4 STARS | Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens

Title: Moonlight and Oranges
Author: Elise Stephens
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mythology, Retellings
Publisher: Booktrope
Format: PDF
ASIN: B0065U78MC
Published: November 10th, 2011
Source: Sophie Weeks
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★

Lorona Connelly is ready for a change from her carefully planned, bookish life. When sparks fly at a costume party, she embraces a chance for romance with the handsome Kestrin Feather. However, she quickly realizes that even love and destiny may not be enough to overcome the reality of an overprotective mother-in-law and Kestrin's long, tarnished history of relationships.

When Lorona's curiosity leads her to Kestrin's journal, doubt plagues them both with insecurities and threatens the relationship. Can true love overcome the odds, or was their whirlwind romance just a frivolous crush? Author Elise Stephens shares a journey of young love, fate, and wounded trust in the story of Lorona and Kestrin, a couple who must learn to overcome their fears to share a life together.

I loved Moonlight and Oranges! As I was reading I had a feeling that the story was based off of something, and I was right when I read the author's note in the back of the book. Moonlight and Oranges is based off of the story of Cupid and Psyche. I don't know the story of Cupid and Psyche that well, but I do know that the story does involve a meddling mother who tries to keep the lovers apart. And in Moonlight and Oranges, Kestrin's mother is scary in her efforts of keep Kestrin and Lorona apart.

I'm a huge fan of mythology and folklore, so I was really happy that Moonlight and Oranges had Greek mythology and Mexican folklore.

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Elise Stephens received the Eugene Van Buren Prize for Fiction from the University of Washington in 2007, where she also received her degree in Creative Writing. Moonlight and Oranges is her first novel and was a quarter-finalist for the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

She lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband where they both enjoy swing dancing, eating tiramisu, and savoring the flavor of local live theater.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Resisting Velocity by Trinity Evans & Xoe Xanders + Excerpt

Title: Resisting Velocity
Series: High Velocity #1
Author: Trinity Evans, Xoe Xanders
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Music
Elements: Werewolves
Publisher: Elysium Fields, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B009DB2VOU
Published: September 18th, 2012
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★

As frontman of up-and-coming rock band, High Velocity, werewolf Zane Alexander has everything a man could want: Fame, fortune, friendship, and a pack to call home. Well, almost everything. Despite being able to take his pick of pretty much any woman, he wants the one girl he can’t have—the one girl who’s eluded his every advance.

Charlie Banks has always had a thing for Zane, but being the band’s head of security, she knows firsthand just the sort of guy he is. She’s determined not to become just another notch on his bedpost, but if doesn’t stop the want for a mate curling in her gut. It’ll happen, someday—it just won’t be Zane. She’s decided that it’s time to leave High Velocity, to find a nice little home and settle down to live the rest of her life, away from sexy smiles and ripped bodies of rock stars.

But when someone threatens Zane’s life, she’s the only one he wants to protect him. Except, Zane has a hidden agenda. One that involves claiming Charlie as his mate, once and for all.

I don't usually read a lot of books with rock bands or musicians. There has to be something other than the music and band that pulls me in. So when I read that the members of High Velocity were werewolves, I was intrigued. Add in a crazed stalker and the story is golden. I mean, what's a rock band without some crazy fan stalking them? But it quickly turns deadly as gun shots ring out. I also really liked the tug-of-war on the heartstrings between Zane and Charlie. Resisting Velocity definitely kept my heart pounding, in more ways than one.

Breathing in short, sharp breaths, Zane followed her through the winding corridors of the Richter Stadium, past the women’s bathrooms and down a flight of stairs. He held his breath for a moment as he slid through the remaining security crew. His golden eyes zeroed in on the whipcord lean beauty, a few dark curls coiling down from the sensible bun she always wore it in.

She stopped, hesitating right outside the doors. Two more steps and he’d lose her to the nightlife, his identity keeping him from following her any farther. If fans saw him, his life would become a hurricane of screams and groping hands. He wasn’t in the mood to put on his usual charming-playboy air to deal with them and he knew that going furry on their asses would damage his career.

Now or never. As she stepped out, he lurched forward, his pulse pounding furiously at his throat, and he crossed the floor in three strides. His fingers curled around her shoulders, firm and commanding, though he knew she hated it when he pulled the alpha role. She spun and her lips formed a thin line, as if she’d been expecting this. She’d known. You couldn’t really lie to pack and get away with it.

