{Blog Tour + Two Reviews + Giveaway} Revelation + Restraint by Randi Cooley Wilson

About Book 1 REVELATION:

Revelation by Randi Cooley Wilson

Published May 1st, 2014

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Pages: 314

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20787232-revelation

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Randi-Cooley-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00JWXAWUE/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406152797&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=randy+cooley+wilson

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revelation-randi-cooley-wilson/1119059118?ean=2940045798358

ibookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/revelation/id850865950?mt=34

A DIVINE SECRET,
A LOYAL PROTECTOR,
A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Eve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she’s believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael.
Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden. 
Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her.
Caught in the middle of a centuries old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life. 
Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies or will their love destroy everything?

Revelation is a journey of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice. 
This is volume one of a series

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

{Review}

Randi Cooley Wilson uses popular tropes (and my favorite tropes) - secrets, star crossed lovers, a destiny - but adds in interesting elements - all the secrets of Asher St. Michael which I won't spoil - to create an intriguing, unique story filled with characters I love, a bit of action and excitement, and romance.

Eve's a good heroine. She's a loyal friend, she's imperfect. And she doesn't deal well with all the revelations, because really, when all that crap gets dumped on you? No one would deal well. She doubts herself even as she discovers her hidden reserves. And the boy problems? Almost as difficult to deal with as the secrets.

Asher. The mysterious, brooding, difficult, appealing Asher. After a bit I found the on/off switch in his emotions a little off-putting but it does really show how torn he is between want and duty. I'm a sucker for a protector and I loved his commitment to Eve's safety. And the fact that he has secrets? I couldn't wait to discover them.

The other characters. Aria. Callan. Abby. Keegan. Even Kenna. Callan was hands-down my favorite character. His charm, optimism, sweetness and the baking.

I liked the pacing. I didn't feel like there was too much filler before we found out more about what was going on, the whos and whys, even as Randi Cooley Wilson teases us about the secrets we've yet to discover. I did sometimes find her writing style a little jarring. There would be ways she phrased things that would take me out of the story, but that's really a minor complaint. And the cover? Perfect for the storyline.

When I got to the end of the story - gasp! - I couldn't wait to dive into book two, Restraint.

About Book 2 RESTRAINT:

Restraint (The Revelation Series, Volume Two) by Randi Cooley Wilson

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Pages: 300

Publication Date: August, 2014

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22370204-restraint

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Restraint-Revelation-Randi-Cooley-Wilson/dp/1495429296/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406152797&sr=1-3-fkmr1&keywords=randy+cooley+wilson 

A FORBIDDEN LOVE WILL BECOME DEEPER.

A LOYALTY WILL BE TESTED.

AND ONLY DARKNESS WILL REMAIN.

One revelation changed everything, turning Eve Collin’s world upside down with grief and questions of identity and allegiance. Now as she flees enemies that refuse to give up, Eve must also face the mounting attraction between herself and her gargoyle protector. Will she ever truly be safe? How much will she sacrifice to survive and who will she become?

Restraint is an addictive pleasure a spellbinding continuation of Eve’s journey of self-discovery, love and sacrifice.

Readers captivated by Revelation will eagerly devour Restraint.

Restraint is volume two in The Revelation Series.

Excerpt:

"Sleep Over" - Asher and Eve, Restraint Excerpt

I’m brushing my teeth when Asher swaggers into the bathroom. He leans his hip against the counter and just watches me. It’s starting to freak me out. I squint at him before spitting.

     “Can I help you?”

     “Huh?” he asks.

     “You’re staring.” I tip my toothbrush at him.

     “Am I?” He tilts his head to the side and crosses his arms.

     I spit one last time and start my flossing routine and gargle my mouth rinse, all while Asher just stands there, observing me. Seriously, what’s he doing?

     “Curious about dental care?”

     “Curious about you,” he shoots back.

     “Okay.”

     He shrugs. “I like watching you do normal, everyday things.”

     I blink. “Did you get clocked in training today?”

     “No.” He slides his hands into the pockets of his pajama bottoms. “Want to have a sleep over?”

