Waiting on Wednesday: THE RIPPLE EFFECT by J.A. Saare

The Ripple Effect

 by J.A. Saare

Release Date: Summer 2012

There is always a price to pay…

Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.

Until death comes knocking at her door.

When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.

Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.

It’s about getting even.

This is the third installment in the Rhiannon's Law series. I can't wait to see what happens with this love triangle between Rhiannon,  Gabriel (Disco), and Payne. The author has said that this is going to be a really dark story. Bring it on! I can't wait!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase the books we can’t wait to get our hands on.

Waiting on Wednesday: THE LAST GIRL

THE LAST GIRL

by Kitty Thomas

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Here's the official Book trailer:

There isn't an official blurb yet on The Last Girl but it's a dark erotica novel with vampires in it. Hell yeah! The cover is gorgeous too. I can't wait to read this one.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase the books we can’t wait to get our hands on. What are you all waiting on?

Guest Post & International Giveaway: SHADOWED SOUL by Stacey Kennedy

Huge thanks to AsianCocoa’s Secret Garden for letting me stop by and share my latest release, SHADOWED SOUL. When I first started writing this story I knew one thing—it needed to be far hotter than I’d ever gone with an erotic romance. I wanted it to be one night of hotness that was a true one night stand.

And boy-oh-boy, did the characters give me exactly that. As I wrote each word, I found myself blushing, thinking to myself, “Holy Hannah, these characters are naughty!” Sometimes I have to hold my characters back when writing paranormal romance because too much heat is usually not necessary. But that’s why erotic romance is fun to write. There are no restrictions, and in most cases, the hotter the better.

After I finished writing the story, I submitted it to my publisher and forgot all about it. It wasn’t until the story came up for edits did I have a chance to read it again, and I was shocked that I had written a story that literally burned up the pages. It definitely is the hottest story I’ve written to date and I’m glad I allowed the characters to go where they wanted to…because the story is so steamy that even I needed a fan to cool down!

If this looks like your type of read, leave a comment with your email address to win a copy of SHADOWED SOUL. 

Come find me on Facebook and Twitter. I love to chat!!

Shadowed Soul
by Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: October 5, 2011

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Four months have passed since Ellie’s heart was broken by her cheating boyfriend, Gerrid. Sick of mourning, she sets out in search of one thing, a man to make her forget. Madame Eve, a matchmaker, arranges for Ellie to meet just the man at Nocturnal Nightclub in Miami. Bryce is not only sexy as sin, but full of mystery. He does things no man should be capable of. Ellie might question his fast speed, cold hands, and even the way he bites at her skin―if he wasn’t so determined to awaken the part of her that’s been buried by lies.

Days have passed since Bryce’s last feeding and his vampire hungers demand to be sated. But feeding is not his only intention. Ellie seeks to be a different woman, to gain power for herself, and Bryce plans to push her to discover it. To show her she can do things she never thought possible and force her to see the strength she yearns for already lives inside of her.

Ellie will have to choose, expose all of herself, or remain hidden in the dark shadows. But Bryce will have to make a choice of his own—let her go or keep Ellie forever?

*m/f, anal, voyeurism, masturbation.

Teaser:

Ellie scanned the dance floor, searching for the man matching the picture Madame Eve had emailed her. Instead, she got a few heated glances from guys she wouldn’t touch on her worst days. So, instead of continuing to search, she lingered taking a seat upon a stool, listening to the bartender and Kenna talk dirty nothings to each other. Why isn’t he here?

After she downed her second Cosmo, goose bumps pimpled on the back of her neck, and she glanced over her shoulder to discover her date standing against the back wall. His gaze focused on one person, her.

Hallelujah!  

“Oooo...my night is looking up,” she exclaimed. 

Kenna didn’t respond, too busy playing googly eyes with the bartender. Ellie jabbed an elbow into her side. She hissed as she rubbed her ribs. “Ow, what?” 

“He’s here. I’m going to dance.” She gestured behind her and grinned to show her intentions.

