Review: Under the Desert Moon By Emma Meade

Title: Under the Desert Moon

Author: Emma Meade

Published: August 2012

Publisher: Soul Fire Press

Fromat: ebook

Pages: 205

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Under the Desert Moon

17 year old Erin Harris spends her time daydreaming, hoping to escape her small town life in Copperfield, Arizona. When a movie crew arrives unexpectedly to shoot a vampire film over the summer, Erin’s small town world changes forever. Erin is positive she has seen the star, James Linkin before in a thirty year old TV show. He hasn’t aged a day. How is this possible? Erin is determined to find out, but how will James handle the scrutiny of an all too intelligent teenage girl?

MY REVIEW

Under the Desert Moon

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a free copy of the book from author for my honest opinion.

Erin Harris is a 17 year old girl who lives in a small town. She is kind of a loner who likes staying to herself. All Erin wants is to make it through high school and then go on to college. She wants to get out of the small town she lives in and away from her alcoholic father. Erin loves to take pictures and hopes one day to become a photographer.

Erin's twin brother comes running in one day to announce that a movie is going to be filmed in their home town of Copperfield, Arizona. Erin and Nick go down to the locale cafe where the movie crew and cast are hanging out. They find out that the movie is going to be about a vampire. Everyone in Copperfield is applying for parts as an extra in the movie. Erin gets herself a job taking pictures of the movie as it is being filmed. Nick gets a job as an assistant to one of the main stars in the movie.

While sitting at the cafe and eating her hamburger Erin locks eyes with a very handsome dude. She finds out later that he is the star of the movie. His name is James Linkin. Erin knows that she has seen him before but where? Then it hits her she saw him in an old tv show that she use to watch with her mother on vhs tapes. She is like no way it can't be him, he has not aged he still looks the same. James is hiding something. Can Erin find out what he is hiding?

Erin starts spending a lot of time with James so that she can do a little investigating and find out his secret. The more she hangs out with James the more attracted she becomes to him. James and Erin both fall head over hills as they say for each other real fast. Erin wants more than anything to be with James but she doesn't see how it could ever be possible because she will not leave Nick alone with their alcoholic father. Will Erin and James find a way to be together? Is it even possible?

Erin is a 17 year old girl but she is very mature for her age. But of course she has had no choice but to grow up real fast with an alcoholic father. Not only has she had to take care of herself all these years but she has taken care of her brother as well. And she has probably had to take care of her father too on more than one occasion. She has probably been the parent and her father the child at times.

If you are one of my blog followers then you know that I love reading about vampires and by now I guess you have already figured out the fact that I highly recommend you pick up your own copy of Under the Desert Moon, not tomorrow, not next week but today. But be on alert Under the Desert moon will suck you in from the first word and will not let go until the last word. Don't do like I did and put off reading this book. Why? Because I wish I had not waited so long. I was asked by the author Emma Meade to review Under the Desert Moon and would like to take this opportunity now to apologize to her for taking so long to read it and review it. And to say thank you Emma for letting me read Under the Desert Moon. I look forward to reading more of Emma's work in the future.

ONLINE LINKS

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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Cover Reveal: Her Loving Husband's Return By Meredith Allard

Her Loving Husband's Return

Book Three

The Loving Husband Trilogy

Meredith Allard

"I need to get home," James said aloud. He heard shuffling behind the wooden plank that separated his quarters from the rest of the barrack. "We all need to bloody well go home," he heard.

What would you do to return to the only one you have ever loved?

James Wentworth's secret is no longer a secret, and now he and his beloved wife, Sarah, have been separated. While suffering his own internment, James is reminded of his time with Japanese-Americans in the Manzanar Relocation Camp during World War II, and he cannot allow the past to repeat itself. With the help of his friends-Chandresh, Jocelyn, Timothy, even the irreverent Geoffrey-James learns what it means to return, and he is determined to return to his Sarah no matter the challenges-or the consequences. Will James and Sarah be reunited once and for all despite the madness surrounding them? Will James's most fervent wish be granted? The changes in store for the Wentworths may be irreversible.

Her Loving Husband's Return

Prologue

In seventy years so little has changed. Then, the gate was taller than the tallest person, electrified, eager to shock to the death. Looming above the fence were eight high-standing towers with armed guards with submachine guns who looked down upon the people as though they could be, should be shot for amusement's sake. They were at one with the enemy across the Pacific Ocean, many decided. They had to be. They were traitors. They were spies. How else can we separate the good ones from the bad ones? How else can we know the loyal ones from the conspirators? We must round them up like cattle and pen them here where they're safe from us and us from them.

Looming above the barracks, higher than the gates, beyond the guard towers, were the mountains. Always the mountains. They encompassed everything within their distance-one vast, jagged, granite wall stretching toward the heavens from the deepest valley in the Americas, cascading Vs flecked with icy snow, unmistakable even through the wintry clouds. The mountains were everything everywhere. If the gates, the guard towers, and the armed military police weren't enough to remind you that you were a prisoner here, the mountains shouted your helplessness. You are here, the mountains said, and we will trap you here forever.

