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Come one, come all to Yankee Romance Reviewers on Monday September 8th
to talk with Michele Ann Young as she will be Guest Blogging for the
day.
In celebration of the launch of this book, Michele will offering two signed books to be drawn from among those who comment, a copy of the Lady Flees Her Lord and a copy of No Regrets.
I hope to see some of you there.
huggs,
Terra
September 7th, 2008
chipperMay 10th, 2008
Night of the Huntress by Kathryn Smith is a nicely done different take on the world of vampires. Action from beginning to end, wonderful romance and a more Holy background on the beginnings of these vampires is what makes this book worth the read.
Marika Korzha is a Romanian vampire slayer. She's tough, ruthless, beautiful and schooled but what is different about her is she's a half ling vampire. Unsure of her complete background history because of her mother's death during childbirth and her father's and grandmother's unwillingness to discuss the matter, Marika seeks out to destroy the Vampire who is supposedly responsible for her childhood misery.
Bishop is a six hundred year old vampire who is handsome, kind and not at all the stereotypical monster that people think vampires are. He is one of five vampires of the true blood and is hunted by a religious order set to see just what makes him so special.
The story centers around Marika and her village as they slay these monsters with a vengeance. Her band of men do not realize that she is half ling and thus proves to be a problem much later in the story. Unfortunately for Marika, she is being duped as a decoy for the real vampires by a religious order with a twisted background.
Bishop is drawn to this town per request that he look for a friend who has disappeared without a trace and it is being blamed on the Huntress. Caught unaware by Marika, he is captured, tortured and questioned about another one of his brothers named Saint who is the one that Marika is really trying to destroy.
The religious order involved is twisted, evil, destructive and will do anything in it's power to try and reclaim the Blood Challis of Lilith. What makes this item so desirable is the power that it provides to those who drink from it.
I found the author quite inventive with this storyline and I love the use of a religious icon in the developing of a pure breed vampire. Even though this is quite a bit of romance here, the delightful background history makes the story enjoyable enough to zip right through the book.
This is the second book of the series and I am not quite sure that it is a stand alone as I haven't even looked up the first book to see what it is about. Will check it out one of these days when my tbr pile dwindles.
My Immortal Protector by Jen Holling is placed about 12 years after her "Brides of the Bloodstone Trilogy". I loved the trilogy and I love this new installment even more so. A light quick read you are sure to enjoy so don't miss out.
Diedra MacKay is a witch who talks to animals. She understands them and they understand her, but her fear of persecution makes her build a wall in her mind to block them out. Slight of build, pretty, smart, determined and cursed as she sees it, she needs to find a "baobhan sith" to break the curse no matter what the cost.
Stephen Ross is a broken man. Crippled from a gun shot to the back he suffers terrible pain and so lives his life as a recluse. Rich and handsome with a upper body strength of a normal man, he is constantly reminded of how weak he is because of his lower body restrictions. He never expects to find the love of a good woman so when Diedra shows up at his door to find out about the blood witch, Stephen listens intently. Unfortunately he knows nothing of them but is willing to help Diedra seek one out and he will to do anything it takes to become a whole man again.
The "baobhan sith" is a blood witch or better known as a vampire. The blood witch must drink blood when hunger sets in which is only on the full moon each month. Able to be in sunlight although it weakens her she is still able to function among the normal villagers.
Diedra and Stephen are chased across the Highlands of Scotland by a witch pricker with an obsession for Diedra. The witch pricker has waited 12 long years for the opportunity to get what he needs for proof so that he can finally watch the witch burn at the stake. Will he get the proof? Read and find out.
The author does a wonderful job of taking a story about witches and turns it into a life and death story to find vampires. The rolling of one into the other is fantastic. Jen Holling is an author to be reckoned with and won't disappoint you in the least.
Over Hexed by Vicki Lewis Thompson is utterly adorable. Chick lit is not something I usually read but I am oh so glad that I read this book.
Sean Madigan is the most handsome, mouth watering hunk of man to be found and the fact that he's Irish with green eyes must have something to do with it. Every woman's stud muffin, he is desperate to get help of any kind to ward off the women in his town. Playing defensive is hard to do especially with trying to hold your fly up. Oh my gosh and to see him in a tshirt, jeans and a toolbelt. Oh-la-la!
Maggie Grady is a redheaded freckleface with glasses, an average figure and fly away hair. Not quite the male attention getting woman, she does do fairly good at bespelling Sean. She really can't understand what he see's in her and why he's so frisky around her and not the other women in town.
