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Saturday, August 31, 2019

Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall


REVIEW


The Immortal Guardians are a refreshing take on the standard vampire story. Even though a newcomer will comprehend the events in Death of Darkness, Seth's journey should be experienced from the beginning. I always recommend discovering all the books in a series.

Death of Darkness represents a world of individuals who can kick serious a**. They are fiercely loyal and consider one another family. As a group, they help defend humanity against supernatural threats. The Immortal Guardian males are formidable and protective without being condescending or frightening. The Immortal Guardian females are as capable as the men in all areas, which remains a crucial factor to my enjoyment of this series.

What I enjoyed: Death of Darkness comprises a highly anticipated novel for me and in no way did it disappoint. As the leader of the Immortal Guardians, Seth has supported the weight of their world on his shoulders. It was pleasant to witness him relax a bit. While several conflicts were cleared up, there was a sweet intertwining of the burgeoning romance between Seth and Leah. Their relationship was unrushed and a friendship forged over time, even though it was clear from the beginning the two were romantically perfect for each other. 

The wit that makes up all of the Immortal Guardians books was present, as was the seductive appeal of the lead. Several moments of suspense kept me on my toes, one, in particular, really got my blood pumping.

This series is a constant fixture in my to-read list of urban fantasy/ paranormal romances. I highly recommend it.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Cover Reveal Blitz - Spellbound (Crossbreed Bk 8) by Dannika Dark


So excited for this upcoming release!!

Spellbound (Crossbreed Series, Bk 8) by Dannika Dark


Blurb:
Niko is caught in a powerful spell that was cast from the very book he sought to protect. Trapped between life and death, his chances of returning look grim.

Gem is determined to set things right. Armed only with her innate knowledge of language, she begins her daunting quest to break the diabolical spell… no matter the cost. When an irreversible action unleashes a new threat, Keystone scrambles into action. Lives are at stake as the team scours the city in search of an elusive foe.


A bond forged in secrets. A courageous sacrifice. Will Gem succeed at her daring attempt, or will she inadvertently destroy them all?


The clock is ticking in this riveting installment of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.

Release Date:
November 5, 2019

Available to pre-order at 
iTunes
Available at on all vendors on release day!




Keystone
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #1)


Available purchase at 


Ravenheart
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #2)


Available purchase at 
Kindle | Amazon (Paperback) | Audible | iTunes | Nook | B&N | Kobo | Tantor


Deathtrap
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #3)


Available for purchase at
Kindle | Amazon (Paperback) | Audible | iTunes | Nook | B&N | Kobo | Tantor


Gaslight
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #4)


Available for purchase at 



Blackout
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #5)


Available to purchase at


Nevermore
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #6)


Available for purchase at  





Moonstruck
(Crossbreed Series, Bk #7)


Available for purchase at
Audible | Amazon Paperback | iTunes | Kindle | Kobo


Listen to an exclusive audio excerpt at Viviana Enchantress of Books for Audiobook Lovin'! 

About the Author

Dannika Dark is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Urban Fantasy Romance and Paranormal Romance books. Her books have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, and she is a 2016 Audie Awards finalist. In addition to writing about supernatural worlds, Dannika is passionate about graphic design and creates all her own covers and series art. When not writing in her cave, she enjoys indie music, reading, Netflix, heaps of chocolate, and unleashing her dark side. 


    You can find Dannika at 


To receive exclusive content and be the first to know about upcoming releases, please sign up to her newsletter. 


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Tuesday, August 27, 2019

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne Blog Tour Stop, Excerpt and Review August 27th

ABOUT THE BOOK

These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...

Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

“Romantic, lush, and suspenseful.”—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch

Excerpt


Chapter One

Maynemouth, Devonshire, 1890 Ten years later

Alexander,
Accept the invitation to Castle Redmayne. I’m in danger. I need you.
—Frank

