Welcome to our blog!
Amy and Jennifer ARE Seduced by Books. We’re both in our 30’s, moms, close friends, work together, and share many of the same interests including our love of reading. Amy grew up in Maryland and has been obsessed with Vampires for as long as she can remember. Jenn grew up in Florida and loves the furry, the fey, and the fangs, in that order. Currently we are both in Orlando, FL. When we can be pulled away from books, Amy loves to bake and Jenn loves to take pictures and scrap.
We decided to create a place where we could direct friends, and acquaintances for, book suggestions/recommendations (Jenn’s been known to talk to strangers on the train while traveling in NYC). Once we started out with a simple page, we evolved from there. Now we are sharing our book reviews, fun comments, recipes, and giveaways. We try to give reviews on new releases, pre-releases, and oldies but goodies that we read, or are reading. We’re going to be adding author interviews for established and up and coming authors soon.
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Siren Song by Jenna Black

Sirensong: A Faeriewalker NovelWhen Dana is invited to Faerie to be officially presented at the Seelie Court, it’s no easy decision. After all, everyone knows Titania, the Seelie Queen, wants her dead. But Titania claims not to be the one behind the death threats; and her son, Prince Henry, makes the decision a whole lot easier when he suggests Dana might be arrested for (supposedly) conspiring with her aunt Grace to usurp the Seelie throne. So she and her father better do as they're told . . .
The journey through Faerie is long—and treacherous. Dana thought it would be a good idea to have friends along, but her sort-of-boyfriend, Ethan, and her bodyguard’s son, Keane, just can’t seem to get along, and Kimber’s crush on Keane isn’t making things any easier. When a violent attack separates Dana from their caravan, the sexy Erlking saves her just in the nick of time . . . and makes it clear that he hasn’t given up on making her his own.
Arriving at Titania’s beautiful palace should be a relief. But Dana is soon implicated in an assassination attempt against Titania’s granddaughter, and is suddenly a fugitive, forced to leave her father behind as she and her friends flee for their lives. Will she be able to prove her innocence before the forces of the Seelie Court—or, worse, the Erlking—catch up with her? And will she save her father before he pays the ultimate price in her stead?(courtesy of Amazon)

Siren Song is the third and last planned in the Faeriewalker series (from what I've seen).  I am very sad to see this story end, but beyond pleased with the ending.  

From the moment I cracked open glimmerglass, I was in the midst of a crazy adventure as Dana leaves her mom in hopes of a better life with her dad.  As Dana has journeyed in these three books, she's becoming even more mature.  One thing she never gives up is her loyalty to protect her friends and family.  Almost to a fault, Dana puts herself in dangers way to ensure their safety.  I LOVE the deal she had with the Erlking (whom by the way I would like a book about all his own). 

Dana's character shows young adult readers about willpower and control.  Ethan shows them the kind of quality you need in a guy - the willingness to wait when you matter to them.  Keane and Kimber are a great set of supporting characters for Dana.  About the only bad thing I could see is that there isn't more of this series with twists and turns to keep us riding along.  

Siren Song is definitely full of mystery and although there is a lot of travel in the book, it's needed as Dana and her entourage are uncovering more of themselves to bring forward a complete ending.  





Saturday, June 25, 2011

Entice Me at Twilight by Shayla Black

Entice Me at Twilight (The Doomsday Brethren, Book 4)The Doomsday Brethren fight their mortal enemy for the newest weapon in a bloody magical war: the one woman a warrior shouldn’t claim . . . yet can’t resist.
Dangerously handsome Simon Northam, Duke of Hurstgrove, and his uptight brother Mason are hardly close, but crashing Mason’s wedding and stealing his fiancée further aggravate their sibling rivalry. Duke’s family has no notion he’s a wizard, so how can he explain that magickind’s fate lies with the beautiful, tenacious bride he longs to seduce? Felicia is an Untouchable, a rare human whose presence disables magic—even the impenetrable forces surrounding Morganna le Fay’s tomb. The evil witch’s malicious powers could propel nefarious wizard Mathias to ultimate world domination . . . if he can resurrect her. To conceal herself, Felicia must succumb to her smoldering desire for Duke, but he risks binding his life—and sanity— to a lover whose loyalties are forever torn. He faces a choice: betray his brother for ultimate survival . . . or lose the woman who tempts him beyond control. (courtesy of amazon)

Did you catch a theme with this Doomsday Brethren series?  It's AWESOME!  Shayla Black gives us Book 4 in the series - Entice Me at Twilight.  I try not to give too much of the plot away in my reviews, I'm not sure I can continue to hold back.  You'll see from the prior 3 books, she packs action, erotica, and suspense into each book.  