     “Sleepover?” I repeat, less than enthused.

      “Pajamas, pillow fights, gossip. You know, sleepover,” he clarifies, like I’m an idiot.

      I sigh. “You’re freaking me out. What the hell is going on?”

      He reaches for me and grabs the hem of my tank top, pulling me towards him. I stumble a bit and have to place my hands on his shoulders for balance as he tugs me closer. “I want you in my bed tonight. I was hoping you’d fall asleep in my arms.” His eyes lock onto mine.

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it! 

{Review}

If you haven't read book one, Revelation, stop here. Go read Revelation, it's great, - don't worry, I'll wait. Ready?

Randi Cooley Wilson turns up the dial on everything in Restraint, the sexual chemistry, the danger, the connection between Eve and Asher, the romance, the risk they take if they pursue their attraction.

The world gets a little bigger in Restraint. We meet other characters, both good and bad and jealousy inducing. We also get to see a little more about the effects of the bond and the sacrifices Eve and Asher each have to make. As to their relationship, despite the continuing on/off nature of their relationship I really like them together in their sweet moments - the Property of London tee shirt - and their steamier ones, even when they're at each other's throats.

I like that Randi Cooley Wilson isn't afraid to hurt her characters, to injure them physically and emotionally, to take away what they love the most, it definitely makes for an interesting read. And the end? Another gasp! What?! Where is book three? Must read now!

The Giveaway:

Signed copy of Revelation and Restraint open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In addition to the giveaway the winner will also be able to choose Callan's next Apron Saying in book 3.

Love Callan St, Michael's aprons? Now is your chance to pick the saying for book 3, Redemption:

"Be a flirt and lift your shirt."

"If I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."

"Can I check to see if my hot dog fits your bun?"

Choose one, winner will be put into book 3!!!

About the Author:

Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years. Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again. Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.” Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson

Twitter: R_CooleyWilson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RCooleyWilson

{Paranormal Review} The Curse Keepers (The Curse Keeper #1) by Denise Grover Swank

{Paranormal Review} The Curse Keepers (The Curse Keeper #1) by Denise Grover Swank

The wall between our world and that of vengeful spirits has protected humanity for more than 400 years. It’s about to come crashing down.

Ellie Lancaster has lived her whole life by the site of the mysterious Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Virginia settlement that vanished without a trace around 1590. Only the descendants of the two men who banished the spirits of an enemy tribe from the material realm know what really happened to the colony. Ellie is one of those descendants—a Curse Keeper. Her father took pains to teach her what he knew of the curse and the responsibilities of its guardians. He taught her that if the two Curse Keepers ever meet, the curse will be lifted, the gate will open, and the raging Native American spirits will be unleashed to seek their revenge.

Despite her father’s seriousness, Ellie has always taken the legend for a harmless fairy tale. Until she meets the darkly handsome, but downright infuriating, Collin Dailey and realizes everything she was told is true. For when they meet, it’s like the air is sucked from the room. Collin’s presence is electrifying… and it’s not just attraction Ellie feels, but the inexorable pull toward her destiny. The prophecy is real, and now Ellie and Collin must battle supernatural forces and their loathing—and passion—for each other to set things right.

The Curse Keepers are all that stand between the world and its destruction. (Blurb via Goodreads)

Purchase: The Book Depository + Amazon + Barnes & Noble

{Details} ebook, 312 pages. Published November 19th 2013 by 47North. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 4/5 -- I really liked it!

{Review}

"The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was trouble." (page 1, line 1)

What a fabulous first line! The story is intriguing, absorbing and creative. I appreciated how Grover Swank slowly revealed the tale, the curse and the role the curse keepers play.

Ellie has a good heart. And a lot on her plate, she's trying to help her family stay afloat, she's trying to save herself, to save the world. Collin. Big ego. Big talker. Curse Keeper. Secret keeper.

The fate of the world is on their shoulders but nothing is simple for them, their relationship is tumultuous and hot and sexy and they face many obstacles - one shaped liked Jabba the Hut - in their quest. The ending? The ending! My heart broke. I need The Curse Breakers.