The town of Big Knob is in for a surprise if Maggie gets her way but will Sean stop her in time. The big city girl in a small quaint town doesn't mix. Add a dash of magic via a horny wizard and witch and harilarity is the name of the game. Oh and not to forget that the town's namesake which just happens to be a rock that closely resembles a large penis. It even looks sexier in the rain. Hmm.............
I found this book to be totally charming, undeniably sexy, and whitty. This is the second book I have read by this author, both being at totally different ends of the spectram paranormal wise and the author has done a fantastic job of smooth writting that just slides along the pages like a feather over silk. I am so looking forward to more books by Vicki Lewis Thompson and I know I won't be disappointed.
Vampires Are Forever by Lynsay Sands is over the top fantastic. This installment gives up non stop action, love, romance, hot steamy sex and one heck of a mystery.
Thomas Argeneau is not only handsome as most immortals are but he's hiding so many wonderful qualities that it will surprise you when they are revealed. Known by the family to be the lazy not good for much loafer, it is a dramatic unveiling when some of his secrets come to light. Determination to find his Aunt send him on a roller coaster of emotions and throw at him decisions that are difficult at best. Will he make the right choices.
Inez Urso is an extremely important member of Argeneau Enterprises in the U.K. When Bastian calls for her to jump she jumps. Loving her job is her goal and having made it to V.P. is something she is extremely proud of. She is brilliant, effecient to a fault, detail orentiated and a great strategist. This is the main reason for her being called out to help Thomas to find Marguerite who has suddenly disappeared.
From the beginning we are flown from Canada to London then on to Amsterdam only to fly back to London. The descriptive sights, sounds, and smells actually take you right to the spot they are at any given moment and make you not want to leave. The underlying mystery to this love story is astounding and keeps you on the brink of your seat not wanting to put the book down no matter what.
This author delivers tenfold on a new trend that seems to be coming alive in the world of novels and that is back to back books. Lynsay Sands is always in her element no matter what she writes but The Argeneau Series is family to all of us and one whose story I hope does not end anytime soon. Yay to an award winning author of the finest quality.
Whatever else you do, don't miss out on this series or you'll forever regret the most unforgettable experience of your life.
Ghost of a Chance by Kate Marsh (aka Katie MacAlister) turned out to be a nice little cozy mystery read. Full of action from beginning to end this book is anything but boring. I found it to closely resemble the Clue game from my childhood with all the "Who Could Have Done Its".
Karma Marx is young, pretty, otherworldly, and married to the biggest snake around. If you want to talk about bad luck or no luck then just ask Karma which one she might have. Karma is as Karma does, unpredictable to the max, she has the most lively life I've ever read about. Yes some of us don't have a life but Karma makes up for that with having the activity of probably 5 people. Better known as a ghostbuster, Karma is the death squad of the otherworld. Unfortunately for her she has a concience about killing and an infinity for collecting the unknown. It really is adorable.
There are many characters that make up this story and they are all very good. Some characters are adorable, huggable and you just want to use them for a teddy bear while others are leacherous snakes. It doesn't take long to find out which is which in this story.
I couldn't figure out who did it til the end which I really loved. Most stories give you such a strong hint in the beginning that you can't help but guess the right villian before you make it half way through the book.
I say "Kudo's" to Kate Marsh for a wonderful start to something wonderfully fresh and exciting for the paranormal world. This was a very energetic fast read that makes you want another as soon as you finish it. I do hope our author will continue on with this delightful storyline.
Hocus Pocus by Teresa Roblin is magically adorable. The story is focused around what calamities can befall a person from the innocent casting of one spell. A definate chuckle bubbles thoughout the book.
Amanda Santorelli is a shy catapillar in a cocoon just waiting for something to happen but what she doesn't know. Baggy clothes, hair in a strict bun, she goes unseen from here to there as if invisable. She's brilliant at her job, loves her boss and life is just wonderful, well at least most of it is. Her love life could use a major overhaul and unfortunately for her, Amanda's family decides to take things into their own hands to try and help out.
Mark Abbott is a great boss, hard worker and ladies man which of coarse comes with most men working in a high office position. Great eye candy he can have any woman he wants but he is extremely paranoid due to his last lasting relationship exploding in his face. As with most men he doesn't notice the story behind the cover with his personal assistant.
Aunt Lily is the cute little old lady that any of us would love to have in our lives. Caring, attentive, nosy and a wee bit goofy she boggles most things her hands touch. With well intentioned actions things don't necessarily turn out as they should, but she really does mean well.
