AWAKEN (The Soulkeepers #2) by Lori Adams: Book Review

Title: Awaken (Soulkeepers #2)
Author: Lori Adams
Category/Genre: New Adult/Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 7/15

Blurb:

Sophia St. James has every reason to be happy: she survived the kiss of death from the seductive Demon Knight Dante and is free to be with Michael, her sexy Guardian Angel. She eagerly begins her Awakening to become a Spirit Walker and help lost souls cross over. But her training is fraught with setbacks, and Michael begs her to stop. The life of a Spirit Walker is far too dangerous, and he won’t be able to protect her.

Then Dante returns, threatening to drag Sophia to Hell so they can finally be together. Terrified of losing everything she has worked for, Sophia turns the tables on Dante, luring him into a deception that may get them both killed. The stakes climb even higher when Dante’s ally, Wolfgang, emerges from Hell with one order: kill Sophia. Will Michael once again be Sophia’s saving grace or will the Awakening give her the power she needs to save herself?

Review:

**I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**

My star rating: 5/5

I literally stalked Netgalley for this one, guys.  If you recall, I loved Forgiven: book 1 of the Soulkeepers (you can read that review here).  Book 2 was even better!  Once again, Lori has drawn in her readers with such expressive and personal writing.  Sophia's heartbreak was my own heartbreak, Dante's pain was my pain.  We were graced with many of the characters we love from the first book, and introduced to a few new ones (Rama is such a goofball).  Michael's behavior was a bit perplexing from the start.  I didn't like him much at all this time around; he was aggressive and controlling, and there wasn't really an offered explanation...maybe in book 3.  Dante still has my heart *sigh* But now, Ms. Adams, let's discuss that ending.  What. The. Hell???  Why do you do this to me???  The entire last chapter was just like last chapters are supposed to be; everyone is happy, things are getting resolved, and then WHAM! That last paragraph throws the story right back into chaos.  And now,  I have to stalk Netgalley for book 3.  Genius.

HURRY HOME by The Misfits: Blog Tour Stop

Title: HURRY HOME

Author: The Misfits

Category/Genre: Young Adult/Adventure

Blurb: 

Seventeen years after Johnathon Parker murdered her mother, hybrid witch, Emmalyn Evans, gets sick of her father’s overprotective, distant ways, so she runs away in search of adventures with her aunt and uncle. Along the way, she meets charming, handsome, dark warlock, Nik Baker who has a troubled past and harbors dark secrets. Together they embark on an adventure of their own and soon become close. But with Emmalyn’s homicidal grandfather and overprotective father on their tail, and Nik’s many secrets hanging over them, how can they enjoy their great adventure? And will Emmalyn make it back to her father in one piece, or is history doomed to repeat itself? 

About The Author(s)

Angie is a 17 year old High School Graduate.  She met Mary through Fanfiction and they bonded over their love of books and British TV. She lives in sunny San Diego with her parents and two out of three sisters. She is the third child out of four. She loves God with all her heart and goes to Summit Christian Church! Angie is also a sound technician. She will be going to Dream Center Leadership Study next year.

Mary is a beautiful 26 year-old woman. She lives in Toledo, Ohio Writing has been her passion since she was in Elementary school. She started by writing plays for her favorite anime, Sailor Moon, and things developed from there. She is an avid reader with too many books to even fit on her bookshelf. Her tastes in music varies, but she is always open to trying new things. She is the second of four children and has a niece and nephew she loves with all her heart.

Author website † Facebook

THE ROSE MASTER by Valentina Cano: Blog tour

Title: THE ROSE MASTER
Author: Valentina Cano

Blurb:  

The day Anne Tinning turns seventeen, birds fall from the sky. But that's hardly the most upsetting news  She's being dismissed from the home she's served at since she was a child, and shipped off to become the newly hired parlor maid for a place she's never heard of. And when she sees the run-down, isolated house, she instantly knows why:
There's something wrong with Rosewood Manor.
Staffed with only three other servants, all gripped by icy silence and inexplicable bruises, and inhabited by a young master who is as cold as the place itself, the house is shrouded in neglect and thick with fear. Her questions are met with hushed whispers, and she soon finds herself alone in the empty halls, left to tidy and clean rooms no one visits.
As the feeling of being watched grows, she begins to realize there is something else in the house with them--some creature that stalks the frozen halls and claws at her door. A creature that seems intent on harming her.
When a fire leaves Anne trapped in the manor with its Master, she finally demands to know why. But as she forces the truth about what haunts the grounds from Lord Grey, she learns secrets she isn't prepared for. The creature is very real, and she's the only one who can help him stop it.
Now, Anne must either risk her life for the young man she's grown to admire, or abandon her post while she still can.

