4.5 STARS | ReVamped by Ada Adams

Title: ReVamped
Series: Angel Creek #1
Author: Ada Adams
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Elements: Vampires, Werewolves
Publisher: Ada Adams
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B007BDZ6X0
Published: February 20th, 2012
Source: Girls Heart Books Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

A simple mission turned deadly.

Nineteen-year-old vampire Dawn has led a sheltered life within the confines of her father’s presidential headquarters. Upon being sent on a mission to revamp four goofy misfits into guardians of a peaceful little town of Angel Creek, Dawn believes that all her dreams have finally come true. What starts off as a simple task, turns into something unexpected, changing Dawn’s life forever and leading the action-loving, thrill-seeking vampire teen on a path of mystery, danger and intrigue.

When a human girl is kidnapped by a group of rogue vamps, Dawn discovers that there is more going on in Angel Creek than meets the eye. And it all connects to Ethan, the cute newcomer who seems too perfect to be true, Sebastian, the mysterious vampire with a turbulent past, and even Dawn herself. Dawn must not only succeed in revamping the troubled recruits, but must also prevent the vampire race from being overtaken by a malevolent villain who has a strange and obsessive fascination with her. As threat escalates, romance blooms, and ghosts from her past begin to surface, Dawn is sure of only one thing: her life will never be the same.

I loved ReVamped! The characters were fun and the story was intriguing. Each character has their own story and their own pain to work toward being healed, and the whole team is there to help. Dawn's story was the most interesting, as it should be since she's the main character. Once I thought I had it all figured out, something new came up to make me think again. The love interests, Ethan and Sebastian, one human and the other a vampire, are both hot, but I still gravitated toward Sebastian. I'm just really excited to read the next book, ReAwakened!

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"Many people sing in the shower. I write scenes in my head and act them out."

In her career as a writer and an actress, Ada spends most of her days immersed in imaginary worlds. Much like the kick-butt female characters she enjoys playing and writing about, Ada is a martial artist with a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. She is also a big proponent of lifelong learning and has attained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (it aids in creating characters with unique quirks!) as well as a Masters of Science in Education.

Ada began her writing career at age three with a string of short stories that only a mother could love, and has been inventing quirky characters and imaginary worlds ever since. Her readership has now grown to include people who aren't directly related to her. A passionate advocate for the arts, Ada is also an editor-in-chief of VEUX Magazine - a fashion/literary publication which showcases up-and-coming talent from all over the world. Amongst other things she enjoys are zombies, chocolate, and bubble tea.

Ada lives in Toronto, Canada, and when she's not writing you can find her on an adventurous nature hike with her puppies, Caramilk and Oreo. Or deep in a jar of Nutella.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | I Remember You be Scarlett Metal

Title: I Remember You
Series: I Remember You #1
Author: Scarlett Metal
Age Group: New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Erotica, Music
Publisher: Scarlett Metal
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00CJ17754
Published: April 25th, 2013
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

Lance never got over his teenage love despite years of trying to forget her with with alcohol, music, and other women. He runs into her when he’s back into town for a show with his band. Will he be able to move on or will he finally realize she’s the piece missing from his life?

Samantha dated lots of different guys after Lance, guys most girls would love to have even a chance with. No one can make her happy though; she compares them all to Lance. She sees Lance again after ten years apart. Will he be all she remembered, or will she finally be able to move past that part of her life?

They spend a passionate together but can they be more? Or will the differences that drove them apart when they were young threaten to keep them apart now? And when tragedy strikes, will they put that all aside and find happiness together?

I loved I Remember You! I was kind of heartbroken in the beginning, it was pretty sad what happened between Samantha and Lance. But their "chance" meeting about 10 years later had me hoping that everything would work out for them in the end, that they would have their happily ever after. I was extremely happy with how this book ended. I do wish it were longer, though.

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Scarlett lives in the Midwest with her family. When she's not busy writing steamy stories, she can be found with her nose in a book, camping, or geocaching with her family. She loves Diet Coke, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and 80's hair bands.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blog, A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | Descent of Blood by Elizabeth Marx

Title: Descent of Blood
Series: Red Veil #0.5
Author: Elizabeth Marx
Age Group: Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Historical
Elements: Vampires
Publisher: Elizabeth Marx
Format: Kindle Edition
ASIN: B009YN23K4
Published: October 26th, 2012
Source: FMB Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5

When times are darkest, some vampires desire more than blood …

England, 1465. Mortal men clash in the War of the Roses for the English crown, while vampire warriors’ move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood that battlefields provide.

Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears the revelation of the immortal clans to humankind should King Henry fall from power. While in pursuit of Henry’s enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian Neville, a human woman he craves—and not for the scent of her blood … Meridian is torn between honoring her father’s dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Severian. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the red veil descends over them. This all-consuming attraction can drive immortals to the brink of madness. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the immortal clans or is the red veil a scourge set on destroying any chance they might have of happiness?

When all hope is lost, one vampire will fight unto death for his forbidden love.

