Friday, November 30, 2012

4 STARS | Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong

Title: Personal Demon
Series: Women of the Otherworld #8
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Elements: Demons, Sorcerers, Witches, Werewolves
Publisher: Bantam
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0553588200
Published: October 2008
Source: Library
Events: Women of the Otherworld Series Challenge
Rating: 4/5 STARS
Series Reviews: Bitten | Stolen | Dime Store Magic | Industrial Magic | Haunted | Broken | No Humans Involved
Purchase: Amazon




Tabloid reporter Hope Adams appears to live the life of an ordinary working girl. But in addition to possessing the beauty of a Bollywood princess, Hope has other unique traits. For she is a half-demon--a human fathered by a demon. And she's inherited a hunger for chaos. Naturally, when she's chosen by a very dangerous group for a very dangerous mission that will take her through Miami's hot spots, she jumps at the chance. But Hope is a little too good at this job. And soon she's in a little too deep. To save herself, she'll have to unleash her most primal instincts--and open herself, mind and body, to everything she most fears...and desires.
Being an Expisco half-demon, Hope Adams feels a pull toward chaos. She usually works for the Council to get her fix, but when Benicio Cortez presents her with an undercover job, she can't turn it down. The Cortez Cabal has been having trouble with a local gang of supernaturals and it's Hope's job to infiltrate and gather information on their plans.

When Karl Marsten learns that Hope is in Miami, he pays Lucas Cortez a visit, inquiring about what she's doing there. He had a deal with Benicio that he would call Karl first if he was calling in their debt, and Benicio never contacted him, using the fact that Hope and Karl are fighting to get Hope to do the job alone. So Karl travels to Miami to get Hope out before things get out of control.

But when two gang members are kidnapped, events quickly go down hill, and the Cabal is the number one suspect. But there is more to the kidnapping than anyone ever thought possible.

I loved reading Hope's story. We get deeper insight into her need (?), addiction (?) to chaos. We see her complicated relationship with werewolf jewel thief, Karl Marsten. And her struggle to be more than what her demon makes her.

To be honest, when we met Hope in No Humans Involved, I didn't really like her. She seemed too eager and tag-along-puppy-like, although by the end, a puppy with a potentially vicious side. But when I read Personal Demon, that behavior made more sense to me and I really grew to like Hope very much.

The same went for Karl. We met Karl in the very first book in this series, Bitten, as a member of the rogue group trying to take down the Pack. I didn't like how Karl just stood by and watched as Clay was being beaten. He was too self-absorbed and selfish then, but we see a very different side of him in Personal Demon.

Karl feels no attachment to anyone but Hope, not even the Pack, which he is now a member of. I never thought I'd see Karl Marsten unsure of himself, but when it comes to Hope he feels things he once laughed at others for feeling. The fact the he's feeling the mating instinct doesn't help matters.

Aside from his feelings for Hope, we also see how Karl felt about the Pack as he was growing up. Karl had actually wanted to be a part of the Pack, but his father forbade it. It also turns out that his father was killed by Jeremy's father, Malcolm. So he has mixed feelings about now being a part of the Pack.

Personal Demon actually has two POVs--one is Hope and the other is Lucas Cortez. Because Hope works for the Council and is doing a job for Benicio, Paige and Lucas were brought in as well. This gives insight into the Cortez family and the inner workings of the Cabal.

A family tragedy causes Lucas to be put in charge of the Cabal and the investigation--and, boy, is he good at it. Paige can sense that a change is going to come and I really loved how she reassured Lucas that she wasn't going to leave: "Whatever happens, whatever you decide, now, later...I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me, Cortez."

And finally there is the gang Hope investigates. They are totally anti-Cabal and basically do anything and everything to undermine its authority. I can't say much about the gang without giving something away, but I will say that I really liked the members of the gang. As Hope became attached to them, so did I. I was shocked by the cause of the gang's downfall. It was totally unexpected.

The next book, Living with the Dead, is from the POV of Robyn Peltier, a human, and Hope's BFF. So we'll get to see more of Hope and Karl, and meet a new character in the Women of the Otherworld series.

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Kelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.

Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.


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

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

4.5 STARS | A Practical Arrangement by Nadja Notariani + Excerpt

Title: A Practical Arrangement
Author: Nadja Notariani
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Historical, Romance
Publisher: Nadja Notariani
Format: PDF
ASIN: B0096DXERS
Published: September 4th, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 4.5/5 STARS
Purchase: Amazon




Practical plans go awry when prim sensibilities unwittingly capture the heart of a scandalous seducer.

