The Night Visitor by Dianne Emley

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Miss Emley and Alibi for this opportunity.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Gorgeous and successful, Rory Langtry seemed to have it all. Daughter of a movie star and sister of a supermodel, Rory was engaged to sexy artist, Junior Lara. But her bright future went dark one terrible, bloody night that left her sister dead and the accused murderer—Junior—in an extended coma.

Now, five years later, Rory appears to have put the past behind her. She has a wonderful new fiancé and heads a successful cosmetics company. Yet dark secrets threaten. Across town, Junior lies close to death but before he departs he seeks to clear his name.

It starts with a feeling. It turns into a vision. Soon Rory is having sensations that only Junior could experience—from the horrifying to the erotic. Then she learns details about the awful night that only Junior could know, newfound knowledge with potentially fatal consequences. When another act of violence rocks her family, Rory plunges deeper into the unsolved mystery, led by an inexplicable visitor to a dangerous time and place where all will be revealed at last. But until then, Junior will not let her go.

I am a lover of paranormal romance, so unusual stories usually do not phase me. This story was a little more unusual than most. It was a little slow starting, but as the story line got going, I found myself wanting to know what happened. It is a story that takes a little getting used to. So hunker down and delve deep, it is worth the time to find your way to the end.

Happy Reading!

Aftermath by Denise Grover Swank

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Before she agreed to tutor Tucker Price, college junior Scarlett was introvert, struggling with her social anxiety and determined to not end up living in a trailer park like her mother and her younger sister. A mathematics major, she goes to her classes, to her job in the tutoring lab, and then hides in the apartment she shares with her friend, Caroline.

After junior Tucker Price, Southern University’s star soccer player enters the equation, her carefully plotted life is thrown off its axis. Tucker’s failing his required College Algebra class. With his eligibility is at risk, the university chancellor dangles an expensive piece of computer software for the math department if Scarlett agrees to privately tutor him.Tucker’s bad boy, womanizer reputation makes Scarlett wary of any contact, let alone spending several hours a week in close proximity.

But from her first encounter, she realizes Tucker isn’t the person everyone else sees. He carries a mountain of secrets which she suspects hold the reason to his self-destructive behavior. But the deeper she delves into the cause of his pain, the deeper she gets sucked into his chaos. Will Scarlett find the happiness she’s looking for, or will she be caught in Tucker’s aftermath?

Aftermath is not a simple love story. It is a soul-searching story about two young people who are trying to find their way after childhoods that have taught them that the only person they can rely on in life is themselves. Scarlett and Tucker have had very different childhoods, but both were very traumatic in their own way. Each have developed a way to cope. They find each other and through trial and error, learn how to let each other in. 

Aftermath is a very fitting title for this story. It is definitely not a typical contemporary love story. The plot is a lot deeper than that. This is the story of how two individuals find a sort of kindred spirit in each other and learn how to help each other begin to heal. Scarlett has a naivete about her, while Tucker has a little too much experience. Together they learn how to build a relationship that requires them to work together and to help each other out.

Miss Swank has created a story that brings out more emotions than you ever thought a story could produce. It is a refreshingly deep, emotional book that makes you think and feel throughout the journey, and yes, it is a journey. She takes you through Scarlett and Tucker's lives. There is such description and emotion. You will laugh, cry, hurt, and cheer. This is definitely a story with meat!!

Happy Reading!

Branded for You by Cheyenne McCray

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Megan Wilder doesn’t think there’s a man in this world who could love her just the way she is. After meeting sexy Ryan McBride, she suspects he might just be the one to change her mind. 

With her family in danger of losing their restaurant and their home, a sudden illness has everything Megan thought was sure in her life crashing down around her. Finding out Ryan is the one responsible for threatening foreclosure shakes her very foundation.

Can Ryan and Megan succeed in overcoming their obstacles and fight for a love that was meant to be?