I remember when the bus stopped near the guard station, a lonely shack at the edge of the camp, one window on either side, misshapen rocks slapped together with mortar, a pagoda-style roof. The guards spoke to the bus driver and barked directions as though the people inside were orange-clad prisoners linked by irons, but they were only families-fathers, mothers, children, grandparents. I remember the anxiety in those inside the gate, their quick-scanning eyes wide as they drew as close to the barbed-wire fence as they dared, searching those on the other side for missing family or friends. I remember the fear in those outside as they stepped off the bus and shivered in the bitter desert cold. Their clenched hands grabbed hold of family members and they stared without seeing the nighttime landscape of brush and tumbleweed that promised blinding dust storms, the horizon flat until the mountains. Always the mountains. The bewildered people outside clutched their bundles of luggage, all that was left of their former lives. The people from the buses were herded inside, shouted at, tagged and numbered. Already they were losing themselves. When the gate slammed and locked behind them they looked toward the outside as though they would never be free again.

So, yes, I have been here before. I have walked this arid wilderness. I have heard the sand blow a maddened howl in the night. I have seen the white-glow moonlight reflect the saw-toothed horizon. Through it all, the mountains have remained the same. After all, what is seventy years to a mountain range that has watched millennia pass away? Now, the gates are taller since they guess we can jump anything less. Now, the gates have silver coating, the barbs deemed no longer necessary since they guess the barbs cannot pierce our preternatural skin. Now, the military police carry guns with silver bullets, which we secretly laugh at. Now, I am the one who has been carted away, considered too unpredictable to be out among polite society. Yet the barracks, the mess halls, the natural barrier of the mountains between us and everyone else in the world…so much of it is the same. There are nights when I cannot make the distinction between then, when I was here from compassion, and now, when I am the one encaged. But do not worry for me, my love. Now, with this silver-coated gate and these imposing mountains between us, I am reminded all too strongly how I cannot be without you. Soon, Sarah. I will hold you in my arms soon. Be patient this little longer, my love, and I will return to you. I will.

Her Loving Husband's Curse

Book Two

The Loving Husband Trilogy

Meredith Allard

How far will you go to protect the one you love?

Finally, after many long and lonely years, James Wentworth's life is falling into place. Together with his wife, Sarah, the only woman he has ever loved, he has found the meaning behind her nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and now they are rebuilding the life they began together so long ago.

But the past is never far behind for the Wentworths. While Sarah is haunted by new visions, now about the baby she carried over three hundred years before, James is confronted with painful memories from his time with the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Through it all, the persistent reporter Kenneth Hempel reappears, still determined to prove that the undead walk the earth. If Hempel succeeds in his quest, James and Sarah will suffer. Will the curse of the vampire prevent James and Sarah from living their happily ever after?

Her Dear and Loving Husband

The Loving Husband Trilogy

By Meredith Allard

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties with anyone. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on.

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. Soon James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Part historical fiction, part romance, part paranormal fantasy, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies.

About the Author

Meredith Allard is the author of The Loving Husband Trilogy, Victory Garden, Woman of Stones, and My Brother's Battle. She is the executive editor of Meredith Allard is the author of The Loving Husband Trilogy, Victory Garden, Woman of Stones, and My Brother's Battle. She is the executive editor of The Copperfield Review, an award-winning literary journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada., an award-winning literary journal for readers and writers of historical fiction. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon-Her Dear & Loving Husband | Amazon-Her Loving Husband's Curse | Smashwords | BN-Her Dear & Loving Husband | BN-Her Loving Husband's Curse | The Copperfield Review

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Release Day Blitz: Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge By Eve Carter

I would like to welcome Eve Carter to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Eve. Please be sure and check out Eve's novel Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge. I am happy to be a part of the Release Day of Eve Carter's novel Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge.

Title: Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge

Author: Eve Carter

Publisher: Carter Publishing House (Self-Published)

Genre: Erotic Romance

Format: Ebook

Length: approx. 130 pages

Release Date: March 15th 2013

PURCHASE

Deceived Part 1 - New York

Amazon

PURCHASE

Deceived Part 2 - Paris

Amazon

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Deceived Part 3 Chloe's Revenge

The steamy Deceived romance trilogy by Eve Carter, in the bestselling tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James and The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller.

When Chloe Swanson, an innocent mid-western college graduate, lands her dream job in New York City, she doesn't realize what kind of a ride she's in for. It doesn't take long before her boss, the charming and sharp businessman Patrick Collins, deceives her into being part of his plan to land the biggest account of his life.

However, he never expected that he would fall for her. Suddenly, he finds himself trapped between a ruthless billionaire client, who has her own eyes set on Patrick, and his deep affection for the beautiful Chloe.

What follows is a sensual and passionate journey of self-discovery, as Chloe faces the harsh reality of jealousy, love and money in the big city.

Stimulating, amusing and highly arousing, Deceived is a romance that will excite and titillate your senses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eve Carter is a true romantic at heart and with a modern contemporary erotic twist to her romance novels, you had better fasten your seat belt, as the ride is always fun, exciting and fiery.

Living in Southern California, but a mid-westerner at origin, Eve finds plenty of inspiration for her books in her own exciting life. Eve has always loved the arts and as a young girl, she took dance classes and spent the summers reading books from the local library. Fascinated with the written word and its power to guide the imagination, Eve started writing short stories and later took Creative Writing classes in college. Eve graduated from The University of Iowa with a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Higher Education. She also has a Teaching Credential from Chapman University in Southern California.

