Category Book Reviews

Nov 23 2016

The Asian Slow Cooker Cookbook 🍴 Book Tour and Review

The Asian Slow Cooker Header

The Asian Slow Cooker by Kelly Kwok

Review by Tamye
☕☕☕☕☕

Fantastic cookbook! Beautifully laid out, well written, with easy to follow instructions.

I was very impressed with this cookbook. The photographs were drool inspiring, and made me eager to try each and every recipe. The recipes themselves were easy to understand, with great tips to make the best meal possible. In fact the only thing difficult I found with this book, was deciding which recipe to try first.

The first section of the book was filled with some of my favorite take out recipes. Now I can make them at home. Next was one of my favorite sections. “5 Ingredients or Less”. I don’t know about you, but I love the ease of making a yummy meal, without a lot of fuss. I recommend the Ginger- Glazed Cod or Sweet Chili Chicken Drumsticks. If you like pumpkin, you will love the Thai Pumpkin Curry Soup. The next section was “One-Pot & Skillet Meals” which was filled with a medley of tasty favorites and new-to-me recipes. The “Skip the Stove-top” section offered up a great selection of warm tummy fillers, without firing up the stove. I’m in love with my slow cooker again. No standing at the stove, stirring every other minute to prepare mouth watering, hot meals. “Fiery Favorites” supplies a flavorful mixture of tease the palate with differing levels of heat. “Meatless Mondays” has something in it for everyone, not just vegetarians, such as “Mango Sesame Lentil Lettuce Wraps” and “Teriyaki Pineapple Portobello Burgers”. The “Sensational Soups” section is perfect for the colder months, when I crave homemade soup. Then to finish things off, “Delectable Desserts”. Basically YUM! I can’t wait to try the “Black Sesame Brownies”.

All the recipes were easy to follow. But what I found really nice was the Slow Cooker Basics, as well as the concise section on “Stocking Your Pantry for Asian Cooking” and the index. Because face it. I did not grow up making Asian food. I went to a restaurant to get my cravings satisfied. Now I can meet them at home, without a ton of fuss.

I highly recommend this book for the beginner to the advanced cook.
Enjoy! I know I am.

*disclosure: I was given this book free in exchange for an honest review.

The Asian Slow Cooker CoverThe Asian Slow Cooker cookbook provides great new flavors to try in your slow cooker. These simple and delicious recipes will have your favorite Asian dishes waiting for you right when you get home.

With the press of a button, you can make authentic dishes that are healthier and tastier than their restaurant counterparts.

You’ll experience a wide variety of flavors; choose spicy, vegetarian, noodles or rice.

There are even recipes that have 5 ingredients or less. Extra long day? Kelly’s fuss-free one-pot and skillet recipes will have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less?and with only one pan to wash, cleanup will be a breeze.Whether you’re in the mood for General Tso’s Chicken, Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken, Beef Chow Fun, Panang Curry, Mapo Tofu or Tom Yum Hot and Sour Soup, you can have fast, delicious meals every day of the week the easy way.

Buy it on Amazon

Kelly Kwok

Bio: Kelly is the blogger behind Life Made Sweeter. She is a self-taught baker and specializes in Asian cuisine. You
can often find her in the kitchen dreaming up tasty new dishes that are quick and easy to make for her family. She enjoys using her slow cooker and adding a fun and healthy twist to many classic favorites.

Follow Kelly on her social media!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
 

Oct 25 2016

Review – Demon Possession by Kiersten Fay

Demon Possession

REVIEW

I’m in love! I’ve found a new “Go To” author. That’s right, this book is that good. When an author can take something or someone I consider intrinsically evil and make me want them as my newest book boyfriend, adoptive big brother, or new best friend; they have accomplished something major. Go Kiersten!

And that’s just the beginning. Not only do we have space traveling good guy demons. We have intrigue, mystery, and a quest. The mystery involves the heroine Analia (Anya to her friends), who has no idea where she comes from, who her people are, or how she ended up as a slave. She does know why Darius will do anything to get her back. Which is the reason he has kept her isolated most her life, because others would want to use her for her powers also. Needless-to-say when Anna gets free, everything is new to her.

Sebastian fights an overpowering need to protect the stowaway he found on his ship. He has a hard time believing half the things she says, but her reactions support her words. Of course she could be a good actress. It doesn’t help that his demon keeps saying “MINE”.

