Day 5 of the 6 Days of Ondine Quartet Blog Tour

Whirl (Ondie Quartet #1)
by Emma Raveling

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book  Depo

Seventeen-year-old Kendra Irisavie is an ondine, a water elemental caught in the middle of an ancient war with the Aquidae, immortal dark demons who will stop at nothing to destroy the fragile balance of the Elemental world.
Fierce and independent, Kendra has always played by her own rules. Gifted with the powerful magic of Virtue and trained to be a deadly fighter, she has spent her life breaking hearts and getting into trouble.
When her life explodes one violent night in a northern California city, a dark stranger appears, promising answers to her mysterious past. Alone and with no one to trust, she must now navigate through a dangerous new world, face the temptations of a forbidden romance, and remain true to her duty and destiny.
All while the Aquidae continue to hunt her down, in the hopes of eliminating her forever…
An edgy YA urban fantasy/paranormal romance, Whirl is recommended for older teens and mature readers due to strong language and mild sexual situations.

Billow (Ondine Quartet #2) 
by Emma Raveling 
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

It has been six months since ondine Kendra Irisavie arrived in Haverleau, the hidden capital of the water elemental world.
Six months since she discovered her destiny as the sondaleur.
Six months since a series of devastating events left behind their mark. 
Now, as she enters the chevalier elite program in her final year at Lumiere Academy, Kendra continues forward on her prophesied journey against the Shadow. Obsessed with what she must do to keep those around her safe, she struggles to balance her powerful magic and the demands of her fate with the challenges of friendship, the complications of romance, and the bonds of family. 
Meanwhile, the threat of the Shadow looms larger. Kendra and her friends investigate a series of puzzling human and elemental disappearances in the city of Lyondale and uncover a horrifying tactic used by the Aquidae in the war.
When danger strikes close to home, Kendra must separate the truths from the lies and choose who and what to believe. 
Even if it means facing what she fears the most.

Chevalier (Ondine Quartet #2.2) 
by Emma Raveling 
Buy: Chevalier will be available 12/21/12

New York poses an unknown challenge to Julian LeVeq and Kendra Irisavie. Determined to help elementals gain traction in the war, they partner in the covert investigation of the elusive Shadow and plunge into the complex depths of the city.

But when the First Lieutenant and sondaleur finally cross paths with the world of Manhattan’s Aquidae, they find more than they bargained for.

Chevalier is a short novelette (approximately 10,000 words) set within the Ondine Quartet world and is from Julian’s point of view. The events in this work take place between Billow (book two) and Crest (book three).

Warrior Prince (Ondie Quartet #2.5)
by Emma Raveling

Buy: Warrior Prince will be available 12/21/12

This is not a short story, novella, or stand alone. It is a collection of scenes from Tristan’s point of view and is meant to be a companion work to the Ondine Quartet series.

Warrior Prince features eighteen scenes from Whirl (book 1) and Billow (book 2). 

Seven of them are extra scenes that do not appear in previous books.

GIVEAWAY 1! 

What you can win? Well, each stop on the 6 Days of Ondine Quartet will be giving away the following:

- All four e-books of the Ondine Quartet series; Whirl, Billow, Warrior Prince, Chevalier

- A set of signed Whirl and Billow bookmarks

- Signed Whirl and Billow posters

EXCITED? 

Well, fill out the rafflecopter form below to be entered! 

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GIVEAWAY 2!

AND, if you're not excited enough, myself (Donna) and Melanie will be giving away a paperback copy of Whirl to two winners and it's international too (providing The Book Depo ships to you) 

Want to enter? Fill out the rafflecopter form below. 

GOOD LUCK! 

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Bittersweet Seraphim 'Released from Hell' Blog Tour +Giveaway!

Hey everyone!

I'm proud to welcome Debra, (and Jack) to the blog today to celebrate the release of Jack's sequel. Apparently he's excited about it. And most of us will know how Jack gets when he's excited?  So to celebrate the release of Bittersweet Seraphim, we have a character interview from Jack himself. Debra and Omnific Publishing have also kindly given away 2 ecopies of Crushed Seraphim and 2 copies of Bittersweet Seraphim, so 2 lucky winners will have the complete set. Jack is pleased about this. It makes him happy to share himself with more women. He's such a slut.

