PRC Reviews ~ Vampire University and The Taste of Blood

So here goes, January's featured Supe was Vampires.

I have read many vampire books and I follow a lot of vampire series.

I thought I would try a few books that I hadn't heard of before.

I read Vampire University by V.J. Erickson.




Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

Constantly moving as she grew up, Taylor had learned the hard way how to blend in wherever she went. But when she moves to VanCamp University for her freshman year of college, she immediately finds herself at the center of attention of nearly everyone she encounters. From the charismatic and mysterious Evans twins, to her quirky, clingy roommate Hannah, it seems that the people in Taylor's new college life have no intention of letting her be the wallflower.

It's not just blending in that Taylor has to worry about, though. At VanCamp University, there is more to the staff and students than meets the eye. While trying to adjust to her new life on campus, she finds herself in a world where fairy tales and reality collide, where gargoyles and leprechauns mingle with humans and vampires, and where nothing is as it first appears.

And as she discovers the truth of her own unusual heritage, Taylor learns that fairy tales are just the beginning.

Purchase it from Amazon.


My Thoughts:

It was a unique and well thought out YA book. There were more than just vampires traveling through the halls of this university!

The main character was Taylor. She has no family and just wants to blend in. Her roommate is Hannah, an extra friendly, charismatic girl who talks to everyone.  Hannah is determined to help Taylor fit in and then some.

When a bad boy vampire decides he wants a taste of Taylor and he won't take no for an answer, something happens. This special circumstance puts Taylor in the spotlight and they try to find out just how special she is.

 I felt bad for Taylor. I laughed. I was suspicious. I was angry. I was scared.  It was a well rounded story that made me feel some of every emotion.

This plot had supes, a university setting (hence the name), mystery, some scary moments (not too scary), and some action. The only thing that could have made this book better was some romance. What can I say, I'm a sucker for romance! :-)

I enjoyed this imaginative story and I am eager to read the next book in the series, The Last Leprechaun.  

I would recommend this book to all those looking for a YA vampire book that is different from the plethora of other vampire books out there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


I also read The Taste of Blood by Jenika Snow.

This is book one in the Dark Lust series.

The Blurb from Goodreads

Sophie is an escort, offered a once in a lifetime chance to entertain a wealthy and prestigious party. It isn’t until she finds out whom and what she will be entertaining that she understands why none of the other girls took the job. It isn’t just one man she will have to entertain, but four fully grown male vampires.

Adults only for this one! Whoeee! This was an erotic book to say the least. It was not meant for anyone who does not like menages. ;-) The blurb pretty much explains it.

It was super quick and left me eagerly awaiting the next book. I really liked this quick book and urge everyone who likes really hot, erotic, books with multiple bed partners to give it a go.

Purchase it from Amazon.


Who is your favorite vampire?


I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

Silver-White
by Shawn Underhill


“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep.”

~ Robert Frost





*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …


Big time.

 
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.


Praise

 "Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan


Purchase ~ for just .99 cents ~  Amazon Kindle


  
Author Shawn Underhill 

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter







BookBlast $100 Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/13/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


I love this cover! What do you think?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

VBT: Review & Giveaway ~ Vanilla on Top by C.J. Ellisson

Discover your inner bad girl, and set her free…

Heather Pierce is done being a wallflower, both personally and professionally. Desperate to live a different life for one night, she attends a speed dating event. Maybe here, anonymous unless she chooses otherwise, she can become someone new. When a man way out of her league sits across from her, Heather gathers her courage and takes charge of what she wants, secretly fearing he won’t desire the real person she’s desperate to hide.

Top acquisitions officer and international playboy Tony Carmine is about to close the biggest deal of his career. But then he meets Heather at a speed dating event…and discovers losing control may be exactly what he needs. Her blossoming sensuality occupies his every thought, consuming him with the need to possess the most intriguing lover he’s ever encountered—until he walks into the boardroom and sees Heather on the other side of the negotiating table.

Want a taste?

His eyes glide over me, a slight spark of what I hope is interest in their depths. A flare of awareness ignites in my chest. The man’s charming grin remains in place. A good sign so far. Right as he opens his kissable mouth to speak, his phone rings. His relaxed expression turns into a grimace as he digs in his pocket to retrieve the offending device.

