We Shall Rise by JE Hopkins

War surrounds him, yet for vampire Kaden Gaspard, there is no greater battle than the one his mind has waged against his heart. He knows he should stay away from her. Reysa. The half-breed vampire warrior who had risked her life to prove his innocence for the seven murders for which he was accused, but had not committed. This stubbornly loyal woman who dedicated her life to her family of misfits - immortals shunned and abandoned by their clans for their impurity of blood and genetic mutations. This courageous and valiant African warrior who Kaden fears could never love the monster that he is destined to be. As Kaden and Reysa struggle to accept the undeniable bond between them, they must come together to stop the emerging terror that threatens to destroy all immortals. The lesser immortals – witches, sages, shifters, demons, hybrids, charmers and foreseers – have declared war against the pureblood vampires and lycans who have used their purity of blood and greater strength to enslave the weaker races. No immoral is safe. This is a fight for freedom and a fight against genocide. There can be no true victor as death looms for them all.(courtesy of Amazon)

Book 2 in the Misfits of the Lore series – see Book 1, Lover’s Betrayal reviewed by us earlier this year.

When you find your true love, your mate, there is nothing that will keep you apart, or isn’t that how all the fairy tales go?  Hopkins gives us the real life fairy tale.  Your mate may not be the person you expected, and you may have to work through your issues before you can be together.  I think that’s why I enjoy these books so much, it’s something that sucks you in. 

The Lore that Hopkins has created, gives us mixed breeds, and it works.  These misfits are thrown in together and uncover the makings of a war.  In order for strong, independent mates Reysa and Kaden to be together they have to lay out their weaknesses and accept each other.  I could feel the tension between them as if I was in the same room.  The heat Kaden literally puts off was enough to keep me warm J

Hopkins keeps the story moving with quite a bit of battle action.  Rey truly holds her own as she saves and protects her family and friends.  Gripping my reader as the book twists and at the end, I couldn’t believe it.  I’m hanging by a rope.  I figured it would end with just the final comments from Kaden – never expected more…

I am hoping for Julian next, but I wonder if Hopkins will keep us waiting for him and give us someone different as the war begins to unfold. 

5 slices easy 

Welcome Stephanie Rowe & a Feel Good Holiday

Today we WELCOME – Stephanie Rowe!!

Four-time RITA® Award nominee and Golden Heart® Award winner Stephanie Rowe is the nationally bestselling author of more than twenty published books with major New York publishers, including HarperCollins, Grand Center and Harlequin. Stephanie has received starred reviews from Booklist and high praise from Publisher's Weekly. In addition to her teen series, she is also published in romance (paranormal, contemporary and suspense), teen fiction, middle grade fiction and inspirational non-fiction. A former attorney, Stephanie lives in Boston where she is actively working on her next project. For more information on Stephanie, visit http://www.stephanierowe.com/.

We are so thankful that with all that she has on her calendar she slipped some time in for us and with a great guest post.


Stephanie: Christmas is awesome! The holidays are great! Great music, friends, family, wonderful food, uplifting decorations, colorful lights, holiday cheer and of course, a sparkle in our hearts and a skip to our step. Fantastic!


Except, of course, for the times when the holidays make us sigh with weariness, when the holiday music makes us turn off the radio, and when the decorations galore feel like clutter.

Ah… yes… we've all be there. No matter how cheerful and upbeat you are, there are times when the holidays feel like a special torture created just for you. How nice of society to gift wrap a time of such stress, tension and angst just for you! Isn't that thoughtful?


Sometimes, our holiday misery is short-lived. It can be cured by an afternoon of errands to shorten your to-do list, a large glass of eggnog, an overdose of holiday cookies and a good sleep.


Other times, maybe it's a little tougher than that. Sometimes you've just got so much weight bearing down on you that you can't shake it, no matter how much eggnog you pour over your head (though, I must admit, pouring a mug of eggnog over my head does have its "I'll do what I want, so there!" appeal. I might try it someday…)


Despite the eggnog dripping from your earlobes, sometimes being around all that joy, exhilaration and shopping frenzy can make it even harder to stay positive. You miss people you used to celebrate with. You don't have the money to buy your kids the gifts you'd like to give. You are struggling with a grim health problem that has you terrified. It feels like an insurmountable effort beyond to pull back your shoulders, flash a smile at the world and dance down the street. In truth? You just want to crawl into a dark corner and pretend the holidays don't exist.


I get it. I've been there. Some years, I've actually managed to forget about Christmas until it's actually here. On the surface, that feels like success, right? But in my heart, it hurts. Why? Because I want to be feeling that love and joy that seems to be bouncing off me. I want to giggle with anticipation at all holiday planning. I want to sing along to the radio instead of turning it off? Quite frankly, it just feels better to be happy.


The truth is that those better feelings are accessible to us. We might not be skipping down the street throwing paper snowflakes at everyone and singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas at the top of our lungs, but those better feelings are there, within us, right now, and we can find them and hold onto them.