“Charlie.” The one word was all he could say before her eyes pinned him. They were pale as a sheet of blue ice, staring up at him with a gentle ferocity that she’d only ever reserved for him. He had no doubts that she wanted him—he’d smelled it on her in the past, saw the way she looked at him sometimes, as if she was seeing through to his soul—but she was wary. Guarded. The walls around her heart were made of marble and he was left pounding both fists against the cool stone.

“You can’t leave.” His words were a statement. A fact.

“I can and I am,” she replied coolly.

“What about the guys? What about High Velocity? You’re just going to throw it all away?” He was surprised at the intensity behind his words, but he was far from done. “Are we not paying you enough? There’s always ways around that. How much will it take?”

She blew out a harsh expel of air and glanced down at his hand clamped around her arm, but she didn’t bother to pull away. Her winter gaze met his molten gold once more. “I’ve made my decision, Zane. You need to respect it. There comes a time in everyone’s career where they have to make a choice and take a stand. This is it. I’ve put in my notice, I’ve followed protocol. There shouldn’t be a problem.”

A growl slid up his throat, escaping with a rumble. “I don’t give a damn about protocol. You could flash your tits to the crowd if you wanted and we still wouldn’t fire you. I don’t care. You’re part of our group. And, like it or not, you’re part of the pack. My pack.”

“You and I both know that I’ve never really been part of the pack.” Her voice carried a touch of wistfulness. She was right—she’d always been a bit of a loner, keeping herself estranged from the members of Elysium, try as his parents might to welcome her in. But she’d never been distant with Zane and the guys and he wasn’t about to let that happen. Not now.

“You’re staying.”

She lifted a brow. “Since when are you my master?”

“Since you started talking crazy shit about leaving us!” He tamped his anger back down. He never had a temper. What was up with him? He took a deep breath, letting it whistle out his nose as he tried to soften his posture, tried to be less demanding. “We need you. Okay? I respect your decision to quit, but you don’t have to skip town and leave us. Just stay.” Please…

Her smile was tight. She shook her head slowly, like he just didn’t get it, and pulled free of his grasp. “Goodbye, Zane.”

His mind spun, thoughts bouncing off the walls of his head as he tried to scrape ideas together in a last-minute rush. He needed more time. He needed a damn good reason for her to stay, but damn it, he couldn’t think! She turned around, agonizingly slow, and he could see the muscles in her back through the crispness of her suit.

“Charlie. One last night.” His voice was soft, a plea in the undercurrent that he cursed himself for exposing. She stopped and he moved forward until his chest was pressed against her back, one arm wrapping around her waist. He pulled her against him, her body cupping his perfectly, like it was made for him.

She stiffened, but he didn’t let her go. His arm snug around her, he rubbed his chin lightly across the back of her neck, letting the stubble scrape gently against her skin. He murmured in her ear, using the sexiest voice he could muster. His beautiful-girl voice. “Go for a run with me. Tonight. One run.”

He’d figure something out between then and now. He’d get her back.

Trinity Evans

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Trinity Evans is an upbeat, slightly off-color author with a wild imagination and a taste for the eclectic. Born and raised in a small-town Americana, she loves the lighter and fluffier side of life with some paranormal spice thrown in. She definitely enjoys the more comical side of relationships. She adores hearing from fans and you can find her at trinityevans.wordpress.com.


Xoe Xanders

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Xoe Xanders is a quirky small-town punk princess whose ideas range from dark and dangerous to light and fluffy. She enjoys writing in the vein of paranormal, fantasy, and soft sci-fi, all of it with a romantic edge. She believes that love is love—no matter what gender, race, or color—and writes both straight and LBGT romance. Wanna stalk her? You can find her site at xoexanders.wordpress.com.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | The Messenger by Pamela DuMond

Title: The Messenger
Series: Mortal Beloved #1
Author: Pamela DuMond
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Paranormal
Publisher: Pamela DuMond
Format: PDF
ASIN: B007T07YU8
Published: April 10th, 2012
Source: Pamela DuMond
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 5/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Infinity. Life. Death. Rebirth.

Some souls are meant to be together, but pursuing true love can be dangerous and often deadly. When sixteen-year-old Madeline falls in love with Samuel, a boy who lives hundreds of years before she is even born, she will risk her very existence to be with him.