“Sorry,” he mumbles my way before answering. He turns slightly in his seat, angling himself away. “Yes?” He barks into the phone. “No, I won’t be back in tonight. The instructions are in the email I sent.”
At least I had the decency to turn off my phone before I came in. Hell, unless you’re a doctor on call, I doubt there’s anything that important requiring your phone to stay on for two hours. He looks into the distance and I feel a twinge of annoyance.

“No,” his tone grinds out, authoritative and powerful. “You need to listen to me, Brian. The directions are in the email. You follow them precisely and the deal will close. Call me again and I’m going to be really pissed.”

He clicks his phone shut and closes his eyes. Tension spills off him and I hesitate to break the silence. What could be so important that he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders? He takes a deep breath and opens them again, staring straight into my eyes.

“I’m sorry, that was rude of me.” He angles toward me. I nod my reassurance that it’s okay, but inside I can’t help but think I’ve lost even more of my precious allotted time with this desirable stranger. He really is way out of my league.

“You know what I want more than anything?” he says with a touch of longing. “I want someone else to take control for a while. I’m really sick of being the guy in charge all the time.”

I smile, not particularly sure I can relate, but willing to appear understanding. His phone rings again and sharp anger stabs my gut.

“Turn it off,” I say, with a challenge in my tone. I sit up straighter and stare into the depths of his caramel eyes. “You want someone to tell you what to do?” He nods, his calculating gaze on me as the phone continues to ring. “Turn off that damn phone,” I bite out, pretending I’m issuing a command. “Now.”

Shock registers across his expression, but he hides it quickly. I raise an eyebrow and feel the sparks fly across the table between us. He returns my stare and smiles, the first real one I’ve seen on him since he came into the restaurant. It’s kind of lopsided and lazy, curling my toes at the devilment it promises. The phone rings a third time and I break our standoff and glance away, tilting my chin an inch higher, showing my displeasure in his lack of action. He fumbles for the phone on the table between us and shuts it off.

About the Author:  

C.J. Ellisson writes erotica and urban fantasy. Her vampire series, The V V Inn, mixes a heavy dose of erotic elements with suspense, action, a little bit of mystery and some light humor. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze.

To learn more about C.J.'s books (where you can read half of the novels for free), please visit her Website or Facebook page.

CJ is offering a signed swag pack awarded for every ten commenters on this post! To be eligible, please leave your email addy in your comment and encourage others to comment. :-)

My Thoughts:

This book is meant for Adults only!

Hot! Hot! Hot! Vanilla On Top was smokin hot pretty much from the beginning till the end. ;-)

I loved the uniqueness of the story and the characters too.

We start the story with a  speed dating session. Heather finds herself in control and she likes it a lot. Come to think of it, Tony does too! She leaves him wondering if he'll see her again. He doesn't know what her phone number is or even her last name. But he swears to find her one way or the other. ;-) 

Heather was totally relateable with her self doubts and her hidden inner sex vixen. I had fun watching her become more confident! And Tony was sooooo sexy! 

I really like Fifty Shades and The Crossfire series. If you like these books, I'm sure that you'll want to read this one too. Don't worry it isn't more of the same. The scenarios are completely different! lol!

I recommend this to everyone who wants an awesome super steamy read.

I received a copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly thought it was fantastically sexy and I loved it!


Do you like Vanilla?

Thank you for commenting! Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. The link can be found at the top of the page! 

Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ Found by Alyssa Rose Ivy

So you all know how much I LOVE author, Alyssa Rose Ivy . 

You also know how crazy I am about her Crescent Chronicles series.

Today I am sharing the blurb and cover of book three Found!

Did I mention that there is a giveaway too?

One lucky person will win a Smashwords code for one of Alyssa's books! The books to choose from are pictured at the bottom of the post. Good luck!

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Title: Found (The Crescent Chronicles, # 3)

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Expected release date: Summer 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designer: Once Upon a Time Covers

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours




Book Description:

Levi might be hot, strong, and have a cool set of wings, but it's not enough to make up for keeping Allie in the dark.