So far Black has created a group of smart, sexy, heartthrob wizards.  There is every persona you could hope for; from the proper aristocrat, the hard core bad ass, the lost love, to the avenged warrior, the fearless leader and every one in between.  I fell instantly in Book 1 for Ice and Shock as they were introduced.  Ice had his book (book 3) and in each one Black gives us just a bit more of Shock.  A tidbit here, a reminder there; I can not wait for his book! I have a feeling I'll be waiting a long time. We can't forget the mates, the women behind the men.  They are pivotal to the protection of the Doomsday diary.  Each mate coming into the team just as powerful as her male.  (even more so)  
I'm still amazed at how Black gives you so much in each book, the main romance, the captivating battles, and the side stories that are set up for so many of the characters.  

Coming off book 3 Lucan and Anka are still at wits, keeping the desire to see the outcome of their relationship maxed in our thoughts; and of course for me, what will that be for Shock.  Picking up right where we left off, Black gives us Duke (Simon) and adds in an unexpected woman with a tremendous power.  I found this book fresh life, I loved Black's use of Duke's paparazzi world to incorporate the relationship with Felicia.  

As Felicia realizes just how much of her past she has to come to terms with, Duke is there to push her to the ultimate level.  Counting on the ability to love in order to be saved, Black keeps the saga alive.  We can't forget Black's signature steam - erotic scenes are her specialty.  Mathias is not gone, as he continues to cause chaos and leave death where ever he has been.  Once again, our brethren is at the top of the league.  Adding a twist, Black keeps you guessing if our leading couple will end up in their happily ever after.  As you end - - you've got one of the best cliff hangers with Anka...

If you still haven't tried this series - get off your butt and get these books!





Possess Me at Midnight by Shayla Black

Possess Me at Midnight (The Doomsday Brethren, Book 3)
An apocalypse approaches in the new novel from bestselling author Shayla Black's electrifying Doomsday Brethren series, as a magical warrior and a spirited witch ignite a smoldering passion that could destroy them both. 
As a mysterious dark cloud drains the life of her beloved brother, Doomsday Brethren leader Bram, Sabelle Rion can think of little else. Still, every time she meets Ice Rykard's intense green gaze, her body aches with need for the sexy warrior. Their attraction is explosive, incredible -- and forbidden. As dangerous as he is unpredictable, Ice is her brother's sworn enemy. But as Bram weakens, a more sinister force is gaining power.
Evil Mathias and his ruthless Anarki army are on a bloodthirsty hunt for the Doomsday Diary. Sabelle must guard the potent book with her life -- and Ice vows to protect the beautiful witch with his. Duty demands that Sabelle deny her lover's fiery call of possession and mate with a man who can sway the magical Council against the impending rebellion. With the fate of magickind hanging in the balance, will she forsake the burning desires she can't ignore or turn her back on her people for the courageous man she can't resist? (courtesy of amazon)


Book 3 and Shayla Black is still coming on strong with this series.  So far, this has been my favorite.  The passion and denial between Sabelle and Ice, the battle and chase, the back story on both Ice and Bram, none of it was lacking.  Black delivers the same erotic passion between her lead characters.  Sabelle had me a little aggravated at times, but that's just because Ice is one of my favorite Brethren.  


Still in the midst of battling for their safety, Ice has the one piece that may lead them to victory.  His powerful weapon is right inside - amazing!  Finally Ice gets what he's longed for, in more ways than one.  I was on the edge of my seat as Mathias and Ice duke it out.  


Over and over again Black delivers in this series.  I love what I read, most of it anyway :), there are a few authors that command me to dig in and hold on to the book the way Black has done.  She's now on my must read list, up there with Kenyon, Hamilton, Dare, Ward, Adrian, Mead just to name a few.  


