In My Mailbox Monday

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, and it is hosted by The Story Siren/

This Monday I have 2 paranormal novellas to add to my TBR stack. Both are from amazing authors whose books I have enjoyed and I can't wait to dive into these. (I have been power reading the Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series - love them! Read my reviews, links can be found on the Reviews page.) Also, both of these books are cheap - $1.99 and free! Don't pass them up, these authors are awesome.

Paranormal Romance

$1.99 on Nook

Free on Nook

Review of An Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3)

Offer From a Gentleman (Bridgertons #3)

Amazon

by Julia Quinn

 5 of 5 Stars

Description:

Miss Sophie Beckett is the illegitimate daughter of the earl of Penwood. Raised in his home, Sophie has a tolerable existence until the earl marries, when her life takes a distinct turn for the worse. Sophie's new stepmother hates her, and when the earl passes away, she relegates Sophie to the role of servant. Sophie's days are pure drudgery, until one night her fellow servants conspire to help her attend a masquerade ball.
Her life changes irrevocably when she meets handsome Benedict Bridgerton and falls head over heels in love. Benedict is equally smitten, but when the clock strikes midnight his beautiful mystery lady runs from him, leaving only her glove in his hand. He searches London for her, but she seems to have vanished. Sophie leaves London, and it isn't until three years later that Benedict and Sophie's paths cross once again, when he saves her from the unwanted attentions of a drunken lord. Sophie recognizes Benedict immediately, but much to her dismay, he doesn't know her in her maid's dress. Soon, however, Benedict falls in love with Sophie all over again. Believing her to be a servant, he cannot conceive of a way to make her his, as she adamantly refuses to become his mistress. Both struggle with their feelings for each other, their unwillingness to compromise their principles, and the seemingly insurmountable wall separating a member of the nobility and a servant. To add to their difficulties, Sophie's vindictive stepmother discovers her presence in London and sets out to make her life even more miserable. It will take the combined force of the large Bridgerton family to help these two stubborn people realize a happy future together.
(From Amazon)

Review:

Wonderful Cinderella story!
They meet at a masquerade ball and it is sweet, romantic, and a little steamy. They dance the night away, but when midnight comes along, she sprints away, her identity never revealed. Benedict searches for the mysterious girl he plans to marry, but ends rescuing a maid - who is drawn to but has no idea it is his mystery lady.

18 & Over Blogger Follow #1

18 and Over Blogger Follow Hop is hosted by Crystal from Reading Between the Wines.This hop runs through the weekend. Have a blog that reviews and features mainly 18+ books and want to join? Head over to Reading Between the Wines.

Hi everyone! This is my first 18 and over book blogger follow post and we have a great question for this weekend.

Question of the week: If you could have a girl's night out (or guy's night out) with three of your favorite authors who would they be and why?

Tough question...I can only pick three... 

1. Kresley Cole - Her books are amazing and I love her writing style. I think she would be a lot of fun to hang with. 

2. J.R. Ward - She is my favorite author. I have seen a few of her chats and I think she would be hilarious. Not to mention, she brought so many yummy bad boys into the romance novel world.

3. Felicity Heaton - Just love her writing and I would love to pick her brain, one self-published author to another. I bet I could learn a lot from her.

Now, your turn. Who would you go have a ladies night out with? 

More Participants

Addicted to Romance 

Musings From An Addicted Reads 

Review of Dark Desires After Dusk

Barnes& Noble

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark #5)
by Kresley Cole

4.5 of  5 Stars

Description:

A seductive beauty he can never have, yet can't resist...

Cadeon Woede will stop at nothing to atone for the one wrong that will haunt him forever. But once he secures the key to his redemption, the halfling Holly Ashwin, Cade finds that the woman he thought he could use for his own ends and then forget haunts him as much as his past.

A tormented warrior she should fear, but can't deny...

Raised as a human, Holly never knew that some frightening legends are real until she encounters a brutal demon who inexplicably guards her like a treasure. Thrust into a sensual new world of myth and power, with him as her protector, she begins to crave the demon's wicked touch.

