Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Devil You Know by J.M. Gregoire


Deziree Davanzatti is a thief by trade and to keep herself occupied between jobs, she owns and operates Onyx, a trendy nightclub for the supernatural citizens of New York City.

What else would a 400-something year old demon-human hybrid do with her spare time?

Following a drunken night of questionable decisions, the vampire Michael “Vegas” Tremayne leaves town with no explanation. Dez is left wondering if they made a mistake and if it cost her a price she wasn’t willing to pay – her best friend and confidant.

When he returns after two weeks of no contact, he comes bearing grave news that could potentially change the world forever….or end it all together. To make matters  worse, they suspect that someone they know may be behind it all.

An extremely dangerous chain of events has been set in motion and it is up to Dez and Vegas, with the help of his brother Lucas, to find a way to stop it.

From the author of Burning, the short story prequel, comes The Devil You Know, the first
full-length novel in the Demon Legacy series by J.M. Gregoire.
    

    In this book we meet Dez and Vegas. There has been a murder and Vegas needs to figure out who did it and how to stop the end of the human race. Yep not just catch a bad guy but save the world. To explain a little about that I should probably tell you that the bad guy is a demon, Vegas is a vampire, and Dez is a half demon. The bad guy, whose name I can't even pronounce, is looking for a stone to open the gates of hell. If this happens than all of the demons will enter the mortal plane and kill off all of the humans, vamps, witches, shifters, etc. See the problem with that happening? Now there is a plus, Dez. She is able to go to the murder scenes and "see" what happened and what the demon felt. Down side is that the more she does this the closer she gets in touch with her demon half. If they don't manage to stop the demon from opening the gate they could always close it. Granted it would take a willing sacrifice to enter hell and die for love, but it can be done. What do you think? Yeah, me too, hurry up and catch this demon douche before he takes over the world. Here is another thing to think about. It takes some strong blood magic to call a demon in the first place. Who was the dumbass that summoned him in the first place?


reviewed by Stacy

Stars 4
Flames 2.5

Here’s the information on the book:
 
Title:  The Devil You Know
Series:  Demon Legacy
Author:  J.M. Gregoire
Genre:  Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
# of pages:  152
Publisher:  J.M. Gregoire Books (Independent)
Release Date:  7/30/2013
 
About the Author:
J.M. Gregoire was born and raised in New Hampshire, USA and despite her abhorrence for any season that dares to drop to a temperature below seventy degrees, she still currently resides there with her two children and her two cats. Always a passionate reader, her love of urban fantasy books eventually morphed into a love of writing them. She is currently working on the Demon Legacy series and has an urban fantasy thriller project coming up that will be co-written with one of her best friends and favorite authors, Ginny Lurcock.     Website/Blog   |   Facebook   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads

Monday, August 19, 2013

Demons Grip by Tahlia Newland






Ok. I just got done reading this book and it blew my mind. It picked up right where you left off with book number two so you definitely have to read the other two to have any idea what is going on. The funeral for the beloved queen (read it and you will understand) is taking place and is being used to bring the Clans together. There was a lot of thought put into this book. Instead of just all of the action and the budding romance between Ariel and Nick, there was an added bonus of actually thinking. All of these books give you ways to be a better person as well as some really great life advise. They make you realize that how you see others can really effect your climb up the mountain.
  In this book Ariel has to make a choice that should be easy, but never actually is. If you had to choose between the man you love and your fantasies about him, which would you pick? This entire book is dedicated to the demon Emot and his ability to make you crave. This demon uses all cravings that Ariel has for Nick against her. Even after she finally admits how she feels she is still susceptible to Emot because sometimes the fantasies that we create are impossible for the real thing to live up to. You have to read this book and decide what your greatest temptation is.


Reviewed by Stacy
Stars 5
Flames 1.5



Lethal Inheritance

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Melissa Haag (Mis)Fortune Virtual Book Tour


Hopeless Cover Image - LargeOur world is being judged and we remain unaware. In a world filled with people, Gabby is uniquely alone. The tiny glowing sparks filling her mind that represent the people around her, confirm it as does the bizarre inexplicable draw she has on men.