So if you haven't already seen it; below you will find the final cover for the book plus the overview. I honestly cannot wait for it! I loved the first one, and I want more Jack, lots more Jack.

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favourite prayer.

 As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters.

 Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?

An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line.

Debra kindly tried to get an interview out of Jack. Sadly, Jack wasn't being very helpful at all...here's how it panned out.

Satan Jack kicks in the side door to Panera. I try not to show alarm. I expected him to come through the main entrance. Stupid to think he would ever follow normal conventions.

I take a sip of my huge hot cocoa and watch as he paces. He’s wearing old jeans, a leather jacket and layers of necklaces. He’s also wearing a hat and a smirk.

Finally, he sits across from me after spinning the chair so he can straddle it. We sit in silence as we regard each other. His deep brown eyes reflect my own face. He’s so, so pissed at me. I know he wants to know how his story ends and I haven’t told him. It feels a bit cruel as I see the pain he’s enduring. I’m sure he doesn’t feel it now, but I do love him.

“And?” He drums his fingers on the table creating little waves in my cup.

“I’m supposed to interview you for Donna and Jessica at Book Passion for Life.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t falter. I sit on my hands so they don’t shake.

He pats his pockets until he finds his cigarettes. After pulling free his hand-rolled drug, he lights it up using the tip of his finger. “I’d rather they did this themselves. I’m having trouble not killing your ass.”

“He says boldly to the woman with the pen.” I squint at the Devil.

His anger is so thinly controlled at my veiled threat as he snaps. “Don’t even. Not for a minute should you make the mistake of thinking you’re safe here. A crowd? I can manipulate all of them. They will die doing my will. Having them turn their heads while I snap your neck in nothing.”

Jake twirled his index finger in the air as he exhaled his smoke. Each and every person in the store looked out the window.

“Can we just do the questions? You know I’m not bending on giving out the ending.” I put my head in my hands. The smoke from his cigarette is making me feel woozy.

“How’s the story end Deb? Tell me how I fare. Where’s Emma?” He’s next to me now, arm slung around my shoulders.

I have to lean against him because I can’t hold my head up. My tongue feels saturated with secrets. 

“Emma is brave. You do well. So sorry for the scene with the…” I barely manage to press my lips together in time.

His voice reverberates through my mind. His smoke has created a curtain around us --a sheer wave that I know separates me from my perceived safely.

“Sorry for what? Tell me now.”

I can feel every word he speaks in my nervous system. I’m about to tell him it all, so very close. It’s bursting from me as if I’m being squeezed. And then in the muck of my brain, I come up with the one truth that can save me.

“If you make me tell you the ending I’ll change it.”

He pushes away from me abruptly, watching me as if I’m a poisonous snake. My mouth feels freed with the truth. He knows I’m crazy and spiteful enough to do just that.

“I think I hate you.” He punches the wall.

I want to tell him to trust me, but he knows better. I never write what either of us think is going to happen. Together he and I have written some of the most surprising stunts, throwing all the well thought out outlines in the proverbial fire.

His smoke is fuming, swirling like a hurricane around me.  

I dare to speak. “I write you from a place of love. That’s the only hint I’ll give.”

I take another sip of my drink even though I’m scared it might be the last choice I make.

He snaps and his smoke dissolves into his cigarette and the fury in the air dissipates as well.  “I know you do. It’s what’s kept you alive so far.”

Satan Jack gives me one more dirty look and leaves out the door he busted in.

I have none of the ladies’ questions answered and my interview subject just vaporized back to Hell.

I hope Jessica and Donna will understand. 

Don't worry Debra, we understand. You did your best, Jack is just stubborn and wants his ending. He'll just have to wait. Thank you.

You guys want to get your hands on Jack? Not that we'd blame you! Here are some links where you can purchase his sequel

Omnific Publishing  http://omnificpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=95  (Print, eBook, ePack)

Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Seraphim-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00A9WTRNA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353381893&sr=8-2&keywords=Bittersweet+Seraphim

Amazon Print http://www.amazon.com/Bittersweet-Seraphim-Debra-Anastasia/dp/1623420008/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353381893&sr=8-1&keywords=Bittersweet+Seraphim

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bittersweet-seraphim-debra-anastasia/1113773523(Print, Nook)

Onto the Giveaway! Everyone loves a Giveaway! This Giveaway entitles the 2 winners to a copy each of Crushed Seraphim and Bittersweet Seraphim. The complete set. Please note, that both books do have adult content, so I'm opening the giveaway to 18+ only.