Kenna peeked over her shoulder before focusing back on Ellie and giving a shit-eating grin. “Have fun.” 

Ellie slid off the stool, keeping her focus on the stranger. His mere presence screamed sex. Much taller than her five-foot-five frame—around six-two—but built like a brick shit house. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest, his broad shoulders tempting her and she couldn’t wait to run her hands over them tonight.

Putting a little oomph into her step, she made her way onto the dance floor. The loud techno song washed over her and the vibrations were strong against her feet. Her kinda music—hard and dirty. 

Staying at the edge of the crowd, she found her beat and moved with the rhythm. Twirling, she ran her hands along her torso and did anything and everything to gain his attention.

To all appearances, her plan worked.

He dropped his arms to his side and stepped forward. His sparkling blue eyes, short, fashionably-styled black hair, and chiseled features warmed her right down to her toes. Her heart raced. Her insecurities drifted away. The world around her ceased to exist, leaving only him and her.

Wetness pooled in her panties. His nostrils flared and his heated gaze burned deeper. He approached and as he settled in front of her, he grabbed her lower back and yanked her against his hard body. Her head tilted back and he leaned down, cupped her nape and kissed her. 

A kiss not meant for strangers―not meant as a sweet hello. No, a promise he would pleasure her and she sang a big thank you, Jesus for bringing him to her. No thoughts. No regrets. Just two sweaty bodies going at it until exhaustion set in.

BUY LINK - http://www.staceykennedy.com/shadowed-soul/

Stacey Kennedy’s novels are lighthearted fantasy with heart squeezing, thigh-clenching romance, and even give a good chuckle every now and again. But within the stories you’ll find fast paced action, life threatening moments and a big bad villain that needs to be destroyed. Her urban fantasy/paranormal and erotic romance series have hit Amazon Kindle and All Romance Ebooks Bestseller lists. If she isn’t plugging away at her next novel, tending to her two little ones, she’s got her nose deep in a good book. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband. 

Be sure to drop her a line at www.staceykennedy.com, she loves to hear from her readers.

Giveaway:

Remember to leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win an Ebook of Shadowed Soul. This giveaway is open internationally.

Entry Deadline is Saturday, October 29^th. Good luck!

Review: THE RENFIELD SYNDROME by J.A. Saare

The Renfield Syndrome
by J.A. Saare
Publisher: Mundania Press
Release Date: August 23, 2011

Series: Rhiannon's Law, #2

Source: Review copy from the Author

Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my.

Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.

Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried.

After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul.

I could not wait to get my hands on The Renfield Syndrome! This is the second book in the Rhiannon’s Law series and it was full of awesome. This installment starts off where the first book, Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between ends. 

Rhiannon Murphy finds herself in a very difficult position. I don’t want to give too much away here because it would spoil it for the reader if they haven’t read the first book. I will say that Rhiannon does have to figure out a way to get back to her beloved, Gabriel (Disco) and the hellish action packed journey that she goes through keeps the energy high and the book’s flow fast paced.  

The Renfield Syndrome is a much darker book than the first one. The stark New York City setting is compared to Richard Matheson’s novel, I Am Legend. The book takes place after a war between vampires and humans that ended with thousands of human casualties. The Renfield vaccine was created as a weapon against vampires. If a vampire bit into a vaccinated human the vampire would die. Unfortunately side effects started to manifest about 30 years after the vaccinations began. Humans started aging rapidly and dying off at a quick rate. The humans that were not vaccinated were hunted down and became blood slaves to the vampires. 

Rhiannon finds herself out alone after dark without any protection. She is saved by a military group that is made up of werewolves and that’s when sexy lycae, Carter enters the picture. He was really attracted to Rhiannon and I was torn between wanting him to keep his hands off of her and liking his strong alpha male personality. There are also several encounters with evil demons that Rhiannon has to outwit if she wants to get her life back.

“Rhiannon’s Law #68: If you’re going to fly by the seat of your pants, rock out with your cock out. The landing is going to hurt either way, and you might as well make an impression when you nail it.”