Madeline’s from present day Chicago when she is pushed onto the train tracks, and accidentally time travels to a bloody war between the Natives and the colonists. She falls in love with a Native boy, Samuel. But, she’s living in the body of a colonial girl and their romance is a crime that carries harsh punishments.

Madeline discovers that she is meant to be a Messenger, a traveler who if properly trained, can slip through time's fabric at will. The Medicine Woman mentors her. But Madeline doesn't fit in this world. She’s different from the other colonists. Rumors of witchcraft and spying arise. Deadly Hunters, dark-souled predators as well as skilled time travelers, crave Madeline's powers. Can Madeline find the way back to her future? And will that future include her one true love, Samuel?

There are two things I like about science fiction. One is time travel, the other is aliens (the hot kind of aliens, not the little green men kind). But The Messenger involves time travel. Madeline is taken all the way back to 1675 Rhode Island during the King Philip War. She learns that she is a Messenger, she's trained by a Medicine Woman, and finds love with a Native boy named Samuel. But there are those that are after her and her power.

I find time travel stories to be really awesome because of the time travel, but they can also be really sad and heartbreaking, especially if there are two people from different times falling in love and then being separated when one returns to their time. These dynamics are what make science fiction time travel stories, like The Messenger so great. I also really liked the Native legends in The Messenger.

The Messenger is a gripping tale that I really want more of!

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Pamela DuMond is the writer who discovered, pitched and sold the real-life Erin Brockovich story to Hollywood. Erin Brockovich the movie was nominated for four Academy Awards.

In grade school Pamela was an A student but stuttered and was bullied. Reading became her refuge. She devoured every thriller and mystery she could get her hands on and eventually wrote her own. When she was twenty-two years old she finally started talking. Her brother swears she hasn't shut up since.

Pamela writes comedic sexy Cupcakes mysteries: Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys (An Annie Graceland Mystery) was published by Krill Press in 2010. She published Cupcakes, Sales, and Cocktails – A Novella in 2011 and Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys in 2012.

Pamela also writes YA. The Messenger (Mortal Beloved, Book One) is the first in the series of YA romantic time-travel historical thrillers. She was inspired by The Hunger Games books by Suzanne Collins and Last of the Mohicans the movie.

Pamela is also a chiropractor and cranio-sacral therapist. Besides reading, writing, she loves the beach, yoga, movies, animals, her family and friends. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her furballs and welcomes appropriate questions and feedback from her readers. Feel free to contact her at Pamela.DuMond@gmail.com.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Dead Perfect by P.G. Shriver

Title: Dead Perfect
Author: P.G. Shriver
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy
Elements: Ghosts
Publisher: P.G. Shriver
Format: PDF
ASIN: B0072QNHGY
Published: February 13th, 2012
Source: YA Novel Reader Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 5/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon

MEL

My dreams never included falling in love. Graduating top of the class, going far away to college and starting a life in a place where my alcoholic mother could never find me were the top three goals on my list. Then the unexpected accident with Mother, after her regular doses of vodka, altered all of that. With her gone, my life and my perspective changed forever.

I decided to return to life and school. That's where I noticed him, my Adonis, roaming the halls, searching for someone. Was it me? Love at first sight? Really? Cautiously, I reasoned the feeling suddenly spawned as a rebound to recent loneliness, but reasoning didn't matter. Fantasies of him stole my thoughts. He was the hottest guy I had ever seen!

DAVIS

At the last drag race of the summer, where I would finally earn the title "County Champion" and a $3,000 purse to help pay my way through college, my best friend announces his proposal to Joanie. They were getting married, having a baby, and he was ecstatic about it! I was proud to get through high school, girls hungry to catch me, without losing it to any, just as I had planned. I would have time to date girls later, no reason to hurry! The county race outcome changed all of my plans.

Desperate to find Joanie so I could break free, I returned to my old school. The search led me to her, my Aphrodite, a familiar lost look in her soulful eyes. Fantasies of her forced reasoning from my mind. I had to meet her! But once fallen, could our love survive the truth about the final race and all of my ghostly secrets?

Dead Perfect is a story about love, forgiveness, and the ability to let go of the past and move on to the future. For Mel, Davis, Donna, Joanie, and Franky, this story began with a car accident, though at different points in time. What happens after this terrible event is heartbreak, guilt, anger, love and ultimately, forgiveness.