The tension and chemistry between Anya and Bastian is instant, but plays well throughout the story. The storyline is progressive and plays throughout the series not just this book. Hint: You will want to buy the rest of the books in the series. This book wraps up Anya and Bastion’s romance it doesn’t end their quest. Not that I consider this book a cliffhanger, I don’t. It’s just that more than one story is being told. And you will most definitely want to follow along.

The world building is outstanding, to the point, I have no problem imagining myself on board the Extarga, interacting with all the wonderful characters the author has created. I look forward to reading Marik’s, Cale’s, and Sophie’s stories in the next three books in the series. Yep, they are out too.

The pace was perfect. As in, I couldn’t put it down. It was an engrossing page turner from the first paragraph. So make sure you have five or six free hours. Honest, the house could have been robbed while I read this, and I wouldn’t have noticed as long as they didn’t mess with me, my book, or my coffee.

Happy Ever For Now – You never know what the future will bring. They have sisters to find, and a planet to free. Which means you need to buy the rest of the books in the series. I did! And after reading them I highly recommend you buy them all too.

SYNOPSIS

Trapped in a world not of her choosing…
After being enslaved on the spaceship Extarga for most of her life Analia has no memory of her life before, and has lost all knowledge of her people. Her mysterious gift and pointed ears are the only indication that she is different. Analia is alone, and for all she knows, she’s the last of her kind. By chance Analia escapes her captors, and hides herself on the merchant ship Marada, planning to get off at the very next stop.

Unfortunately for her, there is no next stop. The crew is planning a delivery that could take months, and according to a stipulation in the newly signed contract, no one is allowed on or off the ship until the package is delivered. When Analia is found by the captain of the Marada, she must adapt to her new role on the ship, and try to control her newly awakened desire for the brutal and devastatingly erotic demon.

Can she handle a demon’s passion?

 

7eb90-goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47

AMAZON               B&N               SMASHWORDS               KOBO

 

About the Author

Kiersten Fay is the author of the steamy romance series, Shadow Quest, in which she combines paranormal and sci-fi with loose concepts from lore and mythology. In 2013, her short story, Racing Hearts, was published in The Mammoth Book of Futuristic Romance. In 2012, via gravetells.com, she won Favorite Story of August 2012 for Demon Retribution, the third book in her Shadow Quest series, and received a nomination for favorite author in that same year. Before becoming an author, Kiersten worked as graphic designer, and now loves creating her own book covers.

While fully intending to continue her popular Shadow Quest series, she is currently working on a new dark fantasy series called Creatures of Darkness, set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires openly mingle with humans, featuring magic, witches, vampires, and whatever else she decides to throw in.

For release dates, sign up for the newsletter at http://www.kierstenfay.com
or LIKE her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KierstenFay

 

Oct 13 2016

Review – Cuffed & Claimed Box Set

Cuffed & Claimed

Featuring stories by: Caitlyn O’Leary, Daisy Philips, Elle Boon, Fiona Archer, Holly Roberts, Jenika Snow, Lori King, Lynne St. James, Sherri Hayes, and Sydney Lea

Ten hot law enforcement erotic romance novellas that will have you panting.

 

A wonderful collection of law enforcement romance stories.  From slightly steamy to scorching.  I’ve rated the different novellas from 3.5 to 5 stars.  Which translates, “I liked it” up to “I loved it”, with an overall average score of 4.4 stars.  Meaning I loved more books than I liked and they were all worth reading.  I definitely recommend this book to romance readers who like a little  heat wrapped up in a uniform.

 

Delta Rogue by: Elle Boon

Great dynamic between Hailey (Hellion) Ashley and Maddox (Mad) Lopez.  This one has heart and steam in all the right places.  (5 Stars)

SYNOPSIS
Hailey’s tired of seeing men she considers her brothers nearly killed. The Navy was the one place she considered home, until now.

Maddox is used to playing cat and mouse, his job is to keep the United States safe from terrorists. However, the ends always outweighed his own needs. Only this time, with Hailey’s life hanging in the balance it wasn’t the same.

As threats escalate, and Hailey is placed under his care 24/7 will he be able to keep things professional? Or will it all fall apart as secrets are uncovered and the threats are closer than either thought?