Struggling to find an explanation for her sight while dodging unwanted male attention, Gabby meets Sam. The chance encounter leads to a startling revelation - werewolves are real.

Hoping the existence of something so extraordinary might lead to the answers she is seeking, Gabby enters into a hidden society where fur is optional. There she meets Clay, the werewolf delusional enough to think he has a chance with her. Gabby's plans for her future do not include a mate, but rather college, career, and then a huge 'we'll see'.

Gabby leaves the furry hidden society behind when she moves off to college, but trouble has a way of following and finding her. When other werewolves start stalking her, and anomalies in the sparks she sees begin to appear, she must count on Clay's help or risk loosing the chance to find the answers she searches for.


These books were both awesome. They are about wolf shifters and the few select women that can be mates to them. In the first book we see Gabby. She is a young woman who has lived her life in foster care and is looking for a place to call her own. She meets Sam, an old shifter, who turns out to be a great friend. Sam takes her in when she looses her comfortable home with her current foster family. Gabby works all through high school to save money for college and freedom. There is a catch in the whole system though, mating. She has to go to the wolf packs place once a month and let the males that want to sniff her. Now you should know that she has no interest in a mate, any mate. Now with only one weekend visit left before school she gets bombarded with eligible males who want a chance. Gabby is understandably pissed about this but lets each guy sniff her. With luck on her side she walks among them and her luck holds out with no mate. She walks back into the building happy and ready to leave only to walk head on into her "mate". This book is about her struggle to come to grips with going to college and being hounded by a stubborn wolf shifter who is determined that she is his. Ok now lets add some funny. This dude won't talk to her, at all, and shows up at her house. Catch in all of this, he shows up as a dog who is adopted by her roommate. Yeah you have to read this.
 
To add to your Goodreads shelf click here.
 
Misfortune Cover Image - Large
Our world is being judged and even they remain unaware.

Michelle, another young woman with an unexplainable gift, finds herself surrounded by the previously undiscovered werewolf society. Kept prisoner for the predictions that torment her, she meekly follows orders waiting for her opportunity to run. When her stepfather dies, she takes a chance and escapes.

After witnessing Blake, her captor, grow canines, she knows he will do anything to find her. She needs a place to hide and someone to listen to her predictions so her head doesn’t explode, but knows there’s nowhere she can hide forever, and no one who can protect her… unless she can find someone just like him.

Part of the fur wearing faction wants to use her, another part strives to keep her safe. The second book of the Judgment of the Six series will raise more questions about the purpose of these gifted few and Michelle will need to fight for answers. Will what she discovers be enough to help her keep those she loves safe from an emerging evil?

The second book introduces us to Michelle. She is a young woman who has been raised by a group of bad shifters. These guys are just straight jerks. She is kept a prisoner in her house due to her ability to predict the stock market. In order to keep her in line her two young brothers are beaten when she steps out of line. She is lucky enough to escape with them and is rescued by Emmitt who takes her home. His family turns out to have a secret of their own though, they are all wolf shifters. Emmitt makes it his mission to keep her and the kids safe as well as eliminate the threat to them. I can't say much about this book without giving away the ending of this book and a bit of the first one. Let me just say holy cow you have to read them. It looks like there will be a total of at least six books in this series. I laughed and cried with these characters and hope that you do the same.
 
To add to your Goodreads shelf click here.
 
Both get 5 stars and 3.5 flames. I would say they are new adult paranormal.


                                  AUTHOR BIO
Melissa Haag Author Photo
Melissa Haag currently resides in Wisconsin with her husband and three children. Touch is her first published novel. She is currently working on book three of a separate five book series.

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads


 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

The Dragon’s Call Blog Tour!


The Dragon’s Call

The Dragon Throne #1

By K.W. McCabe

Genre: Paranormal Romance / Fantasy / Young Adult

135 Pages




PURCHASE LINKS








The Dragon’s Call Blog Tour – June 23rd – 29th




BOOK SYNOPSIS



In a war-torn world, a careless act of destruction wakes a creature of myth and legend - a dragon. Mankind unites to battle for survival, but when dragons enter the fray in human form... humans lose.

Three decades later, Cecily lives in an enclave with her father and brother. Ignorant of life before the war, she placidly obeys the restrictions imposed by dragonkind.