Allie's tired of being left with more questions than answers. She's tired of loving a guy who refuses to level with her. Most of all, she's tired of her life spinning out of control.

Desperate to save Jess no matter the personal cost, Allie has to face the possibility that the only one she can trust is herself.


Ready? Set? Here We Go!

 Isn't it yummy?

I think it really depicts what Levi could look like! ;-)

Titles available for giveaway:

Flight (The Crescent Chronicles, #1)

Focus (The Crescent Chronicles, #2)

Derailed (Clayton Falls, #1)

Veer (Clayton Falls, #2)

Beckoning Light (The Afterglow Trilogy, #1)

Perilous Light (The Afterglow Trilogy, #2) 

Enduring Light (The Afterglow Trilogy, #3)

 

Entry-Form

What do you think of the cover or blurb?

                                         or

Which book would you like to win?

Thank you for commenting! Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. The link can be found at the top of the page!

VBT: Giveaway and Review ~ Love Beyond the Curve

Charlotte is shocked to find her new landlord, Reed Jackson, is tall, dark, and gorgeous. The two become fast friends, enjoying times spent together, more than times apart. Charlotte can’t believe that Reed finds her curvaceous figure incredibly sexy. Can Reed convince her he wants to be more than just “friends with benefits”?

Will Charlotte and Reed find… Love Beyond the Curve?

Bookstrand / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Here's an excerpt for you:

He and Candace went back to their table, but Reed’s eyes remained fixed on Charlotte. He couldn’t help but notice she danced very well to the faster paced music, as well as the slow. He took into account what she was wearing since that was what Candace had been so appalled over. He thought she looked good, and downright sexy with the way she was dancing in it. Candace would scream if she knew the exact thoughts that popped into his head as he began to watch her from their table. She was wearing a black dress with a sweetheart neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. The hemline was about five inches above the knee. It was rather form fitting, but the rusching of the skirt was slimming and made her look very appealing in his opinion. What was sexier than the dress was her confidence. Reed thought she looked very sure of herself, and was only thinking about having fun, and not how she looked to everyone. And did she ever look good.

Her full breasts and curvy hips moved very sensuously to the beat of the song she was dancing to. “Octopus Man” looked to be literally drooling over her as he leered at her body twirling around with her arms extended over her head. He didn’t blame the guy for trying to cop a feel. He remembered how she had looked when he rounded the end of the sofa, only to find her shirt ripped open and her huge breasts heaving as she cried into her hands. He remembered how soft she had felt against his chest as he held her while he tried to comfort her. She was soft, but there was also a firmness of muscle underneath.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kate Patrick grew up in the South. She can’t recall a time in her life when she didn’t love to read. She remembers going to the library as a child where she devoured biographies and Nancy Drew mysteries. Her love of reading has continued into adulthood, but it is hot romance that she loves to write! While in high school and college, she and her sister began to write romantic stories about girls that met their dream guys who fell instantly in love with them. Even these early manuscripts were spicy enough that the need to “hide” these notebooks was a high priority when leaving the house!

Writing took a backseat to a teaching career, marriage, and motherhood, though books were constant companions. Love stories became a favorite, and began to take the place of mysteries more and more. About three years ago, the idea of writing was rekindled. Now, you can find her late at night typing away by the blue glow of her laptop screen.

She and her husband live on the Gulf Coast with their son and three quirky Pomeranians. When not writing or reading, Kate loves to sing, dance, and watch romantic movies, side-splitting comedies, and crime dramas. Spending time connecting with family and friends is an important priority for her as well.

Website / Facebook / Twitter


Kate will be awarding a $5.00 Starbucks Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of each week of the tour; and a $25 Visa Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour

The more you comment on the tour, the more your chances of winning increase. Here is a link to the Tour Schedule.


My Thoughts:

This was a sweet and hot romance about a curvy woman who has been hurt numerous times because of her weight. She has trust issues because of these past hurts. 

I understood Charlotte's reluctance to a degree. I didn't care for how degrading she was to herself. Being a bigger girl myself, I know how easy it is to feel pressured to fit in or to want to please others.I also know that like Charlotte sometimes your first instinct is to protect yourself.  That being said you have to love yourself or no one else will be able to. Charlotte stated repeatedly that she loved herself but then she talked down about herself. This left me a little confused.