Ever hear the old addages, "Becareful what you say as it might come back and bite you in the butt later"or "Open mouth, insert foot". Those very things take Amanda on a journey down the yellow brick road of misery leaving her victims in total utter astonishment.
This story is a silly romance from beginning to end but gets the help of a little magic. Speak some Hocus Pocus and you never know what trouble you might get into. A light, fluffy, constant chuckling read this will definately tickle your funny bone. No erotica here so if that's what you're looking for you won't find it.
I have to say that I found this story delightful and a breath of fresh air. It's almost like reading Cinderella but with a magical twist. You can even envision Aunt Lily as the Fairy Godmother with her wand in a tizzle.
Will Amanda find her "Happily Ever After"? You'll have to read to find out.
Deep, Dark & Dangerous by Jaid Black is an unusual book. Light and fluffy, barbaric, erotically sensual makes this novel a really quick read. I found the beginning of the story to be a bit rough around the edges as if it were a new author with their first book but it did pick up and get better.
Madalyn is a burnt out actress looking for life in all the wrong places. Leaving Hollywood behind and in a stir as to her whereabouts, Madalyn goes to the opposite extreme by moving to the Arctic Wilderness. Reality rears its ugly head and she is at wits end as to how to live this new life she has plunged herself into. Unfortunately for Madalyn, this part of her life is just an appetizer compared to what she is about to experience. Stalking, kidnapping, possible slavery are only a few of the new problems to be delt with. The hardest part of this is the man in question is more man than any one women could possibly fantasize about. Tall, dark and handsome doesn't begin to describe this lucious Viking.
Otar is a nobleman tossed into the pits of hell to live a squatters life. Extremely muscular from hard labor he is every bit warrior as he is noble. Truthful, trustworthy and loyal he is the perfect speciman to make any woman happy to have as husband. A sexual appetite the size of the Grand Canyon it would seem impossible to keep him satisfied but yet he is gentle as a lamb.
The story takes us from one known world to another unknown world. It's amazing to see this unknown world is literally right beneath their feet. I found the story a bit barbaric but it does fit the time period of the Vikings. This culture is devout to their Gods which provides the perfect backdrop for war, slavery and a deeply spiritual belief that their lives are much better than those of the known world.
Overall, I liked the storyline. It's something new and fresh, not the usual run of the mill paranormal romance. It gives you some actual history of what might have possibly been at one point in the past. It will be interesting to see what the next book in the series holds for us.
Swimming Without a Net by Mary Janice Davidson is without a doubt cute, light, fluffy and humorous. By far better than the Undead series.
Fred is a half breed mermaid with green hair and a foul, whiny personality. Working for the New England Aquarium as a marine biologist, she is extremely good at what she does. Socializing with fish instead of humans could create a few slight problems though. Very slim and pretty but insecure because of her heritage, she's not really sure where she fits into society.
Arthur is a red headed Prince who also happens to be a merman. He is totally smitten with Fred to a fault which makes his character a little too good to be true. What girl wouldn't bend over backwards to have her every whim granted by a handsome Prince.
Thomas is another marine biologist and novelist. A wishy-washy character that doesn't have much personality of his own you tend to wonder why bother putting him in the story. Oh yeah, you need an antagonist. Doesn't mean he has to be a good one though.
The story line falls flat of being a great seller but is a nice little tidbit to waste your time on in between better novels. An extremely quick read that you can figure out the end of the book before getting half way through. Not a complete waste of time as the humor that is in the storyline is worth the read.
The Last Celtic Witch by Lyn Armstrong is delightfully delicious from beginning to end. Very erotic, this story is not for younger teens.
Adela MacAye is a witch with a mission. After seeing the persecution of her family and hearing of the witch hunt is in full frenzy, Adela is determined not to let the MacAye witch blood line disappear. The exact same dream being played over and over again with increasing urgency sets Adela off on a journey plagued with danger.
Laird Phillip Roberts is every woman's fantasy of a delectable Scot. Ever wonder what they wear under those kilts, you'll surely find out here. Yumm!
Erotic scenes that would make any women wet with envy, I found this story to be more than quite entertaining. It's not a put down book until you get to the very end. Light but informative, accurate in scenes and storyline, this author has woven a spell of pure delight.
I'm having a contest that will end on May 20th for a copy of Annette Blair's new book Gone with The Wind and it will be signed also. Go on over to my blog and post a comment in the contest post for a chance to win this book.