In our soul, we want to be happy. That's why it hurts when we're worried, scared, stressed or tense. That's why it's harder to stay happy when surrounded by the joy of the holiday season—because when we see that joy, it makes us resent our own misery, which, in turn, makes us feel even worse.

The truth is: it sucks to feel awful inside because in our hearts, we just want to feel okay.

I decided that I wanted to feel better, so I put on my detective hat and did a little sleuthing. I figured out that my holiday grumpiness wasn't really a twinkling star and candy cane issue. It was actually a reflection of the weight I was sporting around on my back all year wrong. It just got harder to cope with at the holidays. Ah…so it's not that I'm holiday impaired! I was year-'round impaired! That's so much better! (Isn't it? Hmm… maybe not).


So, yeah, the bigger thing to do was to start to fix myself during the non-holiday part of the year, when there wasn't quite so much pressure. But seeing as how it was mid-holiday festivities, I figured out the best thing to was hunker down and go into survival mode for the holidays. You can get through anything for a short time. Really!


For me, holiday survival mode was two things: (1) giving myself a break for not feeling in the holiday mood. It's the old "I'm okay, you're okay" thing, and it actually helps. (2) I decided that since the holidays weren't giving me love, I needed to find something that did. Something that made me happy. Then I could ignore the holidays and focus on what I liked, and use that thing to make me feel better.


Start with little steps. Teeny ones. Think of something you love to do, that makes you happy no matter what mood you're in. Oh, no, don't roll your eyes and say "Nothing. My life is hell." Yeah, maybe it is, but you're a human being, as a person, there are things that you love, that make you happy. Maybe it's watching an old episode of Friends. Maybe it's walking through leaves and kicking them so they spray all around. Maybe it's going to Walmart, buying some paints and paper, and then painting like you used to do as a kid. Maybe it's knitting. Maybe it's grinding coffee beans and inhaling that amazing scent. Maybe it's making ice cream from scratch. Maybe it's puppies. Maybe it's making Christmas cookies and taking them to your local fire station like you and your mom used to do when you were a kid. Maybe it's changing the oil in your car. Maybe it's gardening. Things you haven't taken the time to do in a really long time.

Look into your heart. There's something that makes you happy, even if you haven't thought about it in a years. Find it. It's there. Then go do it. Lose yourself in it. Buy the paint. Contact your local animal rescue group about fostering some puppies. Stir that ice cream. Let yourself feel how good it feels to be absorbed by something good. Remember what it feels like to feel happy. Then look up, look around, and realize that, hey, you felt good for a few minutes. How about them apples, eh? Triumph for you!

Honestly, who the hell cares that it's the holidays? If they're making you crazy, then blow them off and, instead of hiding, turn your attention to that which makes you feel good. When you do that, when you take care of yourself, suddenly everything will glow a little brighter, and you'll be on your way.


It takes time. It takes effort. But if you keep believing you deserve to feel better, than you can feel better, then you will. I bought a Christmas tree the first weekend in December this year. I had fun decorating it. I even smile at people on the street. Yes, everything isn't totally hunky dory, but I'm doing okay this year. And it feels good! If I'm doing this well now, imagine how fantastic I'll feel when I pour the eggnog over my head?


You. Can. Do. It.

And damn, it feels good when you do. Trust me, I know.


Happy puppy day. Happy art day. Happy change-the-oil day. Happy whatever-it-is-that-makes-you-happy day. That's the holiday you should be celebrating. Seriously.


SBB: You definitely said it right!! This time of year can bring up so many emotions and pressure. For our followers we wish you the best – and take Stephanie’s advice, do what makes YOU happy! A BIG Thank you to Stephanie for coming on and I know this post put a smile on my face as I read it and I’m ready to finish tackling what’s on my plate this weekend. Taking things one at a time and filtering out the drama are on my board to push me forward.

Known for her fun, unique, adventurous reads, it’s safe to say you won’t be disappointed with anything by Stephanie Rowe. Check out Stephanie’s latest – The Feel Good Life – just starting it here. Below see her latest romance – Touch if You Dare.

The Feel Good Life
I've been there.

I know what it's like to feel as if life is bearing down so hard and so ruthlessly that you can't take another step. I know what it's like to fall into bed at night and wish that a miracle would come, only to wake up in the morning and discover everything is still the same.


I also know what it's like to grit my teeth and shout, "I won't give up!"


We all deserve to feel better. We all deserve to feel relief instead of stress, misery or worry. We all deserve to feel the tension ease from our body and to breathe a little more easily.

Here's the thing: we can feel better. Bit by bit, little by little, we can start to get a grip on the storm that life is throwing at us. We can feel energy return to our bodies and our minds, we can feel a smile starting to build in our hearts, and we can start to feel alive and hopeful again.


