Book Giveaway and Toni's Review of Demon's Bride by Zoe Archer ***4 Stars***

Hell to Pay

Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.

But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.

Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…

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When I read the first installment of the series, I could see the building blocks being laid and set.  Since Ms. Archer had accomplished that task so well in Devil’s Kiss, she released the second installment of the Hellraisers series; Demon’s Bride, full steam and doesn’t look back.

Leo Bailey was gifted from the Devil, the ability to see the future by.  All he needs is an item from a person and he can see the disasters that will plague the owner.  He then uses that knowledge for evil and personal gain.  Either pushing that person towards their inevitable disastrous future or plainly betting against them.  Leo’s passion is the exchange market and he uses his talent to control every aspect of it.  Because of his cunning and skill, he is simply known as Demon.

While Anne Hartfield may be the daughter of a baron, she knew from the very beginning her marriage to Leo was not a love match.  He dutifully wooed and courted her, but the love spark was never there.  All her hopes blossomed on her wedding night to only be crushed just as quickly.  Now she is determined to make the best of her marriage.  She will do everything in her power to win her husband’s heart.

From the first “I Do’s” things begin to change for these two people.  Neither expected what was in store for them and quickly things begin to turn.  Good, evil and other forces are converging to shape the future.  It’s too bad Leo can’t see what is ahead for himself, because he never expected to fall in love with his wife and that very well may ruin his life forever.

In my opinion, Ms. Archer has improved on the series.  I loved how Demon’s Bride had more of a sinister feeling to it.  You can’t help but hate the Hellraisers.  They are marvelously evil, encompassing all of man’s sins.  While their power may focus on one attribute, you can feel the lust, greed, wickedness and power radiating off of all them.  Ms. Archer did an outstanding job writing them with malevolence and still make them all seem human.

I enjoyed how Anne was so willing to make the best of her circumstances and didn’t cower.  She showed such strength throughout the story, when most women of that time would have crumbled.  The turmoil that she put Leo through was just as delightful.  Everyday his reserve was crumbling as he fell for Anne.

I was utterly shocked at some of the sad developments in the story.  In an odd way, I can agree with the choices that were made, though they must have been hard decisions to make for the storyline.  I am absolutely bewildered and have no idea which direction the series will take now.  This new development has thrown me and I actually find it wonderful.  Ms. Archer has removed the predictability that some series encounter and she has made me want the next story even the more.

Demon’s Bride is a remarkable historical paranormal that has a familiarity feel to it right along with an unpredictability too.  Zoe Archer has written an innovative novel that is sexy, beautiful and suspenseful.  

My review of the first book in the Hellraisers series:

Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Book Giveaway

Kensington is giving away one (1) copy of the first in the Hellraisers series!

Thank you to our sponsor - Kensington!  Be sure to friend them on Facebook and check out their website.  

You can also visit their Facebook app to find some great contests and excerpts, along with polls and quizzes about their books. The direct link to the apps are here:

http://bit.ly/xGzDj5 (Kensington)

http://bit.ly/xdiiXK (KTeen)

Happy Reading!!

Toni's Review of The Slayer by Theresa Meyers ***3 Stars***

Brothers Winchester, Remington, and Colt know the legends—they were trained from childhood to destroy demon predators, wielding the latest steam-powered gadgetry. It’s a devil of a job. But sometimes your fate chooses you… 

Chasing Trouble

Winn Jackson isn’t interested in hunting nightmares across the Wild West—even if it’s the family business. Unlike his rakehell brothers, Winn believes in rules. As sheriff of Bodie, California, he only shoots actual law breakers. That’s what he’s doing when he rescues the Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter, a lady with all the elegance of the Old World—grace, beauty and class. And then he sees her fangs.

Alexandra isn’t just some bloodsucking damsel in distress, though. She’s on a mission to save her people—and she’s dead certain that Winn’s family legacy is the only way. Luckily, aside from grace and class, she also has a stubborn streak a mile wide. So like it or not, Winn is going to come back with her to the mountains of Transylvania, and while he’s at it, change his opinions about vampires, demon-hunting, and who exactly deserves shooting. And if she has her way, he’s going to do his darnedest to save the world…

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The Jackson brothers are on a mission.  They may not believe the rumors that they are the prophesized Chosen, but they can’t let evil reign.  They need to find the three sections of the Book of Legend.  It will take recombining the Book to stop the archdemon lord, Rathe, from opening the Gates of Nyx, a portal between the human and Darkin realm.