REUTS - Goodreads  

Excerpt:
 

The day I turned seventeen, birds fell from the sky. A flock of them seemed to cross an invisible line in the air, a boundary of packed winter breezes that wrapped them up in a coat of ice, freezing whatever kernel of magic allowed them power over the air. In great chunks like collapsing hair, they let out feathery sighs and gave in to the fall.
I was out in the courtyard, clearing a pathway through the new snow, huffing at the chill picking away at my bones. I was distracted by strange thoughts and did not see what was happening in the early dawn.  Only when I began to hear the soft thuds did I turn.
Mounds of black down spotted the white courtyard. My hands flew to my mouth to cover a yelp of surprise. There were so many birds!
I hiked up my skirt, ignoring the wet hem flapping against my calves, and ran to the nearest bird to see if I could help. My footsteps crunched in the snow that piled around the indentation made by the black feathers.
A crow. A large one, with wings like melted coal, and a satin sheen to its beak that tempted my fingertips.
“Oh, you poor thing. What happened? What happened to all of you?” I looked around at the other bodies scattered in the snow. I’d never seen this before; nothing remotely like it.
I knelt beside the still figure and reached out a hand steadied by hours spent plucking larger creatures. I knew what a bird’s blood looked like, smelled like, felt like under my hands. The twist of their necks, like a cracking piece of chalk, was a familiar one.
I stretched out a finger and stroked one feather. The bird let out a grey cry and scurried up, allowing its talons to grip the packed cold beneath them. It shook its head and turned its eyes toward me. I was too stunned to be frightened; all I could do was stare into its orbs—pits that shone with the knowledge of flight and wind currents, that knew rain and ice intimately.
I don’t know how much time passed before the bird looked away, breaking the connection. I turned my head and saw the rest of the fallen creatures waking from their sudden slumber. One by one, they dipped their wings, seeming to churn the air around them, and lifted off once again into the London morning.

About The Author

Valentina Cano is a student of classical singing who spends whatever free time she has either reading or writing. She also watches over a veritable army of pets, including her five, very spoiled, snakes. Her works have appeared in numerous publications and her poetry has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Web. She lives in Miami, Florida.

Website – Twitter – Facebook - Goodreads

OUT OF THE BOX REGIFTED by Jennifer Theriot: blog tour

Title: Out of The Box Regifted (Book 2 in Out of the Box Series)

Author: Jennifer Theriot

Genre: Romance

Publication Date: April 7, 2014 

Tour Host: Dreams Come True Promotions

Betrayal, Lies, Loss, Truth, Secrets…
With a new beginning for Olivia and Ash on the horizon, what could possibly stop them from finding happily ever after?

In order to move on, Olivia must face the haunting demons from her past life with Alan, her ex husband. Demands and more betrayals will force her to come to grips with things she couldn’t change and practice forgiveness not only for those in her past, but for herself as well.

Faced with his own hidden secrets, will Ash allow Olivia to stand by him? In the midst of happiness, this blended family will find they will also have to trust in the love and family bonds to get them through what is coming next or they will self-destruct. How long can Ash keep parts of his life hidden from those who love him?

Will Olivia be able to gain the confidence she needs to explore the new life Ash is offering while staying true to herself? Can she let go of the need to know the whole truth and be willing to trust what she’s building with Ash?

Jennifer Theriot has given us the next chapter of Olivia’s journey as she discards the meek, obedient wife role and morphs into the free spirited, determined woman who not only deserves to be loved, but commands respect from those in her life. Can she maintain her courage to seek what she needs to be free from the past, while clinging on to what Ash offered her as a future?

Lists on GoodReads that include Out of the Box Regifted: https://www.goodreads.com/list/book/21857790

Jennifer Theriot hails from the Great State of Texas. She is a career woman, working as CFO of a Texas based real estate investment firm. Working in her capacity as CFO, she felt something was missing and discovered her passion for writing novels--mostly at night and on weekends.

