Review: Anthem's Fall by S.L. Dunn

Title: Anthem’s Fall
Author: S.L. Dunn
Publication: Prospect Hill Press, July 2014
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

Above a horrified New York City, genetics and ethics collide as the fallen emperor and a banished exile of the same herculean race ignite into battle over the city’s rooftops. In the streets below, a brilliant young scientist has discovered a technology that can defeat them both, yet might be more terrible than either.

Set both in modern New York City and in the technologically sophisticated yet politically savage world of Anthem, Anthem’s Fall unfurls into a plot where larger than life characters born with the prowess of gods are pitted against the shrewd brilliance of a familiar and unlikely heroine.

 

A story of beings with the strength of gods causing the genocide of neighboring planets while tampering with genetic organisms to further their own race...um yeah, that sounds like my kind of book. When I read the synopsis for this book I was extremely impatient to devour each page. The beginning starts off very slow so please keep with the story and soldier through. I know I kept having to stop and refresh myself with a caffeinated beverage before diving back into Kristen Jordan's chapters in the story. I’m not sure what I didn’t like about this character. Maybe it was that I didn’t really get to know her much and she just sounded a bit white and black with no shades of grey. I wanted her to become a kick ass character or shock me, but nope... all she did was blush when people said she looked way too young. I still have faith she could redeem herself in the second book so fingers crossed.

I truly enjoyed the chapters about Anthem and the Primus race. I found that whole Sejero upgrade race thing fascinating and how the Felixes turned on their masters. These scenes were kinda gory but I’m not a squeamish type so if you are just a heads up. I just wanted more backstory about this savage planet and the inhabitants that coldly devalue other’s life that are not Primus. Perhaps I’m partial to science fiction intergalactic alien themes and just wanted more Anthem but was only given a glance. I know...I know, patience young padawan. Haha.

The recurring thought that drifts off the pages is just how far, for example, will the human race go to tamper with genetics? Indeed that is the question and very valid one at that. I think what freaked me out the most about this story was the possibility of creating a life form such as an animal or human with unmeasurable strength. I can hear that scene in Jurassic Park where Dr. Malcolm says, “Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should.” I think we rarely think if we should and in the case of Anthem, they fall victim to that same scenario. Well, before I get way off track here, let’s talk about the ending and the book as a whole, shall we?

The ending was just WOW and UGH and now I am left wanting mooooore! You wicked wicked author, S.L. Dunn! I know that I didn’t quite tell you what happened, but that would ruin the ending and we can’t have that. *wink* Just be prepared for what may come and is probably not what you expect at all. Okay, I’m done with the hints. You will get no more out of me unless you have a cookie. *sinister grin* Yes...yes I could tell you more for some cookies. *rubs hands together* Muahahaha!

Moving on to the book as a whole. Well, what can I say other than, this book has it’s dull moments which are in the very beginning, but once that is in your back mirror, it’s action scenes with super strength giants, creepy blue eyed murderous Felixes, a hunky exiled royal hero, bloody battlegrounds in Anthem/Chicago/New York, and cool Sejero names like Gravitas and Vengelis. So if these themes appeal to you, then I suggest you definitely get a copy of Anthem’s Fall today. I look forward to reading the next book, Herculaneum.

Review: Thimble Down

Title: Thimble Down: A Mystery (Chronicles of Dorro)
Author: Pete Prown
Publication: 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

THIMBLE DOWN is a country village where death and malice lurk the quiet lanes. When the vile, drunken Bing Rumple acquires a gem-laden treasure, violence begins to follow him everywhere. Where did Bing find such a precious jewel, and worse, is someone willing to kill to possess it? In this fast-paced adventure, the village bookmaster, Mr. Dorro, and his young companions Wyll Underfoot and Cheeryup Tunbridge are in a desperate race to find the answer—before death comes to Thimble Down.