I was a little confused in the first half of the book, but that quickly changed when the truth was revealed in the second half. Dead Perfect is emotionally charged and the story just pulls you in. I know that when a book makes me feel something so emotionally strong, like Dead Perfect did, that it is a must read. I was left misty-eyed at the end, and that's a little embarrassing when you're in a library computer lab where everyone can see you crying, LOL! But this is such a beautiful story and I'm glad that I chose to pick it up.

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Born in California, and raised in Minnesota and Texas, P.G. spent her early years writing poetry and winning poetry contests, while escaping the drama in her own childhood by reading great books for children. Ever since her earliest days, she loved story telling. She wrote numerous short stories in High School and her early college years, continually trying to relive that first experience at the age of seven of seeing her name in print in the local newspaper.

P.G. sought her education at the University of Texas, where she studied English, literature, and Education. During the entire process of earning her BA and M.Ed, she never stopped writing and trying to be published. It was during this time that her first children’s book No More Stinkbugs! was accepted for publication by Castle Keep Press. Many of her stories develop from nature.

P.G. graduated college and began her career in education, another great world that offered real experiences to humor and delight through children’s books. She watched children interact, bringing to surface her own experiences as a child and yet more events to write about. While teaching, she discovered many great books for young people, such as The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963, Maniac Magee, So. B. It and many more. She is a fan of Dean Koontz novels, too, and loves reading fantasy and paranormal books.

P.G. was married 20 years in March 2012 and has a bright, young daughter who has begun her own college career. She lives on a small farm in Texas with her family and animals. P.G. has experienced great love and loss throughout her life. Those her family has lost have dedications in her books.

P.G. has two young adult books published, Dead Perfect and The Gifted Ones: The Fairytale the first book in The Gifted Ones Trilogy. She also has several children’s books written under Gean Penny, her pseudonym. P. G. has since dissolved her contract for her first book with Castle Keep Press and moved the title to her own imprint, Gean Penny Books.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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3 STARS | Night Music by Margie Church + Excerpt

Title: Night Music
Series: The Edge #40
Author: Margie Church
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Erotica, Contemporary, Romance, Music
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B008RPK0M8
Published: July 31st, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 3/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon | ARe

A quiet, lakeside vacation is just what Brielle needs to decompress after her busy concert season. She expects the weeks to pass uneventfully. Until she meets the men next door.

Tyler and Zeke are as adventurous and sexy as the Harleys they ride. The passion they hear in Brielle’s music draws them to her.

Convinced the hunks are gay, Brielle lets down her inhibitions. That turns out to be the best decision she’s made in a long time.

Brielle is a cellist who goes to her uncle's cabin for some much needed R&R. Tyler and Zeke come roaring by on their Harley's and pull up to the cabin next to hers. Brielle's music draws the two bikers to her porchstep. And soon they're all in bed together.

I really liked the music aspect of Night Music. I used to play the violin, but always wanted to try the cello. I thought that this story could have easily been made into a full length novel. I would have loved to read more about the characters and whatnot. But since this is a novella, we only get a small look.

Brielle had stopped at the local market to get enough supplies for a few days. She had no intention of going to town unless there was a darn good reason. After her clothing and other belongings were unpacked, she opened a bottle of wine—one of several she’d bought—and contemplated the glorious evening sun.

The rumble of motorcycles disrupted her musings. She craned her neck to see who the offenders were.

Two men on leather-bedecked hogs cruised down the neighboring driveway. She watched from the seclusion of her covered porch as they got off and parked their bikes. Leather chaps covered their jeans. Boots and black leather vests made them look badass. She waited for them to remove their helmets and reveal more of their features.

She wasn’t disappointed.

One of the broad-shouldered men had flaxen hair. The second man ran his hands through his dark hair that reached his shoulders. Even from a distance, she could tell they were in good physical shape, and probably in their late twenties. A twinge of naughtiness plucked her libido. Her vacation was already looking up.

The bike-riding neighbors unpacked their saddlebags and carried their gear into their cabin. The door shut softly behind them and returned the peace and quiet they’d interrupted.

Brielle watched the sun dip lower, streaking the sky with brilliant red, orange, and yellow against the clear blue backdrop. The deep sounds of a motoryacht’s engines mixed with the haunting sounds from the loons.