I really, really liked Reed. He was so sweet. I felt bad for him in parts.

Overall, I liked this story a good bit. There were plenty of steamy scenes, and lots of romance too!

I received a copy of this book from Goddess Fish in exchange for my honest opinion.


Does size matter?

I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

VBT: Giveaway and Review ~ Waterfall by Lacy Danes

Book Description:

It’s easy to fall in love. Destiny requires tooth and claw.

Curses are designed to be cruel, but the one afflicting Jordan and his brothers is almost beyond bearing. A dragon born by blood magic, he is an immortal trapped in human form, with only one hope of finding his eternal mate. He must bite her—and pray she lives.

One dark night, he senses the wounded heartbeat of a woman in the shadows, begging him to end her life. Ever the gentleman, he chivalrously obliges her wish. Only to discover three days later that she lives. And has married another.

Celeste always dreamed of marrying for love, but the nightmare of living in her father’s home drives her to wed the Duke of Hudson. Yet on her wedding eve, she is compelled to follow a mysterious man who professes to know her secret. A man with curious blue scales on his muscular arms—whose shadowed eyes reflect a dangerous mix of destiny and desire…

Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, sex in water, four super-hot dragon brothers, and a curse born from magical power that has left them wondering who they are all their lives.

Title: Waterfall

A Dragon’s Fate Novella, Book 1

Author: Lacy Danes

Genre: Romance, Alternate Worlds, Paranormal, Steamy/Erotic

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Number of pages: 138

Word Count: 38K

Cover Artist: Kanaza

Add it on Goodreads

Purchase from Amazon


Here's an excerpt to enjoy:

Carefully stepping around scattered, fractured boards, trunks and lengths of tangled rope, Jordan and Ferrous neared the last grouping of rocks at the trees’ edge. Jordan sighed. About time.

A faint heartbeat crawled out of the obscure shadows, stalked up his spine. Something lived from this bloody mess. Though barely.

Jordan stilled.

Ferrous turned to the left. “I feel it too.”

Jordan followed.

On the opposite side of the rocks, jagged boards bumped, clattering against a boulder. A mass of tangled human remains bobbed and swayed with each lap of water against the shore.

From this mess, a heartbeat cried. Jordan closed his eyes and sighed as his stomach flipped. He would find it. He stepped into the water amid the carnage and shuddered. I must move as hastily as possible. I can do this. The sound of life grasped him as if a hand itself clasped his flesh. He flinched, then turned to the left.

An arm’s length away, half in the water, lay a woman. Her limbs were twisted and broken, as if made of nothing more than weeds. A man’s head, severed from the body it had once belonged to, floated close to her hand. Jordan’s heart pinched, and the scales on his elbows prickled anew.

No one deserved to be half alive after experiencing a tragedy such as this. He stepped up next to her, knocking the human debris away with his boot. He leaned down and wrapped one hand about her slim, bare shoulders. The other he slid beneath her knees, fisting up a handful of her full skirts. She should have drowned in such a garment. He lifted her, pulling her body up against his.

She hung like a sack of barley in his grasp. Her long, wet skirts and hair trailed cold water in a stream, trickling over the rocks and babbling down into his boots. He turned and stumbled along the slag toward the trees.

Ferrous turned after him. “She won’t live, Jordan.” He strode behind him. “Leave her.”

Her clothing, laden with seawater, soaked his coat in blood. Was it hers or the rotting blood of the pool in which she had lain? He shook his head. Don’t think about the stench. He grimaced. Think about her.

Ferrous was right. She would never live.

He fell to his knees and laid her on the high grass that bordered the trees. Her dress was that of an aristocrat, finely tailored with small pearls and embroidery now torn open down to her flesh in several places. Her hair had been swept up with the sun, golden rays that now hid beneath a cloud of red death. “I will end her suffering.” Yes, that was the correct thing to do.

“For bloody sake, Jordan. You are not to indulge unless you have an inkling she may be the one. There are no exceptions to our rules. Look what happens to Ilmir when he breaks one. Who knows what calamity awaits us in London.”