ONLINE LINKS

Website/Blog

Author Facebook

Series Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Author Promotions relea

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Promo Blitz: After the Ending Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue

After the Ending

Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue

Sci-Fi / Dystopian

Date Published: 2/22/13

Add to Goodreads

The Virus spread. Billions died. The Ending began. We may have survived the apocalypse, but the Virus changed us.
When people started getting sick, "they" thought it was just the flu. My roommate, my boyfriend, my family…they're all gone now. I got sick too. I should have died with them-with the rest of the world-but I didn't. I thought witnessing the human population almost disappear off the face of the earth was the craziest thing I'd ever experience. I was so wrong. My name is Dani O'Connor, I'm twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.
The Virus changed everything. The world I knew is gone, and life is backwards. We've all had to start over. I've been stripped of my home, my dreams…all that is me. I'm someone else now- broken and changed. Other survivors' memories and emotions haunt me. They invade my mind until I can no longer separate them from my own. I won't let them consume me. I can't. My name is Zoe Cartwright, I'm twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.
We've been inseparable for most of our lives, and now our friendship is all we have left. The aftermath of the Virus has stranded us on opposite sides of the United States. Trusting strangers, making sacrifices, killing-we'll do anything to reach one another. Fear and pain may be unavoidable, but we're strong…we're survivors. But to continue surviving in this unfamiliar world plagued by Crazies and strange new abilities, we have to adapt. We have to evolve.

EXCERPT

Looking around apprehensively, I made my way toward the convenience store in hopes of finding a bathroom. The vacant world around me was eerily silent. All I could hear was the creaking of a giant wooden billboard being assaulted by the wind. How long has it been since anyone was here? Through the dark windows I saw a bathroom sign that looked promising, but I couldn't bring myself to enter. I wonder if it's safe…

As I stood outside of the store, I noticed a newspaper box still filled with papers. I leaned closer. The headline read, BILLIONS DEAD, and the paper was dated December 9, right before everything had started to shut down. I inserted a quarter and snatched out a paper. Scanning its contents, my mouth grew dry and my body stiffened.

…the H1N1/12 pandemic…

…looting and riotous outbreaks everywhere…

…end of civilization as we know it…

…survivors losing their minds…

…governments can't control…

…the Apocalypse…

The newspaper slipped from between my fingers. Frozen in place, I was suffocated by the reality of our situation.

This isn't going away.

The world ended. Thinking of the strange feelings I'd been experiencing, I once again questioned my own sanity. My thoughts were too loud to silence. My heart thudded, and I couldn't swallow the lump in my throat. Looking out into the abandoned world around me, I realized how alone we really were. I bent down to reclaim the paper and turned on my heels to head back toward the truck, completely awestruck as the words I'd read replayed in my mind. Each was a reminder that the only world I'd ever known had ended.

Author Bio:

Lindsey Fairleigh lives her life with one foot in a book-as long as that book transports her to a magical world or bends the rules of science. Her novels, from post-apocalyptic to time travel and historical fantasy, always offer up a hearty dose of unreality, along with plenty of adventure and romance. When she's not working on her next novel, Lindsey spends her time reading and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. She lives in the Napa Valley with her loving husband and confused cats.
Lindsey Pogue has always been a little creative. As a child she established a bug hospital on her elementary school soccer field, compiled books of collages as a teenager, and as an adult, expresses herself through writing. Her novels are inspired by her observations of the world around her-whether she's traveling, people watching, or hiking. When not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, Lindsey's wrapped in blankets watching her favorite action flicks or going on road trips with her own leading man.

Website | Facebook

Buy Links

Kindle book on Amazon *Kindle Version will be FREE 3/15 - 3/17*

Barnes and Noble

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Blog Tour: The Zombie Story By M.M. Shelley

The Zombie Story
By M.M. Shelley

The Zombie Story is the first novella
in a young adult series.

Unfolding on the streets of Los Angeles is a
new breed of monster...

Orlando, fresh from the mid west, arrives
at his new high school on his Harley Davidson.

All he wants is to make it through the day,
and begin his training as a Zombie Hunter.

But someone has different plans for him.

Currently free for your Kindle

Dead Relatives
Book 2

After discovering what was hidden in Mexico
and having to sneak back across the
border Orlando returns to Los Angeles, but is
unable to return to his home.

Instead of hunting Zombies he is now hunted.

Betrayed by those he thought he could trust,
Orlando must keep the truth of what he knows
to himself.

That is until dead relatives return with dire warnings.

Guest Blog

Hi Everyone! I'm M.M. Shelley and I'd like to give a BIG thanks to Nancy for having me on her blog today so that I can share my novella:

The Zombie Story

My story is about Magick and Zombies, a little different take on the Zombie genre and follows the adventures of Orlando as he arrives in a new city.

Elodie Juarez is a free spirit, she does what she wants without worrying about how it might look to others; yet she is all heart. She is Ruben's younger sister. Their parents died, leaving them orphans and alone.

Elodie is well aware of the sacrifices her brother has made in order to keep them together. Although she has made her own sacrifices; she internalizes everything in order to keep things from her brother. She is a genius with numbers and knows how to handle herself with a computer.

She has the habit of following her brother when she wants to know what he is really up to and it's how she learns that Ruben has become involved with underground fighting in order to make money. She has done her part selling essays online and assisting the occasional customer in need of her computer expertise for a little extra cash.

She sees Orlando as a kindred spirit and takes it upon herself to help him with what she can while simultaneously keeping the peace between Orlando and Ruben who are always challenging each other.

Elodie is considered a misfit at school, but that doesn't bother her. She knows that without her help and skills many of her classmates would meet a tragic death at the hands of those who are using outcast and lost souls for experiments which in turn are creating zombies and other creatures of the night.