Many years ago Winchester Jackson gave up hunting for the quiet life.  He prefers being the sheriff for Bodie over hunting down Darkin, the supernatural children of the night that prey on humans.  Things are heating up though and the Darkin are seeking out Winn.  All he wants is to be left alone, but when the Darkin want your help to stop their enemy, you tend to take notice. 

Contessa Drossenburg, Alexandra Porter has come to persuade Winchester to aid her people with finding the last third of the Book.  Vampires have guarded the Book for over six centuries and it has been stolen.  One would think they wouldn’t want or need the help of a hunter, but when their way of life and food supply are being threatened, they will do anything to stop the threat, including working with their sworn enemy. 

Winn and Alexandra’s adventure takes them around the world.  From the first moment they meet, they are attracted to each other.  Their attraction almost jumps off the pages.  While this book is very light on sex, it is filled with sexual tension.  These are two people, who should not want each other, but something is pulling them together and there seems to be nothing they can do about it. 

The Slayer may be book two in The Legend Chronicles, but personally I think it could be read anytime so far in the series.  The Hunter and The Slayer run simultaneously.  While The Hunter goes into a little more detail of the battle ahead, there is enough information in The Slayer, you won’t be lost.

I’m sorry to say, but I’m just not feeling this book 100%.  The story as a whole is good.  I love the idea, but something was missing.  Character development focused mainly on the two protagonists, leaving me wanting in regards to secondary characters and the villain.  In fact, the villain didn’t seem very villain-ish at all.  However, Rathe’s evil behavior does play a larger role in The Hunter.  He almost seemed like an afterthought in this book.  He loomed in the background and then once the showdown was upon us, it was just over. 

The ending is probably one of the most rushed I have ever read.  I was getting down to the last dozen pages thinking something was wrong.  It can’t be ending and then suddenly was resolved.  There was tons of build up and then a simple unfulfilling resolution.  This might be something that would be hard to remedy though.  All three brothers need to find their portion of the Book before there can be a conclusion.  I am not sure how it will all play out, but I am still interested in the outcome.

The more I think about it, I can see this series improving once all the books are written.  This would allow the reader to enjoy the books as one big novel.  The Slayer didn’t even have a cliffhanger.  It just left me hanging.  While it may appear that I don’t like the series, I really do.  It’s is action packed and the universe is fun to read about.  That is probably the genius of Ms. Meyers.  I am frustrated with this particular book, but the desire to know what is going to happen is pulling me in and holding on.  I believe this series is still a winner and I’m looking forward to Remington’s story, The Chosen.  It is scheduled for release March 2013.  There is also a rumor of a novella for the fun and funky inventor of the series, Marley Turlock.  It looks like it should be coming out late 2012, YAY!!

For my review of The Hunter, book one of The Legend Chronicles, click below:

Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Toni's Review of Shifting Hearts by Dominique Eastwick ***5 Stars***

The last of his kind…
Rekkus is the last of the great Black Tiger weres and he is happy to stay that way. Working as security for the Wiccan Haus, a magical spa for inner healing, he has enough danger – and women – to keep him busy. Unfortunately, the Fates are not content with him being comfortable.

Alone and discouraged…
Dana has walked away from all she has known, her fiancé, family, apartment, and job. Now, having a ticket to the Wiccan Haus may be the only way she can move on. But what she finds isn’t what she expects, nor is it what she thought she was looking for.

Meet the unusual residents of the Wiccan Haus. The staff can get a little hairy and not all of the guests eat what’s served in the dining hall. But the proprietors always do what they can to make the resort into a place of healing and peace, using all of their years of practice. At the Haus, where humans and Paras reside side-by-side, everyone in need of the Rowan siblings’ services are welcome.

WELCOME TO THE WICCAN HAUS.

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I have read quite a few books that combine resorts, paranormals and finding love. So far so good and I have enjoyed them all and love the idea. I really like the idea of the Wiccan Haus series. Welcome to a new form of healing and peace. Shifting Hearts is the first in the series and has set the bar high for rest of the series. 