What can I say? Cheyenne McCray delivers a HOT cowboy and a great story to go along!
Cheyenne McCray is well known for her stories that are big on seriously HOT cowboys, seriously HOT  sex, and a woman that can more than handle all that HOTNESS!
Branded for You is no different. I was a little bit surprised, in a good way, that the book started out in a gentle, easy-going manner. The story is about a young woman who moves to an area right outside Prescott, AZ that has a gentle, easy-going lifestyle. I enjoyed that fact that the tempo of her story followed what was going on in the story. But don't think for a minute that Miss McCray changed her style of writing. Oh no!! She jumps in with both feet at the exact right time, but the story's tempo goes back and forth from slow and easy, to fast, HOT, and steamy!!
Another specific thing that I enjoyed about this story was the fact that Megan was not the cookie cutter, size 2 woman that the hot, sexy male falls in love with. Megan is described as a curvy woman. I personally get so tired of Hollywood's unrealistic expectation of what a sexy woman looks like. Miss McCray had the guts to go outside the "norm" and have a hot, sexy man fall for a healthy woman. Kudos to Miss McCray!!
Now, let me get off my little soapbox and get back to the important things: Miss McCray is a seasoned writer who knows exactly what it takes to draw her readers in, grab them by the hormones and keep them wanting more!! Miss McCray is a pro and a damn good one!

Cowboys, AZ, the outdoors; check out Branded for You, you will be going back for more Cheyenne McCray books!!

Happy Reading!!

*NEW* Awaken: The Soulkeepers by Lori Adams

Welcome to the Party!!!!

Sophia St. James has every reason to be happy: she survived the kiss of death from the seductive Demon Knight Dante and is free to be with Michael, her sexy Guardian Angel. She eagerly begins her Awakening to become a Spirit Walker and help lost souls cross over. But her training is fraught with setbacks, and Michael begs her to stop. The life of a Spirit Walker is far too dangerous, and he won’t be able to protect her.

Then Dante returns, threatening to drag Sophia to Hell so they can finally be together. Terrified of losing everything she has worked for, Sophia turns the tables on Dante, luring him into a deception that may get them both killed. The stakes climb even higher when Dante’s ally, Wolfgang, emerges from Hell with one order: kill Sophia. Will Michael once again be Sophia’s saving grace or will the Awakening give her the power she needs to save herself?

Sophia, Michael, and Dante are back. The thrills continue to build as Sophia begins to grow in her new life. Dante is still convinced she is the reincarnation of his past love. Michael and Sophia tackle the challenge of keeping their relationship from his family a secret, but it becomes even more imperative when Michael is offered his biggest dream.

As Sophia begins to learn how to be a Spirit Walker, she and Michael begin to learn about the trials and tribulations of a relationship.

Miss Adams has done it again! She brings us back to the intriguing triangle of Sophia, Michael, and Dante. She pulls us deeper into the supernatural world beyond our every day vision to witness how angels and demons fight over a strong, willful lady who is bound and determined to do her part to help souls find their way to the place they were meant to go.

Miss Adams adds a few new spins to this story. Dante learns that a demon is inhabiting the body of one of the people close to Sophia. But who? Sophia and Michael do not see eye to eye about her training to be a Shadow Walker. And Sophia's memories, are they memories of a past life, just like Dante says?

Miss Adams keeps expanding her paranormal world of wonder that lures the reader into all the excitement. Miss Adams's talent makes the reader want to reach in, grab the characters' hands and yell, "Grab my hand! I'll help!".

Lori Adams is the author of the Soulkeepers Series: Forbidden, Awaken, and Unforgiven. She wrote her first book-about scary sharks-at the age of eight. Now she writes New Adult, young adult, and middle-grade fiction. Originally from Oklahoma, she now lives in Southern California with her husband and two daughters.

Visit Lori:

Website:http://LoriAdamsbooks.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoulkeepersSeries 

Twitter:https://twitter.com/LoriAdams33 

Goodreads: https:www.Goodreads.com/author/show/1469861.Lori_Adams

For a chance to win a copy of Forbidden book one in the Soulkeepers Series and a $25 gift card to eRetailer of choice, go to:

http://rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/235babe798/

You can purchase this awesome book at these retailers (both e-book and "hold in your hand book"):
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
KOBO
iTunes

HAPPY READING!

Dark Sacrifice by Angie Sandro

WELCOME TO THE PARTY!!

About Dark Sacrifice via Grand Central Publishing:

 A GIFT AND A CURSE

Mala LaCroix sees dead people -really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces-both human and otherworldly-who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . . . 