{Paranormal Romance Minute Review} The Thing About Weres (Mystwalker #2) by Leigh Evans

{Paranormal Romance Minute Review} The Thing About Weres (Mystwalker #2) by Leigh Evans

Love is like a wild animal. It can't be tamed…

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

In the never-ending saga that is my love-hate relationship with Robson Trowbridge, I, half-Were Hedi Peacock, have had a change of heart. Ever since I shoved Trowbridge through the Gates of Merenwyn, I’ve been the leader of the pack—hard to believe, right? The thing is: I’m half-Fae. So even though my Were side is ready to heed the call of the wild, the other part of me is desperate to take flight. And much as it pains me to admit it, life without Trowbridge is really starting to were me down…

I Am Were, Hear Me Roar.

To make matters worse, the wolves of Creemore want my blood—and the North American Council of Weres wants me dead. So I’m just counting the days until Trowbridge returns from the other realm…and comes to my brave rescue…and becomes my alpha mate. Wishful thinking? Of course it is. But given all the mess I’ve been through already, what’s the harm in doing a little bit of daisy-plucking? Besides, Trowbridge owes me bigtime. A girl can dream.(Blub via Goodreads)

{Details} Mass Market Paperback, 422 pages. Published July 30th 2013 by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Source: library

{Rating} 3/5 -- I liked it!

{Review}

"I don't know why Weres think the moon's so beautiful." (page 1, line 1)

Hedi still can't catch a break. I don't think Evans missed an opportunity to kick Hedi while she's down. There are complications in her relationship with Bridge, things are going bad, in the fae realm and back in Creemore, and then there are painful choices to make.

I was thrilled to see Hedi experiencing sweet and tender moments with Bridge, finally getting to say the things they hadn't yet said.

"I love you more than the sum of all the people I've ever loved in my life." (page 317)

I still adore both Bridge and Hedi. We get to see alpha Bridge and Hedi gets in all sorts of trouble.

"It's a gift," said Cordelia wearily. "She's the only person I know who can tip our world toward disaster with one trip to the loo." (page 383)

I'm still enjoying the Mystwalker series, it's so unique, and Evan's writing style is fabulous. I can't wait to read book three, The Problem with Promises.

{Adult Paranormal Review} Hear No (Hidden Evil Trilogy #1) by Lizzy Ford

{Adult Paranormal Review} Hear No (Hidden Evil Trilogy #1) by Lizzy Ford

 

It's only the end of the world ... Nathan's job for the past three thousand years has been to clean up supernatural messes. Jaded, ruthlessly effective and selfless, he's seen it all and can handle anything - demons, homicidal angels, even bad bosses. His latest challenge: A creature named Shadowman is seeking out the three keys it believes will open portals between earth and hell. Nathan must eliminate the human host guiding Shadowman to the keys. Except Nathan isn't expecting the woman anchoring Shadowman to the human world to be beautiful, witty, innocent and completely unaware of the creature manipulating her. Worse, she makes him feel alive for the first time in his long existence, and he haphazardly discovers she's meant to become the love of his life. Life becomes more complicated when Nathan helps rescue one of the key holders, a deaf girl charged with protecting the secret of who Shadowman really is: the first of four demons headed to the human world, intent on bringing about the Apocalypse. They will succeed, unless Nathan kills the woman he loves, and sends the demon back to Hell. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} 254 pages. Published October 25th 2013 by Guerrilla Wordfare (first published October 16th 2013)

{Source} Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!

{Review}

"Amira Santiago studied the face of her mentor, guardian and friend in the dim light of the seedy hotel room on the south side of Washington, DC." (page 1, line 1)

I thought the story was interesting - angels, demons, the apocalypse. There's a lot going on, I needed some kind of chart with all the relationships, with who - and what - the characters were. But they were also varied and interesting. Is it wrong that I liked the knife wielding, kind, well mannered, ready to dismember Satanist? Probably. But I did anyway.