 

I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book. So much detail! From the beginning you see an index of the major characters of this story...so much gratitude towards the author for doing this. Loved the quick reference for remembering the character’s name and how to correctly spell them since a lot were a bit unusual. Having it all within reach was fantastic, especially when you are using an e-reader. Haha. Continuing with the detail, author Pete Prown throws in a map of the town of Thimble Down. That was a good reference as well because you were able to look back and follow along with the clues Dorro uncovered in relation to location within the town. This story and the characters reminded me a lot of Tolkien's The Hobbit mixed in with Sherlock Holmes.

Dorro Fox Winderiver is a Halfling and Bookmaster of Thimble Down. I just love saying his long intriguing name, lol. He is such an intelligent and interesting character. Taller than the average Halfling in size with a round belly because, like most halflings, he loves to indulge in savory meals throughout the day. How can you not love him already? Dorro’s pure determination and unexpected bravery pulled at my heart strings. Even in the face of danger this halfling stared eye to eye glaring at it in order to get answers. He has to for the sake of young Wyll, Bing, and his beloved village. That sure is a lot of weight to carry on one’s shoulders, but he does it brilliantly. You will fear for him and cheer for him!

I hadn’t read a good mystery in awhile so I was delighted and thoroughly enjoyed Thimble Down. This story doesn’t contain a lot of action because it requires so much set up. You are following a few character’s along the way like Dorro, Sheriff Forgo, and the Woodland Elves that contribute clues towards the murder and stolen elf brooch *Telstar*. Now I’m not saying that action is completely missing from this story, it just happens when the time is right. *wink* So if you are not a person who enjoys a lot of dialogue and story set up, perhaps this might not be the right book for you. If you enjoy reading about hobbits, elves, mystery, murder, and food, then make Thimble Down your next read. I can’t wait to see what mysteries Dorro uncovers next.

Review: Kissed by A Dark Prince

Title: Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates #1)
Author: Felicity Heaton
Publication: 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

Olivia thinks it’s her lucky night when a dangerously handsome unconscious fae ends up on her inspection table. He’s her chance to redeem herself with her employer, the demon-hunting organisation, Archangel. But when the tall, dark and deadly immortal warrior awakes, she gets much more than she bargained for…

Attacked by his enemy in the elf kingdom, the last thing Prince Loren expects when he comes around is a beautiful angel watching over him and medical technology of the mortal realm. Hazy from his injuries, all he can focus on is the pulse ticking in her throat and the sweet allure of her blood.

One single bite reveals she is his eternal mate, triggering a bond between them that will leave him weakened until it is complete… or broken, and pulling Olivia into the crossfire of his ancient feud.

To protect his people and his mate from the machinations of a madman, Loren must risk everything by working with Olivia at Archangel to find a way to break the bond blossoming between them.

But will Loren be strong enough to place duty before desire and give up the one thing he has waited millennia for and craves above all others—his eternal mate? And will Olivia be able to resist the incredible heat that burns between them and the temptation of her dark prince’s kiss?

I haven’t read a good Paranormal Romance story in a long time and this book was a great reintroduction to this genre for me. I’m extremely hooked on this series! You have soul mates, demons, elves, hot men, sexy women, teleporting, action, erotica, and much more. Sounds like your kind of read, huh? Well, I was very much engulfed into this story taking on the feelings of each character and their struggles. I loved the passion between Loren and Olivia and their friends loyalty in Sable and Bleu. This was definitely a book I made a lot of commentary on...NO…What’s wrong with you...Oh no she didn’t...Awww! Good thing I was alone most of the time, lol.