Miss Evangeline Grey, intelligent and sensible, has no desire to marry, her reluctance born from the dire warnings of her overly emotional mother. Her father has other ideas, however, and decrees that unless she weds by the spring, he will choose a husband for her.

Prim and proper Evangeline accepts her father's issue with little more than mild alarm. Knowing herself plain of face and sharp of tongue, she believes herself capable of warding off any perspective suitor. Her plan goes awry when the scandalous seducer, Mr. Thomas Masterson, visits her family's home, for Thomas has learned that he must procure a wife to receive his full inheritance.

When he discovers Evangeline's predicament matches his own, Thomas determines to orchestrate a practical arrangement. A war of wit and word results, and Thomas finds himself ever more beguiled by the soft heart he discovers under Miss Grey's stern, inhibited exterior. Patiently, he endeavors to gain her respect and awaken her passions. As tenuous trust blooms between the rake and the reluctant, unfortunate events – and Thomas' past reputation – threaten to destroy the peace and happiness he has found within the bonds of his Practical Arrangement.
I loved this book! The chemistry between Thomas and Evangeline was multidimensional. At times it was sweet, at others it was hilarious, and then scorching. The deviousness of Thomas's uncle and Evangeline's father was great. It makes you wonder if it was their scheming that eventually got Thomas and Evangeline together, or if it was just the two of them drawn together. I really did not like Evangeline's mother. She almost ruined everything with her emotional outbursts that left scars on Evangeline growing up. Then there is the jealous ex-lover of Thomas's. She uses deception and blackmail to get what she wants--namely Thomas--and almost destroys his marriage with Evangeline. But loveable Aunt Dorcas straightened everything out. This story is so multifaceted, there is something for everyone.
Evangeline felt sorry for Melody in a small way, her mother as well. They had no defense, no antidote to counter the forceful emotions stirred in them. She counted herself lucky to have been spared their burden.

In good time Melody and their mother returned, tea arriving directly afterward, and while glad to see them she couldn't deny sorrow over her lost solitude.

“Oh, they both are such handsome men, Melody. And wealthy enough, too.”

“Mr. Lane is, by far, more handsome with his light hair and eyes,” Melody admired openly.

They really are too silly! Infatuated girls, you'd think!

“What say you, Evangeline?” Melody challenged brightly. “Which gentleman do you prefer?”

Pursing her lips, Evangeline took a deep breath.

Of all the fiddle-faddle! Preferring gentlemen!

“I don't prefer either of them, nor any other for that matter.”

But as usual, Providence gave her no quarter, choosing the moment of her sister's question to spring said gentlemen into the sitting room. All eyes landed upon her, her father grinning in a most amused way. Evangeline flushed, a deep burn rising under her skin. Thomas Masterson made his greetings, and as the others conversed around the tea cart he neared, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.

“I'd take you at your word, Miss Grey, but your pretty blush suggests perhaps you do harbor a preference.” His eyes simmered, locked intently on hers.

Oh! What did he mean by saying that?

She found herself squirming under that gaze of his – and appalled – stilled immediately. Gathering herself, she answered. “Never confuse indifference with deceit, Mr. Masterson.”

Still, he did not look away, surprising her.


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Nadja Notariani was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing included very diverse environments, affording wide and varied richness of ethnic and religious tradition. Raised in both an Italian/Mediterranean American home and a traditional German household, Nadja gleaned the unique benefits of viewing the world through two widely different lenses.

Nadja resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, ever embracing new adventures with her husband, three sons, and faithful German Shepherd. She also boasts two daughters, who have flown the nest to pursue their own adventures.

Within her titles, readers can find romance and adventure, from contemporary to paranormal to historical, always with a happily-ever-after. Nadja enjoys hearing from readers and can be found at her website, on Facebook, Goodreads, and at Romance Novel Center. Readers are welcome to contact her via email.


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

Sunday, November 18, 2012

5 STARS | Hidden by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Title: Hidden
Series: House of Night #10
Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Vampires, Deities, Immortals, Shapeshifters
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-13: 978-0312594428
Published: October 16th, 2012
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5 STARS
Series Reviews: Destined | Lenobia's Vow
Purchase: Amazon



When friends stand together, Darkness won't stay hidden for long.

