The Garden

 

 

Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with their story with Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet–or is there more to the story?
For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people, the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history?
The Garden of Eden, a perfect home built and designed for two people, until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?
Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you—and, of course, the devil waiting for that first fatal mistake.
Could you have done things better?
The Garden
A Love Story
A Saga of Good vs Evil
The Beginning of Humanity’s Historic Journey

Review

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

  This is the story of Adam and Eve, with an original plot line.It's not the story that everyone knows but rather one that is believable and highly entertaining. The characters are accessible and their mistakes are ones that everyone could make. The different characters stories were a little hard to follow at first but I got used to it and I wasn't left with any questions at the end of the book. The writing is done exceptionally well, Paul is technically one of the best writers that I read in a long time. There was a certain quality to the work that turned it from being a boring remake of an old story to a new and exciting story of people from the past. I don't think there is really any thing that I can say that would properly do justice to how well this story is written. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. 

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Awaken

Title: Awaken
 Author: Jaime Guerard
 Expected release date: March 15, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Thriller
Age Group: Young Adult; 14 – 20+
Cover Designer: B Design; http://bdesignpublishingservices.wordpress.com/
Event organized by: AToMR Tours
 Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17281806-awaken
Three things run through my mind at this very moment… ONE, my life as I once knew it will never be the same. TWO, the person I’m in love with might not even exist. THREE, the deception that has unfolded before me has the power of life and death. Sixteen year old, Breanna Davis, has heard the saying; life isn’t always what it seems…well, that saying rings true now more than ever. As horrifying visions appear before her, revealing tragedies that will forever change the fate of those she loves, she realizes that she may be the only person who can stop them from becoming reality. Amongst the chaos of this new discovery, Bre is faced with a stranger, Eve, who moves in on Bre’s friends and begins to follow her every move. As Eve’s true motives begin to surface, Bre must fight against, not only the visions, but the dangers Eve holds close. There is another secret kept- Collin, a boy held captive in Bre’s dreams, the boy she is secretly falling in love with but isn’t sure he even exists. As she tries to make it work with Austin, an old friend who could possibly be more, Bre battles against her feelings for Collin. Bre is faced with an almost impossible decision, to choose her life or follow her destiny. If she doesn’t intercede, people will certainly die. If she does, her own life could be at stake. In the end,if she fails, she’ll lose everything.

Sneak Peak:  

PROLOGUE
I stood there, silently watching him, my mind willing me to move forward, but my body remained frozen. My heart began to beat heavily, the way it always does when he comes into view. He was just ten feet away from me now. I felt lightheaded and found it difficult to breathe.
I decided this time I had to move slowly. I had to focus on slowing down my mind to take everything in. I took one step closer, studying him carefully. His dark, almost black hair glistened in the descending sun. Even though I wasn’t looking directly at his face just yet, his beauty took my breath away. I felt it coming, one more step and he would know I was here. I was anxious to see his face again, but unwilling for our encounter to end. I took a deep breath and moved, as if the simple action of taking each step was timed, he turned and rose to his feet, his face blank. I thought my heart was going to race out of my chest. I hoped for a sign this time, some kind of acknowledgment from him. Was he happy to see me? Was I not what he was expecting? What secret thoughts were running through his mind? I knew the time had come. No more stalling, I had to go to him. I began moving toward the stream where he stood. This time, I would look directly at him, look into his eyes and make myself known. “Bre, this is Collin,” a voice introduced me as I approached. Though the voice was somehow familiar, I was oblivious to who had said it. All I cared about was making sure I captured this moment in every detail. Collin’s deep, royal blue eyes looked into mine and I realized I had never felt like this before. My nerves flared with an intensity that burned deep within me and held me captive in his gaze. Every bit of him was perfect. His silky hair fell perfectly over each side of his face. Occasionally, a strand or two would move gently across his forehead and dance along his eyes. His shirt melted into his chest, making it impossible for me to ignore the definition of his body. He slowly lifted his hand, gesturing for me to take it. “It’s nice to meet you Bre.” His bright smile stretched across his mouth as he waited for me to respond.
I swallowed, knowing what was going to happen next. I tried again to slow my mind down even more, pleading with myself to make this moment last. When I couldn’t hold on any longer, I reached out my hand in one last attempt to succeed. But I failed, and woke up.

Jaime grew up in a small town in Northern California. Having a passion for dance and music, never would she have thought herself to become an author. In late 2008, a story was born and a writer was developed. Jaime found the pieces of her novel beginning to take form and soon she had a full novel in her hands. Awaken is Jaime's first published novel. With many features still in the works, this debut novel is just a taste of the action-packed romantic thrillers to come from this aspiring new author. Jaime is a committed wife and mother of 3, who loves life and doesn’t take anything for granted.
Links: Blog Facebook  Twitter

  

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Fight with Me (With me in Seattle #2) 18 +

This review is for 18+ readers only

Jules Montgomery is too busy and content with her life to worry about a man, especially one Nate McKenna. If growing up with four brothers has taught her anything, she knows to stay away from sexy men with tattoos and motorcycles. That goes double if he's your boss. During the one incredible night they shared, he violated the no fraternization policy...among other things, and it won't happen again. Jules won't risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much her body and her damn heart keep arguing with her. Nate McKenna could give a shit about the no fraternizing policy. He wants Jules and he'll have her. The rules could bend around them, or be damned. He's not a man to be taken lightly, and Jules Montgomery is about to find out just how he responds to being pushed aside after the best night of sex he's ever had. She can fight all she wants, but he'll have her in his bed in the end. FIGHT WITH ME is the second novel in the With Me In Seattle Series   Review Wow,I am glad I gave this author another chance. The first book in this series was a big fail for me. I could not get into the characters and as a result didn't finish the book. What the other book lacked , to me, this book had is spades. I felt the connection between the two. There was a much more believable timeline for the couple to develop the feelings they had. The couple themselves felt fully developed in my mind and phew, there was definitely sparks flying when they got together. The problems they faced were quite realistic and I could understand why certain issues popped up. All in all, I like this far more and I am really looking forward to seeing some of the other characters again in the next book in the series. Post by:

Dancing With Detective Danger 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers.
 