The chemistry between Loren and Olivia is explosive. Their animalistic need to claim each other from any potential mates, because of this bond, is a bit nerve wrecking. You can imagine the anger and violence this sort of need would cause and believe me, Loren definitely did some damage to anyone who even glanced at his beautiful ki’ara (fated mate). Loren is a tall, dark, handsome, muscular Elf Prince with the most luring purple eyes *fans self* and he doesn’t wear anything under his armor. *wink* Olivia is a sassy, smart, sexy, scientist having rich brown eyes and wavy chestnut hair who seems to catch the attention of the demon kind of men. Olivia’s latest demon relationship caused an unknown breach to her science facility (Archangel) where many were killed leaving her badly injured, heart broken, and a feeling of shame and guilt. How could she trust or love another? *sigh*

So what is my over all decision about this book? I absolutely loved it! It fed my need for Paranormal Romance and really made me excited to read the second book in this series. I was hooked from the beginning starting off with a little action and mystery which only sucked me in further. Now hungry to know more, I devoured page after page lingering a bit longer on the erotic scenes. Don’t judge me! Haha. By the end, I was shaking my leg nervous to see what will happen to the characters I’ve become so attached to. Wouldn’t you like to know? *evil cackle* Heck, I’m interested in reading more of Miss Felicity’s other series as well if this is what I am to expect. This Paranormal Romance has great characters, smokin’ hot erotica, great imagery, and a story that will linger making you want more. Felicity Heaton has the next book in this Eternal Mates series “Claimed by a Demon King” coming out sometime in 2014. *Squeeee* I can not wait! 

What’s next in the Eternal Mates paranormal romance series?

It’s great to be here at Book Soul Mates today as part of the Kissed by a Dark Prince Book Tour celebrating the release of the first book in my new Eternal Mates series of paranormal romance novels.

Today, I’m going to talk about what’s next in the series.

But before we get to the main event, I want to introduce myself. I’m a British paranormal romance author and a USA Today best-seller. I have been writing since 2005, and went indie in 2006. I love to write big worlds, populated by vampires, shifters, demons, fae and angels, and I have several series. This tour is about the Eternal Mates series, which is actually a spin-off from my Vampire Erotic Theatre series. That series focused on a family of vampires at one theatre in London but it had glimpses into the wider world outside the theatre. It’s that world of fae, dark elves, demons, witches, shifters, and other incredible species that the Eternal Mates focuses on.

So what’s next in the series? What do you all have to look forward to as we venture deeper into this world?

The next book is Claimed by a Demon King and takes us down into the depths of Hell to the Third Realm and King Thorne’s war against the Fifth Realm. Things are heating up down there, with the Fifth King constantly pushing Thorne’s forces to their limit and weakening his numbers. Of course, things will be heating up for another reason when Prince Loren leads his legion of elves to Thorne’s aid and Sable leads her band of mortal hunters from Archangel with him.

Elves and humans aren’t the only ones assisting King Thorne with his war though. The vampires are sending their First Legion of the Preux Chevaliers, led by their fearless commander, Lord Van der Garde, and the werewolves are up for a scrap too, but it remains to be seen whether that’s with Thorne’s enemy or with the vampires in his own castle.

Expect plenty of passion in this one as Thorne fights for his kingdom and his mate, determined to claim the fiery huntress Sable and have her as his forever. He’s not alone in his quest for Sable’s attention though. Thorne has competition in the form of the elf commander, Bleu, and the male isn’t about to just roll over and let the king have his way.

You’ll also get to meet more future heroes and heroines, and new species, such as dragon shifters and bear shifters!

After Claimed by a Demon King, we’re taking a walk on the wild side with one very broken elf prince and a sorceress with a serious problem on her hands. It’s a book that I cannot wait to write and one I know a few readers are already excited about and eagerly anticipating.

Claimed by a Demon King is due for release on February 22^nd 2014, and if things go according to schedule, you can expect the third book in the series to follow it on November 29^th.

