time getting into it. I couldn't seem to connect to the characters, they were supposed to be in college, yet their actions and emotions seemed closer to high school freshman or sophomores. That being said, the writing was wonderful, Kirke has very good writing skills and it shows in every paragraph. The characters are well rounded and they seem to feed off one-another’s actions. The world the Kirk builds is creative, while staying close to real as is possible with a paranormal book. The actions scenes are engaging and keep you holding your breath with hope that all characters are ok.  I just did not have a connection to the characters and I felt they were too juvenile for the age group they were supposed to be. I also don't do well with cliffhangers, this book did not have a huge one, but I felt that too many issues were left unresolved when the book ended.  I gave this book three stars, because while it is not one of my personal favorites, it is so well written I am sure other people will enjoy it.

Post by:work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39

Thank You Jillian Dodd Giveaway

  “THANK YOU Jillian for all that you do!”
Friends of Jillian Dodd are showing their appreciation!
In appreciation for the hard work and effort indie author Jillian Dodd does behind the scenes for authors, her writing friends are offering YOU the chance to win one of her books! You can choose from one of the Keatyn Chronicles: STALK ME or KISS ME. Or maybe you prefer one of the titles in the That Boy series: THAT BOY or THAT WEDDING. All books are New Adult contemporary romance. Good luck!

 Goodreads

 Gossip girl meets Hollywood in this new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd. Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed of. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most coveted lunch table. She’s just not sure she wants it anymore. Because really, things aren’t all that perfect. Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam. Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to. It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect. And deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends. To add to the drama, her movie star mom’s long-time fan has turned stalker. An older man is flirting with her and telling her they should make a movie together. And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating a guy like him would mean committing social suicide. So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony. But little does she know, there’s someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen. 

 Goodreads

 I've always written scripts for my perfect life. But no way could I have ever scripted this. My life is so far from perfect, it’s not even funny.
All because of a stalker. I’m at a boarding school where I have to lie about who I am. I can’t see my family. I’m tutoring a Hottie God that tortures me with his smile. The most popular girl already hates me. But there’s this boy. This hot, sweet, sexy boy. So I’m going to stop trying to script my life and just live it. Because who knows how long I have left.

That Boy is a contemporary romance about falling in love with the boys next door. You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits. There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible. Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no. One boy will give me my very first kiss. One boy will teach me to make out. One boy will take me to prom. And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him. They will both be my best friends. But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with. Only one of them is That Boy. 

The gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after. But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions. His parents say I haven’t dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can’t find the perfect dress. I have to manipulate him to get my way. An old boyfriend asks me to run away with him. My best friend says I'm going to ruin everything. And forever starts to sound like a really long time. Which totally freaks me out and makes me question everything I know. Should best friends get married? Will my past affect our relationship? Are my horrible dreams a warning? Will I ever find a dress? Could his sexiness be clouding my judgment? Am I going to ruin everything? Or is it just a case of cold feet? And then I have to decide. Am I willing to give up on true love forever, or am I going to listen to my heart and marry him?

About the Author 

Jillian is the author of the That Boy series and The Keatyn Chronicles. She grew up on a farm in Nebraska, where she developed a love for Midwestern boys and Nebraska football. She lives in Texas with her family.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest 

Friday, December 28, 2012

J.A. Redmerski

undefined  

About the Author

Author of THE EDGE OF NEVER a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, THE DARKWOODS TRILOGY and DIRTY EDEN. I’m a mother, werewolf & zombie fanatic, book addict and a happy hermit obsessed with the Universe. Oh, and AMC’s “The Walking Dead”.
I’m a sucker for anything Christopher Lee, John Noble, Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton and Cate Blanchett. But my biggest fan-girl superstars are Alex Filippenko, Michio Kaku, Brian Cox, Michelle Thaller and Neil Degrasse Tyson!