Alexandra Lane had spent the entire train ride from London to Devonshire meticulously pondering those fourteen words for two separate reasons.
The first, she had been unable to stop fretting for Francesca, who tended to give more than the appropriate amount of context. The terse, vague note Alexandra now held was more of a warning than the message contained therein.
The second, she could no longer afford a first-class, private railcar, and had, for the last several tense hours, been forced to share her vestibule face-to-face with a rough- featured, stocky man with shoulders made for labor.
Alone.
He’d attempted polite conversation at first, which she’d rebuffed with equal civility by feigning interest in her correspondence. By now, however, they were both painfully aware she needn’t take four stops to read two letters.
It was terribly rude, she knew. Her carpetbag remained clutched in her fist the entire time, except when her hand would wander into its depths to palm the tiny pistol she always carried. The sounds of the other passengers in adjoining vestibules didn’t make her feel safer, per se.
But she knew they would hear her scream, and that provided some relief.
For a woman who’d spent a great deal of the last ten years in the company of men, she’d thought these painful moments would have relented by now.
Alas, she’d become a mistress of manipulating a situation so, even if she had to endure the company of men without a female companion, there would be more than one man. In the circles she tended to frequent, people behaved when in company.
It had worked thus far.
Alexandra braced herself against the slowing of the train, breathing a silent prayer of relief that they’d finally arrived. She’d been terrified that if she’d glanced up once, she’d be forced into conversation with her unwanted companion.
Rain wept against the coach window, and the shadows of the tears painted macabre little serpents on the conflicting documents in her hands. One, a wedding invitation. The other, Francesca’s alarming note.
A month past, she’d have wagered her entire inheritance against Francesca Cavendish’s being the first of the Red Rogues to capitulate to the bonds of matrimony.
A month past, she’d assumed she’d had an inheritance to wager.
Their little society had seemed destined to live up to the promise they’d once made as young, disenchanted girls to never marry.
Until the invitation to an engagement masquerade— given by the Duke of Redmayne—had arrived the same day of her friend’s cryptic and startling note.
The invitation had been equally as ambiguous, stating that the future duchess of Redmayne would be unveiled, as it were, at the ball. Included in Alexandra’s particular envelope was a request for her to attend as a bridesmaid.
The subsequent plea for help from Francesca—Frank— had arrived in a tiny envelope with the Red Rogue seal they’d commissioned some years prior.
Alexandra hadn’t even known Francesca had returned from her romps about the Continent. Last she’d heard, the countess had been in Morocco, doing reconnaissance of some sort. Nothing in her letters had mentioned a suitor. Not a serious one, in any case. Certainly not a duke.
Francesca had a talent for mischief and a tendency to interpret danger as mere adventure.
So, what could possibly frighten her fearless friend?
Marriage, obviously, Alexandra thought with a smirk.
A risky venture, to be sure.

From How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. Copyright © 2019 by Kerrigan Byrne and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

Review 

What I liked: I don't read a lot of historical romance novels. I was pleasantly surprised by How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. The main female characters were not timid creatures driven by the rules society deems appropriate. Lady Alexandra Lane attains a respectable profession and becomes independent. Likewise, the Piers Atherton the Duke of Redmayne is not a stuffy aristocrat. He feels more at home away from the other nobles and is not looking to gain more prestige. 

At its heart, this book is the story of a woman reclaiming peace after a horrible experience causes severe PTSD. *Warning, anyone who has a trigger involving sexual abuse should tread cautiously.* Alex finds a way to overcome her fears of intimacy and comes out better in the end. Her journey is profound and inspiring.

What I didn't like: In a nutshell, secrets. Misunderstandings, when one could have just been completely honest from the beginning, does not endear me to the characters. I felt the decision to hold things in so long really drew things out unnecessarily. I will say that it opened up room for character development, so I get where it came from.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this early copy of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. I could easily recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance.

Monday, August 26, 2019

The Rogue King (Inferno Rising Book One) by Abigail Owen

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who―and what―she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she's treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can't stop bursting into flames, and there's a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that's impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself...and take back his birthright.

REVIEW


After the death of her mother, Kasia and her sisters are forced to separate. The phoenix power dispersed to them during their dying mother's last act makes the siblings highly sought after by the warring dragon clans. On the run and unable to fully command her powers, Kasia meets Brand. He assures Kasia that to remain safe, she must accompany him to the blue dragon clan ruler King Ladon and she agrees.

On their journey, Kasia and Brand interact with various supernatural entities trying to either help or harm them. The two possess genuine chemistry. As their desire for one another increases the conflict in the story gains as well. Several of the supporting characters are intriguing, and I look forward to encountering them in future stories. Evil found in this world is truly despicable and without remorse. But the author equally discovers ways to include doubt as to whether those who seem trustworthy genuinely are, further increasing tension. It is an exhilarating ride as Kasia and Brand navigate their way through conflicts in The Rogue King.

The Rogue King represents an excellent start to the Inferno Rising series. The romance behind the story is integral to the plot, and it is quite sensual. But the excellent world-building could appeal to a predominantly urban fantasy audience. I enjoyed the balance between the two while reading an early copy of this book and will most definitely be continuing with the next book release in this series.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall Blog Tour Stop and Excerpt

I'm so excited to share this excerpt from Dianne Duvall's Death of Darkness. The Immortal Guardian series is one of my favorite urban fantasy/ paranormal romances on the market. If you have yet to check these out, I highly recommend doing so.