Be sure to follow this fantastic tour to learn more about the passionate heroes and sassy heroines in the Eternal Mates romance series! You can also find yourself in with a chance to WIN a $50 or $25 Amazon Gift Certificate if you follow the tour. More details, including how to enter and a full list of stops, are available at the Kissed by a Dark Prince Virtual Book Tour page: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/kissedbyadarkprince-book-tour.php

Kissed by a Dark Prince is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Also available in paperback. Find the links to your preferred retailer and a downloadable 6 chapter excerpt at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/kbadp

 Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 1)
Felicity Heaton
Olivia thinks it’s her lucky night when a dangerously handsome unconscious fae ends up on her inspection table. He’s her chance to redeem herself with her employer, the demon-hunting organisation, Archangel. But when the tall, dark and deadly immortal warrior awakes, she gets much more than she bargained for…

Attacked by his enemy in the elf kingdom, the last thing Prince Loren expects when he comes around is a beautiful angel watching over him and medical technology of the mortal realm. Hazy from his injuries, all he can focus on is the pulse ticking in her throat and the sweet allure of her blood.

One single bite reveals she is his eternal mate, triggering a bond between them that will leave him weakened until it is completed… or broken, and pulling Olivia into the crossfire of his ancient feud.

To protect his people and his mate from the machinations of a madman, Loren must risk everything by working with Olivia at Archangel to find a way to break the bond blossoming between them.

But will Loren be strong enough to place duty before desire and give up the one thing he has waited millennia for and craves above all others—his eternal mate? And will Olivia be able to resist the incredible heat that burns between them and the temptation of her dark prince’s kiss?

Books in the Eternal Mates romance series:

Kissed by a Dark Prince (Eternal Mates Romance Series Book 1)

Claimed by a Demon King – coming February 2014

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felicity Heaton is a USA Today and international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal

romance books. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places:

Website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk

Blog: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/felicityheaton

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/felicityheaton

Mailing List: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/newsletter.php

Review: Timeless

Title: Timeless
Author: Jan Scarbrough
Publication: 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 3 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

When Beth Abbott receives a surprise inheritance from her birth mother, she travels to the family’s nineteenth century mansion in Old Louisville, now a bed and breakfast. There she meets the resident ghost, a little girl whose crying scares, but intrigues guests. Beth sets out to discover the identity of the ghost and why she appears happy to Beth, not sad.

Jeff Halstead, a man with several secrets, runs the bed and breakfast. But he’s more than that to Beth, and she feels their connection immediately. A psychic medium who doubts his skills, Jeff slowly uncovers the truth of their past lives. Will he be in time to reveal the identity of Beth’s enemy? Will the love they shared in the past follow them into the future?

This Contemporary Gothic Romance novel has a lot of themes going on for such a short read. I felt that I was being pulled in many different directions with the past stories and the present, then we have ghosts and reincarnation, and then rape. *sigh* So much was put into this story that it really felt a bit overwhelming. I would have liked to see more focus on the present characters’ story development. Jeff and Beth had such a connection, but it didn’t seem like I knew enough about them. I also wanted more ghost elements within this story because those parts really had my attention. I can see what the author was trying to go for by having long lost souls reunite with each other, which I thought was sweet and enjoyed that part of the story.

Jeff and Beth definitely have this chemistry that made the pages hot and steamy. Jeff was this dark haired, blue eyed, mysterious, sexy, older man and Beth was this pretty, blond haired, young, shy woman. *Bow chicka wow wow* Wow, what a tease dance of sexual tension between these two. Obviously I was rooting for a hook up with every turn of the page. *wink*


I did like the ghost element of the story where little Grace haunts the Chadwick Bed and Breakfast. I tried to not read those parts when I was alone at night. I swear I thought I heard a child giggling which made that part even spookier for me.*Eeepp* I also would have liked to have known more about Beth’s birth mother, Melissa, but not much was said about her. Honestly, I believe if the story was longer and the characters and story were a bit more developed, then I would have enjoyed this book so much more. If you enjoy short reads with elements of the paranormal, reincarnation, and long lost love, then pick up a copy of Timeless.

Review: The Christmas Town

Title: The Christmas Town
Author: Elyse Douglas
Publication: 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 3 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

The Christmas Town, by Elyse Douglas, is a new time travel, mystery, romance novel that was released on October 11, 2013.