Where to find Redmerski

Goodreads

Jessica Redmerski

Twitter

Facebooks

Interview with Jessica

 1. You write young adult novels, to you what is the difference between a teen, young adult and adult novel? Is it the love scenes, the actions of the characters, the situations and problems the characters face?
I think it really is a combination of all three. I've written three Young Adult, one New Adult and one Adult book. The differences are probably what most expect them to be: Young Adult/Teen books, to me, have little to no sex because readers under the age of seventeen (usually) are considered minors and some writers don't want to cross that line with good reason. With a New Adult/Adult book, there is often more explicit sex and adult situations, whether sexual or life experience in general.


2. In your new book The Edge of Never Andrew has a really interesting tattoo, what made you choose that particular story?
I actually researched 'legendary couples' to find the perfect story to match up with Andrew's tattoo. There were only a few contenders: Romeo and Juliet (way too widely known and overused), Odysseus and Penelope among others, but the story of Orpheus and Eurydice stuck with me the most. Their story fit almost perfectly to me because of Andrew's musical background. I thought it was a no-brainer.


3. Out of all of your books who is your favorite Hero? Heroine?
I would have to say Camryn and Andrew! Of all the books I've written, I cared for them the most.


4. What books are reading right now?
I'm actually not reading anything right now. I haven't been able to concentrate on reading ever since the success with THE EDGE OF NEVER because I've been stressed out! But I'll be picking up a new book soon because I can't go too long without reading something.


5. I have two kids and barely have time to read, how do you balance taking care of your kids and writing?
Well, my youngest is fourteen and my oldest is eighteen, so they don't need (or want!) as much hands-on parenting as a younger child so I don't have a problem balancing, really. I usually write throughout the day while they are at school. On the weekends though, I like to get them outdoors and we go hiking and such

The Edge of Never  
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?


Due to sexual content and language, this book is recommended for 17+ – Adult Contemporary Women’s – New Adult Fiction

The Mayfair Moon (The Darkwoods Trilogy, #1)  
 After a nightmarish encounter with a werewolf, seventeen-year-old Adria Dawson loses her sister, but gains the love of a mysterious young man and his legendary family.

Strange and tragic things begin to happen in the small town of Hallowell, Maine: residents come down with an unexplainable ‘illness’ and some disappear. In the midst of everything, Isaac Mayfair is adamant about keeping Adria safe, even from her sister whom he has warned her to stay away from.

As unspeakable secrets unfold all around Adria, impossible choices become hers to bear. Ultimately, no matter what path she takes, her life and the lives of those she loves will be in peril. As she learns about the werewolf world she also learns why her place in it will change the destinies of many
Kindred (The Darkwoods Trilogy, #2)  
Isaac Mayfair is hiding a dark secret. And just when Adria Dawson thinks the worst of her life among the werewolf world is over, she learns the secret that can rip her and Isaac’s love apart. Adria must come to terms with what the truth means for her. What it means for her life and how much time she has left to live it. She must choose between two different fates, neither of which can offer life as a certainty.

As if Isaac’s betrayal isn’t enough, Adria learns that there are things out there older and more powerful than werewolves could ever be. An archaic entity known only to few as the Praverian, unlike anything Adria has ever known or heard of.

As Adria struggles with her own fateful dilemmas, she must also try to find out why the Praverian is so interested in her and do everything in her power to stay out of its way.

Due to MATURE YA content, this book is recommended for 17+ 

 The Ballad of Aramei (The Darkwoods Trilogy, #3)   
Everything about Adria Dawson’s life has changed in unimaginable ways: the shattering betrayal of her mother, the fight for her life and sanity…the loss of her humanity. But now Adria must face the ultimate challenge and risk not only her life, but the lives of everyone she loves at the wrathful hands of Isaac Mayfair’s father.

Determined to help unravel a mysterious message deeply rooted in an unhinged mind, Adria becomes obsessed with traveling into Aramei’s turbulent past to see the truth of how the relationships and betrayals between the Mayfair and Vargas bloodlines were formed.