There were some heartbreaking moments in The Renfield Syndrome that left me sad and conflicted. Again, I’m not going to reveal too much except to say that betrayal, misunderstandings, and altered relationships will have Rhiannon questioning her feelings for those that she loves. This book will appeal to paranormal romance junkies that appreciate dark twists and turns. Despite the darkness of the novel, J.A. Saare still entertains us with Rhiannon’s sarcasm and clever dialogue between the characters. I would not recommend reading this novel until you’ve read the first book in the series. There is a lot of back story that you should be aware of before reading The Renfield Syndrome. Trust me – you will like it much better if you know what’s going on. Next up in the Rhiannon’s Law series is The Ripple Effect and I can’t wait to find out how Rhiannon handles the repercussions of her bold actions from The Renfield Syndrome. I’m giving this wonderful novel 4.5 dragons.

 

BUY A COPY HERE:

Barnes & Noble : Amazon : Amazon Market Place  : Powell's Books : Amazon Kindle : Alibris : Book Depository

Find Author Here:

JA Saare on Goodreads : Twitter : Website

Be sure to stop by the other blogs on the tour.

SCHEDULE:

Nikki Brandy Berry Review Sept 13 

Tigris Eden Garden of Books Feature Sept 14 

My Need to Read Review & Giveaway Sept 15

The Rest Still Unwritten(Rachel) Feauture Sept 16

Buckeye Girl Reads Review Sept 16 

Donna Guest Post Sept 17

Reading with Tequilla Review Sept 18

The Order of Smut Vixen Book Feature Sept 19

Thyra's book addiction Reveiw Sept 20

Drens B SPot Review &Giveaway Sept 21

Kickin Back With kiwi Review Sept 22

AsianCocoa’s Secret Garden Review Sept 23

Escape by Fiction Review Sept 24

Reviews by Molly Review Sept 25

Kimberly Flood Blazes andBubbles Book Feature Sept 25

Paranormal Review Review & Giveaway Sept 26

Larissa's Bookish Life Feature Sept 27 

JoJo's Book Corner Review Sept 27

Books N Kisses Book Feature Sept 28

Ash Review & Giveaway Sept 29

Love to Read 4 Fun Review Sept 30

Ramblings from this chick Oct 1

Twimom Review Oct 2

Book and Movie Dimension Oct 3

KLB Discussion Discussion Oct 3

Review & Giveaway: Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between by J.A. Saare

Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between  
by J.A. Saare
Publisher: Mundania Press
Released: May 3, 2011, Revised Edition
Series: Rhiannon’s Law - Book 1
Book Source: KLB Designs and Virtual Events

One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.

No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.

She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her—until now.

The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.

But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.

J.A. Saare is a multi-published author in varying genres and has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Currently she is penning numerous projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and of course, paranormal romance categories.

Those interested in her "naughtier" side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com. 

Next up in the Rhiannon's Law Series is The Renfield Syndrome which is due out in August 2011.

For more of this author's awesome reads, Check out J.A. Saare's Bookshelf.

Or go stalk her on her Blog, Random Musings.

Purchasing Information

Mundania Press:

Ebook (all formats) and trade paperback 

Amazon:

Kindle ebook

(Trade paperback coming soon!)

This was my second time reading Dead Undead Or Somewhere In Between and it was just as fun reading it as the first time. The chemistry between Rhiannon and Gabriel (Disco) made me swoon. The dialogue between all of the characters made me laugh and fall in love with each of them.

Rhiannon Murphy is a smart, sassy, pool-hustling bartender from Miami who has a very special skill. She’s a necromancer. In plain speak she can see and speak to dead people even twice-dead vampires. It’s a talent she’s tried to keep hidden most of her life. But one slip up while hustling in a pool game has pulled her into an underworld she never dreamed existed. 

Disco (real name Gabriel) is a sexy vampire who is on the hunt for the person who is killing off his family and friends. He hires Rhiannon to help him find the killer. Since she can see the twice-dead, Rhiannon is able to communicate with the dead vampires and get clues as to who the killer is. She along with fellow necromancer, Goose pose as husband and wife to infiltrate the underground blood tastings that take place around the city. When word gets around in the underworld of Rhiannon’s unique ability she discovers that she will need protection that only Disco can give her to stay alive. She must agree to become one of his familiars and join his family. Even though she is attracted to him she is still pretty grossed out by the thought of having to drink blood. When the trail gets hot and they get a little too close to the truth, Rhiannon finds herself in a front row seat witnessing the grotesque murder of a vampire from a rival family. 

Rhiannon had some past childhood demons that she continued to wrestle with through most of the book. This explained her tough-girl, independent “I don’t need anyone” attitude. Even though Gabriel (Disco) could have read her mind and discovered her secrets at anytime, he was patient and let Rhiannon come to him on her own time.

"I'm not asking for your soul, Rhiannon. I'm only asking you take a chance. How long has it been since you've done that? Allow yourself to fall. I'll catch you." ~ Gabriel aka Disco

I really enjoyed Rhiannon’s and Gabriel’s (Disco) story. Their love story was so sweet. The dialogue was witty and the flow of the story was fast paced and suspenseful. You won’t want to put this book down! J.A. Saare did a superb job creating likable, fun characters. I can’t wait to see what happens with the secondary characters in the upcoming books.

I can’t reveal what happens at the end. You have to read the book to find out. But there is a major O.M.G cliff-hanger! But in this new edition of Dead Undead Or Somewhere In Between the first two chapters in the next book, The Renfield Syndrome are included.

I’m giving this novel 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Giveaway Time:

Thanks to the wonderful ladies at KLB Virtual Events, one lucky winner will receive a PDF copy of Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between. Open Internationally.

To Enter:

Leave a comment with your email address.
Entry deadline: Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:59pm (PT)

Winner will be announced and emailed soon after and will have 48 hours to respond.

Please visit the other blogs on this wonderful tour. There are other chances to win copies of this fabulous book!

Review: Devil's Descent II: impure by Claudia D. Christian

Devil’s Descent II: impure 
by Claudia D. Christian
Publisher: DelSin Publishing, LLC

Release Date:  February 10th 2011

Series: Miserable Love Series, Book 2

Devil's Descent I: purgatory sees Julian finding Lily before abandoning her in an uncharacteristic moment of conscience. This sequel takes us to where it all began.

Lily Walker, resident Resurrector for a town that doesn't exist, finds herself contemplating murder.

Julian Douglas, Pureblood Vampire and Lily's former love, finds himself contemplating the same.

However, attempted murder of the other leads Lily and Julian to realize love and hate aren't so simple when sanity is a fleeting thing and obsession cannot be killed...

~ From Goodreads

I first starting reading Devil’s Descent I: purgatory (DDI) late last year but was so confused about what was going on I had to stop. Then Devil’s Descent II: impure (DDII) came out. I knew that this was the prequel to Julian’s and Lily’s story so I thought it might help me if I read this prequel first. I asked the author, Claudia D. Christian if it would ruin the story if I read DDII first and she said it wouldn’t hurt the story and that it might actually help since I was so confused. So with Claudia’s blessing I launched into reading Devil’s Descent II: impure. 

This installment in the “Miserable Love Series” begins in Chapter 8 and takes the reader back two years. Nineteen year old, Lily Walker is the current Resurrector of the secret town of Vickery Hill. Lily is a foul-mouthed heroine with a violent temper.  Devil’s Descent II: impure is the prequel to Devil’s Descent I: purgatory. We find out where Ian came from and learn a little more of the back story between Lily and Julian. The history of Vickery Hill and it’s residents is also revealed. Secondary characters like Lily’s Handler, Jonathon are introduced. It’s through their conversations that Julian’s psychotic history is exposed.

Lily has just found out that her mentor Ian is gone and will never return to Vickery Hill. Ian is a vampire who was sent by Nephilim to train Lily when she becomes the Resurrector at the age of twelve. Lily and Ian become best friends and eventually she falls in love with him. But even though Ian is good and pure he has a secret that he cannot reveal to Lily. Lily is despondent and confused. She doesn’t understand what has happened. Why is the man known to her as Ian now calling himself Julian? 

Lord Julian Douglas is a 325 year old pureblood vampire. He has been away from the “real world” for 150 years and returns to Vickery Hill with vengeance on his mind. When Julian first meets Lily he hates her and actually wants to kill her. He begins to stalk and play head games with Lily even going as far as getting permission to court her. There were a lot of vicious verbal and physical exchanges between the two of them. Julian and Lily fought each other mercilessly. As a Resurrector Lily has supernatural strength and healing abilities so she is able to battle with Julian blow for blow. 

I was fascinated and sickened by the way Julian treated Lily. At times I felt sorry for her but then at other times I didn’t want to care. They both torture each other with their murderous threats against one another. Julian is a total sociopath and treats Lily with a cold, evil, detached manner that sent chills through me. Despite their twisted mind games with one another, I still hoped that there really was just a little bit of real love between them. I mean they really were perfect for each other. Once again, Claudia D. Christian has masterfully woven together a miserable dark love story that had me on the edge wanting more. 

I give Devil’s Descent II: impure 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Devil's Descent I: purgatory by Claudia D. Christian

Devil’s Descent I: purgatory 
by Claudia D. Christian

Publisher: DelSin Publishing, LLC

Release Date: July 13th 2010

Series: Miserable Love Series, Book 1

Julian Douglas exists solely for the night he finds his human pet Lily.

Lily Walker exists solely for the night she finds peace from the nightmare that is Julian Douglas.

Julian finds Lily.

Lily suffers Julian.
In the end, who finds freedom? The master who is a slave to his pet? Or the pet who never wanted to run away from her master?

WARNING: If you like your romance sweet, your vampires gentle, and your heroines flawless---this isn't for you. This is a dark, unconventional love story meant for readers who prefer morally ambiguous tales. 
~ From Goodreads

Please take notice of the warning in the Goodreads blurb. This book is an extremely dark love story. There is nothing beautiful about it except for the protagonists. Anyone that is uncomfortable with anything besides romantic sweet love stories should not read these books. These characters are really dark and this “love” story is pretty twisted. But if you’re ready to step outside your comfort zone, buckle up and take a ride into this “Miserable Love Series.”

Devil’s Descent I: purgatory starts in the middle of Julian and Lily’s story. Julian Douglas has chased 21 year old, Lily Walker to Montreal, Canada. Lily has been on the run for 2 years, ever since she was expelled from the town of Vickery Hill, Georgia. Lily is the former Resurrector of this secret town that is inhabited by twelve families of mixed human and vampire lineage. 

When Julian shows up at her apartment Lily is both shocked and relieved to see him. Though she knows she should make him leave, Lily’s sick need for her vampire lover has her submitting to him all over again. Lily is so obsessively in love with Julian that she allows him to physically and emotionally torture her. Beatings, drowning, forced orgies, infidelity - it doesn’t matter what twisted,  humiliating things Julian subjects her to, Lily always comes back for more. Julian is a sick, sadistic bastard who gets pure joy out of breaking Lily down. He knows that she craves the violence and disturbingly she enjoys it. But Lily also yearns for Julian’s love only he doesn’t seem capable of giving it to her.

”Time has proven to me that I’m not worthy of sustaining love, only destroying it. That’s what I do. That’s all I am…all I’ll ever be. I won’t survive love. I’d rather be dead than know I’m in love with this pet.” ~Julian

Julian and Lily have a love hate relationship with each other. As a reader I had those same feelings for these two characters. I wished both of them would just finish each other off. But at the same time I was completely captivated by their perverse obsession with one another. Oh and the sex scenes were jaw-dropping, twisted goodness. 

Claudia D. Christian is a gifted storyteller who draws her readers into this warped and miserable tale. As I said before this is an intensely dark read but I found myself wanting to know more about these complex characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this Miserable Love Series. 
I give Devil’s Descent I: purgatory 4 out of 5 stars.