Thanks again for hosting this stop on my tour! You can find me over at my blog; mmshelley.blogspot.com or on twitter @MM_Shelley

Review

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

I love reading books that are about zombies. So when I read the title of the book, The Zombie Story I was like fantastic a zombie book, oh yeah! I knew it would be a great read, no doubt about it. Then I read the summary and it said Orlando was a zombie hunter. I thought zombie hunter, ummm wonder what this entails? I couldn't wait to find out. And you know what? I was not disappointed. Why? Because I loved it with the new and exciting twist on the zombies. It is not the end of the world. The world is still there and I know Orlando hopes it stays that way.

Orlando has just moved to Los Angeles from out west. Now Orlando is not thrilled about having to move but what choice did he have in the matter. When his parents said we're moving, well that was it they were moving weather he liked it or not.

On Orlando first day in his new home alone he sees a man kill another man. He just shot him in cold blood as far as Orlando knew. Shoots him right out in the middle of the street in broad open daylight as they say. But the thing is Orlando is the only one who saw or heard it. What is going on here? Why did the man kill him? Why did no one besides Orlando see a man commit murder? Or was it murder?

Later that night his grandfather introduces him to a man by the name of Maxwell, a friend of his grandfathers who is a zombie hunter. His grandfather informs him that now he is a zombie hunter and will be starting his training real soon.

Orlando lives in a world where most of the people have magick abilities. Everyone is tested to find out what level their abilities are on. What level or how powerful their magick is determines which high school they will attend. What level is Orlando's magick on? Will he score high on the test? Or not?

Do you like reading a good zombie story with a little magick thrown in then I believe that you would love The Zombie Story. Why don't you head on over to Amazon right now and pick up your own copy? Hey it is currently free for your Kindle.

About the Author:

M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration. Visit M.M. Shelley: www.mmshelley.com

Online Links

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Blog Tour: Taming of a Sex God By Virginia Nelson (Review + Giveaway)

Title: Taming of a Sex God

Series: Aphrodite's Island #1

Author: Virginia Nelson

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance

Format: Ebook

Length: 19 pages

PURCHASE

Taming of a Sex God

Amazon

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Taming of a Sex God

Being a sex god isn't easy...

Yes has been a sex god for centuries. No one wrote stories or songs about him but they sure do remember to call out his name at the peak of pleasure. Satisfying the world by fulfilling their carnal needs, he is no stranger to Aphrodite's Island. When his sister, troublemaker that she is, calls him home for what she deems a 'special' job, he shudders to think what she could want.

Being frigid is worse...

Katie can't get off. She's determined it's physically impossible. She's tried everything--toys, men, women, flogging. It's just not happening. Finding an ad for a tropical island promising 'ultimate fantasy experiences' she figures it's worth a shot. It's not going to work, but it's worth a shot.

Passion beyond her wildest dreams...

Who knew the one man who can trip her trigger would refuse to touch her? The more he backs off, the more he tempts her. Katie is fascinated by the man Miss A has sharing her hotel room but, although he seems attracted, he won't do the deed.

Can Katie manage Taming a Sex God?

MY REVIEW

Taming of a Sex God

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Katie a woman in her late 20's who thinks she is frigid. You see she can't get off while having sex. She has tried everything but still no dice. Maybe she just hasn't met the right person. Her best friend and roommate Becca has booked them a vacation on an island that promises that your wildest fantasy will come true. Has Katie given up? Will she ever get off?

Katie is not over thrilled about going on this vacation. She has accepted her faith. She is frigid and that is all there is to it. She can't change that fact and neither can anyone else so she thinks. Is Katie frigid? Or has she not met the right person?

When they arrive on this island Miss A puts Katie in a room with her brother a sex god. This sex god says he will have Katie crying out before the weekend is over. Katie is like Yeah right. Until he grabs her and throws her into the pool and she starts heating up from his touch. Then she starts wondering "what if it was just the fact that she had not met the right person". Can Katie tame a sex god?

Taming of a Sex God is a short story that reads like a novella. It flows along and before you realize it you are at the end of the book. Yeah I know the book is short but what I'm trying to say is that if the story is not good it doesn't matter how short it is it will not flow along. And you're like am I ever going to finish it just drags on out. But not Taming of a Sex God it is a fast read simply because you get wound up in the story itself and you forget about everything that is going on around you.

About the Author

Virginia Nelson spends her days chasing three very active kids around. When she is not doing this, or plotting taking over the world, she likes to write, play in the mud, drive far too fast and scream at inanimate objects. She can often be found listening to music that is far too loud and typing her next fantastic tale of blood, sex and random acts of ineptitude. Romance, in Ms. Nelson's opinion, is not about riding off into the sunset on the back of a horse with the knight in shining armor- it is about riding the dragon. If the knight can keep up… well, that is love.

ONLINE LINKS


Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook





GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is tour wide for an eBook copy of Taming of a Sex God (Aphrodite's Island #1) by Virginia Nelson and ends on 03/20/2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Author Promotions

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Promo Blitz: Russian Dolls By Cristelle Comby

Russian Dolls

By Cristelle Comby

New Adult - Mystery&Detective

Date Published:3/13/2013

Alexandra Neve is a student at University College London whose world suddenly falls apart. When her best friend jumps from the university's rooftop, she can't stop herself from asking, 'Why?' The police rule her friend's death a suicide and for them the case is closed - so whom can she turn to for help?
Sometimes the person you need the most is the one you least expect to find, and in this case it's none other than Ashford Egan, a blind middle-aged history professor, who's more willing than most to listen to what she has to say. 
Neve and Egan are as different as they come. She's restless, careless at times, and fearless when the need arises, while he's almost the complete opposite: a deep thinker with an analytical mind, a highly rational and collected individual.
As they enter the violent world of the Russian mafia, they must overcome their differences and learn to work together. It's their only chance if they want to survive.