I loved Descent of Blood! It was cool how it took place during the War of the Roses and the unique take on the war was very intriguing. I loved the two main characters, Severian and Meridian. Their personalities clash in some instances and mesh so well in others. For a prequel to the Red Veil series, I thought that Descent of Blood did a great job setting up the main story that will start in Ascent of Blood.

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Windy City writer, Elizabeth Marx, brings cosmopolitan life alive in her fiction—a blend of romance, fast-paced Chicago living, and a sprinkle of magical realism. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs. She grew up in the city, has traveled extensively, and still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.





Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | Dark Nebula by W.J. May

Title: Dark Nebula
Series: The Chronicles of Kerrigan #2
Author: W.J. May
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Setting Location: English Countryside
Publisher: W.J. May
Format: PDF
ASIN: B00B46UWNO
Published: January 21st, 2013
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Events: Book Tour
Rating: ★★★★.5
Series Reviews: Rae of Hope

Nothing is as it seems anymore.

Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon, the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness turn into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus.

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help.

Has her destiny been written? Or will she become the one thing she hates the most—her father’s prodigy.

I loved Dark Nebula! It was great seeing all my favorite characters again, plus some new ones. I was shocked at some revelations that I won't speak of, so I don't give anything away, but I was definitely not expecting what was revealed about a certain new student. Rae is always getting beaten up! I was cringing with each hit she took. I mean, is she ever going to get a break? And I hated how Devon's father kept judging her because of her father. And the ending left me excited for the next book. I can't wait!

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Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.

After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.

She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | BLEACH Volume 52: End of Bond by Tite Kubo

Title: BLEACH, Volume 52: End of Bond
Series: BLEACH #52
Author: Tite Kubo
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Japanese Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Paranormal
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Format: Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-1421543055
Published: December 4th, 2012
Source: Library
Events: Bout of Books Read-A-Thon
Rating: 4.5/5 STARS
Series Reviews: Volume 45 | Volume 46 | Volume 47 | Volume 48 | Volume 49 | Volume 50 | Volume 51
Purchase: Amazon

Will you count with me
My teeth marks
On you

Ichigo continues his training to master Fullbring and hopefully regain his lost Soul Reaper powers. But as Ichigo gets closer, Ginjo makes a startling move. Can Ginjo truly be trusted? And what lies ahead for Ichigo when he finally regains his powers...?

Ginjo has seemingly turned against Ichigo! With his friends threatened, Ichigo's Fullbring completes. But then Ichigo goes home and finds a disturbing sight. Tsukishima has invaded his family and friends. But they aren't the only ones he's gotten to--Ginjo finds Ichigo and tells him that Tsukishima got to the other Xcution members too. With his family and friends against him, Ichigo falls prey to desperation and despair. But hope arrives in the form of an old friend.

First off, Ginjo has blinded Ichigo and threatens to kill Orihime and Chad. That really gets Ichigo going and finds the strength to attack. So is Ginjo really an enemy? Turns out that it was all done to help Ichigo master Fullbring. Now that his Fullbring is complete, Ginjo has Ichigo train to build his strength and stamina to be able to handle using Fullbring. Ichigo's Fullbring is pretty cool--I like to think of it as looking like a futuristic version of a Soul Reaper. And the power he has is maybe even greater than just his Soul Reaper powers were.

It is after this that it became kind of heartbreaking for me. Ichigo's riding pretty high on his success with his Fullbring and returns home. But this is when his worst fears start coming true. Tsukishima has turned his friends and family against him. The very people he lives and fights to protect. Then Orihime and Chad, the ones who fought by his side, claim that every victory they've gained has been because of Tsukishima. "What did I regain my powers for?!!" This is when Ichigo begins falling into despair--and we all know that that is Ichigo's greatest weakness. The final piece that sends Ichigo plummeting into despair is when Uryu shows up and Ichigo can't know who he is sided with. But it wasn't Uryu Ichigo had to worry about. Ginjo shows his true colors when he takes Ichigo's newly achieved Fullbring from him. Ichigo's tears, his pain, really tore at my heart.

I noticed something that I think is significant. When Ichigo first met Zangetsu, the world was in a constant rain shower. But as Ichigo's powers increased, that rain stopped. When Ginjo took Ichigo's new power from him and he began to cry, Ichigo's world once again became a rainy day.

Although most of Ichigo's friends have been turned against him by Tsukishima, those from the Soul Society have not. Rukia once again gives Ichigo hope.

This volume is one of the most emotional volumes in the series. Ichigo's pain and despair felt so real, as if I could feel it myself. Now that Rukia hase given hope back to Ichigo, Ginjo's going to have to watch out. No one hurts those Ichigo cares about and gets away with it.

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The son of a town council member in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima. He never took drawing seriously until he was 17; after reading Dragon Ball he knew he wanted to be a manga artist. At the age of 18 he submitted his first concept for the series Zombiepowder but it got rejected. Zombiepowder was rejected multiple times until Kubo was 22, when it finally was accepted by Shonen Jump. It did not last long; it was cancelled after four volumes in late 2000.

His next series, Bleach, about a high school student who becomes a shinigami and fights hollows, was not such a failure. Bleach began regular publication in 2001. It has been running in Weekly Shonen Jump ever since.