Dana has probably just made the hardest decision of her life. While it was a mutual decision to not get married, she feels lost because she left her friend of many years and her family has disowned her because of the broken marriage. She also gave up her job and apartment to start a new life with him. Now she has nowhere to go and no one to be with. Jessie, her best friend, takes her away to the healing resort of Wiccan Haus. Dana needs time to lick her wounds and Jessie believes she just needs a good tumble in bed. She may just find both on the island.

Rekkus is the last of his kind. Though he has lost his family he has gained a new one with the Rowan siblings. His main focus is as bodyguard to Cyrus, but he is also head of security for the island. From the moment he meets Dana he knows what she is to him. Problem is that his past has left many scars he may not be able to get past. Fate has given him a gift, now all he needs is to be able to accept it.

Be warned. This is a no nonsense read. Ms. Eastwick gets right to the matter and gets things done. This is a short story, so the love and passion is instant and sizzling right from the beginning. The details are vivid, but not drawn out and the characters have depth, but she doesn’t mince words. Rekkus and Dana are meant to be together…period. I personally find nothing wrong with fast paced instant romance. They are a wonderful change of pace and a treasure to me. Sometimes I need a quick fix and this one delivers exactly what I needed. This series is going to be fun and engaging with an eclectic mix of characters and countless romantic possibilities.

I plan on enjoying this series from the beginning all the way to the end. I hope you join me. Come take a relaxing short vacation with me to the Wiccan Haus; where you will find inner peace, breathtaking magic and explosive romance.

Thanks for reading! - Toni

Be sure to check out other books from Dominique Eastwick at Musa Publishing. 

Also stop by:

Dominique Eastwick Blog 

The Wiccan Haus

Next in the Wiccan Haus series is:

Book Giveaway - Toni's Review for Hunted by Rebecca Zanetti ***4 Stars***

Ready Or Not

Moira Dunne is a witch—the quantum physics kind. Time and space are her playthings. Which might explain why her one-night stand from a hundred years ago has turned up to “claim” her—and request her family’s assistance with the war he’s brewing. But the more she learns about Connlan Kayrs, the more she comes to think this is normal behavior for him…

There’s Nowhere To Hide

When Conn and Moira tumbled on the moonlit grass, Conn hadn’t meant to mark her as his mate for all time. She was only twenty! But it wasn’t easy to wait for her. It was even harder to forget her. So when he finally returns for his wicked-hot witch, he’s ready to let the sparks flying. Even if he burns up in flames…

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I have been looking forward to this story from the very first time I found out about Conn and Moira.  Ms. Zanetti didn’t disappoint either!  Book three in the Dark Protector series is just as riveting as the first.

Over 100 years ago, their one night stand changed their destinies; they are mates.  Conn believed that he was doing what was best for her and their future by signing a treaty that would give her time to come into her powers.  What he doesn’t know is that that one act may have just closed her heart to him forever.

Moira knows that her body craves Conn and has done so since the very beginning.  What she can’t accept is his choice to walk away from her and leaving their love behind.  How can she trust his feelings if it took him this long to return to her?

Conn has spent the last 100 years in constant torment.  He walked away from his mate, but she was such a young woman and still had not experienced life.  Even though every breath he took, he was drawn to her, he had to hold strong to give her time.  He used his time wisely, honing his powers and learning all he could about his woman.  The time has come.  Now he wants what is rightfully his and he will do anything to have her.

War has erupted in the realm and allegiances are being tested.  There is also a new enemy so strong that they seem to be able to steal witches away without any trace.  Now may not be the best time to claim his mate, but Conn is not going to risk losing Moira to politics and petty bickering.  She is his main concern and he is determined to figure out what is happening.  The problem is, Moira has many secrets Conn didn’t know about, but he also has a few tricks up his sleeve.  These two are in for some shocking revelations.

Ms. Zanetti has done it again.  Her writing is strong and consistent and the plot is new and exciting.  I enjoyed seeing old friends and having the plotline move along and not be stagnant.  She has continued to write a solid story with engaging characters you what to know, enemies you fear but are captivated by and a universe that is fascinating and appealing.  She never gave any clues to who the bad guy or gal was and kept me planted in my seat until the very last page.