So if you'd like to be those lucky winners who take Jack home, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. There are a couple of mandatory entries, plus some freebies. Winners will be announced on the 27th of November.
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Winners will be informed by email by us. And Debra or Omnific Publishing will email you your two copies.

Here's a quick thank you from Debra:

Thank you for letting Bittersweet Seraphim fly here today! Go to my BLOG for a list of tour stops, more chances to win, and a buddy prize with crystal bracelets!

Blog Tour for Holiday Affair by Annie Seaton; Review and International Giveaway

Posted by Jess
Release Date: March 15th, 2012

Finished Date: October 27th, 2012

Publishers: Indulgence
Source: For Review 

Format: Kindle 

Pages: 210
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / 

Staid professor Lissy McIntyre believes that choosing a mate should be based on common sense, not runaway passion. And she would certainly never pick a rolling stone like Nick Richards for long-term love. But a red-hot, tropical romance? Oh, yeah. He’s got a body just made for sinning and his sizzling kisses leave her senseless.

When Nick blows into town, he’s stunned to discover that his no-nonsense new neighbour and co-worker is the same sultry creature he seduced for one night of forbidden island pleasure. He’s unaccustomed to staying in one place for long, but he just can’t seem to keep his hands off the multi-faceted woman. Will Nick break loyal Lissy’s heart or will she be the one woman he simply can’t walk away from?

The Review: Not a bad book in all. It did take me a while to get through, but I think that was mostly down to me not being in a reading mood. 

The story itself is a good one, Lissy meets Nick on the Whitsunday Islands. There they banter back and forth and eventually fall into bed with each other. There is obvious physical attraction between the both of them and Annie Seaton manages to portray this through out the novel with certain looks they give each other  or certain jealousy they hold over each other. 

The story progressed kind of slow for me but again this is possibly due to my reading slump. It has everything you need for a short book, there is love, there is family, there are cute animals, there's a nice old lady, a hot professor called Nick, a head strong albeit, frankly whiny heroine. It has all the ingredients for a great book, but it left me feeling unsatisfied, and I can't really put a finger on what it was. I felt Lissy was a cry baby. The way she treated Nick wasn't always fair to him, however the way Nick treated Lissy wasn't good either. I guess in  a way they mesh together in that sense, but I find books frustrating when the two protagonists are arguing all the time and won't admit their feelings for each other. Eventually they do, but it takes a car accident to make them realise that. 

The book is split between narratives of Lissy and Nick. This I enjoyed, I like having split narratives (providing they aren't too many). I found myself enjoying Nicks narrative far more than Lissy, more down to me finding Lissy annoying and whiny all the time. I always enjoy male narratives, it's always fun to get inside their heads and when it's split with the female narrative as well it always boads well to get a reaction out of the reader when both characters feel the same way but refuse to admit it, or deny it completely. 

I found myself liking a lot of the secondary characters, mostly Nicks family. Nick comes from an Italian family and like myself I found it much easier to relate to him than I did to Lissy with regards to family. When reading the scenes with Nick's family you feel a sense of belonging, and this pretty much happens with Lissy, she's comfortable there which leads everyone to believe that's where she belongs. 

Overall, it's not a completely bad read, I feel it's not one to get you out of a slump (if you're in one). Probably best to read it as a side book or to fill in some spare time. It's only 210 pages so providing you aren't in a slump and you enjoy the book I think it's one to whizz through. 

I would definitely recommend it as a read, I wouldn't rush for it, but definitely give it a go. You may feel differently to me. I am looking forward to hopefully reading more in this. I have a sense that Nick's younger brother Tomas will be making an appearance in a future book.