Surrender to dark desires...

Yet just when he earns Holly's trust, will Cade be forced to betray the only woman who can sate his wildest needs — and claim his heart?

(Description from Barnes & Noble)

Review:

Ms. Cole never disappoints!
Another fantastic book within the Immortals After Dark series.
Again, the main characters were wonderful.
Cadeon never believed he would want anything more than to win back his brother's crown and restore his kingdom, until he found his mate, Holly. She is everything he is usually not attracted to, but he can't help wanting her.

Teaser Tuesday

This Tuesday's teaser is from Caressed by Night, which releases next week.

~Kerstyn could feel his gaze locked on her pulse. Tilting her head to the side, she gave him a better view. Dimitri cursed.~

Teaser Tuesdays is a bookish meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read, open it up, and share a few lines
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
• Share the title & author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Sexy Snippets

2/29/12

Tuesdays just got sexier.

Well, the release of Caressed by Night is coming! So, this week's sexy snippet is from Caressed by Night.

~Her body was so hot and her shirt was too confining against her breasts. She had been kissed before, but not like that, never like that. His kiss had ignited a ravenous fire within her.~

(Sexy Snippets is a weekly feature hosted by Reading Between the Wines for the 18+ crowd.)

Live Video Author Chats - Bewitching Book Tours

That is correct, live video chats with Bewitching Book Tours authors.

When do the chats start? Easy, TODAY! 

What is the schedule? All the dates are listed below. 

I am happy to say that I am one of the featured authors! And, I will hosting a live Q&A, free for all, chat. Want to know more about what I've got planned for the Rulers of Darkness series? Or, what other books/series I have in works? Want to discuss characters? Ask away! I will also be hosting a giveaway - the winner will be selected from those who participate in the chat. (More details to come)

Thank you, Shindig Events, for trying out a new tour feature - live video chats.

To participate visit http://beta.shindigevents.com/demos/BewitchingBookTours on the date and time scheduled.

Mark these dates down and be sure to check out these amazing authors:

Christopher Meeks 2/20/2012 8pm est Monday - Yep, that is today!

Kasonndra Leigh 2/21/2012 7pm est Tuesday

Jeffe Kennedy 2/22/2012 8pm est Wednesday

Ami Blackwelder 2/23/2012 6pm est Thursday

JC Andrijeski 2/27/2012 830 pm est Monday

Kyani Swanigan 2/28/2012 2pm est Tuesday

Jenna Kay 2/29/2012 7pm est Wednesday

J.E. Hopkins 3/1/2012 3pm est Thursday

Nathan Squiers 3/5/2012 6pm est Monday

Amanda J. Greene 3/7/2012 7pm est Wednesday

SJ Clarke 3/8/2012 6pm est Thursday

Avery Flynn 3/11/2012 2pm est Sunday

Chris Karlsen 3/12/2012 6pm est Monday

Lisa Kessler 3/14/2012 8pm est Wednesday

Bri Clark 3/15/2012 6pm est Thursday

In My Mailbox Monday

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, and it is hosted by The Story Siren/
 Aw...I wish I had more time to read! Here are two more books to add to my monstrous TBR pile:

Historical Romance

Johanna is absolutely AMAZING!!! My favorite historical romance author.

Paranormal Romance

Review of OtherKin: Fury

Nook - Free

OtherKin: Fury 
by Anya Bast
4 of 5 Stars 

Description:
Novella

Nikki is a cougar shifter living in a werewolf world. When she's promised as a mate to a wolf shifter named Merrick, the fur flies. Cats are solitary and proud. No way will she be tamed, not even if Merrick’s touch drives her insane with need.
But Merrick has wanted Nikki for a long time and there's no way he’s letting her go. He’ll use every dark and erotic trick he knows to seduce her body...and then win her heart.
Fury is part one of a two part series. Tranquility is the sequel. (Warning: this is an erotic book, for a mature audience)