WHAT THEY’RE SAYING



From Book Review Bloggers



While I had never read anything by McCabe before, it is safe to say that I will be doing so in the future. I loved this book and I can't wait to read more by this author!”






Author, K.W. McCabe tells a fantastically, suspenseful tale of dragon lore and human belief. This story is scintillating as it weaves a deadly plot of questions and intrigue. Romance is heady and strong throughout as love and loss follow our cast of enduring characters. If you enjoy well-written fantasy and suspense, you will not be disappointed. “






I loved the world KW McCabe created. The idea that the world is thrown upside down by dragons awakening and taking over is a new one...The villain in this story is awesome. Its been awhile since I've read a story where you truly hate the bad guy. While at times I wished for more detailed interactions between the characters, I truly enjoyed Dragon's Call and cannot wait for the second book in the series to be released."










From Readers at Large



A great YA story that has a bit of romance including forbidden love, great friends, mystery and a psychotic dragon to boot! The power of the "Call" will have you looking for more for sure!”






I cannot stress to you how good this novel really is. Even the editing is superb. Once you pick it up.....you won't stop until you finish it trust me here I know. I even had to order pizza for dinner. Awesome read by an uber-talented author!!!!!!!!!”






I can't wait for the next book in this series! I need more of these dragons!”
Click here to read the full review!



I really need to just say…WOW!”




CURRENT RATING AVERAGES (AS OF 2/28/2013)



Goodreads.com - 4.19 Stars

Amazon.com - 4.5 Stars

Barnesandnoble.com - 4.5 Stars







AUTHOR BIO



K.W. McCabe is a Californian transplant to Minnesota. She lives there with her family where she tries very hard to stay warm in all the snow. She has loved fairy tales, Sci-fi, and fantasy all her life, and has been writing stories and poems of that nature since she could first spell. She has worked, in the past, as a library assistant, a baby sitter, a counseling hotline intern, and as a case manager. She maintains that art and writing can only be done when inspired, and inspiration comes from a sufficient amount of laziness. Currently, she is working on Dragon Kin.



AUTHOR LINKS








 
Tour Schedule:



June 26th




June 29th


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

the Rockin' Chair



 
Book Synopsis: 
Memories are the ultimate contradiction. They can warm us on our coldest days – or they can freeze a loved one out of our lives forever. The McCarthy family has a trove of warm memories. Of innocent first kisses. Of sumptuous family meals. Of wondrous lessons learned at the foot of a rocking chair. But they also have had their share of icy ones. Of words that can never be unsaid. Of choices that can never be unmade. Of actions that can never be undone.

Following the death of his beloved wife, John McCarthy – Grandpa John – calls his family back home. It is time for them to face the memories they have made, both warm and cold. Only then can they move beyond them and into the future.

A rich portrait of a family at a crossroad, THE ROCKIN' CHAIR is Steven Manchester’s most heartfelt and emotionally engaging novel to date. If family matters to you, it is a story you must read.
 

Biography

Steven Manchester is the author of The Rockin' Chair (to be released June 18th), as well as the #1 best seller, Twelve Months (2013 San Francisco Book Festival award winner). He is also the author of A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive) and Goodnight, Brian. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
 
 


posted by Stacy

The Rockin’ Chair excerpt

 

 

Alice could feel the sun on her eyelids before she dared opening them. Beginning with a squint, she was blinded by the light that engulfed the room. Taking a second to adjust, she shook off the two quilts that restrained her, and then grabbed for her flowered housecoat at the foot of the massive bed. Throwing it on, she steadied her tiny feet into a pair of worn moccasins, all-the-while wondering, Why didn’t Ma let me sleep in? It don’t make no sense. It’s Saturday…with no responsibilities to school or church. She felt tired, more exhausted than usual, but waking to a fire burning into her pupils was certainly not the way to start such a pretty day. Making the mental note, I’ll have to talk to Ma about the rude awakening, she stumbled and had to brace herself at the doorway. Her mind had sent some message that her body could not interpret. Brushing it off as fatigue, she started again toward the kitchen, thinking, Maybe Ma will let me help with breakfast?