 

 

2.5 Stars

 Uncovering secrets and exposing truth are all in a day’s work for private investigator Sterling Aegar. But when her latest case threatens to reveal her own buried feelings for an old love, Sterling runs for cover.
A body in the bathtub and pleas from a jilted wife to find her wayward husband mean a welcome break from the usual humdrum cases Sterling and her sister, Lacey, are called to investigate. But when Sterling’s old flame, Detective Ben Kirby, walks into the murder scene, she feels her world spin out of control. Danger from thugs and murderers poses no greater threat than the peril she’d suffer if she lets daredevil Ben get too close.
Seeing Sterling for the first time in two years is for Ben like drinking in a healing tonic. He could never forget the way it felt to run his hands over her delicious curves or the way she touched his soul. She remains the one person who can make the emptiness in his gut go away. Finding the murderer is his job, but protecting Sterling from seriously dangerous people is his mission.
As the case unfolds, Sterling and Ben not only solve the murder and locate the missing husband, they confront secrets that set them each free from a painful past.

Review

*****This book is part of a blog tour, I was given a copy in exchange for my honest review.*****

 This was a book of loss, love, hope and self realization.

Sterling, our leading lady, has lost love ones and watched others  she loved dear lose those closest to them, and she will be damned if she will let that happen to her.
So she gives up her job as a cop, breaks up with the love of her life and settles for a "safe" existence, guarding her heart from the chance of more unbearable pain.
Ben, is living an empty life too. He is the man that has been left behind and he has never gotten over Sterling. Unbeknown to Sterling, is that Ben has made some changes to his life aswell and is no longer living the dangerous life he once did. Haunted by jobs gone wrong, the injury of his partner and the his lover leaving him, Ben really is living a shadow of a life.
When these two's paths cross again, all the unresolved feelings come with them, plus a whole lot of bitterness and resentment. Sterling's PI firm find a dead body and suddenly a simple case of a cheating husband becomes a police investigation into murder and intrigue and these two find themselves working the same case, for different reasons.
We are left to watch these two struggle with there obvious love for one another, wondering and hoping that they will get there happily ever after before these lose someone else.
"Maybe there is hope after all," Ben teased, his eyes glinting. " You still know the way. Maybe someday you'll be back----- to stay."
I loved the idea of this book, second chance romance is one of my favorite themes. They are so angsty, passionate and emotional, you are guaranteed a wild ride.
But I couldn't help but be frustrated and angry at Sterling. I found her hypocritical and extremely frustrating. The things that she seemed to blame Ben for and break up with him for  she was guilty of herself. So I spent some of the book fighting with myself as to whether she was a redeemable character in my mind.Also for an ex cop, she sure didn't seem to understand the term "withholding information".  These are of course very personal comments and not everyone is going to feel that way, unfortunately I did.
The plot line seemed to have some gaps in it , I found myself at a loss sometimes as to how certain conclusions had been reached. Also the reality of some of these situations..... it was a stretch for me and then the ending, everything wrapped up a bit to quickly.
But once again, this was my inability to feel a proper connection to the characters. Just like we don't get along with everyone in life, it is the same in a book.
I did complete the whole story and like I have said before the I loved the idea of this storyline. A more fleshed out storyline would have increased my enjoyment and a less snarky leading lady.

 

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The Darkening

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 A tortured warrior and a peace-loving counselor battle to protect Second Earth against a powerful dark force…
He thwarted connection of any kind…
Fearing that his newly emerged grayle power will kill innocent ascenders, Samuel Daman struggles to keep his distance from beautiful Vela Stillwell. But the breh-hedden has struck and her light floral scent tears at his restraint. When the enemy draws them both into the darkening, a place of secret travel for Third ascenders, will Samuel learn to control his power, or will he destroy what he desires most?
She hid from grief…
Vela Stillwell wanted a new life, away from Militia Headquarters, away from the reminder of all she’d lost when her husband died five years earlier. Seeking a more reclusive occupation, she finishes her last day of work only to have Samuel Daman and the infamous breh-hedden sweep through her life. Though trying to disconnect from her new emerging power and from Samuel, the call of the darkening pulls Vela into an adventure that both terrifies her, yet reveals the truth about her deepest desires. Will she succumb to the breh-hedden, or will her fears prevent her from living life to the fullest?