Inspired, she refilled her wineglass, and then brought her cello to the three-season porch. She moved her bow across the taut strings, warming up, wondering what she should play. She sipped her wine while searching through her extensive music collection. Her hand rested on Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. Did she dare? Could she play with even half the passion Mei Ju had the other day?

Closing her eyes, Brielle focused on the sounds and sight of Mr. Ju on stage.

Will that ever be me?

She drew her bow back and forth on the strings to play the fiery interludes and soulful chords. Brielle imagined herself in front of the orchestra, the way Ju had been, and did her best to do justice to the piece he’d played so brilliantly.

As she played the last, low note, she noticed the two men standing on their porch, watching her. Heat flared in her cheeks, whether from the exertion of playing or the embarrassment of their witness, she didn’t know.

One man began clapping.

Not expecting that reaction, she chuckled.

“Play something else,” said the man with the long hair.

Thinking they were making fun of her, she closed her music and stood. “Funny guy.”

“No, really, play some more.”

She contemplated the request for a moment. “You’re not going to call the cops?”

The blond one laughed. “Oh, hell no. Come on. Play something hot and sexy.”

Bolstered by their enthusiasm, she wondered what she could play that might fit the bill. “Just a minute.” A number of titles ran through her mind and she dismissed them all. Ah, the perfect one.

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Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years. If you enjoy books you can't put down, read one of hers.

Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She also writes children's books under the pen name, Margaret Rose.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Series: Lux #1
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal. Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Aliens
Publisher: Entangled: Teen
Format: Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-1620610077
Published: May 8th, 2012
Source: The Book Depository
Rating: 5/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents , dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring...until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

Your heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don't kill him first, that is.

Katy Swartz moved to Ketterman, West Virginia from Florida and into the house next door to Dee and Daemon Black. While Dee goes out of her way to become Katy's friend, Daemon couldn't be more rude. He may be hotter than the Sahara Desert, but his personality is colder than Antarctica. After a number of strange happenings, Katy discovers why Daemon acts the way her does, and his secret could very well put Katy in life-threatening danger.

Like Lesa says, "Holy Hawt Chemistry, Batman!" The tension and chemistry between Daemon and Katy is explosive! They may fight constantly, but there is no denying the attraction they feel for each other. Some of the more steamy scenes left me swooning, while their banter had me laughing out loud. I do have to say that I liked that Katy didn't give in to Daemon's "I think" and "I kind of" reasoning for them to be together. That she won't commit to a relationship with someone who isn't 100% certain they want to be with her.

I absolutely loved the lunchroom scene with the spaghetti and Ash. That's definitely a way to deal with a person who's treating you badly for no apparent reason. Katy gained quite the reputation as "The Girl Who Dumped Her Food on Them." What a way to start out at a new school.

Jennifer L. Armentrout has an original take on aliens in the Lux series. The Luxen are made of light and energy, and their planet Lux, which literally means light in Latin, was destroyed by the Arum, Latin for dark. So we actually have a battle between light and dark forces.

The Luxen traveled to Earth when their planet was destroyed and took up residence here. This fact makes the Luxen's view of humans really annoying, because it's like they're the visitors here and have no right to treat humans the way they do. Their behavior just makes them seem ungrateful, although I can see how being hounded by the Department of Defense could make them dislike the human race.

I really admired Katy's strength in the face of the Arum and her determination to protect Dee and Daemon form them. She definitely proved that she wasn't weak or a liability to the Luxen. This does lead to a strange connection between Katy and Daemon, though. I can't wait to see what this connection means for them in the next book.

I always wondered about the hype surrounding Jennifer L. Armentrout and her Lux series. After reading Obsidian, I have been enlightened to the awesomeness that is JLA. I loved Obsidian from the very first page, and was desperate for the next book in the series. So I actually used some of my book savings to buy Onyx. I'm so excited, I can't wait to continue the story.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion).

Jennifer also writes adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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5 STARS | When Copper Suns Fall by KaSonndra Leigh + Guest Post

Title: When Copper Suns Fall
Series: The Lost Immortals #1
Author: KaSonndra Leigh
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Dystopian, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Angels
Publisher: TriGate Press
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B0065QYXQA
Published: September 10, 2012
Source: Reading Addiction Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 5/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon

It has been fifty-five years since the angels of the Apocalyptic War attempted to wipe out humanity. Now a new nation has been built where alchemy is forbidden, and angels fear for their lives as they hide among the mortals.