Traveling home for Christmas, two young women in their 20s are forced to drive together during a snowstorm, and they get lost. They cross a covered bridge and, suddenly, they enter the past, finding themselves in a small picturesque Vermont town in 1943. They meet two handsome soldiers, who are about to be sent off to war, and they fall in love with them, while also struggling to find a way to return home to their own time.

With the soldiers’ help, on Christmas Eve, the two women finally have one chance to return to their own time, but they are caught between their love for the soldiers, and their desire to return to the present. At the last moment, they must make the difficult decision and, because it is Christmas, a miracle happens.

 

This was such a cute holiday time travel romance. Although it was somewhat predictable, I did however enjoy the glimpse into an American’s life in 1943. The attention to detail from the clothes, to the shops, and even the way these characters thought and spoke really transported me into this time period. I kept thinking how the heck would I have dealt with rations and the love of my life going off to war? Such a tough thing to go through, but at the same time an important milestone for women because with the boys away they were able to step up to the late and do the men’s work. I liked that the author emphasized how important woman were at this time and how the world seemed to have changed because of it. This seemed like the perfect time for two strong willed working women from 2013 to travel back to 1943. Perfect or disastrous, lol.

These two strangers, Jackie and Megan, find themselves needing each other the most when they take a wrong turn into the past. Just imagine you are driving in the rental car with this woman you hardly know and find out you are stuck in the year 1943!! Eeep! I would pinch myself hard and really hope I was dreaming. Seriously, what the heck would you do? I suppose one could try to fit in as much as possible because it’s not like someone would really believe you. What a pickle that would be.

Jackie is a headstrong, sexy, logical woman who is focused on getting the job done. Being this way, she needed to tone it down for this new world she was in since most women didn’t act this way around these parts. Megan is a bubbly actress who loves the challenge of telling a good lie. Together these women are the Yin to the other’s Yang which helps them get out of a few difficult situations. Nothing brings a friendship together than going back in time to a small town where everyone thinks they are strange or mysterious. *wink*

Since this is a Contemporary Romance novel, it must have smoking hot men in it, right? The author gave us two handsome, strong soldiers. Jeff Grant is a black haired blue eyed hunk with a smile that will make you melt. *swoon* Danny Crawford, or Danny Boy, is a redhead, green eyed, broad shouldered stud with a shy side to him. *double swoon* These good ol’ boys were perfect gentlemen, going off to serve their country in a few days, and wanted to spend their limited time with Jackie and Megan. You can imagine how difficult this all can get when the ladies are desperate to find a way back to their own time and how falling in love might change things completely. Yet another pickle they have managed to get themselves in.

This was a fun read with a lot of great imagery about what the 1940’s would have been like and I enjoyed traveling alongside Jackie and Megan. I did find that, at parts, the story felt a bit dull with hardly any romance scenes. I found it a little disappointing being in the Contemporary Romance genre. Jackie and Megan were not my favorite characters, but I did enjoy the supporting characters a bit more like: Jeff, Danny Boy, and Aunt Betty. Perhaps it’s their small town charm that I found heartfelt and most interesting. This was my first time travel read so I’m not sure if this is indeed the genre for me. If you like to read Contemporary Holiday Time Travel books with less romance, but still a cute story with great imagery, then why don’t you give this book a try.

Review: The World Without A Future

Title: The World Without a Future
Author: Nazarea Andrews
Publication: 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review.

She was born the day the world ended…

Nurrin has lived her entire life with zombies—trapped behind walls meant to keep them safe. She’s mostly happy there. But when a zombie horde breach the walls of her Haven, she has to trust her brother, Collin, and his best friend to keep her alive.

He just wants his past to die…

Finn O’Malley has given up on voicing warnings that are ignored. No one cares that the zombies are changing. Now all that matters is keeping Collin and Nurrin safe from what’s outside the walls of a Haven. But when Nurrin’s best friend picks up a contact infection, he agrees to get the medicine needed to save his life. Forced together, relying on each other in a strange Haven, zombies aren’t the most dangerous thing they’re facing.