This book is the collection of essays I wrote during some of those tough times, ideas that stopped my freefall and helped me redirect. People I've shared these with have sent me letters of hope and relief, finding peace for themselves within these pages. I hope they can help others. You, your kids, your best friend, anyone who needs a hand (isn't that all of us sometimes?).

You deserve to feel better. Don't give up. Fight for it. Starting right now.

Touch if You Dare
He's just about the hottest warrior she's ever seen...


Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side.


But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...

The Best of Sommer Marsden

From edgy and intense, to light and comedic, this collection of over twenty hand-picked dirty tales runs the gamut of erotic fiction.

Stories include a supernatural spurred ménage, a captivating Dom who takes control at a crowded house party, an irresistible alpha who makes recycling kind to the body and the planet. A husband encouraging his wife to take advantage of a girl crush and a woman who can’t help but lose herself between two of her two best friends in a night of passion. A curvaceous woman gets stuck in her boot—that’s right, just one—before an important interview with a handsome applicant and a public spanking makes a young woman reconsider the disposable nature of her rebound guy.(via Sommer Marsden)


This collection of short stories will have you looking to release some of the steam for sure!  If you are not into full on, intense erotica, this may not be for you.  But here at Seduced by Books, we love it all, including the dirty - dirty.  


Each of these shorts is only about 20 pages and I am still amazed at the heat that Marsden pours into those 20.  I was humming throughout.  


I think 'Take a Breath' was my favorite, but damn there are so many to choose from.  Marsden holds nothing back.  It's true that the full spectrum of erotica is found in this collection.  With them short and sweet, you can get your fix in a few or try the whole thing on at once.  


3 Slices 

Make sure you check out Sommer's Giveaway on the blog.  

Sommer Marsden is HERE with her "Best of" and giveaway

For the fantastical The Best of Sommer Marsden book tour, I wanted to address an age old question faced by many dirty, dirty writers. Is this story true?

I’ve chosen five stories from my collection and have answered the question: True? False?...Mebbe?

I’ll warn you, most of them are a mix of true and false but don’t fall squarely in mebbe. Mebbe is the coy category where the writer says: I’ll let you decide.

Here at Seduced by Books, we’ll talk about Grip. The first story I ever wrote (as a greener than grass newbie, no less) entirely based on a photo. The photo is not mine to share, but it was an image that stuck firmly in my head and the story that spun out of that image is one of my most beloved stories.

The unceremonious cutting of a very long mane of hair into a short, sexy choppy hairstyle becomes a power play where the question is…who will be on top. Annalee has cut off her long hair—that her husband likes to use as a sort of rein during sex—and now he’s pissed.

So as for the question: True? False?...Mebbe?

False!  Actually, at freshly minted age forty I find myself living the reverse of this scenario. Since my early 20s I had short, flirty, fun hair. Sexy choppy bobs or even shorter than a bob. A few years ago, I decided to let it grow out and see how much silver cropped up. Now the longest section has reached the bottom of my shoulder blades. And as the man says, “Oh look, something to grab onto…”

And that’s totally true. ;)

Excerpt from Grip

‘Jesus, Annalee, what have you done?’

Jacob stared at my hair and I tried not to shift. It was my

hair. I could cut it any way I wanted. I would not feel bad.

The only reason he was pissed was a small reason. Ninety-five

percent of the time he didn’t give a shit about my hair.

Not the colour, not the style, not any of it. It was that five

percent of the time that my hair was cherished.

‘I like it,’ I sighed. ‘Look, don’t get pissy. I needed

something new and I went ahead and did it. You’ll get used to

it.’ I set about making dinner, intent on ending the turmoil

right then and there.

‘But you know how much I love your hair. Loved,’ he

corrected himself. There was venom in both the statement and

the tone.

‘You love it when you fuck me,’ I sniped. ‘More

specifically, you love it when you fuck me from behind. You

like to twist it up around your fist and yank me back with it.

Yes, Jacob, I love that, too. However,’ I banged the stock pot

down and cringed at the loud noise, ‘during the times when

you are not playing caveman and using my hair as a rein, it’s

a pain in the ass!’

We stood there, eyeing each other in the kitchen, both of

us angry, both of us thinking we were right. He could think he

was right. That was fine. But it was my damn hair and I was

sick of the work and the struggle of keeping a waist length

mane clean, detangled and neat. I liked the new hair; just

below chin level, layered to be shaggy but not messy. I threw

my shoulders back. No guilt.

‘I’m sorry if you don’t like it but you’d better adjust. I am

not growing it back out and I will not apologise for doing it.’

Then I turned my back on him and started the water to boil.

Jacob barely spoke to me for three days. Every time I said

or did the slightest thing he didn’t approve of he would pause

for several beats and stare at my hair. As if to say; look what

you have done.