The city’s leaders share one view on the ancestors of angels: shoot first, no questions.

When her twin brother falls into a strange coma, sixteen-year-old Chela Prizeon vows to discover her role among these exiles, the royal angels known as the Lost Immortals.

Chela’s only hope lies with the mysterious, but infuriating leader of a rebel group. But can she trust this boy, someone who can control her dreams and her heart?

Escape into a world filled with celestial creatures, fascinating villainy, high-stake choices, and forbidden romance.

When Copper Suns Fall takes place in a world that was destroyed when two groups of angels waged war against each other. 55 years after the Tidal Years, in the year 2067, humans have rebuilt, but the angel-bloods, descendants of the angels, have to hide who they are, because any angel-blood and those associated with them are immediately executed.

Although believed to have been extinct since the end of the war, the Caduceans and the Tainteds still war against each other, and one sixteen-year-old girl, Chela Prizeon, is caught in the middle. What is her role in this battle? And will she be able to realize her true power and strength to save those she loves?

This dystopian tale isn't like the rest I've read. I'm used to zombies, demons, and vampires causing the mayhem, not angels. So I really liked this new take on the end of the world as we know it.

Chela reminded me a lot of Dawn in the Darkness Before Dawn series. She's really quite mature for a sixteen-year-old. I loved how even when something completely terrified her, she faced it head on. Chela has a pretty huge responsibility she needs to shoulder as the Epiclesium, a descendant of the First Order of Seraphim. I also loved how determined Chela was to helping her twin brother, Micah. Her love and devotion are admirable.

This world and Chela's life is built on a mountain of secrets. All of the secrets floating around and half-truths really annoy Chela to no end. She doesn't know who she can really trust. These secrets and revelations are what keep readers on their toes. There will be something hinted at earlier in the book and then the revelation, whether true or not, jumps out at you unexpectedly. These secrets were one of my favorite things about this book. I was kept intrigued and wanting more.

There is quite a bit that happens in When Copper Suns Fall and it would be impossible to talk about them all without giving something away, but one thing I can't leave out is the love triangle. Or maybe I should call it the love/hate triangle. And of course Chela is caught in the middle of this too. Guy #1 is Faris, a Caducean demon slayer and Chela's Protector. Guy #2 is Seth, a Tainted masquerading as a Thoughtmaster. Now this is where the love/hate part comes in. I'm not sure I can say that Seth loves Chela, what they have is a little unclear. But Chela definitely loves Faris and he seems so be returning the love, although he hesitates. I'd definitely pick Faris over Seth, but there is something about Seth that is very intriguing. It'll be interesting to see where this triangle ends up.

With everything that happened in When Copper Suns Fall, all the secrets revealed and the ones still in the shadows, I'm really excited to see what happens next.

The Indie Author Survival Guide by KaSonndra Leigh

Hello Everyone,

First I want to say a big thanks to my bloggerly host for having such a cool blog and inviting me here today. What you’re doing for indie authors is a great thing. We heart you forever. Big Smile. Today I want to talk about the journey of the indie author. Mine is kind of just beginning; but I’m still happy to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. Mind you the presentation of these tips is just the result of my experience. It’s not meant to be an actual recipe for success as an independent author. What is working for me, may not necessarily work for the next person and vice versa.

“So how’s the book going?”

That’s one of the most frequent questions I’m asked. It’s also one of the hardest things to summarize in a concrete answer. For an indie author working with a small press, I'd say my sales have been respectable. No, I’m not at the Amanda Hocking or John Locke level, just yet. But I do have a group of fans & readers that are loyal and encouraging. After all, it’s our readers that make us who we are. Oh yeah! And the bloggers. Never forget to mention the bloggers and all of the hard work they do. I’m a part-time blogger so I know how it goes.

In the journey’s early stages, you can measure your road to success on several factors. Or at least, these are some of the indicators I’ve found that many of my indie author friends use to measure the effectiveness of their branding.