6 Slices











Seduce Me in Shadow by Shayla Black

Seduce Me In Shadow (The Doomsday Brethren, Book 2)When a villainous wizard escapes from exile, the devastatingly sexy Doomsday Brethren must defend all magickind in the spellbinding second book in bestselling author Shayla Black's seductive new paranormal series.
 Ex-marine Caden MacTavish has shunned his magical heritage all his life, but he will do anything to heal his desperately ill brother, a Doomsday Brethren warrior in mourning for his missing mate. Posing as a photographer, Caden must convince firecracker tabloid reporter Sydney Blair to reveal the source of her recent exposé on a supernatural power clash. Unfortunately, keeping his hands off the sizzling redhead proves as hard as getting them onto the potent and mystical Doomsday Diary he discovers at her bedside. A bloody rebellion led by an evil, power-hungry wizard is imminent. If Sydney divulges the book's existence, she will jeopardize magickind's most deeply guarded secrets and become the ruthless wizard's number one target. Caden has never trusted magic's cruel and dangerous powers, but he will protect Sydney with his life and magic -- even if it means risking his heart(courtesy of amazon)

2nd in the Doomsday Brethren series, I was closing book 1 and opening this book moments later.  Black dives you right in to keep the momentum.  Seduce me in Shadow follows Tempt me (book 1) and keeps you engrossed in the series.  Some how Black manages to toss in little twists that keep you reeling for each one of the brethren in this book. 

Action comes only second to the steamy scenes between our leading wizard brother – Caden mixes the human soldier with the mysterious magic world all wrapped up in a hot package.  Sydney is one woman we can relate to, as she is working to be successful, prove herself, and gives that spunk when needed. 


As the romance unfolds, the story still holds onto the battle to keep the world – both magic and human – safe.  Wrapped up in it all is the choices Caden must make to protect his Sydney, his brother, and his brethren.  I say it again, Black twists up little stories for each of the boys and keeps you burning for more.

5 slices








Tempt Me with Darkness by Shayla Black

Tempt Me with Darkness (The Doomsday Brethren, Book 1)He's an immortal knight hungering for satisfaction....
As soon as Marrok sees Olivia Gray's dark windswept hair and burning violet eyes, he's sure they've met in eons past. He's felt her soft gentle curves writhing in pleasure beneath his own hard powerful body...Morganna! For centuries, towering Marrok, once the mightiest of King Arthur's warriors, has endured a terrible curse cast upon him when he spurned the witch.
She's a modern woman about to discover ancient magic....
Olivia shares a mystical -- and irresistible -- connection with brooding Marrok. Soon after the sexy warrior appears in her erotic dreams, he abducts her, demanding she uncurse him. Their intense passion is more powerful -- and intimate -- than either of them has ever known. Olivia may be the key to unlocking the diary that will break Morganna's hold on his life. But in the wrong hands, the book also holds the power to destroy all magickind. As they search for answers, a ruthless wizard returned from exile is building an army of evil. When he discovers Marrok and Olivia have the diary, only their love -- with the help of a powerful group of magical Brethren -- can save them. (courtesy of amazon)

Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren series kicks off with a bang – Tempt me with Darkness is the first in the series. 

Immediate gripping read – I couldn’t let it go.  Marrok hits you hard with his vengeance and his passion.  Be it for the arts or his sexy leading lady, Marrok warms you right to the core.  Black doesn’t hold back with any of the erotic yums.  Olivia is thrust into the magic world and is one lucky girl to get her age old warrior. 

Pulling the series for mostly the magical world, Black keeps you interested with the heat and the battle.  Aligning a strange team of “brethren”, Black pulls in a delicious mix to combat the evil wizard.  Black definitely does hold out any of the casualties of war – she gives us a real series that thrusts you into the anguish of the situation.  Hot in my hands I flew through this book and couldn’t wait to pick up the next.  It was like an itch I had to scratch.  Favs – gotta be Ice and Shock…

Pick this one up as quick as you can! 5 slices










Sunday, March 13, 2011

Shorts on Shorts

The Faeriewalker Series by Jenna Black, 13 to Life by Shannon Delany, Demon Trapper Novels are three great YA masterpieces.
Reviewed here on our site before, find the Glimmerglass & Shadowspell reviews, as well as 13 to Life.  Coming very soon - The Demon Trappers Daughter and Secrets and Shadows.

So when I happened upon 3 short stories available for free on Kindle I was thrilled.  I thought I'd do a very quick (short) review on the 3 "short" stories...