Review

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

Vela has started having dreams about a warrior and on her last day of work her friends talk her into going to watch the men at the training center. While there she and the warrior Samuel start experiencing the breh-hedden.  The two of them have to deal with their emerging powers, find a lost warrior and fight the growing war. Vela has to decide if she can face her fears and love a warrior again. Vela is a compassionate woman, with a lot of power. Samuel is a loner with a lot of guilt. I liked the storyline and the characters that surrounded the couple were interesting. Endelle was brash, with the mouth of a sailor and Merl was an unrepentant flirt. The action was intense, exciting and wonderfully descriptive. The sex scenes were hot and the connection that the two main characters shared added emotional depth to their lovemaking. I really enjoyed this book; my only complaint was that I was confused in the beginning. I had not read the first book in the series so when I started The Darkening it took me a little while to figure out what was going on

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Caramel and Magnolias

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Title: Caramel and Magnolias

Author: Tess Thompson

Release date: February 1, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction; Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

Bestselling author Tess Thompson, whose debut novel Riversong touched the hearts of readers worldwide, delivers a captivating and suspenseful tale of the possibilities that await us in life and in love – if we can find the courage to get off the sidelines. Crushed by a broken heart, ten years ago Cleo Tanner walked away from her acting dreams and now leads a quiet, secluded life in Seattle. Sylvia, her best friend from college, is trapped in a loveless marriage, distraught by her desire to have a child – until an adoption agency owner in relentless pursuit of Cleo offers to help. Just as Sylvia begins to experience a love so profound that only a mother can feel, a detective approaches Cleo with disturbing questions about the adoption agency. Determined to protect her friend, Cleo jumps into a dangerous investigation that forces her to confront the ghosts of her past. A toast to friendship, motherhood, mended hearts and new beginnings, Caramel and Magnolias reminds us it’s never too late to reawaken the heart.
Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble Goodreads

Tess Thompson is a novelist and playwright with a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California. In 2011, she released her first novel, Riversong, which subsequently became a bestseller. Like her main character in Caramel and Magnolias, Tess is from a small town in Southern Oregon. She currently lives in Seattle, Washington with her two young daughters, Emerson and Ella, and their puppy Patches. She is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window.
 Links: Facebook  Twitter  Goodreads  Tess Writes 

Guest Post

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them. ~Henry David Thoreau

The end. I love to type those words. The first draft of novel writing is a high. Everyone has a unique process. Mine begins with the characters. Once they’re firmly cemented in my mind, they tell me the story. I am merely the delivery vessel. Tell their story is taped to my computer screen.

I do not think about theme or genre during the first draft. But after I type the words, the end, the themes become apparent to me. Ah, so this is what I was writing about.

The last several years have yielded a tremendous amount of work, primarily two projects. One is Caramel and Magnolias (a romantic suspense, released February 1 by Booktrope Editions). The other is historical fiction set in the 1930’s in the American south (released later this year as a trilogy).

Caramel and Magnolias is about four people living on the outskirts of their own lives, or as I describe in the book, “the sidelines”. They’ve accepted their lives of quiet desperation. They cope with their loneliness and isolation by immersing themselves in their work.

It wasn’t until I read through the first draft that I realized I’d been writing about myself.

For years I’d been unhappy in my marriage. But I felt trapped. I couldn’t imagine a way out. I was worried about my children, primarily. And I felt responsible for his happiness. I couldn’t hurt him by telling the truth. I want out.

So I accepted my fate. I had my two beautiful daughters. I had my work. Surely this was more than most people had?

And I never uttered the truth to a living soul. Not my best friends. Not my mother. I was good at pretending everything was fine. I convinced myself it didn’t matter that I was slowly dying or that I was utterly alone despite being married.

I had a mantra. I am a good wife. I am a good mother. I can be happy. I will be happy. Just try a little harder.

Every night I asked God, please make me a better wife and mother tomorrow than I was today. And please let me love him as I should.

But then something happened that changed everything. I started being seen and heard. Riversong climbed the bestseller charts. My blog, Inspiration for Ordinary Life, developed a loyal following. I was something more than what the outside saw - good mother, loyal wife, caring daughter. I was an artist who had something to say that mattered.

Many readers wrote to me that I’d inspired them or moved them with one of my blog pieces. And it was always the pieces I hesitated to write, the ones I thought might expose too much of my soul that received the most response.

The more truthful I was, the more readers responded.

And the more readers responded, the more truthful I became.

I understood, as I never had before, that to create art one must tell the truth. How could I be a real artist, I asked myself, if I can’t admit the truth to myself? I dread the rest of my life.

But still I stifled it. Be grateful for what you have, I told myself over and over. I immersed myself further in my work. And then something amazing happened. A friend actually asked me the question no one had ever asked before.

Are you happy?

And I did something amazing. I answered with the truth.

No. But I’m trapped.

I knew it.

What was this? Someone saw the truth despite my skills at deception. Only one. But it was enough. Because telling the truth unleashed something I couldn’t take back. I was jarred awake. I knew I had to get out or I would slowly die.

In the months that followed I made big and necessary changes in my life. It was painful in every way – telling him, telling my daughters, telling my parents. There were many dark days I wondered how I would get through.

But I did. I am on the other side now. I am free. I am happy. Yes, I’m terrified some days, no question. However, in the midst of the fear, I am also hopeful and excited for the rest of my life. Like my characters in Caramel and Magnolias, I am choosing to live instead of walking around half-dead. I am no longer quietly desperate. I am living with purpose. I am living with passion and dreams and faith.

And my work? All the better for it.

The truth does indeed set you free. 

 

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Veiled Mist

 

Excerpt: 

“Then what…” he stepped back still holding the gun to Hanna’s head. “Todd? You took Todd? Put him down now!”