At last, Zoey has what she wanted: the truth is out. Neferet's evil has been exposed, and the High Council is no longer on her side--but she's far from done wreaking havoc in the vampyre world. First, a mysterious fire ravages the stables. Then, Neferet makes a devastating move that will test them all.

With the seeds of distrust sown and Darkness breeding chaos at the House of Night, everyone must band together--but that's proving to be more difficult than ever before. The twins are barely speaking and the House of Night's former enemy, Kalona, has now become their warrior, pushing their trust to the limit. To top it off, Zoey is pretty darn sure she might be losing her mind. She saw something when she looked at Aurox through the Seer Stone that she can hardly explain to herself, let alone her friends. Is it possible that Heath has come back in a different form? Is that why Zoey's so intrigued by Aurox, when it's so obvious that he's dangerous? And who would believe her if she told them? Zoey knows that following her instinct about Aurox might by just what they need to defeat evil...but if she's wrong, it could cause the destruction of those closest to her.

With the tension at a breaking point and friendships on the line, can the nerd herd come together to stop the spread of Darkness before it's too late?
The tension really is at a breaking point in Hidden. Neferet has been outed and shunned by the High Council. Friends and enemies are changing sides. And Darkness is coming out of hiding.

When I read Lenobia's Vow, I wondered whether Travis could be Martin reborn. It was when Lenobia described the color of their eyes that left me thinking that Martin has kept his promise and come back to her as Travis. When the stables caught fire, shortly after Lenobia had awakened from dreaming of that long ago night when Martin saved Lenobia and died in a similar stable fire, I feared they were going to repeat history. Lenobia's strength in the face of a possible repeat of the worst night in her life was amazing, and that strength and determination saved Travis. This moment in the very beginning of the book not only bridges Lenobia's Vow and Hidden, but it also sets the stage for this tension filled continuation of the House of Night series.

I was very moved by Aurox and his struggle to be on the side of Light, even though he was created of Darkness. I think one of the most powerful moments was between Aurox and Grandma Redbird. She showed him kindness and forgiveness when he felt hopelessness and loneliness in the aftermath of Dragon's death and the reveal ritual on the lavender farm. We know that Zoey saw Heath when she looked at Aurox through the Seer Stone, so the question is: Does Aurox have genuine good within him, or is it only Heath's influence? I think Heath helped it along, but that Aurox is genuine about wanting to be on the side of Light. But because he was made of Darkness, he will have a near constant struggle to remain on the side of Light.

With Thanatos taking over the role of High Priestess of the Tulsa House of Night, Zoey kind of takes a step back from the leadership role. When Neferet goes to the City Council and involves humans in vampyre affairs, even slandering members of Zoey's group, a sort of war of wits, battle of wills, takes place between Neferet and Thanatos. While it's a well-deserved break for Zoey, I loved watching Neferet and Thanatos trying to one-up each other at every turn.

There were so many unexpected occurrences that kept me on my toes. Some weren't that surprising, and some were completely shocking. One of the shocking events was the appearance of Kalona's brother and Nyx's Consort, Erebus. He tries to get Kalona to leave the Tulsa House of Night and to stay away from vampyre society. Kalona refuses, stating that he will not be an oath breaker again. Supposedly Nyx knew nothing of Erebus's actions, but I found that hard to believe. Being a goddess, Nyx would know everything happening with her people.

And something I'm sure everyone will be happy about is that Damien may have found someone, not to replace Jack, but the space left behind by him, when he met the human reporter, Adam Paluka. It'll be interesting to see where that will go.

A lot of changes, good and bad, happened in Hidden, and I can't wait to see what impact they have in the next book.

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P.C. Cast was born in Watseka, Illinois, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. Since her tour in the USAF, she has been speaking and teaching professionally.


Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

At 19-years-old, Kristin is thrilled to be coauthoring the YA series, THE HOUSE OF NIGHT, with her mother. The first book in the series will be her first published novel. She has won awards for her poetry, as well as served as journalist for her intermediate high school newspaper, Tiger Tales, and as editor for her high school magazine, Tiger Eye. Kristin attends Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and is working hard to fulfill her goal of becoming a veterinarian without bankrupting her mother. One of the Scottinators belong to her, although we’re not telling either of the dogs that she’s going to someday be their veterinarian. Kristin would love to hear from her fans, and can also be reached through her mother’s website.