This is the second book in Mala and Landry's story. It isn't a "normal" love story. Mala sees dead people and Landry, well let's just say before his near-death experience, he DIDN'T see dead people. But after his near death experience, Landry finds himself fighting an evil within. 

Mala finds herself forced to honor her promise to her aunt to apprentice under her. Mala has never been comfortable around her Aunt Magnolia, and now she is forced to learn from a woman she considers evil. 

Let's just say that Mala and Landry never have a typical or dull day.

I was so excited to start reading this next chapter in Mala's story. It was a seamless extension of Dark Paradise. Miss Sandro knows exactly how to keep her readers begging for more.

The characters keep evolving and growing as the story progresses. While the setting and plot may have a mostly dark undertone to it, there are so many parts that shine brighter than the sun, and Miss Sandro knows exactly when those bright spots are needed most.

I am really intrigued by the way Mala is a two-edged sword. One moment she is so naive and childish, and the next she is like a typical early 20's adult, very unpredictable and enchanting. She seems so worldly because of her mother's chosen profession, yet is totally lacking in first-hand experience.

And Landry, he is a favorite of the town, a rich, spoiled kid who gets whatever and whomever he wants-until Mala. But after losing his sister and falling for Mala, he learns what it really means to care about someone other than himself.

Dark Sacrifice is a must read! Miss Sandro is a gifted writer who knows how to weave a magical world full of words that will draw you in and keep you captivated until the very last word, and you will still want more. 

HMMM, makes me wonder-was she the one who apprenticed under Aunt Magnolia????

Take a few minutes to visit Miss Sandro's Facebook/Twitter/blog. The links are at the bottom of the page.

 Happy Reading!!

Buy Links

B&N: http://bit.ly/1u7MhF5

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1ohv1aX

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1sdcQJw

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/Xq6YR

 Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen. 

Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

Angie’s social media

http://anjeasandro.blogspot.com/

http://facebook.com/pages/Angie-Sandro/

@AngieSandro

Marked by Jaymie Holland

Synopsis via Miss Holland's website:

Flight attendant Tracie Bell's career has her always on the go. Too busy flying from one airport to the next, having already learned the hard lesson about not mixing business with pleasure, Tracie is content with her dark dream lover fantasies and memories of submission past. As for the men in her life, well, they might as well get frequent flier miles for as often as they take flight, never seeming to stick around when she really needs them. It's not that she's bitter about it, but she knows it's inevitable that they always take off and leave her.

But Tracie is not just a play-with-anyone kind of woman. She craves submitting to a Dom and being owned and used for pleasure. Approaching the gate for a pickup flight to Hawaii, Tracie finds herself begrudgingly attracted to not only one but two of her first class passengers, Lucas and Kane.

Lucas Connor and Kane Allen hadn't been sure they were ready to entertain seeing someone again after losing the woman they loved to a violent act more than a year ago. Seeing Tracie's beautiful features blush with her mutual attraction was all it took for them to open to the idea. She's intelligent, caring, sweet, and oh-so-submissive. Problem is she's too skittish to involve herself in any kind of relationship, especially with two men. Even after a night of incredible passion, she runs.

Now Lucas and Kane must show her she's made her mark on their hearts. Forever and always.

Warning: This book is for mature readers, 18 years and older.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Miss Holland for the opportunity.

BDSM: According to the Urban Dictionary, this stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. Just the fact that this book is about BDSM should tell you it is a page scorching story. But I have to admit that the "knowledge" I have of this subject is not the true definition of the word.What I haveare ideas and jokes that are passed around by people who don't know a thing about the lifestyle. And truth be told, it is a practice that is considered outside of "normal".
While this book is a hot story about sex, it is also a story about the relationship between the people who enjoy this type of lifestyle.
Miss Holland does a wonderful job of writing the story in a mature and tasteful manner. I enjoyed the interaction and developing relationship between the three main characters. The characters related to each other in a way that showed how true affection can help each person achieve any type of lifestyle that is desired.
Do I know if the story is true to life? No. But I do know that I had a hard time putting it down and wanted the story to keep going even when it was finished. Miss Holland has a gift for creating a world that the reader can fall into. Her descriptors help the reader develop a picture in their mind, but does not bog the them down. The story flows like a refreshing stream, swift and clear.
Can you give a book more than 5 stars?? I definitely would!!
Marked is a book that is a MUST READ for book lovers of contemporary romance. One you read one of Miss Holland's books, you will be hooked!