Bravo on keeping this series action packed, sexy hot and original.  I am looking forward to the continued adventures of the realm.  Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors series is a must read for me.  She has forever placed herself on my “Authors to Read” list.

Check out my review for Claimed, Book two in the Dark Protector series!

Thanks for reading! - Toni 

Exciting Update!!

I chatted with Kensington today and they are going to giveaway TWO books to two lucky winners!!  The great thing is they are going to be the first in the series - FATED to kick start your interest in the series.  I can definitely say this is a great series with maddening alpha males and equally strong women!!

Thank you to our sponsor - Kensington!  Be sure to friend them on Facebook and check out their website.  

You can also visit their Facebook app to find some great contests and excerpts, along with polls and quizzes about their books. The direct link to the apps are here:

http://bit.ly/xGzDj5 (Kensington)

http://bit.ly/xdiiXK (KTeen)

Also, head on over to Rebecca's website. She has a Facebook page too.

Happy Reading!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway All winning entries will be verified prior to notification. If your entry can not be easily verified a new winner will be selected. Winners will have 72 hours from initial email to confirm and respond or a new winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston ***5 Stars***

He's big, burly, and way smarter than your average shapeshifting bear. He's also about to get trapped by own his game. . .

Lou Crushek is a reasonable, mellow, easygoing kind of guy. But once someone starts killing the scumbags he works so hard to bust, that really gets under his fur. Especially when that someone is a curvy she-tiger with a skill set that's turning Crush's lone-bear world upside down--and bringing his passion out of hibernation. . .

As a member of an elite feline protection unit, Marcella Malone has no problem body-dropping anyone who hunts her kind. But Crush is proving one major pain in her gorgeous tail. The only reason she's joined forces with him is to track down the wealthy human who's got her entire species in his ruthless sights. It sure isn't because Crush's stubborn and contrary attitude is rubbing Cella in all the right ways.

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It had been awhile since I discovered Shelly Laurenston, so I had to do a bit of catching up and reacquainting myself to the storylines again.  I did a quick reread of the series and enjoyed every single morsel.  By the time I cracked this baby open, I was raring to go with a great big smile on my face.

There is just something about Ms. Laurenston’s humor.  Sometimes when you read a book the snarkiness or humor can grate on you, but I have never gotten tired of her writing style.  That really says something considering I had to read six books back to back and I still wanted and craved more, more, more.  I was practically gitty when I started Bear Meets Girl, number seven in her Pride series.  

While I was reading this series, I had a girlfriend having a really bad day.  I didn’t waste one second contemplating if I should share a little Shelly lovin’.  I gathered up my books to share with her so she could turn her frown upside down.  Ms. Laurenston does that for me every time with oodles of grins, giggles and lots of laugh out loud moments.

Someone is killing off their kind.  Hunting them down for sport and practically bragging about it.  All shifters need to band together to take this person down.  Not everyone likes to play nicely and tempers are easily flared.  From one problem to the next, Marcella and Lou’s attraction become apparent.  Their bond is forming no matter what they do, but together they are unstoppable.  Add in several of my other favorite characters from prior books and this book is a whirlwind of adventure and hilarity.

Bear Meets Girl is a wonderful story of opposites attracts.  Lou is your quiet loner, who is being forced to make a change he is very unhappy about and Marcella is an independent hellfire of a woman who would rather shot you than take you prisoner.  She is fun loving and loyal and not afraid to show it.  These two are combustible from the very beginning.  Marcella is merciless in her pursuit to bring Lou out of his mancave and Lou fought her the whole way.

Ms. Laurenston writes hot steamy romance, fun filled dialog, side-splitting scenes and kick butt characters.  With her strong wonderful females and masculine secure males, she keeps me coming back for more.  The action is intense and packed; the romance is sweltering and hot; and the plot is solid and adventurous.  She has a natural ability to write serious scenes right along with hilarious ones; her flow is smooth, funny and simply ingenious at times. 

Bear Meets Girl is a blast from the very first line to the last.  Ms. Laurenston has done it again.  She left me wanting more and loving every moment of it.  This is a wonderful addition to the series.