Jordan’s jaw clenched, and he narrowed his eyes, refusing to look at Ferrous, who stood behind him. “This is different, and you damn well know it. I am not Ilmir, and she is not a woman I am courting. She is dying.”

“Being chivalrous?” Ferrous threw up his hands, grumbled and walked through the trees back toward the shore. “Make haste. I wish to make this hellish scene vanish this hellish scene and be to London to deal with Ilmir.”

Did Ferrous truly think he wanted to do this? To kill another woman was the last thing he wished. Twenty years had passed… Jordan inhaled a deep breath and blew it out between tense lips. He ran his fingers down her pale cheek and around her chin, tilting her face toward his. A slender nose, full, angelic lips, and noble cheekbones. A beauty. “To a better afterlife, dear.”

He raised her chin, exposing her long, graceful neck and faintly beating pulse. Another death…

Dash it. He stared unblinking at the slight flutter of her blood beneath her skin. Relax, Jordan. He closed his eyes and exhaled. All will be well.

Prickling pain clawed through the roof of his mouth as his two pointed teeth extended into thin slivers of bone. He stared down at her neck. She had been floating in blood and seawater. He spit on her neck, twice. His saliva glimmered as it slid down her throat to the grass below. There, that should wash away the dirt she had stewed in. Or would it? His throat tightened. Don’t lick her. Be done with it.

He leaned in and pressed his teeth to her vein. His mouth opened, saliva pooled heavily, and his tongue thickened. The pouches by his back teeth filled with poisonous blood, forcing his jaw still wider. He inhaled a jagged breath. His heart leapt and pounded, vibrating through his entire being…

Bite her, Jordan. Be done with it. Bite her.

Her faint pulse bumped against his teeth, willing him to take her as his mate. Mate? Well, that urge was pointless. She would pass just as swiftly as the others. He rolled his lip back and hissed, then pressed, slicing through her soft, salty outer skin and into her tepid blood flowing below.

She didn’t flinch.


This was the first time he had taken a woman when he was not passionately joined with her. Odder yet not to have her scream. To have her do nothing but lie on the wilted grass.

He swallowed. Dirt be damned, he needed to taste her and know that one essence of the life he now took. He fluttered his tongue on her smooth skin. Warm, salty blood slid thickly down his tongue. Damn. His muscles quivered as his poisonous blood streamed from his pouches and down his teeth, twisting into her veins. His cock pressed painfully hard against his thigh.

The task was done. There would be no more. He would not take his pleasure in her. He would not know the feel of her flesh against his. He would never know her favorite color. This woman, like all the others who had come before, was not meant to be his. Enough!

He growledand opened his mouth wide. Her soft flesh slipped from his fangs. He pulled his head back, and their mixed blood trailed in streams down her neck and dress. His vision shifted and popped. Adrenaline mixed with power bubbled through his veins. This…this, he had missed.

This was what he was meant to be. His full elemental power at a glimpse. He tossed his hair back and then growled a dragon’s cry up to where the moon should hang in a radiant, colored vision. Yet only the ebony fog resided tonight. There was no moon to lighten this scene. His vision rippled with detailed clarity. Ah. Indeed. This was the power that years of existence without his mate had diminished. He wanted this power back. It had been too long. In a burst of speckled light, everything changed back to somber mist. Bloody hell. His throat closed off, and his eyes burned. No! He swallowed hard, and his shoulders sagged. This was a tease. A temptation.

He closed his eyes and shook his head. He would never know more of what the Zir were than this… Death and a glimpse of the exhilarating power they were destined to have.

He inhaled and smelled her metallic, sweet blood on his lips. His tongue traced his teeth and upper lip, gathering up the enslaving essence. Sweet orange blossoms and candied cherries. His made-up version of what she should taste like. Remember her. His jaw trembled as hot blood pounded through him to his groin. His soul wanted more of her. To mate. To love. To live a lifetime of companionship.

He clenched his teeth, and his fangs pierced his lower lip. You have done enough to end her suffering. Quite enough. Let her be. He opened his eyes once more.