 

Arresting Submission by: Daisy Philips

Good story, but it dragged a bit, but worth the read. (3.5 stars)

SYNOPSIS
Cat Conroy had fallen for a bad boy before and it hadn’t ended well. Scott Weston was trouble with a capital T. He claimed to be a CPA but in Cat’s experience, accountants rarely carried guns to work.

Undercover FBI agent Scott loved Cat from the moment he met her. Unfortunately, the lies he had to tell were driving them apart. Would she be able to forgive him when the truth finally came out?

 

In His Custody by: Fiona Archer

Enjoyed this story immensely.  Great suspense and the chemistry between Mercy and Aidan was off the charts. (4.5 stars)  

SYNOPSIS
English teacher Mercy Jones has sworn off men, especially the edgy ones. So why does the new substitute history teacher have to be dangerous, raw, and challenging—on every level? His uncompromising masculinity and questioning mind captivate Mercy, tempting her to risk her heart.

Detective Aidan Shaw is a cynical bastard. But when working undercover to eradicate a high school drug network, Aidan meets an intelligent, feisty blonde. Mercy’s warmth and generous spirit awaken a part of him buried deep for too long.

But as he closes in on the criminals manipulating innocents for profit, the stakes grow ever higher.

 

Street Justice by: Holly Roberts

I loved this story.  It made me smile, laugh, and sigh.  Well written, and paced.  I HAVE to read more in this series.  (5 stars)

SYNOPSIS
Street Justice combines a sexy alpha cop, a bohemian woman with a heart of gold, and a half-Shepard half-Poodle mix with a leg-humping need to prove who’s top dog in the neighborhood. With suspense, humor, and steamy romance Street Justice will have your alpha-cop fantasies on full alert.

 

Yes, Sir by: Jenika Snow

This was a good story, and I really liked the Law came to realize that he needed to change his way of treating Brittin.  I didn’t care to much for the sex scenes.  They were too rough for my tastes.  But that is just me, and the writing itself was very good and the storyline itself kept me reading.  (3.5 stars)

SYNOPSIS
Brittin
I had no choice but to come back. I knew I’d run into Law, my bear-shifting ex, and the man I still loved. I thought I could move on.I was wrong.

Law
Brittin is the only woman I will ever love. She is it for me, even if she broke it off. I screwed up when I lost her, and I spent the next two years regretting it. Now she’s back, and it’s my chance to show her I can be the man she deserves.

 

The Lawman’s Lover by Lori King

LOVED THIS STORY.  Riveting.  I was enthralled from beginning to end. Great characters, and chemistry.  You can’t help but want more. (5 plus stars)

SYNOPSIS
A divorcee whose broken dreams are buried so deep she can’t remember where she put them.

A Deputy Sheriff with a mountain of responsibilities weighing him down.

A fling. No strings attached. No plans for the future.

Until someone’s heart gets broken.

Find out how Deputy Colby Bricker and waitress Elizabeth Newcomer take their shared past and build a new future, in this sister story to the Crawley Creek Ranch Series.

 

House Arrest (A Willow Haven Novella Bk 1) by: Lynne St James

I really enjoyed the give and take of this story and the characters.  I thought the author did a great job on Anna and unfolding some of her hang ups, and how she needs to work past them to be truly happy. (4.5 stars)

SYNOPSIS
Ethan Price thought a job as a small-town police detective in Willow Haven would be easy after five years as a pilot in the Air Force. Then a rash of break-ins puts the entire department on alert and the woman he loves at risk.

Anna Taggart is smart, stubborn, independent, and doesn’t think she needs anyone. Having her heart broken before, she refuses to give in to her feelings for Ethan no matter how hard he pursues her.

Will Ethan be able to convince Anna life is too short not to love?

 

Seducing the Detective by: Sherri Hayes

Great writing and character interaction, but I felt this was more of an intro into their story then a whole story in and of itself.  I would really like to see more.  Like them catching or at discovering who the bad guy is. (4 stars)

SYNOPSIS
When Detective Janey Davis is sent to the small town of Liberty to consult on a recently discovered John Doe, she’s paired up with Deputy Kyle Reed. She’s run into his type before—handsome, overly confident, and he has the ladies fawning all over him. It should be easy to resist her attraction to him. If only someone would tell that to her heart.