While he was busy frowning upon my new ‘do, I was

falling more and more in love with it. No more long mornings

steaming myself in front of the mirror with a blazing hot hair

dryer. No more combing out knots so big and stubborn I

ended up in tears holding a fist full of my own hair. No more

torture, muss, fuss and annoyance. It was freedom, this

wonderful short flirty hair. I loved it enough for both of us.

Needless to say, it was a while before I got laid. Without

my crowning glory of long chocolate coloured hair, I seemed

to have lost my appeal. Or so it seemed.

The first time Jacob stooped to touching my new hair was

the night of his boss’s dinner party. Stewart J. Beckett was a

prick and a blow hard and he loved my husband. We were

expected to attend dinner. We were expected to be amusing

and classy. We were expected to dress the part.

I straightened my taupe and black wrap dress. I fidgeted

with the black satin collar for the millionth time. I flipped the

cuffs up to show the black satin. I flipped them down to create

bell sleeves. Designers who make dresses that can be worn

several different ways should be shot. Do they not realise that

the woman wearing their dress will most likely be a nervous

wreck, which will result in her having absolutely no decision

making skills? Black cuffs, bell sleeves, black cuffs…

Jacob took pity on me. ‘Leave them flipped up. Let the

cuffs match the collar.’ Then he put his arms around my

waist, temporarily it seemed forgetting my traitorous

behaviour. ‘You look stunning, by the way. It’ll be fine. We’ll

eat, we’ll be fake, we’ll leave. Plead a headache the moment

dessert arrives,’ he chuckled, then kissed my ear.

He did not smooth his hands over the length of my hair as

he normally did when we were about to go out. Of course, the

length itself was gone.

 ‘Time to go,’ he sighed and pulled my hand. ‘We’ll make

it as quick as possible.’

‘My necklace!’ I raced back in and grabbed the antique

necklace he had given me for Christmas. It complimented the

vintage nature of the dress. My hands were shaking just

thinking about Miriam Beckett. Such a prude, such a bitch. I

felt sick.

‘Let me.’ He draped the necklace at the hollow of my

throat and clasped it. Then he kissed the nape of my neck.

That spot. It gets me every time. I froze and let the pleasant

tickle and tingle run down my spine.

Then his hands were in my hair. Shoving up under the

chunky layers along my neck. His fingers slid up to rest below

my ears, which made me shiver. He sifted my newly shorn

hair through his big fingers and I heard him make a low

sound. A pleased sound? I wasn’t sure. Then he gripped a

fistful of my hair at the base of my head and tugged ever so

slightly. I gasped and felt my nipples bead against my silk

bra.

‘Time to go,’ he said again but this time his voice was a

little thicker. A little slower.

We went.

*****

From edgy and intense, to light and comedic, this collection of over twenty hand-picked dirty tales runs the gamut of erotic fiction.

Stories include a supernatural spurred ménage, a captivating Dom who takes control at a crowded house party, an irresistible alpha who makes recycling kind to the body and the planet. A husband encouraging his wife to take advantage of a girl crush and a woman who can’t help but lose herself between two of her two best friends in a night of passion. A curvaceous woman gets stuck in her boot—that’s right, just one—before an important interview with a handsome applicant and a public spanking makes a young woman reconsider the disposable nature of her rebound guy.

Find out why Sommer Marsden’s been called “…one of the top storytellers in the erotica genre” (Violet Blue), “Unapologetic” (Alison Tyler) and “…the whirling dervish of erotica” (Craig J. Sorensen). It’s all right here in this collection. All you have to do is step inside.

Available in paperback from Amazon UK, Amazon US, Waterstone's and The Book Depository – and coming soon to all other good retailers.

eBook edition is available from All Romance eBooks, and coming soon to all other good eBook retailers.

*****

About the author:

Sommer Marsden’s been called “…one of the top storytellers in the erotica genre” (Violet Blue), “Unapologetic” (Alison Tyler) and “…the whirling dervish of erotica” (Craig J. Sorensen).

  Her erotic novels include Hard Lessons, Calendar Girl, Learning to Drown, Lucky 13 and The Best of Sommer Marsden (coming December '11). Sommer currently writes erotica and erotic romance for Xcite Books, eXcessica, Ellora's Cave, Pretty Things Press and Resplendence Publishing. The wine-swigging, dachshund-owning, wannabe runner author writes work that runs the gamut from bondage to zombies to humor.

Sommer's short works can be found in over a hundred (and counting) erotic anthologies. Her short stories have also been included numerous adult and romance magazines--both in print and online.
 
Visit Sommer at Unapologetic Fiction by visiting http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com or find her on Twitter (@sommer_marsden).
Email: hot4sommer@yahoo.com
Website: http://sommermarsden.blogspot.com

Giveaway Info:

For a shiny pdf just say hi or…if you’re inclined to share, share an idea that you’ve used to put a bit of a zing in your love life. All levels of hotness welcome. After a week a winner will be chosen and contacted. Make sure to leave your contact email address!