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Blog Tour for A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington; Author Interview, Excerpt + eBook Giveaway (Int)

A Night of Southern Comfort
by Robin Covington

Release Date: Available Now

Publishers: Entangled Publishing
Follow Robin: Website / Facebook / Twitter 

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / Entangled 

One night of passion... Detective Jackson Cantrell never imagined that one night with an irresistible stranger would turn his life upside down. He’s spent years living in the shadows, but Dr. Michaela Roarke awakened a passion inside him he'd buried years ago. 
He never expected the woman would turn out to be the governor's daughter...and his next assignment. The governor blackmails Jackson to secretly watch over Michaela and protect her from a stalker, or kiss his dream job at the FBI good-bye. Swearing to keep things strictly professional, Jackson moves in with Michaela. Too bad his heart can't keep the same promise. But when the stalker's attacks quickly escalate beyond mere photographs to bodily harm, Jackson must race to save Michaela's life. And he’ll have to figure out how to keep her once she discovers his lie.

1) What inspired you to write "A Night of Southern Comfort"?

I wanted to write a story set in a place like my hometown of Danville, VA.  I’m a southern girl and I was so lucky to live in a town where I was surrounded by family (we all lived on the same street!) and knew I belonged. The Southern Comfort diner is based on a diner where my Daddy would take me on Saturdays and we would get a hamburger, fries and a coke in those little green glass bottles. I wanted to recreate that place and share it with everyone.

2) How long did it take to write?

It took me 6 months to write it.  I work full-time as an attorney and I have two small kids so I write at night after they’ve gone to bed and I’ve spent time with the Main Man. It was only the second full manuscript I completed. I write more quickly now – it usually takes me about 60 days to write a whole book now.

3) Are your characters based on anyone in real life?

Lots of them. “The Boys” are based on my male cousins.  They were always getting up to no good. And almost all of the secondary characters are based on or named after real people from Danville.  No one is an exact duplicate of any one person but I definitely took parts of them and wove it into the story.

4) Who's was the most challenging thing to write about?

I think the hardest thing was just what a terrible father the Governor was.  My father is a wonderful, loving man and I really didn’t have first-hand knowledge of the way he acted towards Michaela.  I had to resist the urge to try to make him a nice guy like my dad.

5) What actors/actresses would you pick to play the main characters?

Jackson was always Joe Mangianello (Alcide on True Blood) and Gwyneth Paltrow was Michaela Roarke.

6) What's your favourite quote from the book?

I have several faves but here is one that caught my breath when I wrote it. Michaela and Jackson have just made love and they are lying in each other’s arms:

She continued to grin at him. “What’s your favorite color?”

He answered without thinking. “Blue.” Jackson stared into eyes that were the color of the ocean when she was happy, as dark as midnight when she was aroused, and the color of rain when she was unhappy. “My favorite color is blue.”

7) Can you tell us what your next working on?

I just sold a Christmas novella to Entangled which will come out this December.  I am now working on the sequel to ANoSC – Lucky’s book – and I have plans to write Teague and Beck’s books as well.  I have lots planned for 2013, so stay tuned at my website or on Facebook!

Fun Questions: 

Sand or Sun? Sun

Hot or Cold? Hot

Coffee or Tea? Ice cold Sweet tea

Chocolate or Sweets? Chocolate

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook

Paperback or Kindle? Kindle

Who's your favourite writer? Harper Fox

What's your favourite song of all time? Where I Stood by Missy Higgins

Favourite time of year? Christamas! 

Read below for a sneak peak of A Night of Southern Comfort.

Mr. Sex-on-a-Stick took his last shot and accepted the congratulatory thumps on the back from his friends. He didn’t smile in response, just quirked his full, sensual lips and turned to face her head-on with an expression full of hot promise. Catcalls and low whistles from his friends drifted across the crowded bar.

Come on, handsome. Don’t let me strike out at my first real bar pickup.

The breath she didn’t realize she was holding whooshed out as he separated himself from his friends and headed over to her. His movements were precise, controlled, and deliciously predatory. He possessed the confident demeanor of either military or law enforcement. He definitely wasn’t a paper-pushing warlord or a politico. Years of experience trained her to spot those guys a mile away. No, his mask of control was one born of the need for survival, much like hers.

Okay, big boy. You let me peek behind yours and I’ll let you peek behind mine.

He stopped in front of her, his thigh brushing her leg and setting off a series of sparks underneath her skin. His chocolate brown eyes met hers, filled with the assurance of decadent possibilities.