 

Dirty Liars by: Sydney Lea

I really enjoyed this story, and both Nikolai and Harper’s characters.  The storyline was good, with  a few twists I definitely wasn’t expecting.  I felt it was a little choppy is spots, but then it was really late when I read this one.  So it could have been me. (4 stars)

SYNOPSIS
Undercover FBI agent Nikolai has been treading a fine line between right and wrong for the last few years and everything he has worked for is thrown into utter chaos the moment he risks it all to save Harper. Harper’s life has just been turned upside down, and now she must rely on the one man who has been lying to her from the moment they met.

Can they overcome all the dirty lies told between them?

 

Her Hearts Protector by: Caitlyn O’Leary

Very well written, smooth read, and great character interaction. LOVED this story and the characters. (5 stars)

SYNOPSIS
It’s the worst case scenario for David Sloane as a Military Policeman. An earthquake has rocked Las Flores, leaving devastation in its wake. The local government leans heavily on David to lead the manhunt to recapture the escaped convicts.

In the midst of the chaos, former army nurse Sarah Kyle arrives with the International Aid Workers. As David comes face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten, danger continues to escalate as the desperate prisoners do anything they can to leave the island.

When conditions deteriorate will these former lovers survive, let alone have the happily ever after they deserve?

I was given this boxed set in exchange for an honest review.

Sep 28 2016

Review and Blog Tour – Awakening Kiss by Sharon Kay

Title: Awakening Kiss

Series: Watcher’s Kiss #4

Author: Sharon Kay

Genre: Adult, PNR Romance

Published: September 13, 2016

Review_Purple
☕☕☕☕☕
Five cups of awesomeness!!!

Sharon Kay has done it again.  Which isn’t surprising, as I’ve yet to read a book of hers that hasn’t completely enthralled me.  Since this book starts in Enza De Luca’s coffee shop, I’m doubly enchanted, because um, COFFEE.  I love that that she is part – owner, and bakes.  Two of my favorite things.

You barely blink and the action begins.  Having left work late, Enza is on her way to catch the bus on the not-so-safe streets of Chicago.  But she runs into trouble instead.  Trying to escape some no-good thugs she catches the attention of our hero, Rhys, possibly a couple of dark elves, and straight into a portal.  One a human wouldn’t have been able to see.  Rhys is compelled to help Enza, once he confirms she isn’t working with the enemy.

The seamless way Kay weaves present day Chicago with the unknown supernatural element that thrives in the city is amazing.  Her character are not only believable, but likeable.  Well most of them, there are a few, you will just want to knock on their butts.  She brings the whole cast and crew to life in such a way, that you feel like you know them, and are vested in their future.

This is a fast paced, won’t-want-to-put-it-down read.  Don’t open the book, until you can devote a few hours uninterrupted hours.  I recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal romances, hot sexy good guy demons, and awesome books.

This book made it onto my favorite book list, and Sharon Kay firmly remains on my “Go-To” and “Top Ten” Author’s list.

** I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review.**

As part of the Watchers, Rhys is used to all types of combat, pursuit, and interrogation. But hacking and tracking through hidden online channels is where he excels. Shattering codes and sneaking around firewalls comes as easily to him as a swordfight or street brawl with a predatory enemy.

Cooking up sweet new pastry creations is Enza’s dream job. Kitchen appliances never fail her, unlike every computer she’s ever touched. Her fledging baking business is doing well, yet as streetlights flicker with her changing mood, she can’t shake the feeling that she’s different from everyone else. But life as a regular Chicago girl is all she’s ever known…until one hot summer night.

Violence threatens both of them when her world collides with Rhys’s in a dark city alley. As a raw and formidable ability awakens in her mind, she becomes targeted by the last person she expects. Drawn to his sweet baker with a pull he can’t deny, Rhys vows to protect her—no matter the consequences that will change their lives forever.
Awakening Kiss Excerpt © Sharon Kay 2016After a few minutes, they reached a split that made two branches. “It’s up ahead on the left,” Rhys murmured, and pulled her to the right hand tunnel.“Then why are we—”He extinguished his fire and crowded her against the cool concrete wall. “Remember what I said about scents?”

Enza’s breath hitched and her heartrate sped up. “Yes,” she whispered, breathy. “Touch?”