Hope you all enjoy! Happy reading!

Review

Death of Darkness - Release Date: August 20, 2019 - Immortal Guardians Book #9 
Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.

Excerpt

Leah munched another chip as she watched a couple on-screen race madly away from men with guns who were intent on killing them. She and Seth sat shoulder to shoulder on the sofa, both slumped down until they were practically lying on their backs. Seth had pulled the matching ottoman up against the sofa, so it really did feel as if they were lying in bed together, watching a movie.


She slid him a covert glance.


He had donned black cargo pants and a black T-shirt after his shower but had left his big feet bare. He had also left his hair loose. It now spilled over the back of the sofa in a glossy curtain, the thick wavy tresses still drying.


He chuckled at something the male protagonist said.


Leah smiled. She loved seeing him laugh. She didn’t think he did so as often as he should.


Every once in a while, she noticed his gaze would slide to her legs. Her feet were propped on the ottoman close to his. The robe she had borrowed had parted just above her knees and fallen back, leaving most of her legs bare. And that pale flesh repeatedly drew Seth’s attention.


She held the bag of chips out to him.


Smiling, unaware that the faint golden light of desire illuminated his eyes, he poked his hand in and drew out a couple of chips.


She smiled back, then returned her attention to the screen.


The protagonists had at last made it to safety. They checked each other over for wounds, something both had miraculously escaped incurring in true Hollywood fashion. Then they fell into each other’s arms, finally giving in to the lust that had sparked between them ever since their first contentious meeting.


Leah sighed as she watched them peel each other’s clothes off with eager hands. It made her want to do the same with Seth. Her body even began to respond as her imagination kicked in. “I miss sex.” The words were out of her mouth before she could question the wisdom of speaking them.


“I do, too,” Seth confessed.


She glanced over at him and found his eyes glued to the screen.


More so since I met you.


Her eyes widened when his voice sounded in her head. “Really?”


“Yes.” The actors on-screen fell naked onto the bed and began to simulate sex, their moans and groans and cries of passion filling the room. “It’s natural to miss it,” he said matter-of-factly. “Nothing to feel guilty about.”


“No. I mean, you really miss it more since you met me?”


He froze. A look of dismay crossed his features as he cut her a glance. “I said that out loud?”


“No. I heard it in my head.”


Sh**.


She grinned. “I heard that, too.”


F**k.


She laughed. “Stop cursing.”


He grimaced. “Forgive me. It’s just… I seem to be inadvertently letting my guard down more and more around you.”


“I like it when you let your guard down around me.” Her words appeared to do little to alleviate his concern though. “Is that so unusual? Don’t you let your guard down around your brethren?”


He shook his head. “I have always spoken freely with David. Ami too, sometimes. But I’ve never broadcast my thoughts to either of them without meaning to. I haven’t done that since—” He broke off, seeming disinclined to continue.


“Since your wife?” she asked gently.


He nodded.


That was telling.


He watched her uncertainly.


Did he worry she would freak out over his mentioning the wife he’d lost?


He hadn’t freaked out when she had mentioned the husband she’d lost.


“Whatever thoughts you send my way I won’t betray,” she promised.


Thank you.


She grinned when his baritone voice once more filled in her head. “That is so cool. You aren’t reading my thoughts, are you?”


“No.”


“Good.”


His lips curled up in a slow smile. “Why? What would I find if I did? What are you thinking?”


She swallowed. Did she dare tell him? “This may sound weird, but hearing your voice in my head totally turns me on.” Beneath the robe, her nipples had hardened. Other parts of her tingled. Her pulse raced. “And I’m sort of fixating on the fact that you’ve been missing sex more since you met me. Because I’ve been missing sex a lot more since I met you.”


The golden light in his eyes grew brighter as a low rumbling sound filled her head. Seeming almost to vibrate through her, it set her body aflame.


“Oh sh**,” she whispered. “That’s so hot.”


“What is?” he murmured.


“You just made this sort of low, growly sound in my head.” And it had affected her as much as stroking all of her erogenous zones at once would have.


“I didn’t mean to.”


“That just makes it even hotter.”




The Immortal Guardians Series:

Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians Book #8)

About the Author:


Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and"wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews,and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .



Tour-Wide Giveaway:

1 — $50 Amazon Gift Card

1 — $25 Amazon Gift Card
1 — Immortal Guardian & The Gifted Ones Prize Packs that includes; a Death of Darkness tote bag, signed paperback copies of Blade of Darkness and Awaken the Darkness, 13 bookmarks, 13 collector cards, and 5 postcards.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Blood Truth (Black Dagger Legacy 4) by J.R. Ward

ABOUT THE BOOK

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Savior brings you the next sizzling and passionate paranormal romance in the Black Dagger Legacy series.

As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire’s unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O’Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female...who changes his life forever.

Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn’t know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery...before it’s too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?

Part four of the Black Dagger Legacy books, Blood Truth, is the tale of the final trainee Boone. After an injury takes him out of the field, Boone works to solve a murder case. During the investigation, he meets Helaine and is instantly drawn to her, as she is to him. 

Boone and the rest of the trainee group for that matter, have escaped the glymera's aristocratic confines, which thrills me to no end. It appears the largest conflicts come from their old world, prejudice beliefs, and the next generation is rising above it. Boone struggles with this in his household, but Helaine supports him in coming to terms with it. The couple has great chemistry, and they meet at a time when they both require a change in their lives.

Although the core focus is not on the Brotherhood, they are still present throughout Boone's story. I enjoy that every legacy book assumes a minor pause from the main BDB story arc. I enjoy the trainees interacting with the Brothers away from the war. Blood Truth, for example, is predominantly a murder mystery. Butch puts his detective shoes on, and it is delightful to experience. I have a secret hope he can eventually go back to that full time. 

J.R.Ward's world of vampires is one of the best in the genre. These books possess a unique voice, are suspenseful and witty. I typically find little wrong when reading from the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I did experience some minor annoyance during Blood Truth with the convenient wrap up of the murders and a lack of thorough explanation, but I can live with that. Everything else lives up to my expectations. 

Death of Darkness Release Day! August 20th, 2019

Delve into the most eagerly anticipated book in New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall’s “utterly addictive” (RT Book Reviews), “fast-paced and humorous” (Publishers Weekly) Immortal Guardians series - available now!



Death of Darkness by Dianne Duvall


Immortal Guardians Book #9

Release Date: August 20, 2019

Seth has led the Immortal Guardians for thousands of years. With them fighting by his side, he has protected humans from psychotic vampires, defeated corrupt mercenary armies, defended military bases under attack, and more. But the latest enemy to rise against the Immortal Guardians has proven to be a formidable one, wielding almost as much power as Seth. His goal is simple. He wants to watch the world burn. And he will use every means at his disposal to accomplish it. Seth and his Immortal Guardians have succeeded thus far in staving off Armageddon despite heartbreaking losses. But they have never before faced such danger. Seth has only one wish: to protect his Immortal Guardians family and ensure the continuation of humanity by defeating his foe. But then Leah walks into his life and sparks a new desire.

Leah Somerson has suffered losses of her own. It has taken her a long time to rebuild her life and find some semblance of peace. Then one night a tall, dark, powerful immortal with what appears to be the weight of the world on his shoulders stumbles into her shop, and everything changes. Peace and contentment are no longer enough. Now she wants more. She wants to find happiness. She wants to erase the darkness in Seth’s eyes and replace it with love and laughter. She knows he’s different in ways that make most fear him. Even some of his immortal brethren keep a careful distance. But Leah will not. Nor will she shy away when danger strikes.


The Immortal Guardians Series:


About the Author:
Dianne Duvall is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Immortal Guardians series and The Gifted Ones series. Reviewers have called Dianne's books "fast-paced and humorous" (Publishers Weekly), "utterly addictive" (RT Book Reviews), "extraordinary" (Long and Short Reviews), and"wonderfully imaginative" (The Romance Reviews). Her books have twice been nominated for RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and are routinely deemed Top Picks by RT Book Reviews, The Romance Reviews,and/or Night Owl Reviews.

Dianne loves all things creative. When she isn't writing, Dianne is active in the independent film industry and has even appeared on-screen, crawling out of a moonlit grave and wielding a machete like some of the vampires she creates in her books.

For the latest news on upcoming releases, contests, and more, please visit DianneDuvall.com. You can also find Dianne online . . .
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Goodreads | Google Plus | Instagram 
Tour-Wide Giveaway:
1 — $50 Amazon Gift Card
1 — $25 Amazon Gift Card
1 — Immortal Guardian & The Gifted Ones Prize Packs that includes; a Death of Darkness tote bag, signed paperback copies of Blade of Darkness and Awaken the Darkness, 13 bookmarks, 13 collector cards, and 5 postcards.