I had mixed feelings about the main character, Nathan. Nathan can be an ass - he is an ass more than once, especially towards Kaylee - but he also has good intentions and unorthodox methods. He's also got that alpha male thing going for him.

The story really did make me think, what would you do when the fate of the world is in your hands? What's one life in the face of the apocalypse? What would you sacrifice? What could you sacrifice? And the ending? Where Ford left us? Gah! I must know what happens next.

{Adult Paranormal Minute Review} Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson

 {Adult Paranormal Minute Review} Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson

Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.

After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.

But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.

When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.(less)

{Details} 352 pages, Published September 11th 2012 by Orbit (first published September 1st 2012). Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!

{Review}

"I drew in a ragged breath and tried hard to surface from one hell of a nightmare." (page 1, line 1)

I thought it was an interesting take on the werewolf idea, that there aren't female werewolves. The story was original and fun with a strong, kick ass, take no prisoners heroine, a powerful and mysterious shifter of some sort named Rourke, a prophecy, vampires and a witch with an agenda. The characters were great, the story kept my attention and where they left things... I was definitely intrigued and want to know what happens next.

{Paranormal Romance Review} Xander's Chance (Damian Eternal #1) by Lizzy Ford

{Paranormal Romance Review} Xander's Chance (Damian Eternal #1) by Lizzy Ford

A continuation of the "War of Gods" saga ...

As the single-most powerful vampire on the planet, Xander is the ultimate bored predator with too much time on his hands. He manipulates the minds of immortals for fun and bullies around the Gods, while guarding the secret source of his power, a crystal that can wipe out the planet. But beneath the surface, he’s a shrewd creature who learned the brutal lesson of why there must be a balance between good and evil. An unwilling protector of the playthings known as humans, he knows when and where to use his power – and never to let anyone close enough to betray him. It’s easy to do, since he has the power to read the minds of everyone around him.

Except for one: Jessi, an innocent looking woman with an unusual talent who shows up unexpectedly in his life. Her sudden appearance is too convenient to be coincidence or chance. Xander determines quickly that she was sent by someone, but he can’t read her mind to discover why.

Jessi’s secret – and Xander’s – have the power to forever change the human world. Intrigued by a new sort of challenge, Xander won’t know how much danger he’s in, until he’s placed his fate in the hands of a woman whose betrayal will cost either his heart or his life. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Kindle Edition, 301 pages. Published March 20th 2013 by Guerrilla Wordfare. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!

{Review}

"The boy ran through the crowded marketplace, dodging merchants' carts and weaving through the patrons." (page 1, line 1)

The book starts out with Xander as a child and as a young man, though not the most exciting bit, it is essential. I needed to see what happened to him and how he chose to react to it in order to care at all about him and accept the things he'd done. It's still hard to care about him, he's got a cocky attitude, and his attitude towards women: he doesn't do re-reruns (i.e. never the same woman twice). He also doesn't trust anyone or let anyone get close to him but after what's happened to him, well, it's understandable. And then Jessi comes along, someone new and intriguing. Someone who let me see there's more to Xander.

Jessi. While I liked her sass, her selfless devotion to her family and the way she bantered with Xander, most of the time I thought she was too stupid to live and definitely not someone to have a say in the fate of the world. I didn't buy why she continued to keep her secret after being told by multiple people the consequences of that decision. She put the people she loved at risk, something against her character, for what?

I thought the world was interesting, the concept of the gods, the Naturals, the Guardians, etc. but there wasn't a whole lot of information about them, probably because Xander's Chance is an offshoot of the series War of Gods. There was enough of an explanation that this book is able to stand alone but I do believe I would have gotten much more out of the book if I'd read the series first.

{Paranormal Review} The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans

{Paranormal Romance Review} The Trouble with Fate by Leigh Evans

Meet Hedi Peacock. She's half Fae. Half Were. And all trouble…

I Have Two Words For Werewolves:

My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I’m not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I’ve never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father’s death…

Bite Me.

Today I’m a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I’m going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I’d turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he’s as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That’s the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again… (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Mass Market Paperback, 344 pages. Published December 24th 2012 by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Source: library

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it

{Review} 

"What do the tree huggers call it? Karma. (page 1, line 1-2)

I didn't expect it to be so depressing. And there is a bit of torture. Didn't expect that. Even so, I enjoyed the book. I thought it was original, Evans included some of the typical elements of fae and werewolves as well as giving her own twist and the intriguing ideas of mystwalkers and the amulets. And karma. Karma should get it's own entry in the list of characters.

Hedi (I can't tell you how many times I called her Heidi) has had a hard life, and it just keeps getting harder. But she's a survivor. And a liar. And a thief. She's also used to running away but now she's forced to stop running and face the past, to deal with the mother of all grudges and all the guilt. Oy, the guilt. I liked Hedi. I liked her sass, her devotion to those she loves and the way she just keeps going, refusing to give up or quit.

Bridge (Robson Trowbridge) has a lot in common with Hedi, loss, fear, the tendency to run. And they're both emotional wrecks. They are so imperfectly perfect for each other. While there isn't a whole lot of romance going on there are tender moments between Hedi and Bridge but they all have a cruel edge, a hurt, but they both know to savor the good moments when they come because they know those moments won't last.

Many fates are left up in the air at the end of the book but it left me wanting to know what will happen in book two, The Thing About Weres.

{Paranormal Romance Review} Croc and the Fox (Furry United Coalition #3) by Eve Langlais

Warning: An ornery croc discovers he does have a pulse when a hot to trot fox decides to latch on, and never let go. Tongue in cheek humor, sizzling moments and a tiny, evil villain await.

A career military man, Viktor lives for the next mission – and his collection of weapons -- but a raid on an experimental lab makes him an unwilling protector, mostly because he can’t peel Renee off. A cold blooded croc, he never intended to settle down, but he didn’t count on a foxy lady warming his heart.

The world outside the laboratory was a big scary place. Unsure of how to deal with it, Renee latches onto the biggest, baddest, and sexiest, warrior around. Sharp toothed and with ice in his veins, Viktor’s violent side should have sent her running, but instead, she finds the courage to face her fears –and tame the lizard.

When danger comes knocking, with the intention of turning her lizard into a high priced fashion accessory, will Renee embrace her foxy side and show a croc she’s got what it takes to be his mate?

And will they finally vanquish the evil known as mastermind? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 207 pages. Published August 15th 2012 by Eve Langlais (first published August 2nd 2012). Source: Amazon

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

{Review}

Forget the experimental drugs killing her, boredom would get her first." (page 1, line 1)

Fun, silly, charming, surprisingly sweet story with a bit of action thrown in to keep things interesting. Viktor, the Croc, is surly, snarly, snappy but he's also protective and reluctantly noble. It's amusing watching Viktor try to convince himself that he doesn't care for Project/Renee even as he lets her cling to him when she's scared, threatens anyone who might even hurt her feelings and struggles to keep his hands to himself - and even more difficult, have her keep her hands to herself.

I liked watching Project/Renee as she reluctantly (i.e. is forced) explores the world outside her cell. It could have been dark - she lived in a cell, she didn't even have a toothbrush - but Langlais makes it an adventure and funny because Project/Renee doesn't respond to anything that way you'd expect.

"But just so we're clear, I still don't trust that sky." She scowled. "It's too big and open. The city really should think about putting a roof over it." (location 1091)

I thought Viktor and Project/Renee were great together, they way they bantered, defended each other and made each other happy. Langlais has a great sense of humor. She doesn't take anything too seriously and I loved it. I mean the Furry United Coalition is the FUC, there's a saber tooth bunny and there's an evil Mastermind. Though this is book three in a series it can definitely stand alone.

{Paranormal YA Review} Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

{Paranormal YA Review} Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword... (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Paperback, 337 pages. Published November 29th 2011 by K-Teen. Source: Library 

 

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it!

 

{Review}

"Logan Quinn was trying to kill me." (line 1, page 1)

Life isn't getting any better or easier for Gwen, she's still feeling inadequate when faced with Spartans, Valkyries etc., Reapers are still trying to kill her, Logan's still kissing a girl who isn't her, and the library is still a dangerous place to be.

Some questions are answered and a whole lot more are posed as we learn a little more of the story, of Loki's plan and Gwen's role. I was excited to see kick ass Gwen appear; to see the progress of her powers - the good and bad of it.

Other things to mention: I understand Logan a little better now, even if I did spend half the book annoyed with him. I was intrigued to see the addition of two new characters, Logan's friends and fellow Spartans Kenzie and Oliver, and how they fit into the story. And then there was the possibility of a new romantic interest for Gwen...

I liked Kiss of Frost even better than the first book Touch of Frost (my review here), because we already have the background we are plunged right into the action. I already have book three, Dark Frost, and I'm eager to start reading.

{Paranormal Historical Romance Review} A Lady and Her Magic (Faerie #1) by Tammy Falkner

{Paranormal Historical Romance Review} A Lady and Her Magic (Faerie #1) by Tammy Falkner

Rules Are Made to be Disobeyed...

Sophia Thorne is new to the Regency's glittering high society, which resembles her magical homeland only insofar as both places are filled with ridiculous rules. Which means no matter where she goes, she's bound for trouble...

And Scandals Are Meant to be Shocking...

The Duke of Robinsworth has flaunted and shocked society for years. In a moment of fateful mischief, Robinsworth encounters the enchanting and distinctly scandalous Sophia. Between her streak of magical mischief and his penchant for scandal, they're about to take rule-breaking to a whole new level... (Blurb via Goodreads) 

{Details} e-book, 352 pages, Published September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca. Source: library

{Rating} 4/5 -- I really liked it!

{Review} Yes, you read that heading right, this is a paranormal, historical romance and it is utterly charming. I loved Ashley (the Duke) and Sophia, they were both such interesting characters, both strong and stubborn, I couldn't wait to get to their next scene together.

Unlike many romance novels that have something trite like a misunderstanding to cause turmoil in relationships, the stumbling block Falkner devised to keep Sophia and Ashley apart was more like a brick wall, reinforced with metal and electrified. It was gut wrenching, I couldn't see the way to their happy ending.

There is a large cast of secondary characters but they are so unique that they never blended together. I'm excited to read books two and three in the Faerie series where we get to see several of those characters again. I loved Falkner's writing style, she excelled at snappy dialog and chemistry between her characters.

{Paranormal Romance Review} Breaking the Storm by Sedona Venez

{Paranormal Romance Review} Breaking the Storm (Credence Curse #1) by Sedona Venez

THE CURSE
Stormy Credence was destined to succumb to the Credence family curse—they all did.

THE GAME
Stormy is put to the test one more time, when the one man that she never wanted to see again—‘Rock Star’ Knox Gunner comes blowing back into her life—back to claim what’s his—Stormy. This time he will stop at nothing to prove that she belongs to him in every sense of the word…

THE PASSION
When Stormy meets sexy band front man Knox Gunner, there’s no denying him. Willing to take a chance on love, Stormy breaks the most important Credence rule, no relationships—ever—a mistake that results in heartbreaking devastation.

But can she keep her feelings from getting dangerously deep until his game of ‘Breaking the Storm’ is over? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 197 pages, Published August 6th 2013 by One Wish Publishing. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

 

{Rating} 3/5 - I liked it!

{Review} Steamy, intense, intriguing  And the cover... love the cover!

It's an interesting premise, the curse, the 'Others' world and all the accompaning rules. That said, there's a lot going on, there are fae-witch, shifters, warlocks etc. I liked the story, I liked the characters but it felt like it was trying to be too much, to do too much, it's paranormal, romance, BDSM, it's got a bad boy musician, star crossed lovers, the curse... you've got the picture.

The chemistry between Knox and Storm was great - the burlesque scene anyone? Knox is a great match for Storm who has got all the baggage of the Credence curse hanging over her head. Knox is intense. He's unrelenting. He knows what he wants and is determined to get it, doing anything and everything to get her, even if it makes her squirm, especially if it maker her squirm. I did have trouble believing Storm didn't figure things out out sooner, there were too many hints and Venez makes sure we know she's not a dumb girl. And Mr. 'You're Mine' Knox waiting patiently for Storm? Didn't seem to fit his character.

I'm intrigued about book #2, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and characters I don't know nearly enough about. There's Light, Storm's cousin who's also a cursed Credence, and the Alpha Ryker... I see fireworks ahead.

{Suspense/Paranormal/Romance Minute Review} Come Hell or High Desire by Misty Dietz

{Suspense/Paranormal/Romance Minute Review} Come Hell or High Desire by Misty Dietz

Torn between dangerous desires…

Framed for a series of brutal murders, rebel-turned-CEO Zack Goldman must go to ground. When he discovers that sexy boutique owner Sloane Swift has a shocking gift—terrifying visions that connect her to his mentor’s missing daughter—he can’t believe her refusal to help him. Nor can he believe he’s actually falling for the frustrating woman.

Their chemistry will either find its perfect equation…

Helping an accused killer ranks low on Sloane’s to-do list, no matter how hot the attraction burns between them. But putting to rest her overwhelming guilt over the missing girl’s fate proves more difficult than she ever imagined...that is, until her heart and conscience begin to align.

…or detonate everything in its path.

As the real killer locks in on Sloane, Zack will stop at nothing to keep her safe. And as they earn each other’s trust—with danger in hot pursuit—they may just lose their hearts in the process
(Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Published (first published August 12th 2013). Publisher: Entangled. Source: ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review

{Rating} 4/5



{Review} An intriguing mix of suspense and romance with an element of the paranormal. I loved Zack and Sloane, their interactions, the way they called each other on their crap and their chemistry. Their connection felt real, their love the kind that will last. The story was full of twists and turns, Dietz did an excellent job of hinting and teasing, giving just enough information to advance the storyline and keep me wanting more.  

 

ARC provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review 

{Paranormal Romance Review} To Have and To Code by Debora Geary

{Paranormal Romance Review} To Have and To Code by Debora Geary

Nell Sullivan is fiery, easily distracted by cookies, and doomed to wear the peach monstrosity at her best friend’s wedding.

And she’s a witch.

Daniel Walker is a former baseball player turned bored hacker looking for a challenge. Hacking Nell's online gaming world is going to get him a lot more than he bargained for.

A prophecy says they will make babies together – but when it comes to the love life of a modern witch and a hacker, prophecy might not get a vote. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} Kindle Edition, 364 pages. Published September 12th 2012 by Fireweed Publishing. Source: Amazon Lending Library

{Rating} 4/5

{Review} For a romance I was surprised how long it took for the hero and heroine to meet. Well, they meet online and spend the first third of the book fighting, dueling even. I loved the cyber interactions of hacker vs. witch programmer, it was exciting and amusing enough to keep me awake into the wee hours.

Nell is strong and independent and determined. Daniel is a bit of a lost soul, he's searching for something, a purpose. There is so much to like about them, Daniel's soft spot for kids, Nell's unwavering loyalty and support for her friends.

This is not a traditional love story where boy and girl meet and fall in love. Not these two. They don't date. They argue. They fight. They walk away. They come back. I think the love Geary shows is more real without the sappy romance. Nell and Daniel are both looking for the same thing, someone who can stand beside them, with them, accept the reality of who they are, the good and the bad and that's hard if you're a hacker or a fire witch. Their path to love is hard.

"...but you're sure. She isn't yet. She's still testing you, trying to find out if you're safe to lean on. Testing herself to see if she's brave enough to lean." (Geary 296)

There is a huge cast of likable characters, Nell's friends and family, Daniel's friends, but they all play an important role in the story, illuminating the characters, helping their relationship along.

I liked the rhythm of Geary's writing, the variations of speed and tempo, the words she chooses.

"Yup. Class A meddler. She was fond of him already. Nell scowled, mostly for form." (Geary, 340)

This book is actually a prequel, in the previously published books in the series the events in this story have already occurred. It can be read as a standalone but I'm sure I would have gotten more if I'd already read the other books.