He leaned down to nuzzle her neck, and in the complete blackness her pulse beat a wild rhythm clear to his eyes. His hands moved to her hips. “Yes, bella. We walk in there, it needs to be crystal clear that we’re together, or the attention won’t stop.”

“Attention?” She laid her hands on his chest like she had before.

“Touches, kisses, getting too close. Arms around us, invitations for sex…hell, you’ll probably see it happening to others in there.” He inhaled her sweet scent, wishing their best lead on information didn’t lead them into a group of sex-seeking creatures. “But no one touches you or they’ll be sorry.” Slowly, he skimmed one hand up her side, to the bare skin of her bicep.

She shivered, and a trail of goosebumps stood out on her arm. He repeated the process on her other side, and a tiny moan escaped her lips. He framed her face in his hands, caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. For tonight, she was his. Maybe they were just playing roles, but damn if it was the most natural thing he’d ever had to play at.

And maybe that thought should have made him pause, but any hesitation was derailed by a new, intense, protective desire to show those wolves she was off limits.

“Mmm.” She closed her eyes and leaned forward, curling her fingers into his T-shirt.

“I want your neck, baby.” He stroked one finger down from her ear to her throat, eliciting another shiver from her.

Her head dropped to the side, giving him full access to her dewy, tantalizing skin. He brushed his lips across her collarbone and sucked at the spot where her shoulder started, inhaling her scent like it was oxygen.

Her arms went up and linked behind his neck. She wiggled close, rubbing her body against him. He groaned at her soft curves, remembering exactly how firm she felt in his hands. Blood surged to his cock and he dotted kisses along her throat, lingering below her ear. A spot he already knew she liked.

She whimpered and raked her fingernails through his hair. Tingles shot from her nails to his dick, making him flex into her. He switched to the other side of her jawline, kissing and nibbling along her skin, ensuring anyone who dared get that close would smell him on her.

“Rhys…” she moaned, lifting her head and scratching him again.

Without hesitation he slid a hand into her hair and gripped. Then forcing slowness, if only not to maul her, he held her still while he lowered his mouth to hers.

Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts. Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.

Sign up for Sharon’s newsletter to keep up with her paranormal world, see early cover reveals and be entered in periodic giveaways.
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Sep 26 2016

The Mortal One: Book 1 by Shannon Bell

the-mortal-one
The Mortal One: a Paranormal Vampire Romance (The Mortal One Series Book 1)
by Shannon Bell
✩✩✩✩

Captivating beginning to a four book series.

This book was a smooth read, that kept my interest from beginning to end. The characters were interesting, even if some of them didn’t make the best choices. I mean, “What idiot goes sight seeing at night in a busy city, alone, on foot”. But then, I know a few females that would, and have done so. So I would have to say that Dylan is very real, just not the brightest decision maker. But she does have good taste in men, or vampires I should say. Nico is not only hot, he’s considerate, and goes against the norm because of his feelings for Dylan. To the point, that he gets permission from his sovereign to let her live. Yep, he was initially supposed to “take care of her”, truth-seeker that she is. But that isn’t the only unorthodox thing about their relationship. Then there is Olivier, the French vampire who has taken a shine to Dylan. Olivier and Nico both want Dylan, and will go to great lengths to claim her. I look forward to finding out more about Olivier in book two.

I enjoyed this book, and I’m happy to say all four books are out, so you can continue on to the next book immediately. Which you will want to do, since the author teases you with more to come, and more questions to be answered, even while satisfactory bringing an end to the first book. I recommend this book for anyone who likes vampires, paranormal romance, or fantasy.

SYNOPSIS

Hot vampires are surrounding Dylan and it’s not easy for her to be the mortal one. Dylan decides to go on a vacation of a lifetime in order to find herself. She begins in Romania, contemplating the existence of vampires and quickly realizes that she was wrong. Once she ends up in Florence, however, she is confronted with an immortal, Nico. She must be marked if she wants to live because she learned the truth of vampires. Nico catches her and her heart by surprise. The Mortal One is a whirlwind romance amidst vampire politics. Dylan must be marked for her safety, yet she is trying to be claimed by another vampire, thus making her time in Florence very complicated for her. She tests the bounds of her relationship with a vampire and tries to create a life for herself as the mortal one. The main setting of the book is Florence, where Dylan is in love with the history of the city…as well as a vampire.