Review:
Great, short, erotic paranormal romance.
The book started off quickly, the passion between the main characters was apparent and boy, did it sizzle.
Nikki is cougar-shifter living amongst a wolf pack. She has been chosen by the elders to be the alpha female and the new alpha male can't wait to claim his queen. The love scenes are toe curling. The book progresses well, for it being so short, and I must say the shorty/plot did not leave me wanting, as most novellas do - leave you hanging with some unresolved and it is not clear if there will be another book to explain...Anyway, this book was definitely worth the FREE download to my Nook. If you have a Nook, don't pass this up!
Warning: typos 

 

Review of The Viking's Defiant Bride

The Viking's Defiant Bride
by Joanna Fulford

Nook

3.5 of 5 Stars 

Description: 

Beautiful and courageous, the Lady Elgiva is as great a prize as the land the Viking conqueror now controls. Earl Wulfrum has taken her home, and now he will take her--as his unwilling bride.
Wulfrum is a legendary warrior, but the strong-willed Elgiva proves the greatest challenge he has ever faced. Yet her response to his touch tells him she feels the all-consuming heat as much as he. Their passionate battle can end only one way--in the marriage bed

Review:

An enjoyable book.I liked how the relationship grows slowly over time. Wulfrum is a perfect Viking warrior, strong and willful, while Elgiva is smart and so not a push over. Great couple.
The only thing I did not like about the book was it dragged in some areas and the authors choice of wording/phrase was odd at some points.

Review of Beyond the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #6)

Amazon

Beyond the Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #6)
by Alexandra Ivy

4 of 5 Stars

Description:
 Salvatore Giuliani is not a happy werewolf. It's his duty as leader to track down the pureblood females who can keep his people from extinction. But the moment he catches scent of Harley, a pureblood held by a pack of mangy curs, his savage need for her obliterates all other instincts. And the only thing worse than being captured is finding that beautiful, independent Harley defiantly refuses to become his mate. Harley has been taught to distrust all Weres, especially their arrogant king. She won't be used for breeding or bonded against her will, not even to a man who makes every nerve tingle with awareness. Yet Salvatore is her key to saving the family she never knew she had - if she dares to succumb to his dark, predatory desire, and face a vicious enemy sworn to destroy them both...

Review:
My Ivy has created such an interesting world and you just can't help being sucked in. Another wonderful book. Being the 6th book in the series, it was still entertaining. I do enjoy this series and (if I can find the time) will start the next one soon. I only had 2 issues with the book.

Review of Companions of The Night

Amazon

Companions of Night
by Vivian Vande Velde
5 of 5 Stars
(If I could give it more stars, I would)


Description:
Kerry Nowicki, 16, never dreamed that vampires lived in her little town of Brockport, New York, let alone that she would become involved with a handsome one named Ethan. When she makes a late-night trip back to the laundromat to retrieve her little brother's stuffed bear, she interrupts the murderous plans of a vigilante committee that claims Ethan is one of the undead. Kerry tries to help him, so they assume that she is a vampire, too. When the two young people escape, Kerry's brother and father are kidnapped in retaliation, and a complicated game of cat-and-mouse follows. During the often harrowing experiences that follow, Kerry proves to be an intelligent, level-headed young woman. She recognizes the danger of her attraction to Ethan, but knows that she must trust him to help find her family. Ethan maintains the cunning and duplicity that readers might expect from a vampire. The plot is lively and intriguing, with an unexpected twist at the end


Review:
OH MY GOD!!! 
This book is amazing! 
I don't know why I did not post this book as my first review on my blog. 
Companions of the Night is the first vampire book I ever read. Yep, it is because of this book that I have become a romance junkie and Ethan was my very first book boyfriend - he is the reason I began my love affair with vampires. Yes, I read this when I was 12, we had in our school library. WOW! Saying that makes me feel old...Anyway...this book has it all: suspense, danger, mystery, and a sweet YA budding love.

In My Mailbox Monday

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, and it is hosted by The Story Siren/
For this Monday, I have In Bed with a Highlander (McCabe Trilogy #1) by Maya Banks. I have read and reviewed the third book within this series (not noticing when I purchased Never Love a Highlander that is was part of a series). I can't wait to start this book, but, for now, it will have to sit on TBR shelf. Another to add to my TBR pile is, Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole.