Michaela opened her mouth and shut it again. Now that he was here, she had no idea what to say. What would Angelina do? Channel your inner Jolie.

She cleared her throat. The result was a sultry, sexy voice she didn’t know she possessed. “May I buy you a drink?”

He glanced at the glass in her hand and nodded.

“A Southern Comfort.” She spoke in the general direction of the bartender, unable to tear herself away from her companion. “Neat.”

He slid onto the stool next her, his leg still against hers and her temperature hovering near the boiling point. He leaned on the bar, creating their own intimate circle as the noise of the busy bar faded into the background. His lips curved into a slight smile.

“Is there something funny?”

“No. Not at all.” His deep voice rumbled in her ear, his warm breath grazed her cheek. “I didn’t take you for the whiskey type.”

“And what type am I?”

He leaned back, examining her ice-blue satin, strapless cocktail dress and matching Manolo Blahnik pumps. She squirmed in her seat as her body responded to the desire pulsing between them.

“Honestly?” He cocked his head. “You strike me as the chardonnay type. A proper drink for a proper lady.”

She laughed. Any other night, his description would have been close to the mark. “Whiskey’s a drink of control and power.” She took another sip and caught his stare over the rim of her glass.

“I see.” He lifted his glass and downed the contents, then turned his full attention back to her. “So…why are you drinking alone?”

“I’m not drinking alone. Now.” Michaela gestured toward his drink and ordered him another when he nodded.

“Okay, so you’re here…?”

“Celebrating my new life.”

“Aahhh.” He lifted his glass to her in salute. “Let me be the first to say that your ex-husband is an idiot.”

Author Bio: On her fortieth birthday, Robin Covington decided that having a mid-life crisis and finding a boy-toy were far too tacky, so she delved a little deeper into the “bucket list” and pulled out the long-shelved dream of becoming an author. Now, she spends her time writing sizzling romance where the hero and heroine can’t keep their hands off each other. She doesn’t miss the boy-toy at all.

Robin is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Washington Romance Writers, a faculty member at Romance University, a member of the Waterworld Mermaids, and a guest contributor to the Happy Ever After blog at USA Today.

Robin lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, brilliant children, and ginormous puppy.  You can find Robin on her website, Facebook,  and Twitter.

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A Review for Rodeo Rebel by Debra Kayn + eBook Giveaway (Int)

Posted by Donna

Release Date: June 15th, 2012

Finished Date: July 4th, 2012

Publishers: Entangled Publishing

Source: For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: 242
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US

When widower and land baron Cole Reardon acquired the Turner Grain Corporation, he didn't know the company sponsored a bull rider. He refuses to support thrill-seekers dumb enough to get on the back of a crazed animal. He’s not willing to risk his fortune and livelihood when he has his daughter's well-being to consider. Not even when the bull rider is the sexiest woman he's ever seen. Bull rider Florentine McDougal plans to turn pro after the season championship, fulfilling her lifelong dream of succeeding in a man’s world. That is, until Cole Reardon shows up and threatens to break his sponsorship contract with her. Now everything she’s worked for is less than eight seconds away from being destroyed. Cole distracts Florentine with his sexy mouth and unreasonable demands, and he's not going to compromise his integrity. But she's not going to let him loose until she has pro status. And neither will come away from this dust-up unscathed.

The Review: This was a very cute story. It turns out it's the 4th in a series which is okay, but I did wish that I had read the previous ones before, however Donna didn't know. When she asked me to read it, I was excited I'd not read anything cowboy related so it was all new to me.

The relationship between Cole and Florentine is one of dislike at first, but it isn't until Flo (that's what I'm calling her because her name is too long) gets injured whilst riding the bull that Cole begins to look after her, returns her to Pike with her family that they start to form a closer bond. It was very well written and quite slowly built up with obstacles getting in the way for both. I just want to make a quick mention for Cole's daughter, Sarah. What an absolutely adorable little girl. I love it when kids of 6 or 7 come into play in books, they bring on a new dynamic to the story and in the end they are the ones that help the couple realise how right they are for each other.