AMAZON           B&N           GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shannon Bell holds a BA in Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida. She resides in Riverview, FL with her husband and daughter. As a lover of vampire fiction, her first book, “The Mortal One” was something that had to be created.

Shannon attends a variety of different writer’s conferences throughout the state annually, where she hones her writing and editing skills. Writing is her life, her passion and her hobby. To say the least, She loves to write. When not writing, she usually has a camera or book in her hand. That, or she’s out with the fam!

Find Shannon here -> Amazon    Website    Facebook    Twitter    Goodreads

INDIE BOOKFEST – WIN A READER’S TICKET

Shannon Bell and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Shannon Bell is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016

 

  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

 

 

 

Sep 22 2016

Review – Spell Checked by C.G. Powell

 

spell-checked

Spell Checked (No Uncertain Logic #1)
by C.G. Powell
✩✩✩✩

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, and the unique view of witches, vampires, and aliens. I found myself turning the pages to see what happened next. How would the Beck, Mae, Helen triangle work? How could Mae bond with Beck if she were a witch? As some questions were answered more problems or puzzles presented themselves, which kept me hooked.

I liked the characters, yet had a problem with the ease in which the secondary characters viewed their sexual relations with one of the characters. But that is my views, and I just couldn’t understand how there was no signs of jealousy. But then Mae didn’t either, so I guess I wasn’t alone.

I wasn’t a fan of the writing style at times. The way the two main characters would think “their thoughts”. It just threw me off. But not enough to keep me from enjoying the book. I also had no sense of being in Ireland. If the characters had not mentioned it a few time, I would have guessed the English countryside, or America. But that’s me, and sometimes I tend to nitpick.

Overall it was a fun, interesting read, and I would recommend it to others. I know I will be reading more of the books in this series to find out what happens next.

SYNOPSIS

Broken relationships were a constant in Mae’s life, causing her to swear off men forever. Unwittingly lured to Ireland, Mae finds herself knee-deep in a hidden world she never knew existed and head over heels for the very man that tricked her to coming there. His deception is complicated by his own feelings for the one person that holds the key to merging the ancient races that once ruled the ancient word.

Mae finds herself in an underground world of witches, and vampires, which are half-breeds of aliens long gone. She learns about her own unique parentage and powers, which she must study in order to control, before they consume her.

Beck and Helen’s love for one another spans across a millennium, her human soul reincarnated to match Beck’s own immortality. This time however the body she occupies is of a being that cannot be eclipsed by her return. After waiting two hundred years, Beck finds himself tormented by Helen’s inability to return and his growing love for her new host.

Some of the underworld creatures welcome her with open arms as a savior, while others seek to destroy the abomination they believe her to be. Will the knowledge of her existence cause a race war when the true power of her blood is discovered? Or will love become her ultimate downfall?

This book is 80K words 305 pages long in print.

Free at time of posting.

AMAZON          B&N          KOBO

BIO

As a teen C.G. Powell was selected as a member of her school’s newspaper staff. After her first article the editor decided the darkroom was a more suitable place for her skills…or lack of. Since then, she has traveled everywhere—thanks to her innate curiosity about the world and the Navy. In her life time, she has learned: aviation electronics, CCNA networking, Gemology and how to get bloodstains out of the carpet (you never know when you might need that). But her latest, all-consuming, endeavor is storytelling. When asked why, her response was “I live to challenge myself; I like to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and writing is one of those things that pushes my boundaries. Besides it was the only way to share all of the crap bouncing around in my head!” C.G. Powell lives in Virginia with her husband and children. When she is not writing, you might find her watching hot guys jog past her front window, ordering the cabana boy to fix her another drink or abusing the local authorities…but that’s just hearsay.

C.G. Powell and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

C.G. Powell is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM
Sep 19 2016

Review – Secrets of a Wolf by Kelly Abell

secrets-of-a-wolfSecrets of a Wolf (Guardians of Spirit Rock Book 1)

by Kelly Abell
✩✩✩✩1/2

For all the suspense, mystery, and bad things happening in the town of Spirit Rock. I found the book to be light-hearted. Possibly because while all the horrid things are happening, the characters survive without any traumatic scars. Yes, there are moments of freight, but there are also moments of hilarity, and the characters are fairly positive attitude. They’re fun. Cameron is sexy, and Daphne really gets herself into some interesting predicaments.