Historical Romance

Nook

(Purchase, under $5 on Nook)

Paranormal Romance

In print

Review of Wicked (St. John-Duras #2)

Nook/B&N

Wicked (St. John Duras #)
by Susan Johnson

4.5 of 5

Description:
Serena Blythe's plan to escape a life of servitude had gone terribly awry. So she took the only course left to her. She sneaked aboard a sleek yacht about to set sail--and found herself face-to-face with a dangerous, sensual stranger. Beau St. Jules, the Earl of Rochefort, had long surpassed his father's notoriety as a libertine. Less well known was his role as intelligence-gatherer for England. Yet even on a mission to seek vital war information, he couldn't resist practicing his well-polished seduction on the beautiful, disarmingly innocent stowaway. And in the weeks to come, with battles breaking out on the continent and Serena's life in peril, St. Jules would risk everything to rescue the one woman who'd finally captured his heart. 

Review:
One word to explain this book: SEXY!
I mean, wow, this book sizzles.
I am a sucker for romance novels, though I do feel there are way too many set the regency era, but that is because I love Vikings.
The characters are perfect for each other, which adds to the awe chemistry they share.
Serena is a woman who knows what she wants out of life and Beau is the typical man who thinks he knows what he wants (money, sex, no strings, nothing to hold him down or hold him back) But in the end, she shows him a thing or two about love and he comes chasing after her.

Review of Kiss and Tell (The Men of T-FLAC: The Wrights Book #2)

Amazon

Kiss and Tell
by Cherry Adair

4.5 of 5

Description:
She was looking for adventure.
Marnie Wright has seen more than her fair share of testosterone.  Growing up with four overly protective brothers was one thing.  Now a mountain man named Jake Dolan has invaded a peaceful day of soul-searching at her grandmother's secluded cabin.  Sure, she was trespassing on his private property, but did he have to pull a gun on her?  There's more to this longhaired soldier of fortune who calls himself the Tin Man, but she's not sure she wants to stick around to find out what.  Then he stashes her in his secret lair--an underground techno-fantasy complete with security monitors and an arsenal--and Marnie realizes the guy is military, top secret military.  He's also got the most beautiful mouth she's ever seen.
He could get her killed

Review:
Marnie Wright is in the mountains with her dog, trying to get away from it all, but mainly her over protective, over baring brothers.
Jake Dolan is a top secret military man (yummy) and is hiding out in his underground, totally tricked out lair.
The romance sizzles and the backdrop of secrecy, military mystery, and danger add to the intensity of the plot.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, and it is hosted by The Story Siren.

In My Mailbox this week is the Vampire Assassin League Set One The Beginning 4 pack by Jackie Ivie. I am so excited!!!
To all of those who have a Nook, you can purchase this book pack for $2.99 - Score!

Paranormal Romance

Nook

I wish you all Happy Reading!

Review of A Quick Bite

Barnes & Noble

A Quick Bite
by Lynsay Sands
4 of 5 Stars

Description:
That hot guy tied to Lissianna Argeneau's bed? He's not dessert—he's the main course!
Lissianna has been spending her centuries pining for Mr. Right, not just a quick snack, and this sexy guy she finds in her bed looks like he might be a candidate. But there's another, more pressing issue: her tendency to faint at the sight of blood . . . an especially annoying quirk for a vampire. Of course it doesn't hurt that this man has a delicious-looking neck. What kind of cold-blooded vampire woman could resist a bite of that?
Dr. Gregory Hewitt recovers from the shock of waking up in a stranger's bedroom pretty quickly—once he sees a gorgeous woman about to treat him to a wild night of passion. But is it possible for the good doctor to find true love with a vampire vixen, or will he be just a good meal? That's a question Dr. Greg might be willing to sink his teeth into . . . if he can just get Lissianna to bite.