Grabbing the dented copper kettle off the stove, she turned to the sink and let the water flow like one of the fresh mountain springs that ran out in the backyard. She lit all four burners, placed the kettle back on the stove and began humming a childish tune. The last embers in the wood stove made her nostrils flare at the distinct scent of burnt oak. Smells like the remnants of a late night’s chill, she thought, one of my chores to remove. But she couldn’t recall bringing in the wood, or lighting a fire. Shrugging it off, she snugged down on the robe’s cotton belt, folded her arms across her chest and continued to hum.

She wandered toward the kitchen window and, though she could not have fought it off, nor even detected it, her mind was suddenly exposed to a different reality. Like a child discovering a new world through ancient eyes, she peered out the window and her jaw went slack.

A stranger was busy at work and the sight of him made Alice’s mouth go dry. Her heart began to race and her breathing became shallow. Yet, though the man’s presence absolutely terrified her, his every movement was hypnotizing. Trembling, she stood paralyzed and watched.

He was a large fellow, maybe six feet or better, with shoulders as broad as his smile. In his fists, he held cracked corn, scattering it in a pattern so that every chicken had its fair chance. He was an old-timer, his face wrinkled and weathered like his callused hands. In the middle of that chiseled face sat the biggest nose. Curiously—as if she’d thought it a million times before—she decided that it showed great character. For a cruel second, he turned toward the window, making her squirm with anxiety. She relaxed, though, when she was sure that his liquid blue eyes had not found her. He returned to working slow, his every move filled with purpose and kindness.

But that moment of peace only lasted one single sigh of relief. As if caught in an inescapable nightmare, she watched the man’s three-legged dog limp straight to the window, glance up and tilt his head—cynically. Though she could not manage the words from her constricted throat, her eyes begged for the animal’s silence. Please don’t, she pleaded in her mind. Please…please…please… But it was not to be. The crippled mutt barked out his wailing alarm, calling his master’s attention to her. In an instant, she felt her knees buckle, as the room spun slowly—in a cruel sort of way. She tried desperately to hold on, but the last thing she saw was a red cap and green overcoat rushing for the house.

“Oh God...no!” she screamed, but the stranger kept coming. He’s comin’ to get me, she feared, and though her mind pleaded for her legs to flee, they would not budge. She collapsed to the cold linoleum floor and awaited the worse.

 

With no more than a stern look, Three Speed lay down on the porch, the storm door slamming in his silver-haired face. John raced through the parlor and could hear the teakettle screaming for help. Breaking the kitchen threshold, his worried eyes caught Alice lying near the bottom cupboard. Her frail body was rolled up in the fetal position and her thumb was stuck in her mouth. As if he were approaching a wounded bird, he slowly kneeled down beside her and held out his hand. She swayed back and forth, humming louder with each movement. For what seemed a lifetime, she avoided his stare. And then finally, courageously, she glanced into his eyes. For a moment, she looked as if she was going to accept his hand but, in the last glimmer of such a hope, she pulled back, retreating deeper into her tortured mind.

“It’s me, darlin’,” John whispered. “It’s John…your husband.”

“You do look some familiar,” she mumbled. But still, her eyes betrayed her lack of trust.

Again, he whispered, “Come on, Alice. I’m not gonna hurt ya. You’re just sick, ol’ girl.” He opened his hand even wider and watched as her horrified eyes gradually registered his words as truth.

Like an abandoned child who had lost all hope only to find that her parents had not meant to leave her behind, Alice raised her arms and began to weep mournfully. “I’m sorry…” she whimpered.

In one easy motion, John scooped his tiny wife into his arms and kissed her frightened face. Turning off all four burners—the majority that did nothing but lick at air—he carried Alice like an infant to their bedroom. All the way, he could taste the salt of her tears on his tongue. It was a bitter taste and he hated it, yet he knew all-too-well that it was only a small taste of what was still to come.

On the way up the stairs, Alice sobbed, “I’m so stupid now…so dumb.”

“You shoosh now,” John whispered. “That just ain’t true.”

He placed her back into their four-poster bed and, conforming to their daily ritual, gave her the two white pills and a small glass of water to wash them down. He talked slow and gentle to her, trying to remove her fears and keep her mind in the present. “Time to rest, Alice,” he whispered. “You just need to get some rest, is all.”