EXCERPT

I don't find much more information on Anthony Anderson and eventually stop researching for lack of interesting leads. I spend Monday morning tailing him, instead. I leave the flat at the crack of dawn in my mother's old blue Fiat Punto and drive all the way up to the Andersons', my camera on the passenger seat.

I park a little farther up the road, turn off the engine and check the camera. Mr Anderson's dark Mercedes passes me, at six thirty. I snap two pictures, before turning on the ignition and following him at a reasonable distance.

He goes straight to work and disappears in an underground car park that requires an ID card.

I open the car door and move to the boot. I reach down for one of my short winter duffle jackets and a black cap. I shrug both on and then grab a small parcel, before closing the boot and walking to the Credit Suisse building.

I force myself to walk in as casually as I can, and approach the reception with a look I hope is confident.

'Morning,' I say to the young man at the desk. 'Urgent delivery for Anthony Anderson.'

The young lad narrows his eyes on the parcel and then looks me up and down. I square my jaw. Time to see whether my plan's going to work.

I pinned a badge on my chest. I made it up on my laptop, with a fake logistic company name and logo, and my name and picture. The cap on my head bears the same logo. It's actually one of my old white caps that I craftily hand-painted last night.

'Sure,' the man says with an easy smile. 'Leave it here; I'll see that it's delivered with the morning mail.'

'Sorry, but it's hand delivery only.' I shrug apologetically.

'Fine.' The man motions to one of the men minding the elevator. 'He'll escort you.'

That's not what I had planned. I smile nonetheless and follow the bulky man through the lobby.

The elevator doors close after us and I stand immobile in a corner. Porca vacca, Lexa! Why didn't you think it through? I've been too hasty again. How could I think that they would just let me wander the hallways on my own? My cover will be blown if Anderson catches sight of me, and there I am, being escorted straight to him. Way to go, Lexa!

My escort takes me to an office and we stop in front of a secretary.

'Parcel for Mr Anderson,' I tell her, fighting hard to prevent my voice from quivering.

He has to be here, just behind the large wooden doors that bear his name. She's going to call him and he'll come right out and see me and then it'll be goodnight Vienna!

Cristelle Comby

Author Bio:

Cristelle Comby was born and raised in the French-speaking area of Switzerland, somewhere between Geneva and Lausanne, where she still resides.Thanks to her insatiable thirst for American and British action films and television dramas, her English is fluent.She attributes to her origins her ever-peaceful nature and her undying love for chocolate. She has a passion for art, which also includes an interest in drawing and acting.Russian Dolls is her first new-adult novel, and she's hard at work on the next titles in the series.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

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Blog Tour: Seduced by Pain By Kimberly Kinrade (Review)

I would like to welcome Kimberly Kinrade to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Kimberly. Please be sure and check out Kimberly's novel Seduced by Pain book #2 in the Seduced Saga. Please check out my review of Seduced by Pain.

Title: Seduced by Pain

Series: Seduced #2

Author: Kimberly Kinrade

Published: February 14th 2013

Publisher: Daring Books

Format: Kindle Edition

Pages: 166

BUY NOW LINK

Seduced by Pain

Amazon

BLURB

Seduced by Pain

Their passion will destroy them.
Only true love can save them.

"Hope is a fragile thing, yet strangely enduring. It hides in the crevices of pain, burrowing deep until unseen, for fear that sorrow, in its rage, will devour hope's desperate hold on the heart.

It can live there for years, silent and waiting. Or, it can be slaughtered with a word-- mankind's most powerful weapon.

They say that universes are created with words.

And with words, they are destroyed.

Just as mine has been."

***

In the sequel to Seduced by Innocence, Derek and Rose face even greater threats to their love as Derek fights to protect the core of his family's power while Rose struggles to control her own dark gift.

***

Recommended for 17+ due to explicit sexual content. This is a new adult paranormal romance with erotic content and includes shifters, demons and witches.

**Rose's story is a trilogy, not stand alone books. The first two books have cliffhanger endings. Her complete story in one book will be available as "Seduced" when the author finishes writing all three books and they are out. If you do not like cliffhanger endings, please consider waiting to purchase until Seduced the omnibus edition is out.**

Submit to the Seduced Saga as Derek and Rose face their future while unraveling the mysteries of their past.

Look for these books in the Seduced Saga coming 2013.

Seduced by Innocence (Rose's Story, Book 1)
Seduced by Pain (Rose's Story, Book 2)
March 2013- Seduced by Power (Rose's Story, Book 3)

TBA - Seduced by the Sea (Ocean's Story)
TBA- Seduced by Love (A Surprise!)

MY REVIEW

Seduced by Pain

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

In the second book Seduced by Pain of the Seduced Saga Derek has found out who Rose is and what she did to his brother Dean. Rose has to deal with the fact of what she can do with her dark powers and learn how to control them. She is determined to use her magic for good and not evil. Rose keeps calling Derek over and over but Derek won't talk to her. He feels guilty for loving her when his brother is in a coma that she put him in. Will Derek find it his heart to forgive Rose? Can she stop her mother from doing more evil before anyone else gets hurt?