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

Thursday, November 15, 2012

5 STARS | The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

Title: The Wild Ones
Series: The Wild Ones #1
Author: M. Leighton
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica
Publisher: M. Leighton Books
Format: PDF
ASIN: B008QYHILG
Published: August 1st, 2012
Source: AToMR Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★★






Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**
I cannot tell you how much I LOVED this book! It's hot, it's steamy, and it's heart-wrenching. Emotional factor is huge for me in a book. I need to feel something from the story and characters. I need to feel like what's happening to the characters is happening to me. The Wild Ones left me crying at some points, and extremely joyous at others. This book is one that shouldn't be missed.

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I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.


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

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

4.5 STARS | My Vampire Cover Model by Karyn Gerrard + Excerpt

Title: My Vampire Cover Model
Series: Cover Models #1
Author: Karyn Gerrard
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Erotica
Elements: Vampires
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B008UW49C0
Published: August 10th, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 4.5/5 STARS
Purchase: Unavailable




Life changed for Deanna Brooks the night she attended a book signing for her aunt's best-selling paranormal romance series. There she met Burney "Burn the Cover God" Sheridan. The model for the fictional vampire hero, Burn is beyond handsome with an overabundance of Irish charm.

Burn Sheridan, a man with scores of past lives, has a secret: He really is a vampire. Meeting Deanna was agony because for the first time in over two hundred years, Burn experiences the rarest of vampiric needs, the "mate of his soul" connection. Keeping people at a distance had been Burn's existence for centuries, but Deanna makes this pledge of staying detached impossible.

Many obstacles lie ahead and the biggest of all may be Burn himself. Can Deanna and Burn overcome them and find lasting love?
Deanna's chance encounter with Burn changes both their lives. Dean doesn't believe in the kind of love that her aunt writes about in her paranormal romance novels. Burn, after centuries of detachment, feels the rare "mate of the soul" connection when he meets Dean. The only things standing in their way are the fact that Burn is really a vampire and his fear of being rejected by the one woman who can love him forever.

My Vampire Cover Model isn't a very long story, but it was packed with emotion. I thought it was pretty awesome that Dean and Burn met at a book signing. At one point, I thought this story was going to end in heartbreak, but a second chance (or maybe fateful) encounter changes that. I loved this story so much and I really wish there was more to Dean and Burn's story. My Vampire Cover Model would make a great prequel to a full length novel or a series.
Deanna tapped her sandaled foot in annoyance. She didn’t want to bother with the guy, but Janice insisted, bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement as they advanced toward the table.

As they moved closer, the model’s masculinity became more potent. She could hear the slight lilt to his deep voice as he answered the ladies questions. His eyes crinkled sexily when he smiled. His teeth were perfectly shaped and a brilliant white.

Deanna glanced at her aunt’s table a few times, hoping to catch her eye, but Carol was busy working her crowd. While Deanna enjoyed an historical romance she’d never quite taken to the paranormal genre. Aunt Carol always mailed her advance copies, but she usually wound up giving them to Janice. She should’ve given the books a chance. Judging from the crowd, paranormal romance seemed popular. There was a steady stream of women coming and going.

Janice clutched her arm. “We’re next!”

Oh, yippie-friggin’-yay. Janice stood next to Burn. Damn, he is tall. A few inches under six-six, anyway, Deanna observed. Janice babbled nonsensical chatter while the model smiled, nodded, and signed a couple of her paperbacks.

Janice put her arm around the man’s trim waist. “Take our picture, Dean!”

Deanna raised the camera and looked up just as Burn’s searing gaze swept over her like a roll of white heat. God, his eyes had turned from black to silver again. Those special magic contacts were amazing. Holding out the camera, she clicked and hoped Janice was in the frame because she couldn’t tear her eyes away from “Sizzle” or “Burn” or whatever his name was. Deanna clicked another for good measure.

Janice took the camera and shoved her toward the leather-clad hunk. Her mouth went dry, and her insides fluttered. For God’s sake, he was only a model. Why was she so flustered?

She stepped next to him and glanced up. Oh hell yeah, very tall. He towered over her by at least a foot. His arm stretched out to clasp her shoulder, and he brought her in tight against his side. Solid, rock-hard muscle. Her insides began to churn in arousal.

“What’s your name, darlin’?”

She couldn’t speak. Deanna was like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, sitting on Santa’s lap. Duh…uh. No words came out.