Review:
This is a really fun series. Always cute!
I really enjoyed this book. However, I did have a tough time with remembering all the characters (there were many...who I am assuming will be in featured in following books).
Ms. Sands has come up with a new idea for how vampires were created...though at some points her medical explanations were hard to follow - as in they did not make much sense - but her take on vampires is wonderfully fresh.
I would highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy tasty paranormal romances.

My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Throuthehaze! She has won the $25 Amazon gift card for the My Book Boyfriend Giveaway.
Thank you all for participating in this giveaway, it was a lot of fun.
I hope you all had a good time and will be coming back around for the Vampires for Valentines Giveaway Hop Feb.10th-16th.
For more information on upcoming contests, go to the Giveaway page.
Thank you again!

Review of Venice Vampyr (Venice Vampyr #1)

Venice Vampyr 

Nook

by Tina Folsom
4.5 of 5 Stars

Description:
Novella
Approx. 31,000 words
Isabella Tenderini, a wealthy merchant's widow rescues a stranger from drowning in one of Venice's canals. And how does the man repay her selfless act? By kissing her - her, a respectable woman.

Not only is Raphael di Santori grateful for his life being saved, he would also like to thank his rescuer very intimately - more intimately than decorum allows. But then, Raphael has never been one to play by the rules - as a vampire he doesn't have to.

Review:
As most of you know, I LOVE VAMPIRES! So, when I came across this series of vampire romance novellas, I was like "heck yeah!" And Venice Vampyr did not disappoint. It was fast paced, extremely erotic (some very sexy scenes) and, overall, intriguing.

Caressed by Night (Rulers of Darkness #2)

Release 2/29/12

Would you like to read and excerpt from the upcoming release, Caressed by Night?
Use the link below to be directed to the Reader's Realm page of my official site. Also, for those of you who have yet to read Caressed by Moonlight (Rulers of Darkness #1) there is also an expert posted on the Reader's Realm page. Be sure to stop by and check them out.
I wish you all happy reading! 
http://www.amandajgreene.com/readersrealm.htm

Review of If You Deceive (McCarrick Brothers #3)

Amazon

 If You Deceive 
by Kresley Cole
4.5 of 5 Stars
Description:
Bitter hardships...
When Madeleine van Rowen's family was suddenly plunged into destitution and dishonor, she steeled herself against further heartache. She never weakened, never trusted, until a towering, scarred Highlander relentlessly pursues her, breaking down her defenses.
At what price forgiveness?
The passion between them burns hotter than Ethan's fury, and soon he finds he can't let her go. But when Madeleine uncovers the truth about him, can Ethan convince her to accept all he now offers -- when he once destroyed everything she had?

Review:
I truly enjoyed this book. I haven't read historical romance in awhile - my book shelf has been taken over by paranormal romance/urban fantasy.
The characters were colorful, real, and full of life. The story line was new to me. (There are so many regency era romances out there that I have given up on the sub-genre. Truth be told, I bought this book about 2 years ago and was just so regency romanced out that I couldn't even look at it, but I am very happy that I got over my historical overdose.)
Ethan, the leading man, is hell bent on revenge and he intends to use Maddy to fulfill his evil plans.

Review of The Reiver

Nook

The Reiver

 by Jackie Barbosa

4 of 5 Stars 

(Super short story) 

Description:

Duncan Maxwell, laird of Lochmorton Castle, gets the shock of his life when he discovers the reiver captured in a raid on his lands is not a boy, but a young woman. Although she flatly refuses to tell him her name or how she came to be riding with a raiding party, Duncan cannot countenance imprisoning a woman in his dungeon but neither can he release her without compensation. Unable to ransom her back to her family, he treats her as an honored—though exceptionally well-supervised—guest. He takes to calling her Reva and determines to seduce the truth of her identity from her. There’s just one problem—the reiver may steal his heart before he can reveal her secrets.

Review:

Sweet and short historical romance. Just need a romance fix? This is the book. I must admit, I would have liked it to be a bit longer, it was 50 pages on my Nook. The characters were cute, the story line interesting, with a hint of teasing mystery. I would suggest this quick read to anyone who wants a taste of a historical romance but doesn't have the time for a full length novel with all its drama.

Free read on Nook - worth the download!