Meanwhile, Adria and the Mayfairs are doing everything they can to smoke out and trap the Praverian traitor. A trip to Providence uncovers not only an old family line who are enemies of the Praverians, but also raises questions about the Praverian’s true agenda.

But the traitor will be caught. People will die. And Adria’s destiny to be the cause of a war will come to pass. But what could a kind and simple girl like Adria Dawson ever do that could be considered an act of war? The landscape of the werewolf world will be forever changed in the climactic conclusion to The Darkwoods Trilogy 

Dirty Eden  

(This is not a YA book and is nothing like J.A. Redmerski's Darkwoods Trilogy or THE EDGE OF NEVER - you have been warned.)

The Devil gives Norman Reeves an ill-fated mission he has no choice but to accept: Find the center of Eden and reverse the Fall of Man.

Thrust into a place called Creation, Norman’s task is plagued by unimaginable people and events. He must unravel impossible clues to free the Three Trees and keep himself out of Hell at the same time.

On this surreal and humorous journey, Norman discovers many things better left unknown: the shocking secret lives of people close to him and the other unthinkable reason he was brought here.

But should Norman fail, like all visitors to Creation, he will forget everyone and everything he has ever known, becoming part of the madness that was once the paradise of Eden.

---

Blasphemous. Dark. Humorous. Twisted. Unlike anything you've ever read before. DIRTY EDEN ain't your pastor's book.

Post by: work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39


Jillian Dood Cover Reveal

Covers designed by Okay Creations.

I’m not scripting my life anymore. I’m living it. I’m done with the God of all Hotties. I’m going to give my heart to the boy who I think deserves it. The boy whose kisses are hotter than molten lava. The boy who offered me the key to his heart. The boy who asked me to Homecoming in a big, sexy way. There are so many things to look forward to. Parties at the Cave. Homecoming festivities. Drama Tryouts. Shopping trips to NY. But things aren’t always as perfect as they seem. I find out that my best friend has been keeping a secret from me. Not that I can blame him. I have secrets too. But, for now, I’m going to pretend I’m just a normal girl. I’m going to pretend he’s not still out there. I’m going to pretend he’s not getting desperate. I’m going to pretend I’ll never see him again. But, I will. And this time, I might not get away 



 
  







Jillian Dodd grew up on a farm in Nebraska, where she developed a love for Midwestern boys and Nebraska football. She has drank from a keg in a cornfield, attended the University of Nebraska, got to pass her candle, and did have a boy ask her to marry him in a bar. She met her own prince in college, and they have two amazing children, a Maltese named Sugar Bear, and two Labrador puppies named Camber Lacy and Cali Lucy. She is the author of the That Boy Trilogy and The Keatyn Chronicles Series.
Links: Twitter Jillian Dodd  
  
Post by:
 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The End Of The World As We Know It


The End of the World as We Know It 
2 of 5 stars false 
The Breakfast Club meets The War of the Worlds in The End of the World as We Know It, the latest release from Alloy Entertainment (The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, 666 Park Avenue, Gossip Girl)
They wanted to party like it was their last night on earth. They just might get their wish….
Meet the four most unlikely heroes ever:
Teena McAuley: Queen Bee, first-class problem solver, resident heartbreaker.
Leo Starnick: UFO conspirator, pizza delivery boy, all-around slacker.
Evan Brighton: Baseball all-star, extreme virgin, Teena-worshipper.
Sarabeth Lewis: Straight-A student, weekend hermit, enemy of the color pink.
When Teena locks Leo, Evan, and Sarabeth in the basement during her biggest party of the year, she doesn’t plan on getting trapped in the Loser Dungeon herself. She can barely imagine a night with these dweebs—let alone a lifetime. But when an alien invasion destroys their entire Midwestern suburb, it looks like these unlikely friends are the last people on earth. Now, it’s up to them to save 
the world… 