To begin I thought this was a little slow but I think that was mostly based on me going in blind at having not read the previous 3 books. But once I worked out who everyone was, and put the pieces together I ended up really liking it. I do wish that I'd read the other 3 books but from what I can only assume each book deals with each sister, so each book has its own story. Rodeo Rebel can be read as a standalone should you wish to.

Will I continue with the series? Uh, yes I may just read them. However I think I may start from the beginning and work my way through them at some point.

If you're looking for something quick and sexy with a hint of gorgeous abbed cowboy then Rodeo Rebel is probably the right book for you. I do however suggest you read the first 3 books just so you know going into this story where all the sisters are at this point. 

Overall a very quick and fun read with a sexy cowboy, a fiesty bull riding heroine and a completely adorable child that will make you want to read on.

Author Bio of Debra Kayn: Multipublished Romance Author, Debra Kayn, lives with her family in the beautiful coastal mountains of Oregon on a hobby farm. During the summer, she enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, playing tennis, and fishing. During the winter, you’ll find her outside playing in the snow. A cold weather nut, she lives for the days she’s snowbound and fighting with the woodstove to keep the house warm when the power goes out. A huge animal lover, she always has a dog under her desk when she writes and chickens standing at the front door looking for a treat. She's famous in her family for teaching a 270 lb pig named Harley to jog with her every morning. Her love of family ties and laughter makes her a natural to write heartwarming contemporary stories to the delight of her readers. As someone who met her husband on a blind date when she was nineteen years old, she’s a believer of love at first sight and happily ever after.

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A Review for UnGuarded by Ashley Robertson + eBook Giveaway (Int)

Posted by Guest Reviewer Melanie

Release Date: July 1st, 2012

Finished Date: June 27th, 2012

Publishers: Self Published

Source: ARC For Review

Format: Kindle

Pages: Unknown
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Guardian angel Selene was so close to becoming an archangel—the supreme of all beings—until she fell in love with Cole, a forbidden dark one. Once she discovers her vampire lover has been kidnapped and the only way to save him is by abandoning her number one priority—Caitlyn, her human charge—there really is only one answer in Selene’s mind, even though leaving Caitlyn unguarded will most likely cause Selene to fall from grace.

But her choice to save Cole doesn’t come without a price…and now Selene is racing against time to not only save her dark lover, but find a way to keep Caitlyn alive as well. With the help of a new vampire ally, Luke, Selene will push her diminishing angel abilities to the point where her very existence lies in the balance. Now threatened with the chance of becoming a fallen angel or even dying, Selene can only pray she’ll have enough time—and good grace—to save the ones she loves.

The Review: I think the synopsis says it all so I’m not going to re-cap because I wouldn’t be able to add anything extra. So, I really enjoyed this book – I kind of have a love/hate relationship with books about Angels, I either love them or hate them. . . I really liked this but didn’t love it nor did I hate it so I consider it a success for me. I liked the characters Selene especially, I loved that she was willing to risk everything for love and to do the right thing. I love a character that has good morals and who is genuinely selfless even if it didn’t seem that way from the beginning and of course, she is an angel – I would expect no less but ‘the road to evil is paved with good intentions’ and that is a threat that is very prominent throughout the book. Will Selene’s actions cause her to fall and become a demon? There are two main male characters Cole – Selene’s boyfriend – and Luke – who helps Selene in her endeavours. Both seem like likable characters although I was left wanting a bit more something from them because Cole was missing for the first half of the book and the only way we had of knowing him was through a few flashbacks which was fine but I didn’t get to ‘feel’ their relationship so I couldn’t really ‘feel’ why she risked it all for him. Same with Luke, it seemed rushed and I didn’t get why he was so enamoured with her, did he truly want her/care for her? Or was it just because she had let her vampire boyfriend do something that he wanted to do and he coveted her in that way?