Guilt by Association by Marcia Clark

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Los Angeles D.A. Rachel Knight is a tenacious, wise-cracking, and fiercely intelligent prosecutor in the city's most elite division. When her colleague, Jake, is found dead at a grisly crime scene, Rachel is shaken to the core. She must take over his toughest case: the assault of a young woman from a prominent family.

But she can't stop herself from digging deeper into Jake's death, a decision that exposes a world of power and violence and will have her risking her reputation--and her life--to find the truth.

With her tremendous expertise in the nuances of L.A. courts and crime, and with a vibrant ensemble cast of characters, Marcia Clark combines intimate detail, riotous humor, and visceral action in a debut thriller that marks the launch of a major new figure on the crime-writing scene.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Miss Clark and Mulholland Books for the opportunity.

Hmmm, does the name Marcia Clark sound familiar to you? Are you old enough to remember O.J. Simpson? Are you old enough to remember the O.J. Simpson murder trial? Well, then yep, that's her. Marcia Clark the Los Angeles Prosecutor. She has turned to writing.

Guilt by Association was a decent read. It was slow starting and a fairly slow reading story. Miss Clark is very heavy handed when it comes to describing everything (maybe it comes from being in a profession where precision means a lot). For me, the overly done descriptors got very old and boring. The actual plot of the story was intriguing. I kept reading to find out what would happen next. The way she interconnected the two cases flowed easily and convincingly.
Her characters were fairly well developed, but it felt like she spent more time on describing everything surrounding the plot and the characters, than trying to really develop the characters.
Overall, I would recommend Miss Clark's books to mystery enthusiasts.

Happy Reading!

Irresistible Force by D. D. Ayres

Synopsis via Goodreads:

For Shay Appleton, it’s love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he’ll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won’t let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart’s even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.

Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who’s convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who’s stolen his heart?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Miss Ayres and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity.

A story about a HOT cop and his K-9 partner? I was all in! And boy did Miss Ayres deliver!
When James Cannon went looking for his stolen partner, he found a lot more. But Shay Appleton was more than met his eye. She was trying to end a relationship with a man that refused to end it. So Shay got a dog for protection. Little did she know Bogart was a highly trained police dog. But she and Bogart bonded right away.
Officer James Cannon loved his partner Bogart more than as a partner, they had a special bond. And when Bogart went missing, he had to do everything he could to find him.
Miss Ayres is a writer who knows how to create a solid story and characters to keep the story flowing. This is a book that you want to read more for the plot than for the romance. Don't get me wrong, the romance is well written, but it is a natural progression of the plot and the way the main characters interact.
The characters each have a history that make them the perfect ying/yang to each other.
The story is a realistic chain of events that could happen right outside your door, except maybe how Bogart ended up with Shay, but that is what artistic license is all about.
I count this book as a DEFINITE read.
Cops and canines, two things near and dear to my heart!

Happy Reading!

Summer time

Hello Everyone. I hope you have had the kind of summer you wanted. Trips to the beach, to see family, vacations to remember or just staying at home "chillaxin" as my teenagers say.
It has been quite an eventful one for me. I apologize for the time span between my postings. I have spent time with wonderful friends, two families who have retired from the military this summer and taken the time to come see us. One family decided to move a mile down the road, the other family came back from being stationed in England for three years. My 16 year old got to spend a month with his best friend and then they all came out here. I have to say, you really need to go do the touristy things with people who have never been to your neck of the woods. Even after living here in Nashville for 20 years, it was a whole new place seeing it through the eyes of our friends. We had a blast in our own "back yard".
So, I am back and will be posting a few reviews back to back in the next day or so. I read some pretty good books while recovering from surgery and am now excited to be able to get them posted.
If you are lucky enough to still have some summer left before the kids go back to school, I wish you fun and sun. If you are like me and the kids go back to school this next week, I hope you get back into the swing of schedules quickly and you enjoy every minute you have with your Blessings from God.
Happy Reading!