Remedial MagicRemedial Magic by Jenna Black (Faeriewalker series, backstory)
Having a prodigy for an older brother is not so fun…especially one who is magic wiz-kid. But Kimber has a plan to finally step out of his shadow.(courtesy of Amazon)


A cute short to go with the Faeriewalker series, most of the story isn’t key for the series, but I was glad to get a glimpse into this particular character’s world.  As a semi-outcast, she spends time trying so hard to fit in and giving attitude when necessary! It's got to be hard in the world of Faerie when you don't have the skills you need...If you haven’t tried the series, give it a go and slip this in later.


Beasts and BFFsBeasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany (13 to Life Series, short)
Meet Jessie Gillmansen as she realizes that things might not be what they seem in the town of Junction.(Courtesy of Amazon)


Part of the 13 to Life series by Delaney, which I have to say was a great first book and I am waiting for the arrival on my door step of the 2nd Secrets and Shadows, this short was just a little window and again, not pivotal to the story or needed.  I can't say I thought much about it.  Give the series a real go before you dive into this one, it could be a little confusing. 





2 slices for them both


Retro DemonologyRetro Demonology by Jana Oliver (Demon Trapper Novels bonus)
Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...(Courtesy of Amazon)
Reading this alone, would have me reaching for Book 1 in the Demon Trappers series.  I love Riley's character and the world Oliver has created for us.  Demons are second favorite for me, next to weres and I was not disappointed.  Look next for the review of The Demon Trapper's Daughter...











































Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Shadowspell by Jenna Black

Shadowspell (Faeriewalker)On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind? (courtesy of Amazon)


Book 2 in Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series.  


A well-written young adult is a favorite of mine.  Shadowspell is so much more then well-written.  This is a must read, when you open it, you won't want to put it down, even after you're read the last page.  


Black's set up an intriguing world of Faerie - with the mortal realm and Faerie meeting in Avalon, the one place where all can live.  Dana is a 16 year old that has taken on a lot of responsibility in her early childhood, hence, she's always on point to make an adult decision.  She's not afraid to back down and has no plans to be walked over.  Great qualities for our heroine, however, she could be in a little over her head this time.  We all know how tricky the Fae can be.  Dana is still trying to settle in Avalon, of course, settling is hard when you are on the hit list.  Living underground for a teen, not much fun...plus she can't decide where to go with Ethan...he's tainted her trust already.  


I'm still in awe of how Black conjured this story and played it out so well.  Taking teen trials and turning it up notch after notch.  The Erlking's arrival and his interest in Dana sets up to be for her death...of course that's exactly what he wants you to think.  Thrown off guard, Dana will do anything in her power to save the ones she cares for and the Erlking pledges to keep her from harm.  How can anything go wrong?  Of course, Black tosses in the huge twist.  I was completely caught off guard, while I knew a deal couldn't be that easy, I never expected the flip.  Astonishing!  


Black's writing is intense, spicy, and vivacious.  Thank the publishing gods, Siren Song, book 3, will be out July of this year!


5 slices 










Saturday, August 21, 2010

Tell me what you see...Fairiewalker

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.  
Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does.  Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again… (back cover)

Glimmerglass is the first in the new Young Adult – Fairiewalker series by Jenna Black. 

What teenage girl wouldn’t want to stumble into the world of the Fae, where every guy is more gorgeous than the next? 

I truly enjoyed this read.  For me it was a quick, page turner, right from the start I didn’t want to put it down. 

I love how Black set up the lead character, Dana, to be a responsible 16 year old, who is mature yet still naïve.  Dana is extremely well done, you love her from the start.  Dana Hathaway rushes to leave the problems of her mom beyond, only to discover her world was not nearly as turned around as it could be.  Captivity, lies and tricks await her as she arrives in Avalon, as well as Ethan and ….shall we say boy #2…who enjoys throwing her down. 

The world of the Fae is always fascinating and can easily be ruined as authors make it “their own”.  Black has not left me disappointed and we’ve only just hit the tip of the world in this book.  I hope that Black takes us on the magical journey through her version of the world in many more books in this series; I for one can’t wait.  I think I’ve only been this excited about the Fae world from 2 other authors (some of my faves in para-rotica)

Great book for teens and adults…. 4/5 
Book 2 in this series is due out next year.
Just a note – I loved the cover of this book, the matte feel of the paper was unique.

Rating 4