In her limited spare time Jennifer enjoys being outdoors; preferably somewhere on a beach curled up with a good book. Spending time with family and friends, watching a baseball game and enjoying a good bottle of wine are usually on her to-do lists. Jennifer is also 'MiMi' to two beautiful grandchildren and a mom to three grown children, all of whom she adores. Theriot is an admitted music junkie, loving every type of music, which takes up most of the memory on her iPhone. She listens to music from sun up to sun down and her love of music is reflected a great deal in her books.

Jennifer took a chance that there could be an interest in romance with middle aged couples who are finding themselves at a crossroads and wrote her debut novel Out of the Box Awakening, which centers on the hope of finding happiness and passion through unexpected heartache. It emphasizes the need for family and friends as Jennifer has learned in her own life. The book has been described as "Mature Sexy" by one reviewer.

Her second book in the Out of the Box series titled Out of the Box Regifted has just been released and she is currently working on the third book, Out of the Box Everlasting. 2 Novellas from her other character's POV are planned as well.

Author Website: http://www.jennifertheriot.com

Author’s Blog: http://blog.jennifertheriot.com

Twitter: @JenTheRiot

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferTheriotAuthor

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/jtheriot2000

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/104495640521056792604

GoodReads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7082754.Jennifer_Theriot

Autograph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/JenTheRiot

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/jennifertheriot

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mkMqzf

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1nnRvKo

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1k0XPCP

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-box-regifted-jennifer-theriot/1119080752?ean=2940045805322

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424006

ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/out-of-the-box-regifted/id853349862?mt=11

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MASTER MAY I by Salice Rodgers: Blog Tour

Title: Master May I
Author: Salice Rodgers
Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM

Blurb:

After three years working at the BDSM club Master May I, or MMI to those who frequent it, Lillian is stunned when her Dom suddenly announces that they need time apart. Knowing his reputation as a cold and unfeeling Dom, Lillian expects the worst when she is assigned to “training” with the elusive Brandon, or Master B as he is known at the club.

However, as the two begin working together, Lillian is shocked to discover a side to Master B that she never knew existed. The more time she spends with Master B, the more she finds herself craving to be dominated by his touch.

As Lillian and her new her Master begin to explore their feelings for each other, will they be able to overcome the shadows of their past? And what will happen when Lillian’s former Dom realizes that she is no longer his to control?

Excerpt:

I get up and go do my morning ritual of showering, brushing my teeth, and making sure everything is shaved and proper. When I finish I walk back in to my room and pull on my robe. It is black silk see through and has slits on both sides all the way up to my thighs.
A sub must be assessable to the Dom at all times.
Walking in to the kitchen I make a cup of coffee and sit at the table with my phone. Yes, I am in a strict BDSM relationship, but I’m not here against my will.
Master B walks in to the kitchen and sits across from me with his own cup of coffee. I look up to see him smiling.
“Good morning Master B,” I say and smile.
He is gorgeous with shaggy brown hair, a goatee, and green eyes that seem to draw you in and not let go.
“Good morning Luv,” he says over the rim of his coffee cup. He says no more so I pick my phone back up and continue to flip thru Facebook. Finding nothing interesting, I lay my phone down and stare at the beautiful man in front of me. I don’t see how he got the reputation as the meanest Dom at MMI. He’s done nothing horrible to me. Go by his rules and you’re good. It’s the same with any serious Dom.
He catches me looking and smirks, “Like what you see Luv?”
My heart races and I feel like I could have an orgasm just from his words alone.
 He stands up and walks to my side of the table. Taking the coffee from my hand and setting it down, he grabs my hand and pulls me till I’m standing before him.
“Untie the robe.”
My shaking hands untie the knot on the robe and it slides open. My breath quickens as he takes me in from head to toe. His jaw twitches when he looks back up to me and he grabs my hair, pulling my mouth to his, he kisses me hard. I feel his tongue lick my bottom lip and I open up for him allowing him in to my mouth. We both moan as I wrap my arms around his back.
 He pulls back fast and grabs my wrists. “Tsk tsk Luv, no touching without permission. I want to test your pain limit today to see exactly how far I can push you. You’ll be a new woman by the time the month is up.” He releases my wrists and walks towards the play room.
I follow him, knowing that’s what he wants…

About The Author

Salice Rodgers is a wife and mother of three.  Born and raised in the south, she loves to spend her spare time writing or enjoying the worlds others have created.  