1) Traffic increase to your author website: In the beginning, when I first published kasonndraleigh.com (1/2009), I used to pray for one hit per week. Don’t be laughing at me, now. I’d check every day to see if anyone had visited. My twitter account was the same scenario. I think like four followers would trickle in one week at a time. Today, I get almost 8000 hits/month and counting. My twitter popularity rank is at #300,000 versus #30million like the way it was two years ago.

2) Number & quality of members joining your platform: Platform differs according to your genre and classification. Non-fiction writers tend to be more inclined to measure that success on public image. But fiction writers are a totally different gang. The way you present yourself to your readers varies and there’s no set indicator for what makes up a good platform in fiction. So we’ll go with the basics. I consider my platform to consist of Twitter, facebook, goodreads, my book blog, and my writing groups. In those I actually meet with live bodies and do readings and critiques in person.

3) Number of people adding your book "to-read" on Goodreads: I have to mention how it was for me in the beginning of this journey again. I was practically begging for friends. But now, I get almost 20 requests per week on GR alone. These people are telling me they've heard good things about my works from their friends. It's a bit overwhelming but very flattering. Thanks everyone.

4) Sales: Yes, I put this indicator at the bottom of the list for a reason. When you're an indie, it's all about marketing your debut novel during that first year. Find a way to keep your book in front of people during the period where you're working on your second and third books. Or even better, if you can start out with 2-3 books then your readers have instant options right away. Others have found success this way and I do believe it works.

I also notice that the more I promote, the more copies get gobbled up. Being that we indie authors/small presses are in a minority group so to speak, we have to push harder to get our names out there. Some things that are working for me, might not necessarily work for others. But I'm willing to share my tips and help my fellow indie friends out. Participating in blog tours, giveaways, and hops is also another good way to get your books out there before and during your book launch. If you have any more questions about how virtual tours work, I'll be happy to answer them.

5) Fan Clubs. The last strategy but by no means the least important one. They work…big time. If you have any doubts, then know that a group of die-hard fans started the Twilight group on MySpace. Cassie Clare’s fan club known as Mundie Moms started on twitter before they branched out into their own review site. And the Hush Hush club known as Fallen Archangel friended me on facebook years ago. Now they have people overloading their facebook feed wanting to get in the club.

These are just a few tips. I didn’t go into reviews and speaking engagements. I’d like to save those for part two of this post since they could take up numerous pages alone. I hope that you find these tips and pointers helpful in some way. And I wish you much success in all of your literary journeys.

Yours in Prose,

KaSonndra Leigh

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

KaSonndra Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. She likes to write about people doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Her two sons have made her promise to write a boy book next.

She holds the MFA in creative writing, and loves to play CLUE, Monopoly (the Indiana Jones version), and Pandora's Box (good writer's block therapy). She lives in an L-shaped house with a garden dedicated to her grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, Venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Menage Bound by Sascha Illyvich + Excerpt

Title: Menage Bound
Series: 1Night Stand #127
Author: Sascha Illyvich
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Erotica, Romance, Contemporary
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B008RQQA94
Published: August 1st, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 4/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Siddella, a tired corporate executive needs a break from the hectic work life she leads. Overstressed, she wouldn’t mind if that break came in the form of two hunky dominant males that cater to dark fantasies involving bondage of both the mind and body.

Jason and Chase have yearned for a woman who fit into their relationship. She’d be sexy, confident, self reliant and kinky? Damn right she would be. But her most prized possession would her acceptance of them as individuals and a couple.

When all three are separately given 1Night Stand cards, they realize the chance of a lifetime. Are they ultimately ménage bound?

This is the first 1Night Stand novella I've read, and I wasn't disappointed. Siddella, Jason, and Chase have all been looking for someone(s) to fill that empty spot in their lives, and through different means gain possession of a business card for the 1Night Stand service, where all your desires can be fulfilled. This is how Siddella meets Jason and Chase and vice versa. Siddella wanted two men who could take control of her, and Jason and Chase are looking for a woman who will accept them and their relationship.

Menage Bound is a steamy read and it's light on the BDSM. This story definitely would have made a great full length novel I would have loved to read. But for a short story, I thought that it was well written and was an enjoyable fast read.

“Something the matter, Siddella? You can back out at any time.”

The tenderness came from Chase.

Back out? Hell no! Her body thrummed with so much sexual energy she could probably power the Vegas Strip for at least a week. She offered an innocent smile. “I’m good. Let’s do this.” Batting her eyelashes, she cocked her head to the side.