Review

****The following book was part of a blog tour, I received a copy in exchange for my honest review****

When I got the e-mail for the tour of this book I was really excited to read the book, I loved the synopsis and the storyline seemed original and different from the usual YA novels. The book is the story of four teens that are left after the end of the world. They all come from different social groups, but all of them are invited to the same party, they get locked in a room and end up being the only ones left. I could not get into this book; my expectations of this book must have been too high, because I was really disappointed. The entire book seemed to be a cheesy eighties montage of horror flicks and teen angst movies. I pictured The Breakfast Club being turned into a horror movie. I thought that the characters were to clique cliché and the situations were ridiculous. There were a couple things that did save this book from being a one star, it was fast paced and humorous which bumped it up to two stars. However, some of the situations that I thought were funny probably were not supposed to be. The writing itself was good, so I am interested in seeing other books by this author.
Post by:  work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Release Me (Stark Trilogy #1) 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers.
Release Me (Stark Trilogy, #1)
3 of 5 stars false

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes an erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.
He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.
Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.
Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.
But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.
 

Review

*****Netgalley provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*****

I don't like lumping all these new books that are coming out and are "vogue" at the moment together. But if you are thinking this sound’s a bit 50 Shades or Bared to you like then you would be right. There are many similar themes in this book to the others. However, that does not make this not a worthwhile book to read, it definitely doesn't mean these characters don't deserve a chance.
To begin with I was zooming through this book, it was easy to get into.
 Although suffering from an awful past, Nikki our heroine of this book was a hell of a lot more feisty than most and I was cheering for her to not give in.
Damien, as you would expect, is a billionaire, handsome, controlling, damaged 30ish, never dates, etc and you are not disappointed he is this and more. Of course the difference in this book is that these two aren't new to each other, this is more of a second chance type situation. This was a nice little change and opened up many more believable storylines.
I felt like this book was a little more open, not as many secrets and things fell together fairly easy for the couple. Maybe this is why halfway through this book it started to lull for me, the tension wasn't there. I say for me, because there were still things going on but problems were too easily resolved, for my tastes, so I wasn't as anxious to find out what was going to happen.
All in all this was a great steamy read in this new genre of books and good solid start to a trilogy. If this is your sort of thing I think you will be pleasantly surprised by Release Me.

Post by:

Friday, December 21, 2012

Wyoming Bride (A Bitter Creek Novel)


Wyoming Bride: A Bitter Creek Novel
4 of 5 stars false
The sensational second novel in Joan Johnston’s new Western historical romance series set in the world of Bitter Creek.
CAN SECRETS AND SECOND CHOICES EVER LEAD TO LOVE?
After three months in a mail-order marriage, Hannah Wentworth McMurtry is a widow—pregnant, alone, and near death in the Wyoming wilderness. Though she is saved by a man with a face cut from stone, she still grieves the husband who died on their journey west. Hannah needs a husband, but does she dare marry another stranger?
Flint Creed has also lost someone he loved—when the woman he hoped to marry chose his younger brother instead. Now he must find a ranch wife of his own. But every female in the remote Wyoming Territory is too old, too young, or already married . . . until he discovers Hannah on the prairie. Flint doesn’t pretend to love her, but he doesn’t tell her he loves another woman, either. Hannah doesn’t pretend to love him, but she doesn’t tell him about the child she carries. Though danger surrounds them on the Wyoming frontier, the greatest threats of all are the secrets within—revelations that could destroy the new life Hannah and Flint have begun to cherish
Review
*****I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.*****