A shadow shaped as Ferrous stood head down and arms straight out in the air at the rocks’ edge. “Make haste. I wait no more.”

Jordan placed her head softly back on the grass. “Will scant be a moment more of pain, beauty.” He trailed his hand down her broken arm to a heavy, thick bracelet looping her wrist. He unclasped the chain and slowly rubbed the metal between his fingers. His token of her death. He tucked the jewelry in his inner coat pocket, then rose to his full height. Turning to his left, he skulked into the inky woods.

About the Author :   

Lacy Danes made a New Year's resolution to write a hot, historical romance.

A year and a half later, she achieved her goal. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where besides writing she enjoys playing cards, chasing her kids around, and savoring a great martini with the man of her dreams all while watching the world go by.

Visit Lacy at her Website, Twitter page, or on Facebook.




My Thoughts:    

A Waterfall could come in handy after reading such Hot Stuff! Wow! Adult eyes only for this book.

When I first read the blurb, it sounded like something that I would like. I didn't realize that it was set in 17th century London as I usually stay away from historical type books. I did enjoy it but I would have liked it much more if it was set in the modern day. It's just me. There are a lot of people who prefer historicals. No matter how many I read or how hard I try I just don't care for them.

There was a good bit of action, some mystery, romance, and steamy scenes in the plot. Did I forget to mention the four dragon brothers? ;-) I felt like the story was rushed in some places especially at the end.

I really liked the premise and my attention stayed on the book until I was finished.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes their steamy paranormal books with a historical feel to them.

I received a copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion.


Do you prefer modern day or historical settings?



  a Rafflecopter giveaway





  I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

January Meeting of the Minds!

January is almost over. Which means the Comment Incentive for January is also almost done.

For the most part, I felt that it went well. I most definitely had more comments than usual. Thank you guys! :-)

Just out of curiosity, did the Comment Incentive Giveaway prompt you to comment more, less, or did it not make a difference to you?

I think I will change one or two small insignificant things. For example, instead of adding all of the posts at the beginning of the month and having to rearrange impromptu posts, I'll add them as I post them.

I'd like to know what you think about it. 

Do you mind stopping by to answer questions regularly? I enjoy speaking with you but I don't want anyone to feel overwhelmed or like it is expected of you.

Expected never. Appreciated always!

Just to revisit some of the finer points, if there are posts that you haven't already commented on this month, you can still do it and enter them in the Rafflecopter until midnight on February 1st. 

1.Each post will have it's own space on the Rafflecopter. Please do not post a comment on an old post and then enter it in the Rafflecopter! I will list them by post as well as date on the Rafflecopter to help lessen this confusion.

2.If you miss a post, you are welcome to go back and leave a comment later. The Rafflecopter will accept entries for each post until the end of the month. Please don't wait until the end of the month and comment on all of the posts at one time. That is not the purpose of this incentive and doing so will result in being removed from the giveaway!

3.Any comment counts but please be genuine when posting comments. It is more fun when we can interact with each other. If each of your comments are the same ~ this sounds good or nice interview, etc... it makes it hard to respond to you.  

4.A few posts will only have the 1 point for commenting and not the 3 point option for sharing. For example IMM (In My Mailbox) posts will only have the comment option. While I love sharing what I received, everyone in the Blogosphere probably doesn't care. This post is one of those posts. It is only relevant to those of you who take the time to read them. Most posts will continue to offer both options though!

Thank you for helping to spread the word! :-)

I think that about covers it. I'll announce January's CIG winner and the MVC on February 1st.

We will start February's CIG on the 1st as well.  

Unless any of you have a better suggestion, I'll keep the prize the same.


Do you have any questions, comments, or suggestions?

Well, what do you think????


I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!

VBT: Giveaway, Review and Interview with Sarah Makela author of Skin Deep

I interviewed Sarah Makela and this is what she shared with me:

What is your favorite thing about writing? I love getting a glimpse into my characters’ lives and watching how they overcome the struggles they face to reach their happy endings. And of course, I love being able to look at pictures of hot men as “research.” *grins* ;-) I never realized the advantages of an author's research!