The storyline was intriguing; I liked the whole set up with guardian angels each having a charge to guide and that each charge also had a demon steering them in whichever direction they chose – like the angel and devil on the shoulder theory – and that the fallen angel’s became the demons too or ‘dark ones’. I liked that each guardian had an Archangel to answer to, take orders from and be bestowed powers from or powers taken as punishment – Selene’s was good, more fatherly toward her I thought. I liked the worlds that were described- there were quite a few settings- and I liked the gathering together of the different species –Angels, Demons, Vampires, Humans and all of their varying forms and what part they played. It was a quite complicated plot that was weaved here because there were many events that culminate to the ending and I had no clue where this was going or why - which is quite rare in a book and why I liked it so much. Also it was a quite unique storyline, yes we get Angels & Demons all of the time but the way this was put together isn’t something that I’ve read about before.
The pacing was a little off for me in the beginning but once you got to a certain point it ceased to be an issue, I think maybe it was because there was a lot to set up that slowed it down but once everything was in place, it was plain sailing and all out action as you’re hit with all of the revelations that built up throughout. I loved what happened at the end in one way, but not in another and hopefully that means we will be getting a sequel, but what I loved most about this was its message that love can be worth the fall and sometimes it’s a love worth risking everything for and Selene definitely did. 

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Blog Tour for Second Chances by Rita Oberlies; Author Interview + eBook Giveaway (Int)

Second Chances by Rita Oberlies

Release Date: May 15th, 2012

Publishers: Indulgence - Entangled
See Donna's Review: HERE

Follow Rita: Twitter / Website / Entangled / Goodreads

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US / B&N

Will the past keep them apart…

High-powered attorney Luke Braden knows that perfection only comes once in a lifetime, and for him it came and went in the form of his college girlfriend, Brenna Morgan. Circumstances beyond his control separated them before, but now that she’s back in Boston, Luke won’t let her slip away again.

…or give them a second chance at love?

For Brenna Morgan, returning home is the very last thing she wants, especially when it means facing the man who once became her salvation—and then dumped her at the first sign of trouble. But Luke is determined to make up for his past mistakes, and Brenna finds herself weakening against him. A decade of deceit lies between them, and he’ll have to fight if he wants to keep his second chance at love.

1) What inspired you to write “Second Chances”?’

I have a mild obsession with second chance romances. They are sort of my ‘go to’ theme.  This story first popped into my head when I was reading my college alumnae magazine. I saw an update on a couple that I had known years ago. They had an on-again, off-again relationship back then but wound up getting married.

2) How long did it take to write?

The original story probably took about four months. I ended up scrapping the whole thing because I decided to go in a completely different direction with the core conflict. That was the first time I’ve ever done that with a book.  My next attempt took even longer – maybe six months before I felt it was ready for submission.

3) Who was your favourite character to write?

I think I enjoyed writing Luke most of all. In my mind he was a perfect mix of alpha and beta hero. Brenna was more difficult because she came from a dysfunctional family and while I wanted her to be a sympathetic character, I also wanted her to be strong and independent.

4) Are the characters based on anyone in real life?

No. I’ve never actually written a character based on a real person.  I think that might inhibit my ability to flesh them out in my head. To be honest I’m more apt to pick up a kernel of a storyline idea from a headline in the paper or a two second scene from a television show.

5) What’s your favourite quote from the book?

That is a wicked tough question. Reading my own work puts a knot in my stomach. Maybe this exchange because it shows Luke’s vulnerability:

“I’m not kicking you out,” she said, shrugging her arms into her discarded shirt.

“Sure you are.” He brushed his index finger across her lower lip to stop her from responding. “And if that hurts my feelings...well, that’s my problem.”

“I don’t regret having sex with you.”

He lowered his head, breaking eye contact with her. “Fair enough. And I don’t regret making love with you tonight.”

6) What are your thoughts on the book cover?

Book covers are tricky because it’s almost impossible for the artist to recreate what was in your head. I won’t lie – it’s easier to be disappointed than it is to be happy. Second Chances is the first cover I’ve had that I’ve genuinely loved without reservation. In my mind it fit the mood of the story and captured the image I had of both Brenna and Luke.

7) What are you working on now?

I am desperately trying to wrap up a sports themed story that I’ve been tweaking for the past month. As soon as I reached the final chapter I realized I wanted to rewrite an important secondary character. For better or worse it’s having a huge impact on the plot, which means some major revisions.

Fun questions:

Favourite Season?

Spring. I love the promise of summer even more than I like the actual season.

Favourite Ice-cream flavour?

Watermelon Sherbet

Favourite Movie?

Say Anything

Favourite Song?