Hanna heard the click. Michael was about to pull the trigger. She wanted to do as he’d said, and was about to, but the African warrior appeared near the Cabin and shook his head. “No.”

“You put him down,” Michael hissed.

“We can’t. We need to get him to a hospital. If we don’t, he’ll die. Please let us…”

“You’re not taking my son anywhere near those traitors.” Michael jammed the rifle’s nozzle against Hanna’s head, hurting her and almost making her lose her grip.

“If you shoot me I’ll drop him,” Hanna said.

“Put him down.”

The warrior continued to shake his head. Hanna wished he’d do more than that. A little help would be nice. “You can shoot me, but I won’t put him down.”

“Hanna,” John whispered.

“He knows his son will die if we drop him,” Hanna said.

“Do you have a death wish?” John hissed.

All three heard a distant sound coming from their left. Hanna wondered if her guess was right.

“Put the gun down Michael,” John II said.

Hanna couldn’t see her grandfather.

“Williams? You’re behind this?”

“I am, drop the gun.”

“You bastard. I won’t let you take my son from me.”

“I’m not taking him from you, just getting him to the hospital. You can hate me later, but I’m going to do this even if I have to shoot you.”

Michael lowered the rifle. “You’re going to pay for this. Did you kill my dogs?”

“They’re resting. Hanna and John, head to the clearing.”

Hanna heard the radio static.

“Ray, how far are you?” John II asked.

“One minute.”

“It’s the chopper,” John whispered excitedly, as they made their way to the clearing. “Wow, this is so cool.”

“Quiet John, we can still get shot,” Hanna said.

The chopper now hovered above their heads, its bright beam aimed at the clearing. Hanna realized they stood on a putting green. She took a few steps back and crouched to protect Todd from the wind caused by the chopper’s blades.

“Why are you doing this?” Michael screamed as the chopper prepared to land.

“Because I owe you. Please, Michael, let us save him.”

“No,” Michael screamed, darting towards Hanna.

Her grandfather fired. Michael took another three steps and fell. The black chopper landed. The pilot got out and helped them with Todd. Moments later the chopper lifted off. Both Hanna and John watched speechless as their grandfather and Michael grew smaller. The chopper banked to the right and they lost sight of Tornado Hill. Hanna felt for the boy’s pulse. It hadn’t changed; it was weak, but steady. She looked down once more and saw the warrior’s green glow sliding down the hill, like a water stream. 

  
On the Caribbean island of Maurray, spoiled-rotten, fifteen-year-old Hanna wakes up to a nightmare. She is not the daughter of an aristocrat but the orphan of a Gypsy. She is the descendant to a mystical Gypsy tribe. Their magic is strong and has lasted six hundred years. Ornella, the tribe’s guardian, arrives at the island with her mutt, Count Dracula, to guide Hanna. Hanna is told she must embrace her heritage or die at the ripe age of seventeen. But Hanna does the unthinkable, she chooses death. She hates Gypsies and would rather die. What she doesn’t know is that her death will destroy the entire tribe. What she also doesn’t know is how persuasive Ornella can be. The nightmare begins

 Review

****This book was part of a blog tour, I was provided with a copy of the book for my honest review****

Hanna is a spoiled rotten fifteen year old girl; she likes a boy and does not understand why he doesn't like her back. She has nightmares, when she wakes up one morning her prized doll is broken so she goes to have it fixed. She meets Ornella a gypsy, Hanna finds out she is next to join this gypsy tribe. I loved the premise of this book and was really looking forward to reading it, however when I did start it I had a hard time finishing it. My first impression of Hanna with her sense of entitlement and disregard for other peoples feeling ruined the story for me. The rest of the characters in the book were not very enjoyable either, the only one I really liked was Count Dracula. The storyline was well thought out, original and very creative. The writing was done very well and there were certain parts in the book that held my interest. While the book is good and other people are sure to enjoy it, I personally could not get past my dislike of the characters. I have started reading another one of her books Souls of Darkness, I hope I like the characters in this book better.

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Sweetest Taboo

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Title: Sweetest Taboo
Author: Eva Marquez
Release date: October 1, 2012
 Genre and Age Group: *Mature* YA Adult Contemporary Romance/Ages 16+/Females
Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Isabel Cruz was fifteen years old when she met Tom Stevens. She was 15 when they started dating, and 16 when she lost her virginity to him. By the time she turned 18 and went to college, everything had fallen apart. This hadn’t been an ordinary love, though. Not a love between two dear friends, or even high school sweethearts. This had been the most taboo sort of love there was: a relationship between a student and her teacher. Isabel started her high school career as a normal student, but set her sights on Tom Stevens as soon as she met him, and pursued him with an intense – and sometimes reckless – fascination. When he finally approached her after swim practice and told her that he shared her feelings, it was the start of a forbidden and dangerous relationship.
Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble Goodreads Facebook

Excerpt (Chapter 1)