“Her name is Deanna, but I call her Dean!” Janice sang out.

Burn gently squeezed her shoulder, and it almost brought her to her knees, his touch was so intoxicating.

“Dean. I like that,” he purred.

Dear God. His voice, was he Irish? The tone sounded low, sexy, and rumbled deep in his impressive chest, sending shock waves through her entire body.

Then the unthinkable happened. A wash of scent covered her. Deanna could taste it in her mouth, and feel it on her skin. Was the overpowering aroma his cologne? Some guys liked to drown themselves with those tacky body sprays. Burn must have marinated himself in the swill.

Deanna wheezed and her throat closed up. Her hand clasped her throat. Trying to breathe through her nose was unsuccessful. The only thing she smelled was his spicy, musky, overpowering scent. Her eyes watered and her body trembled furiously.

“Are you all right, love?”

Deanna fell to her knees, fighting for every breath. Strong arms encircled her and carried her from the sales floor through to a door marked Staff Only.


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Living in a small town in a corner of Ontario, Canada, I wile away my spare time writing, reviewing and reading romance. As long as I can avoid being hit by a runaway moose here in this wilderness paradise, I assume everything is golden. Originally from the east coast of Canada, I love to set my some of my stories in the Maritime Provinces~

Happily married for a long time to my own hero, a teacher that braves everything that is thrown at him. His encouragement keeps me moving forward.


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

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

3.5 STARS | Hypnotist by Virginia Nelson + Excerpt

Title: Hypnotist
Series: The Edge #44
Author: Virginia Nelson
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Erotica, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B0096IQ9XO
Published: September 5th, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 3.5/5 STARS
Series Review: Night Music
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | ARe




Who knew quitting could be so hot?

Carnie Sabatina wants to quit smoking, but is a hypnotist really the answer? Enter Doctor McSexy and a trip down the rabbit hole that not only breaks her bad habit, but sets her passion on fire.

Is it tempting fate to take control?

Michael Schommer’s love life crashed and burned when his ex dumped him for his best friend. Is it too much to ask for a woman who wants to share more with him than a quick roll between the sheets?

Enter Patient McHottie, whose bad habits open a Pandora’s box of secret cravings for the hypnotist and the patient...

Burning up...

One hypnotic suggestion sends them up in flames, but will temptation and passion be enough to turn their parlor tricks into happily ever after?
Carnie wants to quit smoking, so at her mother's suggestion, she goes to see a hypnotist. Mike just wants to find someone he can love and be loved by. Neither of them expected the passion unleashed by a simple hypnotic suggestion for Carnie to follow her instincts and take a chance to find the love they both want.

Virginia Nelson has done an amazing job creating a short story with characters that are as full of depth as those of a full length novel. Both Carnie and Mike are looking to find someone to love and be loved. They just never expected it to be with each other. This makes them very easy to relate to. Doesn't everyone want to find the very same thing? But the fact that Hypnotist is only a short novella with such an in-depth story and characters is what makes this book so great.

Hypnotist my be a part of The Edge series, but with this book, unlike some of the others, I felt that there was more emphasis on what Carnie and Mike were searching for that on their late night rendezvous.

Hypnotist was such a great, quick read. I really wish there were more to their story. Hypnotist would make a great prequel to a series, or even a stand alone novel.
As her eyelids fluttered open, a refreshed sense of peace and energy washed over her, as if she hadn’t stayed up past three a.m. then got back up at six that morning to meet a deadline.

No, not just refreshed and energized.

Impassioned.

Flicking a glance at the man next to her, so calm and cool, she knew what she wanted.

I want him to burn like I do.

Never having experienced that kind of immediate need for someone before, she was at a loss. She normally followed her impulses but….

I dare.

He smiled at her, and it was weighted with exhaustion. He came across like a nice guy. A really nice guy.

She wanted to see him be a naughty guy.

Practicing powers of seduction she didn’t even know she had, she adjusted herself on the couch.

“Look, I am sorry that the hypnotism didn’t work on me. I mean, you gave it a shot.” She tossed her hair back, wondering for a moment how it had come down.

His lips curled slowly up. “Thanks for that.”

“Mmm. I could reward you for giving it a shot, anyway.”

His brows dropped. “Huh?”

One of her hands dropped to his thigh, on the couch next to her, and she caressed the tight denim. “I mean, you tried. The least I can do is give you a kiss….”


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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.


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