Thanks to Writer Marketing Services for hosting this tour - http://www.writermarketing.co.uk we are glad to be working on your tours - and check back later today for our own review of The Best of Sommer Marsden

Sookie Stackhouse Companion by Charlaine Harris

Visit Bon Temps, the small Louisiana town that Sookie calls home, with a detailed map created by Charlaine herself, and learn the characteristics of the supernaturals who live there: vampires, two- natured, and fae. Examine all the branches of Sookie's family tree. And eavesdrop on the private conversations between rival vampires Eric and Bill.

Also, enjoy the compelling, never-before-published novella "Small- Town Wedding," in which Sookie accompanies her shape-shifting boss, Sam, to his brother's wedding in Texas, where happily-ever-after seems very far away....

Exclusive interviews with True Blood creator Alan Ball and author Charlaine Harris-complied from fan questions-will satisfy your craving for all things Sookie, as will trivia questions, recipes (including Caroline Bellefluer's famous chocolate cake!), and a concordance to the Sookie Stackhouse novels.(courtesy of amazon.com)

Companion books are coming out more and more, I think that if done right, they give those who love the series some fun that makes the world more ‘real’ to the reader. 

I especially like when the companion book contains a short story to go along with it. You get more out of it.  So although this comes out after Dead Reckoning – I think that this should have come out before, because the short takes place before Dead Reckoning.  The short was fun though, and we know we all have a place in our hearts for Sam. 

I will say those ‘private’ conversations between Bill and Eric are classic – I couldn’t wait to get to each one – I admit, I skipped to do them all in a row and then went back to the in between stuff.  I was on a roll and couldn’t stop.  Interviews with Alan Ball and Charlaine Harris are done well. 

Overall it was cute, goes right along with the amusement we get from the Sookie Series. 

3 slices

What a Goddess Wants by Stephanie Julian

In his arms, her magic powers are on the rise...

Tessa, Etruscan Goddess of the Dawn, is desperately fighting off a malicious god, but her powers are weakening. She needs a hero and fast, because only sexual energy can give her strength. So she seeks out Caligo, whose sexual prowess is legendary...

And she's the only one how can bring him into the light...

Caligo is a fabled Cimmerian warrior determined to stay away from spoiled goddesses who trample hearts after they've had their fun. But there's something irresistibly hot and inviting about Tessa, and he knows he's her only chance to escape the encroaching darkness...(courtesy of back cover, amazon.com)

My First Stephanie Julian – and it will not be my last.  Julian brings us fresh fantasy with a whole lotta hot loving….

This is the first book in the Forgotten Goddesses series.  Julian introduces us to a new level of Goddesses that are hidden among us.  Losing powers from being ‘forgotten’ these Goddesses are no longer worshipped as they should be. 

We meet Tessa and Cal who wind up tied together when neither one expected it.  Almost instantly, Julian sets up the heat between the characters.  Definitely a book that possesses well done, erotic romance with a plot.  Not only are Cal and Tessa very ‘compatible’ but they have to save Tessa from being captured and help deliver twins! 

Fun, sexy read with the basis for more – scenes are tastefully intense, but not for the shy, and I am diving into book 2 – How to Worship a Goddess.

4 slices

Snag it on Kindle

The Paladins series by Alexis Morgan

I’ve only just started this series – I’m 4 books into an 8 book series (with multiple short stories slipped in)

Dark Protector starts our journey into the world of Paladins that fight night and day to secure the line between worlds.  Morgan gives you the right amount of warrior and battle mixed in with hot, steamy outside the battlefields.  Devlin and Laurel will probably always be my favorite in the series as they come together here in book 1.  Paladins are not always what the humans have been told.  Morgan wraps up a battle-hardened warrior, the best of the best, the leader (Devlin) into this mate for Laurel that can be romantic but feral should any one hurt Laurel.  Isn’t that just what you want in a guy?  Morgan keeps the story going as you are learning their worlds, and on top of it unraveling a mystery.  Couple of twists in the plot, and a lot of twists in the bed, or against the wall…you get what I’m saying.

Watching a crazy warrior succumb to his heart is intense in Book 2 - Dark Defender – once again Morgan mixes up the constant strife to keep the world we know safe, but as each day moves on, the Paladins are learning their enemies might not be what they seem.  Dev and Laurel have tested the waters and now Blake must face his past and she’s still hot for him.  Finally a way to save the Paladins that are lost?  Kick up the A/C when you read this one because it’s equally as hot as the first. 

In Darkness Reborn, Book 3 brings us closer to getting to know the ‘enemy’ as the teams are forced to embrace one that has become friends with Laurel.  Life is not so easy for him but he finds a way to help the team and it just happens to be a pleasant way to pass the time.  In this book, we still have the same action, heat, and twists, but I felt we really delved into the characters more – everything is coming together and you’ve already learned personalities, but now you get to see the interaction. 