 “You’re my sweetheart," he told me, his voice sad. "I can’t imagine life without you. I don’t want to have to imagine life without you.”
Tom rarely used terms of endearment with me, these days. When he did – in these rare moments when he called me his sweetheart – my heart melted. All of the turmoil, the sleepless nights, the protracted nature of our relationship, became nothing more than a passing inconvenience and very worthwhile. Tonight, though, I knew that the word came with drawbacks. They gave me the courage I needed to say the words I’d been dreading.
“My graduation won’t affect our relationship, you know that," I told him. "Look at how much we’ve been through together. If we made it through all of that, we can make it through anything. Tom, I want to be with you always, no matter where life takes me after graduation.”
I spoke passionately, fully believing in what I said. I was absolutely devoted to this man. But somewhere deep inside, I knew I was being dishonest. Neither of us wanted our relationship to change, but it was clear that things were going to change, and soon. I had just been offered a place at a small, private liberal arts college on the East Coast. The choice had been difficult because although I wanted to stay close to Tom, I also wanted to move forward with my life. In the end, I accepted the offer. Tom hadn’t really reacted when I told him. It hadn’t affected our relationship. Now, though, the cracks were starting to show.
“I want to believe that,” Tom answered quietly. “I loved the last letter you wrote me. Every time I read your letters, I feel like I’m sixteen again. I feel like I’ve come out of a deep sleep." A
pause, and then, "I can’t lose you, Isabel. You’re the reason I wake up in the morning; I can’t love anyone more than I love–”
Suddenly I heard a distinct click on the line. My heart plummeted.
“Did you hear that?" Tom snapped, his tone suddenly terse. "Did someone pick up the phone at your house?”
“Hold on a minute, let me check inside.” I slipped back inside and listened, but the house was completely quiet. The kitchen phone was on the counter, my mom’s office was dark, and I was holding the only other phone in the house.
"Who picked up the phone?” Tom repeated, worry coloring his voice.
The click had not originated on my end of the line. I should've been relieved, but my panic rose even more.
“Tom," I whispered into the receiver. "It wasn’t here, everyone’s asleep..."
“I have to go," Tom interrupted abruptly. "Danielle's coming.”
There was another click, and the line went dead.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, daughter of European immigrants, Eva Márquez has spent most of her life outside of her home country. At the age of five, Eva accompanied her parents to the United States, where the family settled permanently. After graduating from university, she went on to complete graduate studies in International Relations in Spain. Eva received her Master of International Studies degree from the University of Sydney and went on to work in the global health field in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Eva currently resides in Southern Africa.
 Visit Eva’s Amazon Authors Central Page

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Wild Card 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers.

It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.
Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?

Review

We start off this book with heartbreaking scenes of a couple madly in love and then ripped apart when a mission goes wrong; Bella is told that her husband, Nathan "wild card" Malone is dead.
Truthfully in the beginning this is what everyone believes until Nathan is rescued after 19 months of torture.
In the seedy hole where he was kept, drugged, abused, the only thing that kept Nathan from bowing down to the demands of his captors was his vows to his wife. But in the end, Nathan feels that he is not the man he used to be and wants his wife to be kept in the dark to his rescue. Nathan Malone is "dead", Noah Blake has been created.

Six years go by and both Noah and Bella are living a bleak existence, until Noah is told that his next mission is in his home town and one of his objectives is to infiltrate his way into his old workplace and to keep his wife out of danger.
To me Lora Leigh will always be the "Queen of Steam", her books are my go to if I am after something raunchy, and she always delivers.
However, her storylines are in depth, the suspense and mystery in this novel kept me interested right up until the end and although I had my suspicions, the bad guys still managed to surprise me with just how bad they were. What I am trying to say is that these books are very steamy, I am fanning myself just thinking about it,but it is not all consuming, the story is solid enough and the sexy times do not take over.
This is a great start to the new Elite Ops series. It was an emotional roller coaster, but that just got my blood pumping more. The tension of what was going to happen, kept me right on the edge of my seat and I was very happy with the end outcome.
If you are a fan of the romantic suspense genre I would recommend this book, give it ago.     

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Lush 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers.

  

 

Mary Whaley has her hands full running a successful catering company and overseeing her supper club. She has everything she ever wanted—or so she thought. When she meets ridiculously hot and very dirty rock star Damien Hurley at her friend’s engagement party, the attraction she feels is overpowering—and she isn’t about to deny herself.
Damien is used to a hard and fast life. He and two of his brothers started a band when they were fresh out of high school—then they hit the big time and stayed there. He’s also a legendary madman on the stage and in the bedroom. But when he meets Mary, something clicks, and the bad boy starts thinking he may have finally found something good.
What begins as a series of fleeting trysts soon gets much more complicated. Damien can’t figure out why Mary doesn’t want more from him. And before long, it’s Damien who wants more from Mary. But it turns out Mary is no stranger to celebrity news, and he’s got a very big job ahead of him: proving that he’s worth more than a one-night stand.

Review

*****Netgalley provided this book for me in exchange for my honest review.*****

Mary is a catering with an exploding career she knows what she wants and does not have time for a serious relationship. Damien is a bad boy rocker; he lives hard and has a new woman almost every night. They meet at a mutual friend’s engagement party and sparks fly, what was supposed to be a one night stand turns into multiple meetings. Damien has to show Mary that he can be faithful and being with him is worth living in the limelight. Mary is a strong woman, she has her own life, and she doesn't need a man to take care of her. She does not want to have something with Damien because she has seen the problems her friend had because she loved a celebrity. Damien lived hard and played hard, all that changed when he decided he wanted something more with Mary. He was sweet, understanding and off the charts hot, he has more patients than a saint at times. This book started out as another boy meets girl, they have sex and start seeing each other. I was really surprised when things started to change, the mood of the book subtly shifted from erotica to a sweet romance. There were still plenty of steamy sex scenes; however the difference in the characters actions and attitudes was huge. The changes added a new depth to the characters that was missing in the beginning, the characters started to matter to me and I was rooting for their happily ever after. The writing was good, the storyline was interesting and the sex scenes were hot. I really liked this book and will be picking up the other books in the series.