Rose has learned that her mother is planning on using her as a sacrifice to help her gain more power. She has also found out that her mother has been hiding things from her. Things like who her real father is and what he is. Who is her father? What is her father? She now knows that Derek's family was not the ones who was attacking them and trying to kill her family.

Rose's heart is breaking because of what she did to Derek's brother and has realized that her mother manipulated her into using her magic against Dean. Her heart is also breaking into tiny little pieces because she thinks she has lost Derek. She thinks he will hate her because of who she is and what she did.

What Rose doesn't know and has no way of knowing is that Derek has a fantastic family with great big hearts. The O'Conner's don't blame her for what happen they know her heart is not like that. She is not evil like her mother. Besides they know her mother and what she is capable of doing. They are not the kind of people to judge anyone. They know that everyone is their own person and just because one person in the family may be bad does not make the other members bad too.

You know I think I liked Seduced by Pain more than the first book Seduced by Innocence. There were more magic and dark creatures. Once I started reading it I did not want to stop. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was beside myself wanting to know what was going to happen to Rose and Derek next. I really loved both books and am just dying to read the next book in the Seduced Saga Seduced by Power due to be released this month, March 2013.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly Kinrade was born with ink in her veins and magic in her heart. She writes fantasy and paranormal stories for all ages and still believes in magic worlds. Check out her YA paranormal series The Forbidden Trilogy, her lower grade fantasy series The Three Lost Kids, and watch for her New Adult romance and fantasy books coming in 2013 including The Seduced Saga, Sunrise and Nightfall, Death by Destiny and The Fallen Trilogy and her next YA fantasy adventure, The Reluctant Familiar. You can find her books on Amazon, B&N and Goodreads among other fine retailers.

When she's not writing, she runs Daring Books Design & Marketing with her husband, Dmytry Karpov, where they help authors with all manner of marketing, editing, and design needs until such a time that their brilliant children take over the business for them.

She lives with her three little girls who think they're ninja princesses with super powers, her two cats who think they're gods (and probably are), her two dogs who think they're humans and her husband, also known as the sexy Russian Prince, who is the love of her life and writing partner.

ONLINE LINKS

Website

Twitter @KimberlyKinrade

Facebook

Amazon

Goodreads

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Promo Blitz: Cheers By Vallory Vance

I would like to welcome Vallory Vance to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Vallory. Please be sure and check out Vallory's novel Cheers. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for an Amazon Gift Card of $15.00, $10.00, or $5.00 PLUS each will include an eBook of Cheers.

Title: Cheers

Series: The Rose Gold Collection

Author: Vallory Vance

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sensual Romance, Interracial Romance

Publisher: Self- Published

Format: Ebook

Length: 7500 words

PURCHASE

Cheers

Amazon

Smashwords

B&N

ARe

Sony

KoBo

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Cheers

As a successful Sales and Catering Manager for the poshHayden Court Hotel located in New Orleans' famed French Quarter, Darcey St. Claire is absolutely thrilled to be working on New Year's Eve. The commission and bonus, she'll receive from the two day Guidry Construction event will not only fund her spring trip to New York City, but buy a cute pair of shoes for the plane ride!

Her enthusiasm quickly turns to barely disguised irritation when Vincent Guidry arrives hours early for his scheduled check-in demanding access to his suite. After he slashes the budget for the event, not even the crystal blue eyes of the former quarterback can quell the anger surging in her chest. That is until he walks into the Chat Noir where she is trying to regroup after her irksome day.

In the private enclave known as the Cristal Room, Vincent willingly lights up Darcey's New Year's Eve and just may have lost his heart in the process.

A sexy, short story introducing the characters of the upcoming Rose Gold Collection.

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is tour wide for an Amazon Gift Card of $15.00, $10.00, or $5.00 PLUS each will include an eBook of Cheers and ends 03/18/2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE LINK

This tour was put together by FMB Blog Tours

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Blog Tour: Redemption By Erica Hayes (Review + Giveaway)

I would like to welcome Erica Hayes to The Avid Reader today. Thanks for stopping by Erica. Please be sure and check out Erica's novel Redemption book #2 in The Seven Signs Series. Check out my review of Redemption and my guest post with Erica. Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Kindle Fire (US only). You will recieve an Amazon Gift Card same value as a Kindke Fire if you live outside the US.

Title: Redemption

Series: The Seven Signs, Book 2

Author: Erica Hayes

Genre: paranormal romance, urban fantasy romance

ISBN: 978-0425258385

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

Number of pages: 330

Word Count: 100K

Cover Artist: Kris Keller

PURCHASE

Redemption

Amazon

Book Depository

BN

PURCHASE

Revelation

Amazon

BN

iTunes

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Redemption

Japheth the Tainted is on the hunt for a mysterious demon vampire. But meeting her face-to-face might disarm his warrior spirit-and spark an unquenchable passion with apocalyptic consequences.

As a fallen angel, Japheth is determined to make his way back to heaven by staying pure and slaying hellspawn. With a new scourge of vampires unleashed by a blood-drinking demon, the Prince of Thirst, there's plenty to be done. But Japheth is after one vampire in particular-the one they call the Angel Slayer.

Rose Harley never wanted to be a vampire, but the Prince of Thirst can turn even the kindest soul into a soldier of hell. Feeling abandoned by God, she stalks the West Village taking revenge on his angels-until she meets her match.

When Japheth and Rose encounter each other, the battle is fierce and charged with desire. But when they discover a common enemy-the Prince of Thirst himself-they form a dangerous alliance that could either cost them their eternal lives, or spark a love more powerful than heaven or hell.