In their world, only one thing remains true: everything ends in blood.

 

This New Adult Zombie Dystopian story had me at the edge of my seat page after page. There are so many emotions and thoughts running through my mind right now about what I just read. Just wow...where to start? This world that the author, Nazarea Andrews, created is extremely frightening with the infected hordes of zombies taking over most of the world except gated communities called Havens. One by one these Havens get breached by these zombie hordes and humans are either infected or slaughtered. The way these zombies are described, from the way they move and scream, paints such a vivid gruesome picture. Instantly, I was transformed within these pages walking along side the characters and so fearful of what would happen next.

Let’s talk about the two main characters Nurrin aka "Ren" and Finn O’Malley. Nurrin is a beautiful, sassy, tough, young woman who is considered one of the “first” as she was born the day the zombie apocalypse world started. This makes her extremely sought after by the Order which is an organization who believes that sacrificing the first borns as tribute will bring about less zombie attacks. Yeah, a twisted way of thinking, but in this world nothing seems moral anymore. On that note, enter the extremely handsome, cocky, hot tempered Finn O’ Malley. He oozes sex and mystery which is very intriguing especially to Nurrin. These two characters have such great, complicated chemistry with each other. It’s obvious they want to jump each others bones, but they just can’t stand each other. Definitely a lot of teasing going on in this story, lol.

After I read the whole book, I just sat there and let it all truly sink in. I had so many mixed emotions about how the story ended. I kept thinking to myself, hmmm, when will the author start wrapping this book up because I still have so many questions that need answering. The ending leaves you hanging from the cliff...literally! Do keep in mind that this is the first book in the series so answers should be revealed in the following books. *wink* With all that being said, I really enjoyed this page turning fright fest. The steamy sex scenes almost made me forget that flesh eating zombie hordes are hiding in the shadows. In all, a great read if you enjoy zombies, horror, action, drama, sex, and fast cars. I can’t wait for book two! I need book two!!! *already twitching with zombie withdrawals* No pressure Ms. Nazarea Andrews. Haha.

  

Review: White Lie Christmas

Title: White Lie Christmas
Author: Christine Bell and Riley Murphy
Publication: Entangled Publishing, LLC, 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review.

The holidays are here, and Leah Latrelle has made a mess of them. When her out-of-town parents’ concern over her non-existent love life threatens to interfere with her father’s health, she invents a boyfriend who quickly turns into a fiancé. Her family is thrilled, and they change their Christmas plans last minute to meet their future son-in-law. Now Leah has no choice but to come up with the goods. She needs a man, fast. When her friend and business partner, Mick, offers himself up as a sacrifice, she’s all over it. He’s handsome, dependable and available for the job. What could go wrong?Tis the season, and Mick Kilpatrick can’t say no to a damsel in distress. Especially when that damsel is his luscious business partner who has been the object of his reluctant desire for the past year. He hasn’t pursued anything because being a dad is still priority number one. A sexy woman like Leah will only distract him from what’s really important and he can’t have that. He’ll pretend to be her fiancé, but when it’s over, everything will go back to normal. Sure, he’s fantasized about her once or...a million times but that doesn’t mean he’s in love with her. Does it?

What a cute sexy novella just in time for the holidays. This will be a Christmas to never forget. *chuckling* Leah Latrelle has really gotten herself into a pickle this time. How on earth is she going to pull this whole “I have a fiance and I’m madly in love” just within a few days of her parents visit?  I have two words for you, Mick Kilpatrick. *swoon* He is every mother-in-law’s dream son-in-law -- successful, fit, tall, extremely handsome, and what a smooth talker. Leah sure picked herself a winner, but with just one problem: will it work and if it does how will this affect their business relationship? All great questions which, believe me, I was asking myself this the whole time reading page after page.