Author Website † Author Facebook

WANDERAMID'S CRYSTAL BALL by I.V. Phillips: Cover Reveal

Wanderamid's Crystal Ball - Cover Reveal

By I V Phillips

Fantasy

Date Published: June 2012

    

   When a powerful witch has an idea that will get her back to her home world known as,Wanderamid, it backfires.

The spell she created the night before had already begun. The clouds in the sky became thicker and darkness increased greatly with silent flickering lights of lightning. It was too late to put a stop to it, and no one could change it, not even her.

EXCERPT

Ms. Winterton gasped when the officers pointed their firearms, straight at them. Her mouth froze open, surprised by their reaction.

“No,” Officer Morley began to explain calmly, “She is not a witch. Please put the guns down. We just want to show you, what you’ve been asking us.”

“That book just grew, Morley! We saw it! Only a witch could do that!” Officer Wysor shouted, pointing his gun away from them and onto the grimoire.

Officer Oxnard remained speechless and wide-eyed.

“She’s trying to find her daughter, just like Ms. Kennings is trying to find her son. Now if you want to see what is going on, you can’t get excited like this or we won’t be able to show you. Do you understand that?” He tried to convince them as firmly and calmly as possible.

Officer Oxnard nodded, signaling him to lower his gun as he did, still keeping it in hand. They were not fully convinced to put them away completely.

“Look at their eyes!” Ms. Kennings shouted, pointing at the three felines that came out from the corner, with glowing green eyes.

She startled the officers and they quickly aimed their guns at the felines.

Officer Morley rolled his eyes. “Will you sit down? They’re only cats!”

“I never saw cats with eyes like those,” she responded stiffly.

“They’re not normal… I mean… they’re normal, but… well… I don’t know what I mean. All I know is that they won’t harm you. Please, sit so we can get on with this,” he tiredly shook his head.

The officers and Ms. Kennings sat down slowly while they kept a close watch on the felines. Ms. Winterton took a deep breath as she thought about where to begin her story, and how to make it believable as possible, as her eyes made contact with those she had to convince.

“Ms. Kennings," she spoke softly, "… Rena and Jodon are together, in another world."

“They killed them!” Her eyes widened with fear. “They killed….”

“No! No!” Officer Morley immediately stood.

The other officers stood right after and aimed their guns at them, again.

“What are you doing?”

“You heard her! You both killed them!” Officer Wysor yelled. “I’m placing you both under arrest! Anything….”

“Stop, Wysor!” he demanded and then calmly added, “We didn’t kill them. They're alive.”

“What?” Ms. Kennings asked stunned. “Then where are they?”

“Ms. Winterton told you. They’re in another world.”

“They did kill them! Bring me to my son!”

Irene V. Phillips is the author of Wanderamid's Crystal Ball. Her fascination with magic, dreams and paranormal beliefs transpires throughout the Fantasy-Fiction novel.

Born and raised in New Jersey, she currently resides in Florida with her teenage son.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords

  

BROKEN WORLD by Kate L. Mary: Release Day

Blurb:

When a deadly virus sweeps the country, Vivian Thomas sets out for California in hopes of seeing the daughter she gave up for adoption. Then her car breaks down and she’s faced with a choice. Give up, or accept a ride from redneck brothers, Angus and Axl. Vivian knows the offer has more to do with her double D’s than kindness, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach her daughter.

The virus is spreading, and by the time the group makes it to California, most of the population has been wiped out. When the dead start coming back, Vivian and the others realize that no electricity or running water are the least of their concerns. Now Vivian has to figure out how to be a mother under the most frightening circumstances, cope with Angus’s aggressive mood swings, and sort out her growing attraction to his brooding younger brother, Axl.

While searching for a safe place to go, they pick up a pompous billionaire who may be the answer to all their problems. Trusting him means going into the middle of the Mojave Desert and possibly risking their lives, but with the streets overrun and nowhere else to turn, it seems he might be their only chance for survival.

Add on Goodreads

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About The Author

 

Kate L. Mary is a stay-at-home mother of four and an Air Force wife. She spent most of her life in a small town just north of Dayton, Ohio where she and her husband met at the age of twelve. Since their marriage in 2002, they have lived in Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and California.

Kate’s love of books and writing has helped her survive countless husbandless nights. She enjoys any post-apocalyptic story – especially if zombies are involved – as long as there is a romantic twist to give the story hope. Kate prefers nerdy, non-traditional heroes that can make you laugh to hunky pieces of man-meat, and her love of wine and chocolate is legendary among her friends and family. She currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and children.

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