EXCERPT

Redemption

That female still huddled against the wall. He could smell her terror, bitter and sharp like lemon. It bristled his feathers. What was she thinking, hanging around the West Village at night? Everyone knew the vampire coven ruled these streets. And now she was doomed . . .

But his fingers clenched, unwilling to strike. So delicate and innocent. Damnation was a b- well, it was unfair, when it wasn't your fault. When you caught it like a disease. Unlike the Chosen-who'd all submitted gleefully to the demon prince's tricks, how else did you swallow a demon's blood from the source?-she likely didn't deserve the place she was going.

But he didn't know for sure she was infected. And he couldn't just leave her here, covered in blood like shark bait. "I'll take you home," he offered coldly. "It isn't safe here."

She just sobbed, hiding her face.

He crouched, impatient, wings flaring aglow. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you . . ."

The woman looked up, and Japheth's voice died, strangled by the sudden hitch in his throat. Heaven's sweet grace, she was lovely.

He swallowed, painful. Hot dark eyes, bottomless, framed in long curling lashes. Exquisite heart-shaped face, bruised with bloody tears. A pretty dark freckle graced her left cheek. And that mouth . . . he'd be haunted tonight by visions of those full, cherry-ripe lips. He wanted to taste them, drink the soft honeyed heat of her kiss . . .

He coughed. Yeah, well, he wanted a lot of things. Wanting and doing weren't the same. Like he'd remember how to kiss a woman in the first place.

But his skin tingled, hot and glittery, and blood rushed to all the awkward places. He shifted, aching. Lord, he was flushing. She'd see what he was thinking, laugh at him for it. "Umm . . . are you okay? You've got blood . . ."

"Yeah." Low voice, a husky promise of pleasure. She wiped her face, and laughed shakily. "They attacked me, but I ran away . . . God, I'm so embarrassed. I don't usually lose my cool like this. You must think I'm such a flake." She licked her bloody bottom lip, and turned her haunting gaze up to him.

Japheth stared, transfixed. The tip of her soft pink tongue was the most hypnotic thing he'd ever laid eyes on. Hell, no. Don't go there . . . but too late. He'd already imagined her warm dark flavor, the softness inside her mouth, that naughty tongue teasing his. Those swelling cherry lips, sliding over his cock, drowning him in her sweet heat . . .

He clenched shaking fists, willing this ugly desire to fade. He didn't know her. She was wounded, bleeding, frightened. Thinking about . . . those things with her was very uncool. Heaven, forgive me . . .

She inhaled, and the tiny catch in her breath quivered his feathers stiff.

And for the first time in centuries, his ice-walled resolve melted.

In a flash-how did it happen?-he was on his knees. The wall at her back grazed his palms. Her breasts swelled against his metal-clad chest. She gasped, rich with excitement, and hot blood pounded in his head and he wrapped his fingers in that sinful dark hair and gave himself up to her kiss.

Oh, Lord. She tasted of flames and blood, so good he groaned. For one precious, shocking moment, her lips molded to his, delicious, alive . . .

And then his mouth caught fire.

Pain flashed, accusing. Burnt skin soured his tongue. Her hair sizzled his fingers with telltale wrath. And a hot demon-spelled blade pressed sweet agony against the thudding pulse in his throat.

Vampire!

Ash rained like snow, the broken remnants of demon magic. Too late, hellcurse's foul stink sickened him. He'd been holding his breath, he realized distantly. Hadn't smelled it. Too fixated on sinful pleasures to see the evil glimmer in her eyes. But now, her scent was unmistakable.

No accidental vampire, this scheming seductress. She was Chosen. Hell's whore. The demon's willing slave.

She laughed, and her sharp fangs crunched out. "Bleeding Christ. You're all so stupid."

Japheth's mind stumbled, dizzy. His heart still pounded, his blood still screaming with toxic need. Should've known his irrational lust for her wasn't real. She'd spelled him with her evil magic, and he'd fallen for it spectacularly.

But that didn't change the ugly truth. The beautiful bitch was hellspawn. And he'd kissed her.

GUEST BLOG

About the

Hot Supernatural Dudes

Hello, and thanks for having me on The Avid Reader today!

Glad you could drop by.

Paranormal romance is all about the hero, right? We all love a cool heroine, but for me, the hero is the one who makes or breaks the book. Doesn't matter what kind of hot supernatural dude he is. I love all sorts! Except werewolves. For some reason, I can't get into werewolves. Maybe I just haven't met the right were…

As an author, I like to mix it up a little. I've done sexy fae heroes, soul-stealing incubi, and guys who turn into snakes-yes, I have a snake-shifter romance, and it's totally hot! I even have a dark ironfairy hero who may or may not be a serial killer… That's the beauty of paranormal. You can break the rules.

But the heroes in my Seven Signs series are fierce fallen angel warriors. A gang called the Tainted Host, who roam the earth doing heaven's dirty jobs. So when a posse of insane demons try to hijack the signs of the Apocalypse and create hell on earth, these guys are first on the scene.

Let me introduce a few:

Luniel is the hero of book 1, REVELATION. Hot-blooded, impulsive, fascinated by new experiences, Luniel used to immerse himself in the human world with relish. But when long ago he loved a human woman, his demon enemies seduced her and stole her soul, taunting him for failing to protect her. Shunned by heaven for the sin of lust, Lune is determined never to let his heart be his weakness again.