The only downside, or things that bothered me with the story, were minor and didn’t keep me from thoroughly enjoying the book. Although I do wonder at the main culprits motives. They didn’t make sense to me, nor that the results expected, would be the ones obtained. Needless-to-say, we can put it down to the poacher being a bit crazy, and leave it at that. Plus I was never sure what happened to the second culprit. At least not for sure. Who knows, that might have been on purpose. A villain for another day.

Overall the book was very well written and keep me happily reading. The characters were great, and I look forward to reading about the other brothers and their women. It should be a very exciting series.

SYNOPSIS

A tragic event ruins Daphne Valentine’s career as a K-9 cop and department veterinarian in Seattle. Devastated, she escapes to Spirit Rock, South Dakota, to start over as the vet for an animal wildlife rescue park. When she arrives, nothing goes quite as planned—especially when she meets her new boss for the first time and she’s almost stark naked. Not the greatest first impression…or is it?

A confirmed bachelor, Cameron Gray is shocked at his instant attraction to his new employee. He soon learns she carries quite a bit of extra baggage, but even so, his desire to possess the sexy vet ignites him with a need he and his wolf can’t ignore. But all is not what it seems…. What exactly drove Daphne to leave her successful career and move to Seattle?

When dangerous poachers bring the two together in the line of duty, Daphne discovers Cameron’s secret, forcing her to question every decision she’s made since arriving in Spirit Rock. Will the tender new love they’ve found be enough to hold them together or drive them apart forever?

Join the Gray brothers in Spirit Rock, South Dakota. Gifted with the power to shift into their own unique spirit animal, they have been bestowed with the enormous responsibility of watching over their ancestral canyon. Their strength and conviction will be tested…as will the depth and breadth of their heart and soul.

AMAZON          B&N          KOBO          

Kelly Abell and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Kelly Abell is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

Sep 18 2016

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

 

ink-a-mermaid-romance
Ink: A Mermaid Romance
by Melanie Karsak
✩✩✩✩✩

Ink: A romantic mermaid adventure. She kicks butt when needed.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It most definitely won’t be the last. I was surprised by the ability the author had to create a full, well balanced story in a novella. The world building was astounding, and the pace and tension great. I couldn’t put it down. If I had a complaint, I would say it was the lack of depth to the romance between the two main characters, Ink and Hal. Mainly I would have liked to see it more developed. A longer version of the book would have allowed this. (Hint, hint to author). But all in all, I loved it.

From page one, Ice shows us her strong character, and confident sense of self. She can make the hard decisions, yet doesn’t allow the hardships in her life to make her less than a loving, giving person. She just isn’t going to stand for injustice. She does what she has to, no matter that her heart isn’t in it. Duty comes first. But when things start to fall apart, or things start exploding, or the shooting starts. She doesn’t sit around weeping, she takes action.

I would love to see more of this series. I loved or hated (if they deserved it) the characters, and I can’t stop myself from laughing every time I think of a gator shifter named Hal. Great book!

SYNOPSIS

A mermaid princess destined to wed a handsome king…

It sounds like a fairy tale, but the reality is far murkier.

Ink, Princess of the Florida Atlantic mers, is slated to wed the ancient enemy of her tribe, the King of the Gulfs. After years of war that led to countless mer deaths, as well as the genocide of aquatic shapeshifters and the freshwater mers of Florida, Ink’s marriage will bring lasting peace.

Or so it seems.

Mere hours before she’s supposed to leave the ocean for her customary year as a drywalker, Ink meets Hal, an alligator shifter who warns her that a storm is brewing. There is malicious intent behind Ink’s marriage—and worse, meeting Hal has also caused a storm to rage in Ink’s heart. Nevertheless, loyal to her tribe, Ink will put aside her feelings and journey to Miami to marry the decadent King Manx.

Ink soon learns that her only hope of surviving the crashing force swelling around her is to tap into a power deep inside—a forbidden power that might destroy them all.

Available on Amazon – Free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription

Melanie Karsak and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Melanie Karsak is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

 

Sep 18 2016

Review – Dark Hope by HD Smith

dark-hope
Dark Hope by HD Smith
by HD Smith
✩✩✩✩

Dark Hope is an engrossing book, with incredible world building. I couldn’t put it down, but found myself confused at times by the sheer amount of things happening. I kept reading because I needed to know how Claire got stuck working as the Devil’s assistant and what her real place and purpose there was.