The chemistry between Leah and Mick gets addictive really quickly. Mick who wants this whole fake engagement to be a success and tries so hard to make sure Leah’s parents have a great holiday. Leah on the other hand is a nervous train wreck which I can very much understand. She is lying to her parents and sister about having a fiance. This is a HUGE charade to pull off especially with people who know her all too well. This hot and cold, back and forth between Leah and Mick just pulls you into the story. I found myself saying “awwww” when Mick was extremely sweet then screamed “chill out” to Leah when she was blowing their cover. So many emotions going on while reading!

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy, sweet, short holiday read. It will evoke many emotions that you will find yourself talking to the pages as though the character’s will answer you back. *chuckling* I’m very vocal while I read so you can imagine when I ride on the bus. I’m not embarrassed! Well, I enjoyed reading White Lie Christmas very much, loved the romance, importance of family and sexy themes within the story. So if you have a day free, I say pick this book up and enjoy a little holiday cheer. If anything else you can just think of sexy Mick. *wink*

Review & Giveaway: Eramane

Title: Eramane (Eramane Trilogy, #1)
Author: Frankie Ash
Publication: Archway Publishing, 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 3 stars
Reason for Reviewing: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review

In the village of Eludwid, seventeen-year-old Eramane Fahnestock goes about her life, cheerfully disregarding a prophecy made to her parents that she would have a great gift. Not yet wed and beset with boredom, Eramane cannot shake the feeling that something exciting awaits her beyond Eludwid. But when she is invited to picnic with a handsome young suitor, Eramane has no idea that her life will soon change forever.

As Eramane prepares for her date, she is suddenly hypnotized by a strange voice that tells her he will be coming for her that night. Unsettled but determined to press forward, Eramane and her suitor, Lebis, head to the woods to enjoy their picnic. As darkness falls on the forest, however, a beast emerges, transforming their beautiful outing into a terrifying scene. Taken captive and carried away to a mountain hideaway, Eramane finds her memories are soon clouded, even as her family frantically searches for her back home.

In this gripping fantasy tale, evil is summoned to the mountaintop, forcing a young woman to discover her magical gifts and exact revenge against a beast determined to destroy everything she has ever loved.

Seventeen year old Eramane is beautiful, strong and an extremely caring soul. You would think suitors would be lined around the corner bakery in Eludwid, but her family has been very picky with who marries their beloved, Eramane. Her mother wants the man she marries to be the man she loves. On this special day, without Eramane’s consent, her parents and brother Samiah set her up with a long time crush Lebis the blacksmith. Just like parents to totally embarrass a teenager. Haha. On the “date” Lebis is handsome and such a charming gentleman to Eramane that she feels like he could be the one for her. Too bad Eramane can’t fully enjoy her date because this voice in her head keeps saying “I will come for you soon”. In what seemed like a moment, she is separated from Lebis and in front of her stands a huge horned-winged beast with glowing eyes reaching outward.

I must warn you that this story is action packed from beginning to end! I read the first few pages and was shocked by the in-your-face events that occur. I had to stop and check the page number to make sure my kindle didn’t jump to the middle of the book. I know what you are thinking though, and no, this wasn’t one of those stories that show you all their action in the beginning and the rest of the book is a yawn fest. I was at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next throughout the whole story. Now with saying all that, I did wish I could of known a little bit more about the characters and their abilities or gifts like the story explains. I felt at some parts I needed a little more information to fully grasp what was happening. Since their are two more books in this series, I hope this is explained a bit more.

Eramane is just a beautiful character and I most certainly got attached to her story. She also has so much mystery about her that I want to know more about. The struggles she faces are far too much for just any regular seventeen year old to handle, but she has this fierce strength about her that jumps from the pages. I really look forward to seeing how her character develops in the second and third book. Another character I enjoyed was Samiah. He is Ermane’s extremely protective older brother who would do anything for his family, Lord, and village. I loved his courage and felt his sadness when parts of the story got too intense for him. The author did a great job of mixing in different characters within the story while allowing their side to be told and balancing the whole experience as one.