“I’ll Stand By You” from the Pretenders

Favourite Outdoor Activity?

Visiting the zoo. I’ve had a membership for the past eight years because my husband and I take our boys there all the time.

Favourite Food?

Chicken Fajita Wraps from Applebees

Favourite Drink?

Diet Dr. Pepper

Thank you for joining us Rita and good luck with the book. 

About the Author: Rita Oberlies grew up in the Boston area, the youngest in a family of six children.  At an early age she developed an addiction to books, baseball and the beaches of Cape Cod.

After graduating from Villanova University with a degree in English, Rita spent almost a decade pursuing a professional career in Employee Development.  With the arrival of two children, Rita began writing stories during those brief periods of time when her young sons were sleeping.

Today Rita resides in Western New York with her husband, their young boys, and a pair of adopted shelter dogs. Despite her best efforts, she remains addicted to books, baseball and the beaches of Cape Cod. Her novel, Second Chances, is her third published book.

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Blog Tour for Too Hot to Handle by Aleah Barley: Author Interview + eBook Giveaway (Int)

Too Hot To Handle 

Release Date: May 15th, 2012

Publishers: Indulgence - Entangled
See Donna's Review: HERE

Follow Aleah: Twitter / Website / Entangled

Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US 

She was playing with fire...Honey Moore has made her pledge: no more stealing cars and no more lusting after Jack Ogden. 
But when an arsonist torches her house and chases her all over Los Angeles, she’s forced to throw herself on Jack’s mercy.
No one will look for a convicted felon in an LAPD detective’s apartment, right?…and he didn't want to get burned Jack doesn’t need a woman like Honey in his life. 
She might be sexy, but trouble follows her everywhere. But it’s hard to walk away from someone who lives at full throttle—and even harder to keep her safe. 
Now he’ll have to sacrifice everything to protect Honey from the arsonist determined to kill her.

1) Hi Aleah, thanks for joining us today. What inspired you to write Too Hot to Handle?

I really wanted to write a noir mystery, but about two pages in the main characters started making goo goo eyes at each other.
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2) How long did it take to write?

Start to finish? Or, start, do something else, eat cheese, lose my notes for a month, play with my hair, edit, edit, edit?

It took about three months to write, and three months to edit.
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3) Cars play a key role in the story - does that mean you're a car fan?

I am a huge car fan. Fun fact, I just got my driver's license three months ago when I moved to Detroit (Motor City). Also, I write about super sexy cars, but when it came time to buy something I got a seven year old Pontiac Vibe. Dependable. Solid. Great MPG.
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4) How did you go about picking the names for the characters?

Ha! I know. Honey's name is kind of out there. I just kept thinking about Jack calling her Honey, and I couldn't really get it out of my head.
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5) Who is your dream cast for Honey and Jack?

Jack is totally Clive Owen. Clive Owen with a bad American accent, but still Clive Owen. As for Honey... she's someone spunky with great comic timing. A young Debra Messing or Jenna Elfman. Either of the actresses from Two Broke Girls would be fantastic.
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6) What's you're favourite quote from the book?
"Breaking and entering. I could arrest you. Again."

"Go ahead. Grand theft cookie." She took another bite. "That's a career-making bust."
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7) Can you tell us what your working on next?

I'm thinking billionaires. Drop dead sexy captains of industry who always get what they want, and the women who challenge them in every way.
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Fun Random Questions:

Hot or Cold?

I'm always cold.

Morning or Night person?

Both, can I say both?

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee, obsessively.

Italian or Mexican Food?

Tacos, but real tacos. Awesome tacos. Lengua tacos. Tacos that are two small corn tortillas, great meat, cilantro, a fresh squeeze of lime, and some hot sauce. If you put cheese on my tacos then I'll cry.
Paperbacks or Hardbacks? 
Paperbacks, they're the perfect size to stick in my bag.

What's your favourite book?

Anything by Lee Childs or Jennifer Crusie.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Joe Hill, and not just in a 'I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night' kind of way. Joe Hill was a labor hero who wrote awesome songs, originals and parodies. He was a member of the IWW. He was crazy cool.

If you was stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you?

My Nook, french roast coffee, and a speed boat with plenty of gas.


Thank you for joining us Aleah and good luck with the book!
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