The book is very fast paced, with enough tension, that you won’t want to put it down for a second. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens. While most things were tied up at the end. You are still left with the need to find out what happens in the next chapter of Claire’s life, or unlife.

As for Dental. There are always the exceptions, but for the most part. No one gets Dental!

I recommend this to other Urban Fantasy lovers, but not “romance only” readers. This is an adventure, one hell of an adventure, but definitely not a love story.

SYNOPSIS

After five years of working for the Devil, Claire Cooper believes she lives an otherwise normal life. Until she finds herself in jeopardy for a murder she did not commit. Desperate to save her life and soul, she enters Purgatory, but runs afoul of the Devil’s sister, Pagan Queen Mab. Mab has her own agenda and uses Claire to get even with the Devil. Claire learns each ruler is in a race to discover “the girl” in the prophecy to fix time. As Claire peels away clues to the real killer, she realizes she must outwit the Devil’s children or end up a prisoner in Purgatory forever.

Available on Amazon – Free with Kindle Unlimited Subscription

HD Smith and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

HD Smith is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM
Sep 18 2016

Review – The Last One by Tawdra Kandle

the-last-one
The Last One (The One Trilogy Bk 1)
by Tawdra Kandle
✩✩✩✩ 1/2

A romance with both heart and humor.

It took me a few chapters to warm up to both of the main characters in this book.  The characters not the writing.  The writing kept me reading.  Great pace, and just enough tension to keep you turning the pages.  No it was Sam.  He was being a bit of a dweeb.  Oh sure, he rescued the girls when they had car trouble, causing them to be stranded by the side of a country road, in an area they were unfamiliar.  Meaghan being passed out only vaguely remembered that he was nice.  But Sam was so nice the next time they met.  She returned to town.  This time completely sober, and aware, to pick up her car that had broken down.  When she goes to thank him for his help, he rips into her for being irresponsible.  Not that he should care, it’s not like they are going to meet again.  Meaghan returns to school in Savannah hurt and pissed off.  She’s not sure why she lets how he reacted bother her so much, it not like they are going to see each other again, Right?

Wrong.  Meaghan gets placed not only in Sam’s hometown as a Art teacher for the summer, but in his very house.  Needless-to-say, sparks fly.  They both fight their attraction for each other.  Meaghan doesn’t do commitment, and Sam thinks he’s too old for her, plus he thinks she’s a city girl, and could never be happy out on a farm.  Even a farm with no real farm animals.  Apparently dogs and cats don’t count.

Their journey is laughter, tears, ups and downs, and a bit of soul searching.  Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their way.  And if so, how, when, and where?  It’s not always the end point that matters but the journey along the way.  

In this journey, I came to understand both Sam and Meaghan more, and to fall for a few of the supporting characters as well.  Don’t try to read this book without at least a couple of hankies at hand.  But do read it.  It’s worth the frustration at Sam and Meaghan’s behavior at the beginning.  They are still young yet, and a worthwhile romance is rarely easy.  All in all a very enjoyable read, that I can easily recommend to others.

SYNOPSIS

+++This is a New Adult Romance, intended for readers over 18. It contains scenes for mature readers.+++

Meghan Hawthorne is restless. The last year has been a roller coaster: her widowed mother just married a long-time family friend. Her younger brother unexpectedly became a father and a husband. Everyone’s life is changing. . .except for hers. As she begins her final summer of college, Meghan’s looking for excitement and maybe a little romance. Nothing serious; this girl just wants to have fun.

But the only man for Meghan turns out to be the last one she expects.

Sam Reynolds doesn’t need excitement, and he doesn’t want romance. Fun is out of the question. He’s been the steady, responsible one since his parents were killed, and serious is his way of life.

When Sam rescues Meghan alongside a dark Georgia backroad, she falls hard for his deep brown eyes and slow drawl. But making him see her as more than just a party girl won’t be easy. Sam’s tempted by the fiery young artist, even as he realizes that giving into his feelings will mean radical change. . .maybe more than he can handle.

Nobody ever said love was simple.

AMAZON               B&N               GOODREADS               ARe

Free on most platforms

 

Tawdra Kandle and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Tawdra Kandle is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM