Isn’t this cover just gorgeous! I didn’t even read the back blurb before I snatched the book up in my greedy little hands and hurried toward the check-out.

Title: Last Kiss Goodnight: An Otherworld Assassin Novel

Author: Gena Showalter

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Pocket Books

Release date: December 2012

Pages: 436

ISBN-10: 1451671598

ISBN-13: 978-1451671599

Rating:  

DESCRIPTION:

THE SWEETEST TEMPTATION . . .

Black ops agent Solomon Judah awakens caged and bound in a twisted zoo where otherworlders are the main attraction. Vika Lukas, the owner’s daughter, is tasked with Solo’s care and feeding. The monster inside him yearns to kill her on sight, even though she holds the key to his escape. But the human side of him realizes the beautiful deaf girl is more than she seems—she’s his.

THE ULTIMATE PRICE . . .

Vika endures the captives’ taunts and loathing, hoping to keep them alive even if she can’t free them. Only, Solo is different— he protects her. But as hostility turns to forbidden romance, his feelings for her will be used against him . . . and he’ll be put to a killer test.

REVIEW:

I’ve enjoyed Gena Showalter’s writing in the past, so I didn’t hesitate to purchase this book. After reading it though, I’m actually torn on how to feel. I loved the hero and the romance between the main characters, but the book just didn’t flow like a normal Showalter. The first chapter was a little choppy for me, and I found it jarring to start a story from someone else’s point of view other than the main characters. And while the plot was unique, I’m not sure I believed in the story enough to suspend my disbelief, which is a real shame.

What saved the book for me was the romance between the main characters. Both Solo and Vika are tortured people, yearning for something more, but not sure they really deserve to be saved. They didn’t immediately fall in love, they had doubts, but each knew that they wanted to give their love a chance…even if it cost them. I also liked the uniqueness of all the characters, even the villains. I’m not sure I’ll purchase the next book, but I might borrow it.

First, I want to thank Melissa Limoges for hosting my interview and giveaway!

And the winner is….. Daryl!

Thank you to everyone who’d participated!

(Winner was selected by Random.org generator.)

Sorry for being gone for so long. I’ve been working my fingers to the bone with late nights, but I finally have some exciting news to share!

After weeks of edits, I finished BloodSworn. I never thought I would get it done. When I realized that I was only re-wording sentences…over and over…I decided enough was enough and drew my line in the sand. lol

BloodSworn is now live and available to order in both ebook and print on Amazon!

Don’t you just love the name of the book and the cover? I’m more than thrilled the way things have turned out. I hope you join Merrick and Trina as they go on a wild adventure, fighting for their lives, and the love that neither of them ever expected to find.

Below is the blurb and excerpt. I hope you enjoy!

Blurb:

The last BloodSworn witch must confront her fate if she hopes to save the man who forced his way into her lonely heart.

Ten years after they bound her powers and banished her, Trina Weyebridge had successfully carved out a new existence in the human world. She put her life as a witch behind her. But, her magic would not be denied, the bindings holding them in check are weakening. Vampires who crave a taste of the powers stored in her blood are hunting her with deadly force and have kidnapped her sister to lure her out. In a desperate bid to free her sister and gain her own freedom, Trina bargains with the all-too-tempting lion shifter who calls out the long forgotten wild side in her…she would be his concubine in return for pack protection. She’d be safe…until they found out the truth.

UNDENIABLE DESIRE. FORBIDDEN LOVE. INESCAPABLE DESTINY.

When Merrick spots a female intruder living on his property, he’s intrigued by her daring. Curious to find out more, he follows her and comes to her aid when she falls prey to an attack. After weeks of unnatural silence, his beast awakens at her touch, and he suspects that she might be the only one able to save his race from a disease killing his kind. Not willing to take the chance of losing her, he binds her to him the only way he knows how…by claiming her as his own. All he has to do to save her is uncover the secrets of her past, stop a pack revolt, convince her that she’s desperately in love with him in return, and prevent a war.

Here is a little peek:

Trina was halfway bent down to kneel and grab her bag when she saw him.

The same man from her dreams.

A very naked man.

Merrick.

Her mind rebelled. She couldn’t have had a sexy dream about the man who might very well destroy her. Vampires had been in this very house not a day ago. She couldn’t forget that, no matter how much her body wanted to be worshiped by him.

Merrick lay stretched out, dwarfing the extra-large couch. He didn’t look comfortable, but that wasn’t what captured her attention. The sun highlighted the golden color of his skin. It was just how she imagined his cat would appear.

The only thing blocking her view was the sheet draped haphazardly over his slim hips. Her brain short-circuited at the thought of him completely nude.

Him sleeping within a few feet of her and all without a stitch of clothing on struck her dumb, and her emotions jumbled at the conflicting emotions.

She swallowed hard and fanned her face. No matter how much she might have wished it, there was no way that image would ever be far from her mind. Every time she saw him now, she would picture him stretched out as if for her pleasure.

It didn’t matter that she was a doctor, that she’d seen hundreds of naked bodies. She knew layers of skin and bone, but nothing in her studies had ever shown a man structured quite like him, with muscles quite so defined and begging to be stroked.

Doctor.

She shook her head at the reminder, as if she could banish the impulse so easily. She needed to get a closer look at him to decide what was the best course of action…for medical purposes she told herself sternly when her pulse betrayed her and sped up.

She just didn’t know if she’d survive it.

One thing would help…getting him clothed.

But she couldn’t tear her gaze away from that sheet. Or more precisely, what it hid. Where was a gust of wind when you needed one?

Her fingers itched to explore all that exposed flesh, but she feared it had nothing to do with science. Her body urged her to touch, while the sane, sensible part of her mind seemed to have taken a vacation.

Then she saw the lines of strain, the stiff way he held himself even in sleep. She needed to see his back.

“Merrick, roll over.”

Trina found herself sprawled across the floor with a lion, in all but animal form, half sprawled over her with his face just inches from hers.

She hadn’t even seen him move.

Was it her imagination or were his teeth sharper, his body larger, and his eyes shaded just this side of golden?

She gave a tentative smile, knowing better than to try and escape. “Hello.”

“Are we under attack?” He blinked as if confused, finally recognizing her. His sleepy expression sent her heart thumping hard against her ribcage. The rumpled appearance only made him more attractive, more approachable and more touchable than was good for her.

Especially when she felt the sheet tangled around her feet.

No matter how much she told herself not to do it, it was too late. Her eyes flickered downward.

Yup, naked.

And such a nice naked backside, too.

It was her turn to blink when she felt his arousal.

“Attack?” It sure felt like it, and she was unarmed. She cleared her throat when he continued to gaze around the room. “I woke you to begin your physical therapy.”

Vivid green eyes met hers. The wildness had retreated, yet she very much felt like a mouse under a cat’s paw. Heat seeped in her pores, but the calculated look he gave her brought back some of her sanity.

“Get up.” She resisted touching him. It would be a mistake as once she started, she was very much afraid she wouldn’t stop.

Frown lines crinkled the corner of his eyes, and he levered himself up on all fours. Trina didn’t wait, but scrambled backwards, her eyes anywhere but on him and his now very happy dangly parts.

“It’s safe.” The humor in his voice had her head snapping up. He stood, the sheet tucked around his waist. He wore a slightly disgruntled expression that looked sexy as hell and a too-knowing gaze that did things to her body that should be illegal…or bottled.

Have you ever fallen into a reading funk? When nothing seems interesting? I got struck hard. I read a book or two in the last few weeks, but nothing satisfied me. I turned on my kindle yesterday and brought it to work, thinking I had to find something on the darn thing.

Only to find that the battery I checked before I left wasn’t fully charged. Nadda. So, I’m going back to basics with two of my favorite writers today.

Here are the blurbs:

Once Burned~

I’ve had both of these books on my to be read pile for a while. You can probably tell by their original covers. I’m a little leery of them as they are both first person, which I’m not a fan of reading, and there is a lot of hype around each series, another thing I’m not a fan of reading…I usually end up disappointed.

Here are the blurbs:

Bitten~

Elena Michaels seems like the typically strong and sexy modern woman, She lives with her architect boyfriend, writes for a popular newspaper, and works out at the gym. She’s also a werewolf.

Elena has done all she can to assimilate to the human world, but the man whose bite changed her existence forever, and his legacy, continue to haunt her. Thrown into a desperate war for survival that tests her allegiance to a secret clan of werewolves, Elena must recon with who, and what, she is in this passionate, page-turning novel that begins the Women of the Otherworld series.

Poison Study~

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered a reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace, and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and she develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life’s at stake again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear…

What are you reading this week? Curious minds want to know!

I was unable to decide which book to read this week. Both sounded so wonderful! I did my usual and read the first few pages of each book…which stretched into the first chapter.

Wow, both were fabulous. Very well written. So, I fell back to my old stand-by and asked my husband to chose. Here was the winner:

DESCRIPTION:

Eli Conners expected hired mercenary Ray Vereker to be a tank of a guy with forty tattoos–not a gorgeous creature with considerable karate skills. While Eli certainly needs Ray’s help, he thinks she could use a little of what he’s offering…a down-and-dirty, body-scorching passion of the forever kind.

Ray’s as good as any man when it comes to storming enemy compounds and loading an AK-47, but Eli’s strong sensuality and gentle touch leave her shaken and stirred. And really, who could blame a girl for succumbing to mind-blowing temptation in the steamy jungle? But now it’s back to business. If only Ray wasn’t feeling hot, bothered, dizzy, and just a little bit, well, queasy.

The last thing either of these unlikely lovers expects is to be expecting. Suddenly, Ray’s precise, no-nonsense mission is veering wildly off course, derailed by raging hormones, out-of-control desire, and a delirious love that is completely unexpected…

 Review:

This book started with action, and I was caught up in the mystery. I loved the role reversal of having a female mercenary who was capable of taking care of business. Eli Conners was the perfect hero with looks, muscles, and money. It only put Ray more on edge. If she didn’t need the money, she would’ve refused the case. Despite her irritation with Eli, she couldn’t help notice things don’t really add up with him. He’s smart, capable and couldn’t keep her hands off her?!

The first half of the book really drew me into their lives. I loved learning more about them and their quirks, not to mention the chemistry between them rocked! I adored Eli’s relentless pursuit of what he wanted…her! About three quarters of the way through, the characterization became a little stilted and the last thirty pages fell apart for me. I was expecting the book to end, but the story was stretched out. Don’t get me wrong, I liked that they ended up together. It was the getting them together that felt awkward.

Though this wasn’t my favorite book for Lori Foster, I still liked the underlining story of a female mercenary and the rich boy who fell in love. I would suggest borrowing this book from the library if you want to give it a try.

Last week’s pick went so well that I decided to give it another try. I read a small excerpt in back of the last weeks book and found myself drawn to it. Much to my surprise, it was in my tbr pile. Here’s what I pulled out:

Here are the blurbs:

Into Thin Air~

A twelfth-century Welsh warrior turned Guardian who has protected his charges for nearly a thousand years, Gawan’s got less than twenty-four days left on duty until he can shed his wings and finally become mortal. But the higher-ups have different plans. The beautiful, soaking-wet woman Gawan finds by the side of the road near Castle Grimm is actually his soul mate, and it’s up to him to save her life.

What he doesn’t know is that Ellie is practically a ghost already. She doesn’t remember who she is, or how she got to the north of England, where her only chances to rejoin the living is this mouthwatering angel with a funny accent. Aided by the castle’s eccentric spirits, they set out to solve the mystery of her near death, but neither Ellie nor Gawan is prepared for the soul-searing passion they discover…or the sacrifices that may lead to an eternity of love.

Unexpected~

Eli Conners expected hired mercenary Ray Vereker to be a tank of a guy with forty tattoos–not a gorgeous creature with considerable karate skills. While Eli certainly needs Ray’s help, he thinks she could use a little of what he’s offering…a down-and-dirty, body-scorching passion of the forever kind.

Ray’s as good as any man when it comes to storming enemy compounds and loading an AK-47, but Eli’s strong sensuality and gentle touch leave her shaken and stirred. And really, who could blame a girl for succumbing to mind-blowing temptation in the steamy jungle? But now it’s back to business. If only Ray wasn’t feeling hot, bothered, dizzy, and just a little bit, well, queasy.

The last thing either of these unlikely lovers expects is to be expecting. Suddenly, Ray’s precise, no-nonsense mission is veering wildly off course, derailed by raging hormones, out-of-control desire, and a delirious love that is completely unexpected…

Have you read either of these books? If not, what are you reading? I’m torn. Both of these sound great!

DESCRIPTION:

Joe Winston has a routine with women: he exists; they swoon; roll credits. With his smoldering looks, macho style, and irrepressible charm, Joe can have any woman–except the one he really wants. Secretly, Luna Clark may lust after Joe, but she’s made it clear that she’s too smart to fall for him. He can just keep holding his breath, thank you very much. But now, Luna’s inherited two kids who need more than she alone can give in a small town that seems hell-bent on driving them away. She needs someone to help out…someone who can’t be intimidated…someone just like Joe. Becoming an instant family wasn’t exactly what Joe had in mind, but hey, it’s a start, and you can’t blame a guy for trying every angle. After all, where there’s a Joe, there’s a way…straight into a woman’s heart.

Review:

I was hooked on page one. The book had the right combination of humor, characters, and easy reading that sucked me right into the story. Read this first paragraph and see why:

Sprawled out flat on his stomach, his big body stretched end to end on the full sized bed. Two women loomed over him, touching him, quietly oohing and ahhing. They were so absorbed in their scrutiny, they didn’t even notice Luna’s entrance, hadn’t heard her knocks. She shook her head, but she understood, indeed she did.

After all, Joe was buck-naked.

And he had a… tattoo on his ass?

The story only got better after that! Their was no heavy thinking, just pure enjoyment. The chemistry was electric and so hot and sweet at the same time, I was rooting for them. I loved how they bumbled around each other as they try to find their footings. The humor kept me smiling. The mystery was a little light, but I enjoyed the characters antics as they strugged to firgure things out while not losing sight of each other.

I’ve read a few other books in this series, and enjoyed them as well. If you want a book to read that will take you away from the world, with plenty of humor and love, you’ll enjoy this series by Lori Foster.

 I’m still editing. Sigh. I’ll be editing for a while yet.

I thought I would read the Hunger Games this week, but I think I need a little break…read something different. So I selected two contemporary authors that are supposed to be hilarious. Okay, so one has a bit of paranormal in it.

Here are the blurbs for this week:

You Slay Me~

I’m Aisling Grey, and I have the job from Hell….

 
Literally. My prior career as a courier began and ended when I traveled to Paris to deliver a six-hundred-year-old golden drag-on statue and learned I was a Guardian. That’s a Keeper of the Gates to Hell to you mere mortals. This I found out from Drake Vireo, a scrumptiously sexy (in human form at least) real-life dragon. Then he stole my artifact out from under my nose–and from under the dead body of the person I was sup-posed to deliver it to.

 
After tracking Drake down to a local bar, I discovered I’m also a wyvern’s mate. And wouldn’t you know Drake is a wyvern? He couldn’t be just some underling–he had to be head drag-on. But the fact that he’s the prime suspect behind the murders in Paris’s immortal underworld–murders I must solve in order to clear my suddenly soiled name–means it will take some convincing to get me to partake of the sensual pleasures he offers. Just because I’m naive doesn’t mean I’m easy.

 
Other than being a murder suspect, conjuring up a demon in the form of a shaggy Newfoundland, and fending off the advances of a horny dragon, I’m having a wonderful time in Paris. Wish you were here…

Say No To Joe?~

Irresistible forece – Meet Immovable object

Joe Winston has a routine with women: he exists; they swoon; roll credits. With his smoldering looks, macho style, and irrepressible charm, Joe can have any woman–except the one he really wants. Secretly, Luna Clark may lust after Joe, but she’s made it clear that she’s too smart to fall for him. He can just keep holding his breath, thank you very much. But now, Luna’s inherited two kids who need more than she alone can give in a small town that seems hell-bent on driving them away. She needs someone to help out…someone who can’t be intimidated…someone just like Joe. Becoming an instant family wasn’t exactly what Joe had in mind, but hey, it’s a start, and you can’t blame a guy for trying every angle. After all, where there’s a Joe, there’s a way…straight into a woman’s heart.

Title: Break Out (Blood Hunter)