Which of your characters are your favorite to write? the easiest? the hardest? the most fun? My favorite characters to write are Angelique Trinette and Connor O’Reilly from Skin Deep. I love them as a couple, and independently they’re both strong and respectable. They both have a vulnerable side, but their love for one another is amazing. I can’t wait to write the next book in their series.

The easiest would be Rubia from Jungle Fire and the hardest would be her hero Kyle. He was so elusive, and it took a while to get into his head.

The most fun is Leon from my Hacked Investigations series. He’s one of the secondary characters, but if a story presented itself, I’d definitely write a book for him.

Beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian?
I eat mostly beef and chicken with the exception of bacon.

What is your favorite color?
I have two favorites. I love black and purple.

Paper or plastic? At the grocery store, I always go with plastic. It’s easier to carry because of the handles.

What is your favorite fairy tale? Hmm... I’m not sure if I have a favorite. I guess if I had to choose one, I’d go with Red Riding Hood, except the romance writer in me would prefer the wolf to be a yummy werewolf hero instead of the villain.

Quiet or loud? I guess it depends. I like listening to music, but outside noise distracts me, so I’d rather have quiet, unless there’s a lot of noise, such as if I’m in a busy coffee shop. I can tune out that kind of noise easily.

Which new release are you most looking forward to reading? I’m really looking forward to the next Cassie Palmer book by Karen Chance as well as the next Kate Daniels book by Ilona Andrews.

What is your favorite part of the day? I enjoy nighttime. I’m able to relax and either get to work or have fun.

What type of music do you listen to? I enjoy all sorts of music. I’ve been listening to a lot of rock music as well as trance and dubstep.

Do you have a favorite gem?
I don’t really have a favorite, but I like Tiger’s Eye. Good one! I'm not really a gem girl but I wanted to ask something different.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Writing-wise, my biggest pet peeve is when people spell y’all as ya’ll. Y’all = you all. I’m a Southern girl, so I just want to shake people who do that. Okay! I'm safe. I don't think I've ever used that term on here!

How likely are you to suffer from road rage? Quite unlikely! I’d probably just grumble under my breath. Maybe you could give me lessons in self control?

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

Thank you for reading my book and hosting me on your blog!

You're welcome to come back anytime Sarah!

Title: Skin Deep

Series: Feral Ink Book One

Author: Sarah Mäkelä

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Etopia Press

ISBN: 978-1-939194-25-1

ASIN: B00A3Y9RTI

Number of pages: 112

Word Count: 24,821

Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs

Amazon  BN  Kobo  ARe


Book Description:

Angelique had no idea her black panther tattoo would force her to abandon the love of her life—Connor O’Reilly—but she’s determined to keep him safe no matter how much it hurts. Her tattoo doubles as her feline familiar: loving, protective, dangerous, and with a life of its own. It’s also her deepest secret and draws enemies who desire its power for themselves.

Connor has no idea why Angelique left him, but he’s determined to win her back. As a werewolf, he has secrets of his own. Now his alpha is ready to force him to pair with an ex-girlfriend he can’t stand unless he can find Angelique and claim her as his mate. But even as their secrets threaten to keep them apart, hidden enemies seek to destroy their chance at love forever.

 

About the Author:         

Sarah Mäkelä lives in North Carolina with her husband and cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, computer and console games, and traveling all over the world. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal chapters. Find her online at:

Blog / Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads   



My Thoughts:

Skin Deep was different. The story began with Connor, the leading man arguing with his Alpha. He refuses to mate with a woman that he does not love. He knows he wants Angelique, he just has to convince her. 

There was a reason that Angelique left Connor and it was not a lack of spark! She loves him and craves him but fears that she would put him in danger because of an ability that she has. She doesn't realize that Connor has abilities of his own.

Connor tries to make up with her when his ex shows up and makes a scene. Things go down hill and then they get crazy. Poor Angelique seems to have all kind of problems all of the sudden!

This book was pretty quick. The plot had animal aggression, secrets, action, romance, and a psycho ex to top it all off. I thought Angelique's ability was a unique spin on shifting.

I received a copy of this book from Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion.  

True or False: Beauty is only Skin Deep.


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