For a moment, she smiled—as if she believed him. But in the next moment, her eyes filled with panic and she pushed herself toward the headboard, scrambling desperately to create a safe distance between them. “Don’t you touch me, mister!” she screamed. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on me!”

She’s getting’ worse, he thought, and began humming a lullaby.

“Mama! Mama…help me!” she screamed out, but as she called out in a panic for her mother the pills began to take effect. He stroked her hair until her mind eventually removed itself from the harsh reality of now and found a more pleasant place to dwell. When John was sure that Alice would need nothing more, he kissed her and returned the cap back onto his throbbing head.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Stalking Shadows Blog Tour







This book is featured on the Awesome Indies list of quality independent fiction.Ripped from the safety of our world and thrust into a strange hidden realm on a quest to save her mother, Ariel aims to confront the Master Demon, but first she must defeat his bodyguard and reach the safe haven of Sheldra. She negotiates dangerous terrain and battles demons, spirits, rogue Magicians, giant water snakes and her own conflicting emotions.

Ariel wants to retain a clear focus on the task at hand so, despite Nick's protests, she insists of a friends-only relationship with him. But the very thing she hoped would simplify her quest only complicates it with emotional, energetic and hormonal turmoil.

Despite Walnut's continued guidance, Ariel finds herself constantly forced to rely on her own resources. Will she find the inner strength
and wisdom she needs to defeat Amic and continue her journey?


  Just got done with Stalking Shadows and it was really good. Most sequel books start off with a full run down with what happened in the first book and I hate that. I have never picked up a series book that is not the first and thought "Huh, bet this could be a stand alone". That is why this book was great from the beginning for me. It didn't say much about book one at all. At the end of book one she had rescued her mom, or so she thought, and killed her first major. Turns out she rescued her mom that was not her mom and still has more bad guys out to kill her. Stalking Shadows picked right up where the last one left off and got right to it. There are more battles and one adult situation, that she handled better then I did, I would have punched him myself. Nick is showing his feelings better and that cat is still rude.
   During this section of Ariel's journey she meets magicians and fights some big bad nastys. She meets a friend who is an enemy and an enemy that is a friend. Are you confused yet, 'cuase I am. This is a great story with love, jealousy, betrayal, battles, and hard lessons. I really enjoyed reading this book. Seems like she kills one big bad and pisses off at least one elemental spirit in book so I am looking forward to reading more of her story.

Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Lethal Inheritance. (book 1)

Reviewed by Stacy
Stars 5
Flames 2 (this one would be ok for high school, but not lower)

given to me for an honest review


Purchase Links for Stalking Shadows are

ibooks Australia; search for Tahlia Newland in other stores.

 
Purchase Links for Lethal Inheritance are

Monday, May 20, 2013

Stalking Shadows Blog Tour/ Giveaway






Recipient of the Awesome Indies Seal of Approval for excellence in fiction.

"Lethal Inheritance has some of the best writing that I have seen in a long time. If you like fantasy books at all, you HAVE to read Lethal Inheritance . . .it has it all- rich, detailed world building, insanely realistic characters, and a kick ass fantasy plot." ’Book Briefs Reviews

How do you kill demons that feed on fear?

You can’t send police into a tunnel that doesn’t exist after a villain they can’t see, so when demons kidnap her mother, Ariel has to mount the rescue mission herself. Hot on the trail, she enters a hidden layer of reality only to find that the demons are hunting her, and they feed on fear. Ariel must defeat them before they kill her and enslave her mother.

A quirky old guide teaches her how to locate and unleash her inner power, and while battling hallucinogenic mist, treacherous terrain, murderous earth spirits and self-doubt, she falls in love with Nick, a Warrior whose power is more than either of them can handle.

Ariel’s journey challenges her perception, tests her awareness and takes her deep into her heart and mind to confront, and ultimately transcend, her fear and anger.