This is my first ever book by this author and I loved it.
It was classic western historical romance, I felt 15 again and a bit sentimental. I will have to get out my Johanna Lindsey books and have a trip down memory lane. Honestly, reading this book was like getting back to my reading roots and to me it was really special.
Now, this is actually the second book in this series and from doing some research on this author it looks like this new series is a spin off or side series of an already existing one. I didn't feel lost or like I was lacking information so to me you could probably read them out of order. The author did enough background rehashing (not a lot) to make you understand what was going on.
Now onto the story, don't you just love a mail order bride novel? I know I do, it's one of my favorite themes in the western romance genre. In saying this you aren't put into this story with a girl umming and ahhing over whether she will make this decision or not. Oh no, this book starts on the wedding night. I love that, straight into the nitty gritty. From the blurb of this book you will know that her husband dies and leaves her pregnant. What you don't know is the circumstances of how this happens and who else she loses.
Needless to say Hannah is in Dire Straits when she meets Flint Creed (what and awesome cowboy name!!!)
Now Flint was a bit of a jerk, but he does believe himself to be in love with his brothers Fiancé, ouch. So the relationship between Flint and Hannah although it gets serious pretty quickly it's not really romantic, more like a relationship of necessity.
It was great watching them fight their attraction. Even more fun was the fact was that we got a bonus couple in this book, Ransom (Flint's brother) and Emaline.
Indian attacks, cattle ranch wars, duals, the dangers of childbirth, steamy sex out of wedlock, shotgun weddings this book had everything a good western romance needs and I lapped it up, enjoying every minute of it.
If you are after a bit of a change from all those full on books that are out there at the moment and wouldn't mind getting back to your mamma's romance books this is the one for you!!!  

Post by:

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Emily Guido


undefined

Win books 1-5 in the Light-Bearer Series by Emily Guido just enter the rafflecopter to the right.


undefined

About the Author:
Emily Guido is a new Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing "Charmeine" because one day she got an idea of two characters that needed to have their story told. Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written. When Emily writes, it is similar to you or I watching a movie. She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough. The novels “Mactus,” “Accendo,” “Seditious,” and “Ransom,” are the continuation of the wonderful adventures of the inhabitants of The Castle Charmeine!
Emily is currently writing “Conundrum” the Sixth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” She is currently working at a College full time, and pursuing her Master of Business Administration.

Where to find/follow Emily:

Interview with Emily

What is the best thing about being an author for you?
I think it is being creative. I can sit for hours typing out a story and have a great time doing it. The words come so easily when I have a “movie” going in my head. I know that others may have problems writing, but for me… if I didn’t have a full time job and go to MBA school full time, I would be writing most of the time. I love it and it doesn’t seem to have an end for me. I don’t know why. 

How do you choose the names of your heros?
My heroes and heroines have Angel names mostly because this story is really about Angels loving other Angels who have ended up on Earth as Blood-Hunters. It is really easy for me to think of these names because I went to Catholic school. I even fashioned the character traits around what the Angel is supposed to be. Like Tabbruis (pronounced TAB-BREECE) is the Angel of Self-Determination. That isn’t something I made up, it comes from my upbringing. Some have said “there is too much God” in my books. Well, “The Light-Bearer Series” is about Angels…doy! God is gotta be in there someplace. I’m not preachy but the more you read in the books, you have to know how the characters came into being and their motivations, so there’s going to be more and more references to God.

You previously told me that one of the scenes in Charmeine was something that actually happened, have you added any other real life experiences to your books?
Yes a little bit here and there. That’s what makes it so fun! Charmeine is the Angel of Harmony. Now, I don’t claim to be an Angel at all, but I love it when people get along. I don’t like being in conflict with anyone. However, I will fight like the dickens for my family. Also, Charmeine and Tabbruis like Billy Joel, that is true for me. I love Billy Joel and could listen to him all the time. Little things too such as Tabbruis loves his Black Dodge Charger ST8 HEMI engine muscle car! That is from me… so much so, I went and bought one the exact same one he has in the book this summer because I love, love, love that car! 
 
If you had to choose who would be your favorite hero? heroine? and why.
I love strong female characters and real life people like Elizabeth I, Wonder Woman, Claire from the Outlander Series written by Diana Gabaldon, Lara Croft in Tomb Raiders, Jane Eyre from Charlotte Bronte and in the Canterbury Tales, the raucous and lewd Wife of Bath. Why? I love women who are very intelligent and know what to do to get the job done. They are also a tiny bit vulnerable too, but not too much to get them off track. I feel women should be tough and never lose the fact that all things do not need to be fought with just brawn but brains, persistence and love. 
 