Thanks for reading!  - Toni

Yes, I have another book to giveaway!
It is an ARC of Bear Meets Girl

For your chance to win this book, how about I ask for recommendations from all you lovely readers.  This is a PN book obviously with a huge helping of laughter.  

What other funny PN books would you recommend to our readers and what makes them so wonderful? 


Contest will close April 21st at 11:59 Pacific time.  I will make it open to US/Canada Only.  I will be using Random.org to select a winner.  Please include your email address so I can contact you.  Please respond within 72 hours of the email I send or I will select another winner.

Don't forget to stop by Chelsea's review of Bear Meets Girl - just click on the book cover below!

In addition to this contest Kensington is also hosting another contest.  

Please check out the following:

We are running  a contest on Facebook "Like us to Enter For Your Chance To Win a Signed Copy of BIG BAD BEAST and a Personalized Letter From The Author!" Contest ends 4/30.   Head on over to Facebook via this link:  http://bit.ly/yCJ5z7

Don't forget to spread the word.  Happy Reading!!

Random Sequence Generator 

Here is your sequence: 

 1

Winner is Sharon!!  Congrats and I hope you enjoy!

Book Giveaway & Toni's Review of Eternity's Mark by Maeve Greyson ***3 Stars***

A sexy Scot. A mystical inheritance. What could go wrong?

Veterinarian Hannah MacPherson knows better than to believe in love at first - or any - sight. True, being swept away by Taggart de Gaelson to the vast Scottish castle she's mysteriously inherited is uber-romantic. The legacy is totally legitimate, and its messenger is big, broad-shouldered, and smokin' in more ways than one...

Too bad Taggart forgot to mention that Hannah's also a Guardian of magical dragons called the Draecna. And as Hannah's sworn otherworldly protector, Taggart is honor-bound not to lay a hand on her, no matter how close he gets...

But turning duty into pleasure is just too tempting. And for Hannah, mastering her powers and saving two worlds from evil will be way easier than showing one hardheaded warrior that breaking all the rules means they are eternally made for each other...

Excerpts

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Nothing beats a brand new adventure and then add in dragons, count me in.  Action, alternate worlds, undying love, a secret legacy and the beauty of Scotland are all wrapped up in Eternity’s Mark. 

Hannah has no idea that she is the last of her kind and is content to live out the remaining of her life in her small town.  She has lost the love of her life and has no plans to move on, no matter what the town plans.  They believe that it is time for her to move on and have plotted against her to help find a new love.  She scoffs at their foolish tactics and squashes every trick they pull.  She was not prepared for the likes of Taggart though.

Taggart de Gaelson has searched high and low for Hannah and will do everything but kidnap her to bring her back to her rightful home, Taroc Na Mor.  After meeting the tiny woman and dealing with her, he is reevaluating his grand plan.  She is strong willed and stubborn, but he hasn’t lived as long as he has to let this little spitfire ruin his plans and the future of his people.  Let the battle of wills begin.

Eternity’s Mark has a totally new feel for me.  It had simplicity to it, yet the details of the world building were imaginative and striking.  The story was complex as a whole but while reading Eternity’s Mark I was never confused or lost.  Ms. Greyson has developed a fascinating new universe filled with fantastical creatures built around a beautiful and imaginative legend.

This is an extremely easy read.  While the romance had a strong presence in the story, the history of the Draecna is what caught my attention.  This is by no means an explicit sexual novel.  Ms. Greyson has written a sensual love story that captures your heart.  It is a very sweet touching tale.

I did find some of the conclusions in the story too quickly resolved with “aha” moments that had me scratching my head thinking “how in the world did they come up with that”.  The foundation of the story was strong, but it just missed something to bring it on up to the next level for me.  

Eternity’s Mark is a good story to read if you want something sweet and entertaining.  A very pleasant read, with sexy Scotsmen, an amazing alternate world and a break your heart love story.  Oh yeah and dragons too! 


Thanks for reading!! - Toni

Book Giveaway!!

I have an extra copy from Kensington and I'm going to give it away to one lucky person.

I'm going to be a bit mean this time.  Hey, I'm paying for the postage *snickers*.  There are three easy things you can do to earn entries, but I have devised a little extra for additional entries.  They really are not hard, just a bit of reading/watching involved.

Good luck and I can't wait to see your responses!