I pm'd Annette to ask if she would autograph the book for the winner and she has so graciously agreed to do it for me. Thanks Annette for this. You are a sweetie!
http://terra57.blogspot.com/2008/05/gone-w
I pm'd Annette to ask if she would autograph the book for the winner and she has so graciously agreed to do it for me. Thanks Annette for this. You are a sweetie!
http://terra57.blogspot.com/2008/05/gone-w
bouncyWow Been so long since I've been here. I've just been reading and reviewing which takes time. I have read some wonderful books and some okay ones and I will have to do some posting here of what i've done. I will post my blog here shortly for those of you who would like to see my reviews. I also have a contest going on for a brand new release.
http://terra57.blogspot.com/
http://terra57.blogspot.com/
February 23rd, 2008
Just got to chat with Katie Mac. Soooooo cool! I feel good now and am excited. On top of the world is more like it. YAY!
January 29th, 2008
The Accidental Vampire by Lynsay Sands is funny and comforting. Like an old pair of your favorite shoes this novel is a keeper. I have read every book Lynsay Sands has written and I am not disappointed with this new addition.
Elvi Black is her own worst enemy. Always thinking of what others would like is what gets her into the current situation she is living in. Because of her turn into vampirism, she is now sheltered and protected as if she were the most precious princess in the last of her line. Unfortunately for Elvi, her best friends start a cycle of events to protect her for that time in which we are all claimed in life, thus attracting the attention of the Vampire Council. With a new found freedom of vices she has denied herself for the last five years, Elvi finds love, anger, friendship, betrayal and so many more emotions that she is completely blindsided by the danger that is out to get her.
Vincent Argeneau is among the eldest in his family. Being the Enforcer for the Council throws him into a whirlwind of trouble upon his arrival in Port Henry and the meeting of Elvi. Hot one minute and cold the next sets up enough sexual tension to make even the most saintly of us want to explode. His meeting Elvi puts him in a position in which he is trying desperately to figure out how to save his hide as well as hers and because of this station in life, he is literally up a creek without a paddle.
Along with the other characters in this novel you are put into a must read frame of mind. Giggling is a must, instant arousel during sexual scenes is automatic and the tension of what's going to happen next won't disappoint you in the least. Like a fine wine this novel only gets better the more you read.
January 24th, 2008
My eldest daughter, her husband and my only three grandchildren left here yesterday to move to North Carolina. It's only been about 24 hours since they left but feels like a lifetime. I miss them alread. I've been just so sad that I cry all the time. I think what is also making it harder is the face that my dad died of cancer on November 10th 2007. We were extremely close.
My youngest daughter isn't around much as she has a life as she puts it. She does come home when I truely need her but not having everyone here is really tough.
Oh how I wish the girls were little again so I could keep them close hugging and kissing them and letting them know how much I really love them. I know that it will take time to heal a broken heart but in the mean time I guess crying isn't as bad as other alternatives. Maybe if Spring hurries up I might be able to get outside and garden which will take up a bit of my time and takes less thinking. Oh well. I'll make it. Just needed to write this down somewhere.
crushedJanuary 16th, 2008
Blood Ties book one: The Turning by Jennifer Armintrout is such a breath of fresh air. Not the typical vampire romance that I'm used to reading and one I'm glad I didn't pass by.
Dr. Carrie Ames is a doctor that shouldn't be. Squeemish, insecure with low self esteem, she is the perfect candidate for this good vs. evil vampire must read. Easily controlled even though she really doesn't want to be, curious as a cat with nine lives you can see why she is the most ripe cherry for this battle.
Nathan is Vampire perfection with everything a girl could want. That is unless you can't make up your mind easily. For something that takes his work seriously, almost to a fault, he sure can act the part of a 2 year old toddler not being able to get his way. The temper tantrams are cute but annoying and you'd just like to give him a swat on the bottom. When he acts his age you just want to lick every morsel you can see of him. YUMM!
Cyrus is evil beyond extreme. What girl woundn't be attracted to the rebelious side of him. Extremely handsome, lucious as a lollipop, just one lick isn't enough. At what cost would you be willing to lick though. Nothing is ever for free. Demanding, spiteful, cruel beyond words he makes Bela Lugosi look like a saint. If I seen Cyrus strutting his stuff towards me I'd freeze in place too. The angel on my right shoulder would be screaming for me to run but the devil on my left would be drooling and whispering in my ear about all the wonderful erotic things that Cyrus would do to me if I just stayed right where I am. Hmm...damned if I do and damned if I don't.
The other lesser characters in this story take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Their rolls here might be minor but they add the little bits and pieces to the story that make it the must have page turner that it is.