Book 4 Redeemed in Darkness, has everything turned – Morgan has done a terrific job.  This was the most emotional one for me.  I’ve been so with the books, to have Cullen give up everything … just hits you hard to see the final pieces come together.  I was caught off guard with the twists in this one – betrayals are the worst.  Morgan keeps that heat turned up! 

I give this series 5 slices so far.  I have enjoyed the storyline, I love the paladins, I think that Morgan has brought together a freshness I needed.  We get so into the vamps, weres, (which I love) but sometimes I love to grab a little more sci-fi/fantasy to keep it interesting.  I’ve got books 5-8 on the way and the final novella – can’t wait! 

Visit the website – Morgan gives us a Member’s Only site, I am diving into the many shorts she’s written for this series and to truly feel the characters.  You also get DJ’s blog J

http://www.alexismorgan.com/paladins.html

Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews

Ok I’m tag teaming reviews again….I was worried that I wouldn’t give them the credit they deserve individually, but hey I gotta catch up on my reviews J they are like a tiger hounding over me when I sleep – or in this case – a LION !!

I first heard of Ilona Andrews from her 2^nd series – The Edge – I won book 2 in a contest – I started book 1 and was a little confused and had a lot on my table so I put it down.

When 2 friends RAVED about the Kate Daniels series I had to pick it up – it wouldn’t be the first author that I liked one series and was so-so about the other. 

DAMN! I’m glad I picked it up…note there are a few small spoilers in my review so if you just read this blurb and skip to the rating – then get your but out to the store to buy these that works too. 

Series synopsis from Ilona Andrews site - -

The world has suffered a magic apocalypse. We pushed the technological progress too far, and now magic returned with a vengeance. It comes in waves, without warning, and vanishes as suddenly as it appears. When magic is up, planes drop out of the sky, cars stall, electricity dies. When magic is down, guns work and spells fail.

It’s a volatile, screwed-up world. Magic feeds on technology, gnawing down on skyscrappers until most of them topple and fall, leaving only skeletal husks behind. Monsters prowl the ruined streets, werebears and werehyenas stalk their prey; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight.  But sometimes even trained killers make friends and fall in love, and when the universe tries to kick them in the face, they kick back. (http://www.ilona-andrews.com/kate-daniels/)

And now for my review -

We start out learning about Kate Daniels in Magic Bites – she’s a mercenary and damn good.  Well she has to be to protect herself.  There’s some serious action and you are sucked in, belted up and ready for the ride.  While you are learning about the characters and this world Andrews has set up, a magic apocalypse on Atlanta; you can’t help but connect.  Curran – OMG – intrigued the moment we meet, and how he’s forced to work together to solve the crimes.  Kate’s been thrown to the wolves and she’s got to team up with some she never thought she would.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thankfully the rest were right there waiting because I jumped into Book 2.

Magic Burns picks up closely on the heels of Bites – I have found that one of my favorite things in a series is when the main characters in the first stay the main characters the whole way through – you meet new people but you’re evolving in the main characters lives.  So I was stuck right in this series as we continue on with Kate.  But don’t think for a moment that her and Curran are a couple because I mentioned him in the first.  Kate’s just trying to live and keep her deepest secrets safe and keep everyone at bay.  Wonder how long that will last.  Once again, Andrews pulls out the action, and I love the humor and side stories.  You can imagine now – I am jumping up to get book 3.  

Kate never thought she’d have ties to anyone, she had to keep herself a stone against friends.  We are finally learning more and more about Kate and of course Curran isn’t far behind by now.   How Magic Strikes starts, Kate’s ready to help a friend, and she’ll stop at no cost.  Oh my, the funny humor here, poor Curran.  As Kate learns about the shapeshifter mating habits she finds there’s a few interesting things she should have known ahead of time.  J I loved this book. I loved the anticipation and the heart.  Not to mention the twists and the action.  Andrews has a lovely mix of it all. 

“Magic Mourns” in Must Love Hellhounds is a short story novella – I think you need this book to keep the flow of the series – you get so vested you won’t want to miss a beat – although the lead not Kate – it’s one of her close friends Andrea – definitely grab it.

Curran Vol 1 – Andrews husband wrote a short story that encompasses Curran’s point of view in all the meetings with Kate – LOVED IT – At this point you finally get to see what’s behind Curran’s mind when he does some crazy things.  I fell in love with Curran all over again.  It’s a quick read so don’t skip it.

Magic Bleeds starts out not at all where you’d expect it.  Kate and Curran have some things to hash – but Kate’s past and her secret are ready to be out on the table.  Andrews isn’t leaving anything out.  We’ve got some new twists on Kate’s past, action around every corner.  Kate’s a bad ass and with out her blood she wouldn’t have made it this far.  She’s got to handle her new position and everything that comes with it.  I can’t say enough good about these books

“Magic Dreams” in Hexed – another short – spins off 1 of our favorite characters, Jim and of course, Dali. 