Secrets of The Apple

  

Ryoki is comfortable is his custom-built hell, making money with both hands and slashing his path through the world of men. But there's something about Kate, something important dangling just at the edge of his consciousness. She can't read a map, she falls off her heels, and yet she saves his life with a button and a bit of thread. Terrified she's privately plotting to marry him, he studies her with hooded eyes, attempting to discover her secrets for himself. But understanding Kate will challenge everything he thought he knew. Why exactly did Eve hand over her apple? 

Review

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

 Ryoki is an executive with a tendency to care more about work than people. He has to be in control of things, he works all the time and when he does have an off day he spends it drinking and sleeping with meaningless women. He meets Kate who is his temporary assistant, he starts to see things differently. This book was a slow love story, it focused on the importance of family. This book was well written, the characters had layers that were slowly exposed through out the book. The meetings of old customs and new ideas was  interesting to read about. This book had a lot going for it and I am sure there are a lot of people who will enjoy it. However, I don't feel that I can accurately rate it, I don't think it would be fair to author to give it a one star just because it was it was not my personal taste. I also can't give it anything higher because I can't see past my dislike. 

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Edge of the Past

 Title: Edge of the Past (Edge, #2)
Author: Jennifer Comeaux
Release date: November 27, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Emily's skating career and personal life have never been more golden. She and her partner Chris have won every competition they've entered this season, and she's found the man of her dreams in her coach Sergei. But when one of the biggest competitions of the year takes Emily and Sergei to Russia, Sergei's past explodes into the present and makes Emily doubt everything in their future
Links: Goodreads Barnes and Noble  Smashwords

 

Excerpt

 Sergei pressed me up into the star lift, and I noticed some of the other skaters idling and watching us. We sped past them, and Sergei set me down, preparing for the closing seconds of the program.
In time with the final piano notes, I edged away from Sergei, and he rushed toward me, trapping me in his arms for the ending pose. I gasped at the passion with which he grabbed me. His eyes held my gaze then slowly drifted down to my mouth, and my body hummed from the fiery energy between us. I leaned into his chest and squeezed my fingers harder around his biceps.
A few of my training mates erupted with applause and whistles, and Sergei jerked backward. He didn’t say anything as he took off to cool down, leaving me alone in the middle of the ice with more than my muscles burning.

Enter the rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win an ebook copy of Life on the Edge (Edge #1)

Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history. Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily's dreams of gold.











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The Crescent Chronicles

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Sometimes you just have to take flight. A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi. Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.
Links: Goodreads  Barnes and Noble  Amazon

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society. Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.
Links:Goodreads  Amazon

Levi might be hot, strong, and have a cool set of wings, but it's not enough to make up for keeping Allie in the dark. Allie's tired of being left with more questions than answers. She's tired of loving a guy who refuses to level with her. Most of all, she's tired of her life spinning out of control. Desperate to save Jess no matter the personal cost, Allie has to face the possibility that the only one she can trust is herself.
Links: Goodreads  
 

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
Links:

--Author Website: http://www.alyssaroseivy.com/

--Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivy

--Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy

--Twitter: https://twitter.com/alyssaroseivy

 

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On Dublin Street 18+

The following review is for 18 + readers

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…
Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.
Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.
But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

Review

Sometimes we come across a book that strikes a chord deep within us, one that we can relate to on a personal level. When that happens, you find yourself so much more involved with the characters and the storyline stays with you for days and days. Well it does with me and that is what happened to me when I read On Dublin Street.

As a sufferer of panic attacks I am well aware of the fear that is a constant companion in your life. For some people they cannot understand the things your mind will do to you and what you do in your mind to rationalise certain situations to make you "safe". Because of this I felt I had an immediate connection with Joss, I felt like I understood her, even though the reasons behind her decisions were altogether different from mine.

This book was quite slow building and I don't mean it was not well paced or I was bored. I mean you were given a little bit of time to understand characters; you were waiting with keen anticipation for more, but definitely not bored. I like this a lot, especially after reading books where the “instant love” relationship happens within the first few chapters, this was a lovely change of pace.

I was really interested in Joss's healing process, I loved her meetings with Dr Pritchard, and I wanted her to get past her pain. My heart really broke for all that she had suffered.

Because of that, I absolutely loved Brendan and Ellie. What wonderful people to have come into your life when you have purposefully isolated yourself. I believe Joss understood that too, and maybe realised her relationship with Rhian wasn't helping her move forward like the ones with Ellie and Brendan.

Brendan was great for her, patient but sneaky, he didn't put up with a lot of her denial and all her wall building, which is what she needed.

 I spent last night going over and over the last six months in me head and I  know that you're lying to me. I know you love me, Jocelyn, because there's no fucking way I can be this much in love with you, and not have you feel the same way. It's not possible.

GAH!!! He is brilliant.

To me this book had a fantastic romance with a heart wrenching story intertwined within, it is special. I am not going to get over it anytime soon. Special characters, special story, loved it!

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Samantha Young

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Samantha Young, is a 26 year old writer from Stirlingshire, Scotland. After graduating from the university of Edinburgh, Samantha returned to Stirlingshire where she happily spends her days writing about people she's keen for others to meet, and worlds she's dying for them to visit. Having written over ten young adult urban fantasy novels, Samantha took the big plunge into adult contemporary romance with her novel 'On Dublin Street'. 'On Dublin Street' is a #1 National Bestseller and has been re-published by NAL(Penguin US).
Links: Goodreads  Blog On Dublin Street






Interview with Samantha:
1. What made you decide to write an adult romance novel?