The author did an excellent job with every facet of the story and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
satisfiedJanuary 12th, 2008
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinksy is truthfully painful. A good novel but with so much guilt that you really start to feel like it's you in the story. It's a can't put down book til the end so that you can see if things come out for better or worse.
Deborah Monroe is mom, daughter, sister, ex-wife, and prominent town doctor to a quiet little town in New England. Highly respected and loved, independent, honest to a fault has her life upturned by one little incident. Oh, is it little or bigger than she thinks.
Grace Monroe is a loving, athletic, brilliant, devoted teen who knows right from wrong but the one little unfortunate incident throws her into such an emotional turmoil that you sit and wonder how your own child would react to the same thing happening to her. The entire town knows this teen as truthfully honest and reliable almost to perfection which sets Grace up for emotional pain that is unimaginable.
The story brings into question what lengths we would go to as a parent in order to protect our children. It also questions our ability to handle one crisis following another as an adult especially in a small town where everyone knows everything about everyone. Can secrets truly be hidden in such a small community. Will one little deception tear a family apart not only from themselves but from all prying eyes. Can one selfish person willing cause so much emotional pain and break the trust that has been here for generations. So many questions with too few answers.
The author is brilliant with the actual storyline. With living in Massachusetts myself I can actually visualize all the areas that the author takes us to. Even though this is fiction it could also be someone's real life story. It's something we say can't possibly happen to us but in all reality, "It only takes one time", and it could very well come to pass.
apatheticJanuary 8th, 2008
So far this Anthology is quite sexy.
Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Turn Up The Heat" is every woman's fantasy. Unlike most of Sherrilyn Kenyon's other novels, this story is about a young woman from a poor background working at walmart. Allison is not your everyday type of girl that she thinks she is. Meeting an old friend brings her an opportunity of a lifetime with the encouragement to go for it. Little does Allison know what is about to take place. Sherrilyn Kenyon brings to life the raw male masterpieces, tropical paradise and enough action to make even the sainted of us envy. The author has really Turned Up The Heat in this novella.
Jaid Black's "Hunter's Oath" is a nice concept of the Viking race. The idea of bride hunters was a little barbaric but actually fits with the overall theme here. Jaid Black has brought us a slice of heaven with this novella. Kidnapped, held captive, sold like the common slave to these Barbarians is enough to make the strongest of women weep. Sofia brings us a character going through the turmoil of everyday life and thrown into situtation that no one would ever consider happening. Drugged to the point of extreme discomfort, Sofia's Barbarian turns out to be a angel in disquise. The amount of changing emotions in this story keeps the reader from putting the book down. It's a story that must be read from beginning to end without interuption.
Kresley Cole's "The Warlord Wants Forever" took me by surprise compared to the other novella's in this book. Two immortal races, immortal enemies are caught in a web of fate that baffles all involved. The main characters are strong, erotic, spiteful and demanding. The sexual attraction is raw while the actual acts are pure carnel hunger. I must say that the story line didn't really make itself visable until two thirds through the novella. Once the actual plot was discovered it was quite enjoyable and explained the beginning of the story.
Overall the book was quite enjoyable but like most anthologies, you read, weep, laugh, drool and then go onto the next.
January 7th, 2008
Finally got my printer to work. Wohoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!! Only took 3 months.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I must say that it will not be the last. Fablous, delicious, sexy with a smooth as silk storyline that will make you want more.
The author takes a tale of Olde England and turns it into spun gold. That is vampire style spun gold. The characters are not only likeable but loveable with the exception of Lord Nottingham whom you really want to hate. It's not a matter of the storyline making you want to hate him but just the aura of the character. There really is something devilish about him.
The action that takes place with Jayr doing her Lord's bidding, setting up the tournament for the Realm and accomendating the number of guests and their needs makes you wonder how anyone could possibly do everything in the amount of time alloted. Yes I know that Vampires are faster, more addept and tireless but everyone does have their limits.
Jayr not only questions herself but has doubts about who she really is. Emotions come into play that make you want to weep for her. Can she really find out who she is and possibly entertain the concept of love with someone whom she shouldn't even be thinking of. Can an erotic dream be truely real and shared? This is something Jayr must find the answer to while questioning her own sanity.
The characters, their flaws and emotions along with the deep need for sexual contact leave you to turning page after page to find only so much more.
The ending ties up loose ends with battle prowness, sexual heat and lifetime questions that have been unanswered only to show us that not is as it should be. Secrets uncovered brought to startling life make all's well that ends well.
What more can I say that if you don't read this you don't deserve to read a great work of art.