What scenes are the hardest for you to write?
I think the scenes I struggle with are the historical ones, because I pride myself in being as accurate as I can be. Why? You see to make Tabbruis’ history believable; you have to see the corresponding real story. I had a reader comment in her review that I described a historical event like I was there, that’s because I did research and painstakingly wrote the account out of factual information!
 
Have you ever written a scene that made you blush?
Yes and no, “The Light-Bearer Series” are YA. At first, I did write the books with a few saucy scenes, but I really didn’t like how it came out. I think if you bring the reader right to a certain point, their imagination is MUCH better than you actually writing it out. Also, a ton of Paranormal Romance books have graphic sex scenes. Yes, I have read them but sometimes it becomes the focus of the story.
I love romance, comedy, paranormal happenings, historical, action, and adventure to be the emphasis. I AM A HUGE SOPPY ROMANTIC. To the doom and gloom to all who know me because I’m a big old softie for romance, i.e. romantic movies, books, songs, plays, and musicals… anything.
I know I will NEVER please everyone with my books, so I don’t try. I write what I love, what appeals to me, what makes me curl my toes, laugh, or cry. Let’s face it, if you don’t write what you love, then why write? 
 
How do you choose the names of your heros?
My heroes and heroines have Angel names mostly because this story is really about Angels loving other Angels who have ended up on Earth as Blood-Hunters. It is really easy for me to think of these names because I went to Catholic school. I even fashioned the character traits around what the Angel is supposed to be. Like Tabbruis (pronounced TAB-BREECE) is the Angel of Self-Determination. That isn’t something I made up, it comes from my upbringing. Some have said “there is too much God” in my books. Well, “The Light-Bearer Series” is about Angels…doy! God is gotta be in there someplace. I’m not preachy but the more you read in the books, you have to know how the characters came into being and their motivations, so there’s going to be more and more references to God. 

Books By Emily Guido

Charmeine (The Light-Bearer, #1)  

Can romance develop between a Heavenly Light-Bearer and a Hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter?
"Charmeine" the First Novel in "The Light-Bearer Series," was released January 2012.
Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he drinks blood to survive. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone aimlessly living through many historical events.
Charmeine just came to the Earth in 1997, unable to remember anything.
When Tabbruis meets Charmeine the attraction is immediate and passionate. They are polar opposites and clash together in a strongly romantic and dramatic way. When she meets Tabbruis, Charmeine’s powers as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered and grows exponentially.
Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies? Will they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world? 
 Mactus (The Light-Bearer, #2) 
 
"Mactus" is the Second Novel in "The Light-Bearer Series."  The romance and action develop and deepens between our two ill-fated lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine.
Mactus” means well-done in Latin, and as our Tabbruis and Charmeine proclaim their love for one another, they are reminded of the daunting task before them. However, their union is joyous and very romantic.  
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s love deepens and grows stronger. However, they are both thrown when Charmeine is revealed to be the Queen of Light and Tabbruis is the King of Darkness!
Their son, Shane, brings an addition to the family, his fiancée, Sandra Gomez! She bonds with Charmeine and Tabbruis instantly. Can Charmeine and Sandra work together to defend themselves from the powerful Elder Council Blood-Hunter Pascal’s attack?
"Mactus" is a romantic and exciting book is a page turner from the beginning to end! 
 Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)  
 