Curran Vol 2 Fathers and Sons – once again Andrews’ hubby brings us Curran’s point of view – and again – I love seeing it through his eyes, and learning his motives for some of what he’s done.  I love the extra stories that come with learning his side. 

Magic Slays – the best yet – Curran and Kate – I love them – I love how much he needs her, I love their constant negotiation – it reminds me of some of my other favs and why I love them all so much.  They have yet again, great action they must get through. 

A Questionable Client in Magic Graves is a new short story where we see how Saiman and Kate first met. 

6 slices for sure because I couldn’t stop – I just threw one down to rush and grab the next.

I’ll give the Edge series another try – but Kate Daniels is on my list forever J

Welcome J W BACCARO

We are so excited to have back Jason - he's so much fun!!!  His books are intense and you can read our reviews on his Guardian of the Seventh Realm series.  We are also lucky to have a giveaway - for 1 lucky commenter you will receive a SIGNED set of paperbacks for all 4 books!!!!! A second commenter will receive a PDF set of all 4 books.  AND a third commenter will also receive a PDF set of all 4 books!!!!  That's 3 winners - - - Comment up - we'll be selecting winners the night of Dec 15th and the winners will be announced on the tour host's site - http://thewytchsmirror.blogspot.com/ on December 16th

About the Author
J.W. Baccaro has written the epic fantasy series ‘Guardian of the
Seventh Realm. Home is in upstate New York with his wife Melissa. When
he is not creating fabulous cities such as Loreladia, he is creating
music with his band. Jason spends his time with literature, gardening,
the wonders of nature, the mysteries of space, and time with his
family.
Contact J.W. Baccaro: jwbaccaro@yahoo.com

Guardian of the Seventh Realm
http://www.guardianoftheseventhrealm.com/

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Hello Jennifer and Amy at Seduced By Books. I’m very pleased to be on your Blog once again. Thank you for the time.

If any of your followers have seen me before, then they already know the basics of my Epic Fantasy series “Guardian of the Seventh Realm.” If not, just follow the link below and it will take you to the interview Jennifer had given me back in August 2011:

http://networkedblogs.com/lr3ad/

Today, I’d like to talk about the “violence theme” in my series, something many people love and comment on in my writing. Those who know me are dumbfounded because they call me a “teddy bear” in everyday life, and yet my stories are full of decapitating heads, broken bones and good guys being stomped into the ground by the boots of my sexy Dark Queen Talvenya. *smiles*

For starters, I have to say that I'm happy people are seeing the “darkness” in this story. I admit it is very dark, a tale of brutality, and even some perverse sections involving the Dark Queen Talvenya. There are many reasons why I had written it like that. First, I didn't wish to write a “candy-coated” adversary. When I get involved into a tale of good verses evil, I want to feel “afraid” of the dark—to a certain extant. If I don't feel threatened by the adversary or his or her minions, I gradually lose interest in the conflict, and soon enough the story.

Second, for me, the violence in my series—especially book two “Siege of Darkness,” is a reflection of how cruel mankind can sometimes be, and even the “red in tooth in claw” of Mother Nature herself. Sure, nature is beautiful; I mean, one of my favorite simple pleasures in life is to gaze at a blue summer sky filled with mammoth-sized white clouds (which still remind me of marshmallow fluff!), as a warm breeze blows against you, carrying with it the delightful smells of summer, or the gorgeous lilacs and majestic peonies with their immaculate scents. I swear I could get lost for hours with my face stuffed in a lilac bush or a peonies flower...I just have to watch out for the bumble bees and ants! Darn things! And let’s not forget those adorable little fawns walking with their mother. They often cross our yard—a doe with her two fawns, the little ones following her lead, strolling down the grassy slope, by-passing the apple trees and wandering into the wilderness. Yes, very beautiful indeed, and yet, what goes on every night within that wilderness when the coyotes awaken is far from beautiful, but that is the way of this world, beautiful at times, but also very dark.

”Guardian of the Seventh Realm” is also a reflection of the trials in life that we all face, unless you are one of the blessed ones who have never tasted darkness or even seen it...but that is a rarity. The main protagonist of my stories, Darshun Luthais, learns the hard way by facing this darkness, brutality and death. For him, it was necessary to experience the evils of the world and suffer before he could truly come to terms with what he was born to be, the Guardian of the Seventh Realm. I can parallel this to my own life as well. I would not be where I am now had I not faced my own demons, trials and hardships, and to a certain extant, conquered them. It is an unfortunate suffering many of us have to go through in life, but a “fortunate blessing” once the tribulation is over. And though I often felt alone, as Darshun sometimes feels, there would always be someone there to lift me up with a helping hand, as there always is for Darshun.