Read the full Diamond Peak Series: Lethal Inheritance, Stalking Shadows, Demon's Grip & Eternal Destiny

   Wow, this book was so much better then I thought it would be. Yeah I knew it was going to be good but it was just awesome. It starts with Ariel running from demons. That's right, demons. They take her mom and she has to find a way to get her back. The only problem is that the only way to get her back is to kill the lead demon and he is one hard thing to find. Turns out that they think she is some prophecy girl just because of who her father was and the fact that she has red hair, whole new meaning to "You should dye it". She sets off on her quest with her guide, Walnut, and one hot dude named Nick. During the trip she has to fight things, is attacked by everything from weeds to wraiths, and even manages to tick off an Earth Lord by calling rocks stupid. You really have to watch what you say in this place. One wrong word and you are a human pancake.
   Now if the quest to get her mother back and kill the bad guy isn't hard enough, let's throw in the hot guy and give him some serious issues. Every time they look each other in the eye or touch they get sapped with energy. Sometimes it hurts others it feels oh so sweet and then it could be anywhere in between. We have misunderstandings, battles, screaming, and romance. Not to mention the talking cat and the prophecy. Trust me when I say read this book. Plus it's okay for kids to read so even better.

Don't forget to look for the review of Stalking Shadows coming in two days.

If you want a chance to win this book leave me a comment and a random winner will be picked.


Reviewed by Stacy
Stars  4.5
Flames 0

Given for an honest review.


Purchase Links for Stalking Shadows are

ibooks Australia; search for Tahlia Newland in other stores.

 
Purchase Links for Lethal Inheritance are

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Drowning in Fire Blog Tour



Nerita is tortured and put through more pain than she ever imagined could happen. Ahlic has captured her and locked her in a room where there’s no chance of escape on her own. He forces her to watch the murder of a friend. She strikes a deal to try and save lives but Ahlic is not the bargaining type. After escaping, Ahlic forces her to endure a traumatic loss and haunts her in her dreams. More powers emerge from her, shocking everyone and leaving them slightly afraid. While on her own, a witch shows her the future and tells her grave news. A battle rages in her heart; unsure of how to handle the revelation. She seeks Ahlic...but not to destroy him. Feelings she can’t control drive her to insanity and lust. Will Nerita give in and fall for what she’s been trying so hard to destroy?
This book was awesome. I will say that you really need to read the first book to even have a clue as to what is going on. Most books have a few chapters that tell you what happened and get you caught up, but this just dove right into the action. The whole book is action packed with magic, love, fighting, rescuing, death, you name it and it's there. We start with Nerita chained to a bed waiting to talk to Ahlic who has captured her. She is rescued by a nice kitty, lol if you read it then you get it, and her and Gavin escape. Gavin is of course the love of her life. In this book they go through some real serious stuff. There was even a time that I felt so bad for her I wanted to cry. That Ahlic guy is a real ass and easy to hate for what he does.
   Now after saying that you can imagine my surprise when she suddenly falls in love with him after she is shunned by her friends for yet another power. Not telling you what it is, trust me read the book. I couldn't understand how this happened. I mean yeah he says he is trying to change, but what a change of heart for her. It all comes down to the end when everything looks black. Damage has been done and you think it is over then all of the sudden it isn't. Yep just like that every plot twist make sense and the next book is ready to be read. Unfortunately I don't have it in my hands yet. Big emphasis on the word YET.

5 stars
3.5 flames (hot but not too much detail to be uncomfortably so)

reviewed by Stacy

Don't forget to stop by the other stops and show some love.

April Blog
19 http://brittreadsindie.blogspot.com
20 http://authormeakakyel.blogspot.com
21 http://bookcrazy123.blogspot.co.uk/
22 http://booksnbrownies.com
23 http://theindieshop.blogspot.com/
24 http://asyouwishreviews.blogspot.com/
25 jmartinezauthor.wordpress.com
26 http://alifeamongthepages.wordpress.com/
27 www.theelementsbooks.com
28 http://www.zeendbahiyyah.wordpress.com/
29 http://nkuhnebooks.blogspot.com/
30 http://feliciatatum.com
May  
1 http://cassiesreviewsde-la-mazing.blogspot.com/
2 http://bookbroads.blogspot.com/ 
3 http://amazingbookscometolife.blogspot.com/ 
3 (DBL DAY) www.robertfullerauthor.com