"Accendo" is the Third Novel in "The Light-Bearer Series."  Reality knocks our two star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine into the now when they have to plan to battle the Evil Blood-Hunter Elder Council.
Charmeine is cut to the core because of Tabbruis’ lack of faith in her ability to lead. Will their love survive?  Will their faith in each other be tested as they begin their new life together?
Tabbruis and Charmeine find their close relationship is challenged with unbelief and lack of trust.
The battle to freedom from the Dark and Evil forces which Lucifer has let loose on the Earth is harder than Tabbruis and Charmeine ever imagined.
Their family also suffers a serious loss.  Can they recover and pick up the pieces? "Accendo" is a romantic and exciting book is a page turner from the beginning to end!
Seditious (The Light-Bearer, #4)  
The Fourth Novel in "The Light-Bearer Series" is "Seditious."  This book is the continuation of Tabbruis and Charmeine's romantic and turbulent love story and mission on Earth to battle Lucifer's minions!
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s life at the ‘Castle Charmeine’ is blissful until reality of the ruling the Elder Council Blood-Hunters hits them in the face.
In "Seditious" Tabbruis and Charmeine find that their love is tested in the most heinous way possible.
Then, as a one-two punch, Lord Cromwell, one of the most deadly and powerful Blood-Hunter ever has escaped the Elder Council Prison. Lord Cromwell sends his beautiful agent to cause trouble for Tabbruis and Charmeine and wants something that they have!
Charmeine runs away from the 'Castle Charmeine' to forget the betrayal of her most beloved husband Tabbruis.
Can Tabbruis win Charmeine back? How can he make her understand?
Exciting all the way to the end!  "Seditious" will have you turning page after page in this story of passion, betrayal and seduction.
Seditious” the fourth novel, will have you riveted from the beginning.
 Ransom (The Light-Bearer, #5)   
Ransom” is the Fifth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” Can Tabbruis convince Charmeine, his love and soul-mate to take him back?  Will Charmeine be able to forget the pain of the past?
Tabbruis and Charmeine take their new family on a much needed and impromptu vacation; however, there is always a twist and turn for them to recover from.
The children of Dmitri are growing up fast and there is an addition to the 'Castle Charmeine'.
Lord Cromwell, plans a deadly attack on the 'Castle Charmeine' and he takes something precious to Charmeine.  However, he wants something in exchange.
Can Charmeine and her family battle this deadly adversary?
Tabbruis and Charmeine’s family bond together to fight Lord Cromwell and more surprises are in store for the star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine!
A must read for all who have read “Charmeine," "Mactus," "Accendo," and “Seditious” in “The Light-Bearer Series.” However, "Ransom" can be a stand-alone novel in its own right!

 
"Conundrum," soon to be released in early 2013 will undoubtedly have more of Charmeine and Tabbruis' adventures along with their family!

Post by: work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Winemaker's Dinner: Entree 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers
The following review was part of a blog tour by AToMR tours, I revieved a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The Winemaker's Dinner: Entrée (The Winemaker's Dinner #2) 
5 of 5 stars false 
Dr. Ivan Rusilko has got it bad. He’s in love—with life, his work, and his baby girl, Jaden Thorne. The nearly 3000 miles between Miami and L.A. that once threatened their happily-ever-after now seem nothing more than a mere geographical challenge—nothing a few hours on a plane and a sexy weekend rendezvous can’t trump. No time apart is too long to keep him from wanting her in his arms and in his bed. He’s absolutely sure Jaden is his dream come true.
Jaden Thorne is living the life she’s always wanted. She’s got her one-in-a-million job on a TV cooking show, she’s achieved celebrity chef status, and she’s in a committed relationship with her perfect guy… Then the network’s surprise decision to add a co-host to her show takes a bite out of her perfectly balanced life and career. With a new man in the mix, living the dream gets a whole lot more complicated both personally and professionally.
When the emotional, mental, and physical paths of true love’s course collide with frustration, secrets, and assumptions, will Ivan and Jaden pay the price? Does their dream-come-true cost something neither can afford?
The Winemaker’s Dinner: Entrée is a decadent meal of passion, sex, and secrets, inspired by the real romantic life of Dr. Ivan Rusilko. Authors Everly Drummond and Dr. Ivan Rusilko have turned up the heat in this emotional follow up to The Winemaker’s Dinner: Appetizers, expertly executing their unique recipe for blending fact and fantasy, with more than a dash of passion and sex