And so, as more fans of fantasy enter the “Seventh Realm” I have created, I hope they will continue to enjoy the journey I have paved for them, and feel as though you are traveling alongside Darshun and our other heroes as part of the quest. And maybe, just maybe, when Darshun gets out of line, give him a good kick in the arse! It will do him well, the cocky Nasharin he can sometimes be. *laughs*

Once last thing: besides the violence, I’m really pleased that people are seeing and feeling the courage, loyalty and romantic elements of the stories. Calm down fans of hot and steamy romance—it’s not an erotica, but there is a strong kiss of romance in it between a small number of characters, and also a bit of Dark Erotica. Fun, fun! :)

Thank you again, Jennifer and Amy.

PART ONE: Prophecy of the Guardian
by J.W. Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-913-7
Print format ISBN: 978-1-61160-024-7

The Second Great War between the Light and the Dark has begun, and
Abaddon the Demon Lordis searching for the four ancient Wizard
Crystals of the Elements. Once the Crystals arein his hands, and
corrupted to evil, he will destroy the forces of Light upon the
earth,and transform the world into eternal darkness.

But Darshun Luthais, one of the last Nasharin warriors, along with a
few companions, sets out on a quest to find the Crystals first. Along
the journey they encounter giant six-legged serpents, the ruthless
Cullach, and other entities of darkness; yet the most challenging
obstacle is Darshun's constant struggle against temptations of evil,
and his vow to hold to the faith of all who are calling him the
Guardian—the prophesied warrior who will bring down the Demon Lord.

PART TWO: Siege of Darkness
by J W Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-981-6
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-981-6

Tragedy strikes Zithel, and the city of monks goes up in flames. The
Earth-Wizard Mazarian has disappeared, and the army of Asgoth has
taken back the Wizard Crystals of the Elements, ready to deliver them
into the hands of their master: the Demon Lord Abaddon, where they
will be corrupted and used against the very elements they were created
to protect, deforming the world to a blackened void. As Darshun
Luthais—the
chosen Guardian of earth—emerges from the mystical Shajin Island,
having completed his training, ready to combat the forces of evil, he
not only finds himself in the center of this chaos, but is also torn
in different directions. Part of him longs to obey the wisdom of the
Elders by relocating the crystals and fleeing Asgoth, while his
Nasharin nature thirsts for battle, eager to take on the many trials
that stand in his way, keeping him from what he desires most,
challenging Abaddon, the ultimate terror.


PART THREE: The Coming of the Light
by J W Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-985-4
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-61160-269-2

The Wizard Crystals of the Elements have fallen into the hands of
Abaddon, forever corrupted and transformed to evil. Abaddon now
patiently waits in his northern kingdom for the coming of
Saruinkai—the evening when the spirits of Darkness rule the night, and
when he will unleash the Crystals' horrific powers against their own
elements and sweep destruction across the earth. The Light's hope now
lies in the young Nasharin warrior Darshun Luthais—the chosen
Guardian, for he alone carries the power to stop Abaddon's black
sorcery and end the war once and for all. But to do so he must cross
over into Abaddon’s kingdom, and that means destroying the one who
guards the border, a Fallen Angelic Throne, the secret to Asgoth's
three hundred year Rule and invincibility.
Led by the elvish lord Caelestias, Darshun and his companions must
seek out and destroy the Throne, encounter a Witch, and a horde of
other vile creatures, only to stir up the entirety of Asgoth, coming
face to face with them, a battle that will determine the fate of the
world.

PART FOUR: The Sword of Righteousness
by J.W. Baccaro
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

The Dark King Tanarokai...his ever-bitter Queen, and their ‘three
hundred year undefeated army of death’ never thought they’d see the
day when Asgoth would come crashing down by the hands of the Light.
The time draws near when the Light may hold the final victory, but
little as they know, the horrors and tribulations are just beginning,
and fate is not always fair and balanced.

Guardian of the Seventh Realm Book Four: The Sword of Righteousness is
another “chapter” in the Second Great War of the Seventh Realm.

Darshun Luthais—Nasharin warrior and chosen Guardian of earth,
continues his journey across the arctic land of Syngothra, seeking to
destroy Abaddon's Unholy Altar of Power, and bring the Second Great
War to an end.  But when a new and deadly sorcerer working for Abaddon
discovers his plan, he sets up a trap for Darshun and his five
companions, a colossal army of darkness lying in wait among the frozen
elements, ready to unleash its fury once the intruders are in sight.

Now it is up to King Loreus—ruler of Loreladia to unify the scattered
races of Light, and charge into Syngothra before the trap is sprung.
For Loreus wields the Golden Sword of Purity, a weapon forged long ago
by the Five Holy Races, before darkness had separated them.  With
little time to spare, the Loreladian King must stop the Elves from
another civil war, gain their trust and then encounter the Centaurs of
Cestmir, a pious Matriarchy and self-righteous race, where if they do
not remember the Sword, they may prove to be more of an enemy than
Abaddon.


Thank you Cynthia for hosting and putting this together!!
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http://thewytchsmirror.blogspot.com/