I’d always intended to branch into adult fiction, and after being introduced by a reader to contemporary romance in 2011 and falling for the genre, I decided I wanted to challenge myself to writing an adult romance book first. It’s the best challenge I’ve ever given myself!

2. When you started writing the Warriors of Ankh series, did you always know you were going to have Eden make the decision that she did at the end?
Yes. I knew it would be a difficult decision for Eden but in order to become the kind of warrior she wanted to be, she had to learn forgiveness. She didn’t have to be nice about it (and she wasn’t) but she needed to put it behind her in order to move on with her life.

3. As a self-published author is it hard for you to find good editors?
It is difficult. It’s something an author should research carefully and make sure that the editor they choose has the qualifications to be charging professional editing rates. It’s a good idea to send a sample of unedited work to an editor and have them edit it so you can see their work before an agreement is made.

4. What is your favorite sweets to eat when you are reading a books?
Um… chocolate peppermint creams  I didn’t have to think hard about that at all!

5. What songs do you think best describes The Tale of Lunarmorte series, On Dublin Street, Warriors of Ankh, Fire Spirit, The Fade and Drip Drop Teardrop?
TOL: Cosmic Love by Florence + the Machine; ODS: Non-Believer by La Rocca; WOA: Half of Something Else by The Airborne Toxic Event; Fire Spirits: Set Fire to the Rain by Adele; The Fade: Riverside by Agnes Obel and DDT: Overload by The Cardigans

6. Last question what is the best book you have read in the New Year?
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Books:

Warriors of Ankh Trilogy:

What would you do if you were born to be a predator? Would you fight your natural instincts or give in to your nature? Eden is a soul eater closing in on her awakening. Her family has convinced her that soon she will have to take a life in order to save her own. It’s a decision Eden doesn’t want to deal with even as her hunger for souls grows stronger every day. To complicate her impossible position, new guy in school Noah Valois’ determination to befriend her puts Eden in touch with a humanity she’s never known. Addicted to his company, his friendship and affection, she becomes more and more terrified that giving into her hunger will mean losing him forever… … But when she discovers that Noah is not what he seems, his betrayal forces her to face two choices. One will offer her revenge and the destruction of a boy she loved. The other may offer her a life of eternal redemption… YA Paranormal Fiction for mature teens+ (some content may not be suitable for younger readers)
   
 

All Eden wants is redemption... but the road to redemption is never an easy one. Travelling to Scotland to find her mother’s bloodline, Eden is soon embroiled in the politics and training of the Scottish Warriors of Neith. It is a world where some stand with open arms ready to welcome her as family, while others keep a wary distance, conspiring against her. Through it all Eden learns of love, friendship, and what it means to be a warrior. Her future has promise... that is until a man she thought forever gone from her life returns to threaten it all. When the one person Eden loves above all else is endangered, she will have to make a choice. Him... or her? YA Paranormal Romance recommended for ages 16 years and up





Eden’s life has taken a turn she would never have imagined. She’s gone from soul eater to warrior, left behind a family she was ashamed of and moved in with one she admires. She has a purpose, a future, and… she has Noah. Life should be good. But… the most fervent and powerful soul eaters are determined to take down the Ankh and Eden is the key to the destruction of the warrior race. Moreover, a shadowed enemy is still after Eden, and the mortal Warriors of Neith have chosen the worst time imaginable to start an uprising. With an enemy in every corner, the problems before her are overwhelming. Then again, Eden hasn’t come this far to let anyone snatch her new life from her… However, just when Eden thought she’d battled the monster within and won, the warrior who took something precious from her comes back into her life, tempting Eden to take a course of revenge there is no turning back from. A YA Paranormal Romance recommended for ages 16 and up 
     


The Tale of Lunarmorte:

Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance... It’s bad enough feeling different among the human crowd, but feeling different among wolves? No one said returning to her pack would be easy, especially after ten years without them, but seventeen year old Caia Ribeiro is unprepared for the realities of the transition. Raised in a world where kids aren’t scared by bedtime tales of the bogeyman but by the real life threat of enemy supernaturals who might come creeping into their community to kill them in their sleep, Caia is used to the darkness; she’s used to the mystery and the intrigue of the ancient underworld war she’s bound to by chance of birth. What she’s having trouble with are pack members treating her with wary suspicion, the Elders tucking secrets behind their backs out of her sightline, and her young Alpha, Lucien, distracting her, with a dangerous attraction, from her decision to uncover the truth. But as the saying goes ‘the truth will out’ and when it does, Caia will only have so long to prepare herself before the war comes pounding on their door threatening to destroy the safe, secret lives of the wolves… and the girl they protect. YA Paranormal Romance recommended for ages 16 and up.   

Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance... Swept into the world of the Daylight Coven, Caia is caught between her loyalty to the Daylights and her new insight into the hearts of the Midnights. As more obstacles are thrown in her and Lucien's way, Caia is pushed further adrift from him and Pack Errante. With no one to turn to, Caia has to make the most difficult choice of all... Who does she truly belong with? The Daylights or the Midnights? YA Paranormal Romance recommended for ages 16 and up.

Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance... In the final installment of The Tale of Lunarmorte, Caia is caught between the most powerful beings in her world, and they are all desperate to use her for their own means. While Caia struggles to find her purpose, tragedy strikes close to home, and time runs out. Now she must decide if she will join the extremists she was trying to destroy... or bring them all down on her own terms... YA Paranormal Romance recommended for ages 16 and up Fire Spirits     








Fire Spirits:

FEAR THE HEAT... When eighteen year old Ari Johnson is transported from her bedroom into the chilling realm of Mount Qaf - home to the terrifying and mercurial Jinn - she learns a truth that rocks her very world. Suddenly her anxiety over college and her broken friendship with Charlie seem like small change compared to the war she now finds herself stuck in the middle of. Her unease isn’t lessened any by the hot guardian, Jai, who won’t stop following her around everywhere - a Jinn whose loyalty Ari hates to question but must. She has no idea who she can trust. When the truth burns through her life in its determination to turn it to ashes, Ari will have to battle with ancient deadly creatures, epic family drama and heart-wrenching romantic entanglements.
    

FEAR THE HEAT... The White King has crossed the line, sounded the horn, sent out the wolves. When blood is shed and life is lost the reality of Ari’s position as both hunter and prey finally sets in. It seems her father will stop at nothing to force her will to his own and distracted by Charlie’s latest mistake and her seemingly misguided attraction to Jai, Ari never thought to fear anyone else but the Jinn King. Blindsided and attacked, Ari learns a new wolf has joined the hunt. A dark sorcerer believes he knows a way to bleed the power of the Seal and wield it as his own, and he is even less patient than The White King. The War for the Seal has only just begun… and it’s time for Ari to turn it on its head. It’s time for Ari to stop acting like the hunted. It’s time for Ari to become the hunter

Everything in Ari’s life until this point has been borrowed. Her human life with a man who wasn't her real father. A love for a boy who needed more than her to be strong. Kisses with a Jinn who refused to do anything but lend them out in moments of weakness. And even her resolve, which seemed to fail her whenever she needed it most. But Ari is done borrowing. She finally feels strong enough to make hunting Jinn not just a hobby to get her through her dismal situation, but to make hunting a permanent and necessary career. Her friendship with Charlie might finally make it onto real and steady ground if only she can save him from the trial on Mount Qaf. And her love for Jai could be eternal, if only she could gain control over the darkness of the Seal within her. Ari believes all of this is doable. That finally she will truly own the relationships in her life and to a certain extent have ownership over her future. But none of that matters when it isn't up to her… …For high in the emerald mountains of Mount Qaf, the Sultan Azazil has been keeping secrets. Even from the Jinn Kings. Secrets that will change everything… and bring Ari to the crashing realization that once again… … she’s borrowed something that will never truly belong to her. Something that is desperate to be unleashed. Something that could destroy them all

Ari Johnson wishes adjusting to living with her boyfriend was her only source of excitement and anxiety. She wishes a lot of things. But then wishing was what got her here in the first place. Ari chose to be a Guild Hunter. She wanted to stalk dangerous Jinn and destroy them before they could harm innocent people. But now that Ari is a member of The Guild, she finds herself in the impossible position of hunting her ex-best friend – human-turned-dangerous sorcerer, Charlie Creagh. As Ari struggles to come to terms with her duty, an ancient Jinn and his companion want revenge on her for using the command of the Seal against them; the White King refuses to give up on his quest to resurrect Lilif, and Asmodeus isn’t done toying with her. When Ari can take no more, rushing to the Sultan Azazil’s side to demand of him the favor he owes her, the events she sets in motion will not only alter everyone’s lives, it will kindle a darkness that will shake the realms to their very core.    



The Fade: 

Slumber - A Romance Molded by a tragic childhood, nineteen-year-old Rogan finds it extremely difficult to trust people. Now Haydyn, her best friend and the one person she does trust, is dying and only Rogan can save her. Setting off on a journey to retrieve the plant that will cure Haydyn and subsequently the ills that will befall them all if she dies, Rogan is stuck in close quarters with a protector she distrusts above all others. Wolfe Stovia. The son of the man who destroyed Rogan’s family. At a constant battle of wills with the handsome Captain of the Guard, Rogan just knows this adventure together will be fraught with tension. She never imagined, however, that the quest would be so dangerous… not least of all when she finds herself falling for a man she could have sworn was her no.1 enemy… (New Adult, Fantasy Romance: recommended for ages 17+ contains mature situations and some strong language)    

An update on the book and its release-Update on book at it's release date- 











On Dublin Street:
 

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare… Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core. Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached. But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control.... It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly. But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try. Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece 



Drip Drop Teardrop:
 

Even Death Can Fall in Love... Avery hasn’t had it easy. When she was ten years old her parents died in a car crash. Now nine years later her Aunt Caroline is the only family she has left. And Caroline is dying. So when Death comes knocking (quite literally) in the form of the damaged and dangerous, Brennus, Avery makes a deal with the reaper in order to save Caroline. Brennus is an Ankou. One of the many, once mortal men and women, who were given the choice to become an immortal in exchange for ferrying the dead over into their afterlife. Nine years ago Brennus took Avery’s parents and tried to take Avery, but she fought him and won. Amazed by her strength Brennus followed Avery and has watched over her. Now he knows Avery is the one to offer him freedom from his obligation to the dead. And he’ll stop at nothing to have her. A YA Paranormal Romance for older readers. 





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