Review

The Winemaker's Dinner: Entree is the second book in this series and continues the love story of Jaden and Ivan. Jaden has taken a job on a cooking show across the country from Ivan; they make it work with plane rides and hot weekends together. Then Jaden gets a hot new co-host that she is attracted to and the new co-host wants her right back. The second book in the series adds some drama and emotional turmoil. Jaden was still a strong lead and Ivan his usual handsome self. Damien the new man in the story was a hot ladies man. I loved this book, the romance and fan worthy bedroom scenes are even better in this one than the last. The drama added flare and the emotional problems that Jaden deals with is once again are very realistic. I especially loved the fact that Ivan’s character was not perfect. The writing was wonderful, the authors seem so in tune with each other and everything fits so well together, you can't even tell that two people wrote this book. I love this book and will be buying copies of it as Christmas presents for many of my friends. I can't wait for the third book to come out and read the conclusion to this really wonderful series.
Post by:  work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39

The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers
This review was part of a blog tour from AToMR tours, I revieved the book in exchange for my honest review.

The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers (The Winemaker's Dinner, #1)   
4 of 5 stars false
  Recently named executive chef at one of Miami Beach’s hottest restaurants, Jaden Thorne is determined to make her culinary mark and fulfill her professional dreams. When Jaden is given highly coveted tickets to the ultra-exclusive Winemaker’s Dinner, she jumps at the opportunity to meet South Florida's wealthiest and most influential food and wine enthusiasts.  
 Jaden’s eyes are drawn to the VIP section even before the appetizers appear, but she soon finds herself thinking less about networking and more about the intriguingly sexy stranger eying her from across the room. After dinner, what begins as a light-hearted flirtation unexpectedly catapults into a night of explosive passion. But when morning dawns, Jaden leaves her sleeping Mr. Oh So Sexy behind, sure they’ll never see each other again.
Dr. Ivan Rusilko, a handsome, young physician, boasts an extensive resume’ and a well-established position on Miami Beach’s social scene. But despite his success and glamour, he’s routinely had to suffer uninspiring dates and doomed relationships. With a romantic heart, Ivan’s not the love-‘em-and-leave-‘em type. But when he awakens to find that the girl in the red dress has done exactly that, he resolves to find her--only if it’s just to ask why she left without even a kiss goodbye.
The Winemaker’s Dinner is a fictionalized erotic memoir inspired by the romantic triumphs and tragedies of Dr. Ivan Rusilko’s real life. Weaving fact with fantasy, authors Everly Drummond and Dr. Ivan Rusilko have gifted readers with a swoon-worthy flesh and blood romantic hero and the intoxicating bouquet only a heartfelt tale of passionate love can create.


Review

The Winemaker's Dinner: Appetizers starts out with the two main characters Jaden and Ivan meeting and having a hot night together, but when Jaden wakes up she is intimidated when she finds out who Ivan is. She runs away and when Ivan wakes up and sees that she is gone, he decides to get her back. Jaden is a strong driven woman, she works hard and at the same time she has the same insecurities that most women have. Ivan is a hot, accomplished, every woman’s dream man. Their story is romantic, heart warming and surprisingly realistic. I really enjoyed this book, the romance was sweet and there was an actual story line beyond the sweaty bedroom scenes. The book had me laughing and at other times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room from sheer frustration. The duel points of view gave you insight into what each of the main characters where thinking, the authors did a wonderful job seamlessly blending them together. The book had a nice even flow, nothing seemed rushed and I didn't get bored from lack of action. As much as I enjoyed the sweet romance and bone melting sex scenes, I just didn't love the book. The male lead character was to perfect, he never seemed to do anything wrong. Since the female lead had flaws, she was realistic and could be any woman, but because of Ivan’s perfection he came across as false at times. Beyond that little thing the book was good, the writing was wonderful and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Post by: work_at_home_moms_zpsdf8e4cf4-1_zpsc183cc39