This is a great YA High Fantasy read that will keep you shocked after each unfolding event within the story. Yes, you will keep trying to guess what the heck is going on, but the further you read the more information you gather and understand. I was a page turnin’ maniac while reading this book, lol. Basically, if you love a different type of YA Fantasy with some shocking situations and a lot of action, then stop reading my review and go and purchase your copy right now. On that note, thank you Frankie Ash for allowing us to accompany you on your Eramane Trilogy journey. *Cheers*

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Review: Southern Fried Blues

Title: Southern Fried Blues
Author: Jamie Farrell  
Publication: August 29, 2013
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Rating: 4 stars
Reason for Reading: Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review.

A Yankee Lady Stuck in the South
Divorced wasn’t a label Anna Martin ever wanted. Now she’s a thousand miles from home, underemployed, and lonely, but she’s squeezing this lemon life gave her and turning it into lemon meringue pie. Never again will she let any man—especially another military man—get in the way of her career.

A Southern Gentleman Military Officer
Jackson Davis believes in family, football, and Uncle Sam. He treats ladies right, takes his uniform seriously, and he loves his dog, but he doesn’t reckon he’s built for true love. After all, if a man good as his daddy couldn’t do it right, what chance does Jackson have?

One Undeniable Attraction
These two vulnerable souls are as different as cornbread and ketchup, but they fit together like sweet butter on hot biscuits. Short-term, they’re exactly what the other needs. But when their hearts get involved, they’re both gonna end up with a big ol’ case of Southern Fried Blues.

After six years of marriage, Anna finds herself at a friend’s wedding while her husband Neil toasts to the happy couple and basically tells the room he wants a divorce. Yeah, things are just peachy in this Yankee’s life, who is now stuck in Georgia because her Air Force husband doesn’t love her anymore. As the world she has only ever known crumbles around her, Anna must pick up the pieces and start living this new life for herself. Yes it just might require many bottle cap shots of ketchup and a few firecracker explosions of the “jerkface’s stuff” to find her way, but by golly she is a determined woman. All she needs is her work, school, ex-wives club, and *enters handsome southern gentleman Jackson Davis* maybe some mindless feel-good lust.

This was a hilarious yet steamy story of two people who find themselves in what they never thought they wanted. Anna, the label makin’ yank from Minnesota, is so damaged in the beginning of the story. I almost wanted to reach through the pages and hand her a hanky and hug her. Although her love for labeling and organizing everything was a bit over the top, by the end of the book she definitely made up for this with her strength and warmth. I really saw Anna grow throughout the story and it made me crack a happy smile. I could definitely see her being a crazy organized friend of mine who enjoyed raising bottle caps of ketchup while saying “salude” and throwing them back like shots.

Now when I think of Jackson Davis my knees go weak. His southern charm and husky voice makes the pages steam up and if you wear glasses be prepared to wipe the steam away so you can keep reading. Nothing like a tall handsome southern military man who loves his momma and his old dog Radish. *swoon* I was rooting for Jackson and Anna the whole way through the story and was scared to death that they might never make it out together. With Anna never wanting to get mixed up with a man in the military again and Jackson not wanting anything serious, it really did seem hopeless. Just be prepared to laugh, smile, get frustrated, and tear up.

I know the premise of the book sounds like that old common tale about what happens to women and divorces, but this story will surprise you. Anna grows into her warm personality with the help of her friends which shines through the pages and creeps into your heart. By the end of the book you will find yourself missing all these crazy characters and wishing you’d get another peak into their lives sometime soon. This book surely oozed that southern charm us yanks sure love. And if you haven’t quite guessed, I truly enjoyed this book and it’s quirky characters. With that said, if you are into humorous contemporary romance novels, then definitely add Southern Fried Blues to your TBR pile. I look forward to reading more books by Jamie Farrell.