Nickname: Lune

Appearance: sky-blue eyes, velvety black feathers. Smolder. And don't let his massive size fool you: this guy can move.

Weapon of choice: two-handed sword.

Favorite magic spell: compulsion. He lures his enemies to their deaths. Hey, at least they go to hell happy.

Favorite drink: single malt scotch. It takes a lot to get an angel drunk. When he's having a bad day? Challenge accepted.

Strength: compassion and honesty. With Lune, you always know where you stand. If he decides he wants you? You'll totally see him coming. Ahem.

Weakness: damsels in distress.

Saying: Screw obedience, it ain't over till it's over

Favorite swear words: Jesus Christ on a jelly sandwich.

Heroine: Dr. Morgan Sterling, a forensic pathologist. She doesn't believe in angels. He'll soon fix that.

The hero of book 2, REDEMPTION, is Japheth. Beautiful and incorruptible, a powerful warrior for justice, Japheth was once heaven's golden child. Now shunned for some mysterious sin, he's determined to redeem himself in heaven's eyes, and avoids temptation or earthly pleasures lest he fall again. He's sworn to do anything for redemption, and he's got an iron will and nothing to lose, so don't get in his way.

Nickname: Jae, or JJ.

Appearance: Fiery golden feathers, eyes greener than envy. Japheth is the frosty ice prince of disdain. He so doesn't look it.

Weapon of choice: a light sword, plus a left-hand dagger. He refuses to cheat, because that's a sin. Don't think that'll stop him swapping hands on you.

Favorite magic spell: immolation. He likes burning stuff. It's fun.

Favorite drink: tonic on ice, no lime. Spike his drink at your peril.

Strength: determination, and a will of steel. He's resisted all temptation for a thousand years. Don't think you'll easily get under his skin.

Weakness: self-doubt. Why did heaven really cast him out, huh? Could it be because he's not worth saving?

Saying: Better safe than screwed.

Favorite swear words: Japheth doesn't curse. It's a sin, don't you know?

Heroine: Rose Harley, a vampire angel-slayer sent to lure his soul to hell. They meet. They kiss. They try to kill each other.

Anyhow. I hope you enjoy the Seven Signs series! And thanks for hosting me on the blog today.

Hey, I have so enjoyed having you on The Avid Reader. Thanks for dropping by and you are welcome here anytime.

P.S. That snake-shifter book? It's called POISON KISSED. You know you want to.

So tell me: what's your favorite kind of hot supernatural hero? Good old-fashioned vamps and weres? Angels and demons? Or do you like something a bit different?

I would have to say my favorite supernatural dude/dudette's are good old-fashioned vamps and witches.

MY REVIEW

Redemption

The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.

Japheth is a tainted angel who was casted out of heaven to watch over and protect the humans and to slay the demons. Ever since he was cast out of heaven Japheth has been doing whatever it takes to earn his way back into heaven again. He has tried to follow all the rules and go on all of his assigned mission to find and kill demons.

The archangel Michael has made Japheth a deal he can't refuse. Michael sends him after a vampire that has been slaying angels. They call this vampire the Angel Slayer. Japheth goes out hunting this vampire-angel slayer and who does he meet? Rose Harley the vampire-angel slayer herself. Japheth does not expect the angel slayer to be this very beautiful woman whom he is attracted to instantly.

Japheth and Rose discover that they both have one enemy in common. A demon who is known as the Prince of Thirst. A blood drinking vampire the one and same vampire that turned Rose. They each want this one demon for their own personal reasons. So they decided to team up together and go after this demon for their own revenge and to save all the humans from him. If they can find this demon and kill him maybe they can stop the apocalypses.

What I really liked about Redemption is that the angels were not perfect as we are taught perfect is. What I mean by being perfect is being like Jesus. Not saying bad words and not killing people or hurting people. An angel can be bad or have evil in their heart just like most demons. And demons can have a good heart never wanting to hurt anyone but yet they are still a demon.

Redemption is telling us that God knows what is in the angels and the demons hearts. God or heaven only cares about what kind of person you are or what is in your heart. As the saying goes action speaks louder than words. Words doesn't mean anything only what we put on them and the way we use them.

Would I recommend Redemption? Yes I would but I do suggest that you read revelation book #1 in the series before you read Redemption. Well you could read Redemption first and still know what is going on. Erica gives you enough info in Redemption that comes from Revelation so that you can understand what is happening. But if you want to know who and what the other characters are all about and their rolls in the story then reading Revelation before Redemption would be a wise choice.

I can't make my mind up as to which book I liked the best book #1 or book #2. It is a very difficult decision to make. All I can say is I don't know. Please don't make me make that choice. Hey I know how about you guys go get your copy of both books Revelation and Redemption and read them then come back here and let me know what you think. How does that sound? I know Erica would really appreciate you buying both of her books. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Who's story or life will we get to read about next? Will it be Jadzia or maybe it might be Michael's? Or one of the other tainted angels?

About the Author

Erica Hayes was a law student, an air force officer, an editorial assistant and a musician, before finally landing her dream job: fantasy and romance writer.

She writes dark paranormal and urban fantasy romance, and her books feature tough, smart heroines and colourful heroes with dark secrets.

She hails from Australia, where she drifts from city to city, leaving a trail of chaos behind her. Currently, she's terrorizing the wilds of Northumberland.

ONLINE LINKS

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

The giveaway is for a Kindle Fire (US only). If the winner lives outside the US they will recieve an Amazon gift card with an equivalent value of the Kindle Fire.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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