Jason smirked. “Do you want a safe word?”

The smart move would be to say yes. Somehow, she thought it wouldn’t be needed. But—

“Unlike my partner, I’m not asking. I’m giving you one. Wine bottle. If things get too heavy, you simply say wine bottle.” Chase didn’t look back at her.

His air of cool made her knees weak. “Wine bottle. Okay.” At least they were thinking of her safety. Yeah, they possessed the traits of true dominant males who valued her existence enough to give her a safe word. She smiled at the gesture.

The elevator dinged. Siddella started forward, but fingers gripping her shoulder stopped her. She looked back at Jason.

His eyes narrowed.

She let out a sigh. “Please, after you.”

Jason stepped into the elevator, followed by Chase. Then they turned and, with the slightest of movements, acknowledged Siddella, giving her permission to enter.

The material of her shirt began irritating her already hard nipples. Anticipation drove her wild. What would these men do to her?

What would start things off?

A few more moments would pass before she found out.

Two minutes later, the elevator reached the penthouse suite.

Doors opened at a snail’s pace.

Jason and Chase stepped forward, turned to face each other. Then they looked at Siddella and each extended an arm. Chase blinked. “Last chance before you step into the den of iniquity. You may always trust that we’ll keep you safe. If you refuse, we part ways now. No harm, no foul.”

“So,” Jason set a hand on his hip, “will you come with us?”

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Proclaimed by the Publishing industry as the Bad Boy of Romance, I started writing thirteen years ago. My erotic romances have been listed under the Night Owl Romance and Road to Romance’s Recommended read list, as well nominated for a CAPA by The Romance Studio.

Represented by the Corvisiero Literary Agency, I continue to write for Sizzler Editions, Total E-bound and Decadent Publishing. Readers can find my work, plus free reads at http://saschaillyvichauthor.com.

I edit for Sizzler Editions Intoxication Erotic Romance line and I’m also part of the WriteSex Panel, a blog group defining erotica for writers in any genre! Find us at http://www.writesex.net.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4 STARS | Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance

Title: Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance
Authors: Kirsten Miller, Mayra Lazara Dole, Matthue Roth, Sheba Karim, Kate Ellison, Jennifer Brown, Brendan Halpin, Jamie Adoff, Elizabeth Miles, David Yoo, James Lecesne, Josh Berk, Lish McBride, Zetta Elliott
Editor: Rhoda Belleza
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Anthologies, Contemporary, Bullying, Paranormal
Elements: Shapeshifters, Ghosts, Necromancers
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Format: Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0762444281
Published: July 3rd, 2012
Source: Running Press
Rating: 4/5 STARS
Purchase: Kindle | Paperback

How will you survive the day?

Fearful breaths, racing hearts, uncontrollable emotions--both bullies and the bullied live life on a razor's edge. While school can be an endless cycle of whispers and rumors, and home everything but a safe haven, the stream of emails, texts, and tweets has absolutely no bounds. What does it take to come out on the other side?

Fourteen brutally honest YA voices explore the humiliation and urgency between predator and prey. With unique perspectives and hints at hope for the future, these stories speak for the boy sitting next to you in class, the girl whose locker is above yours, or perhaps even for the deepest, darkest corners of your true self.

Bullying has been a HUGE topic the past few years, and no matter how we try to stop it, bullying seems to worsen as time goes by. There always seems to be someone who thinks they are better than someone else, and that they can do whatever they want to those they view beneath them. Though it's near impossible to rid ourselves of bullying forever, and though it may be difficult, there is the hope that those who are being victimized will find the strength to overcome and rise above their bullies.

Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance shows us both sides: the bully and the bullied. We see how some have found strength from being bullied and try to help others in the same position. We see how nationality, sexuality, religion, social standing and other factors can determine which side of the spectrum you're on. Some get stronger, some just can't take anymore, and some become the bully after being bullied themselves. The stories in this anthology are as enlightening as they are disturbing. I definitely think this is a collection of stories every young adult should read.

Some Favorite Stories:

Nemesis by Kirsten Miller
Everyone's Nice by David Yoo
Defense Mechanisms by Elizabeth Miles
Like Kicking a Fence by Kate Ellison
We Should Get Jerseys 'Cause We Make a Good Team by Lish McBride


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2012 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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