Disclaimer: This review was originally posted in 2013 to my book blogs, Zodiac Book Reviews and A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books.

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4.5 STARS | BLEACH Volume 49: The Lost Agent by Tite Kubo

Title: BLEACH, Volume 49: The Lost Agent
Series: BLEACH #49
Author: Tite Kubo
Age Group: Young Adult
Genres: Japanese Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Paranormal
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Format: Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-1421543024
Published: October 2nd, 2012
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5/5 STARS
Series Reviews: Volume 45 | Volume 46 | Volume 47 | Volume 48
Purchase: Amazon

I wonder if I can keep up with...
The speed of a world you're not in.

After the long battle with Aizen, Ichigo loses his Soul Reaper powers... Ichigo now leads a quiet and peaceful life until he is approached by a mysterious man. What does the man want and how does it relate to Ichigo's lost powers?!

Ichigo has lost his powers! But the world still goes round and danger is always around the corner. When one of his friends is attacked, Ichigo searches for a way to regain his Soul Reaper powers.

I thought it was pretty cool how this volume begins almost exactly like Volume One. It states the place, day, and time. Then introduces Ichigo. The only difference this time is that is says "I can't see ghosts." And the morning starts as crazy as always. Almost as if all the events prior never happened. But you can definitely see the changes they caused.

An interesting turn of events is that when Ichigo lost his powers, his younger sister, Karin's, powers increased. And now that Ichigo's not a deputy Soul Reaper anymore, Uryu takes care of the Hollows.

The thing about Ichigo and most warriors of any type in general is that, though they say they are happy with a normal life, they will always feel more comfortable in combat. In Ichigo's case, the reflexes and body he worked on as a Soul Reaper now help him in fights. This is proved when he retrieves a school bag from a thief running away with the owner chasing him.

That owner just happens to be Kugo Ginjo. Ginjo raises questions that Ichigo may not be able to or want to answer. Does Ichigo really know as much as he thinks he does about his dad? His own family? What does he really know about Urahara? This is how Ichigo is introduced to Xcution.

When one of Ichigo's friends is attacked by an unknown, Ichigo feels powerless to do anything to protect his friends. This leads him to call Xcution. Since Ginjo knows about Ichigo and his dad, he knows that Ginjo is no ordinary human, therefore he feels that Ginjo can help him. This is when Xcution's goal is revealed: For Ichigo to regain his Soul Reaper powers.

We don't learn much about the members of Xcution, only that they are humans with the ability they call Fullbring. One thing I wasn't expecting was for Chad to be one of them. If I think about it, if Chad is like them, wouldn't Orihime be too? It's definitely something to think about while reading future volumes.

Volume 49 is the beginning of The Lost Agent Arc, and though it's a slow beginning, it's bound to pick up and I doubt we'll be disappointed when it does. Tite Kubo knows how to keep his audience engaged.

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The son of a town council member in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima. He never took drawing seriously until he was 17; after reading Dragon Ball he knew he wanted to be a manga artist. At the age of 18 he submitted his first concept for the series Zombiepowder but it got rejected. Zombiepowder was rejected multiple times until Kubo was 22, when it finally was accepted by Shonen Jump. It did not last long; it was cancelled after four volumes in late 2000.

His next series, Bleach, about a high school student who becomes a shinigami and fights hollows, was not such a failure. Bleach began regular publication in 2001. It has been running in Weekly Shonen Jump ever since.


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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4.5 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.

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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.

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4.5 STARS | Going Under by Georgia Cates

Title: Going Under
Series: Going Under #1
Author: Georgia Cates
Age Group: Young Adult, New Adult
Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports
Publisher: Georgia Cates Books, LLC
Format: PDF
ASIN: B007J7FTZI
Published: March 10th, 2012
Source: Georgia Cates
Events: Book Tour
Rating: 4.5/5 STARS
Purchase: Kindle | Paperback

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?

What starts as a means for revenge becomes the beginning of an undeniable love.

Jessie is a bad boy from the wrong side of town, but he has a rare natural talent that makes him a sought-after quarterback. Being the son of a drug dealing mother and almost killed in a drug deal gone wrong, he has dreams of becoming a prosecuting attorney. Claire is a good girl who isn't as perfect as she pretends to be. Having been adopted as a recovering heroine addicted baby, Claire hopes to become a social worker so others can have the same opportunity she was given.

Jessie and Claire had very different upbringings, but they both come from the same place; Jessie's mother was a drug dealer and Claire's birth mother was a drug addict. The fact that Jessie and Claire want to work against drugs, each in their own way, was one of the things I liked most about both of them. They're not letting their dark beginnings rule their lives or take them down the same path as their mothers.

From reading the book's summary you would think that Going Under was about Jessie's revenge against Forbes Henderson for trying to ruin his chances at a football scholarship by using Claire, Forbes' girlfriend. But that was eclipsed by the back-and-forth between Jessie and Claire, that ends up being so much more, and the real life issues of the distribution and use of drugs and the consequences thereof.

A character I really liked besides our couple was Claire's BFF, Payton. She's the kind of best friend I wish I had. After seeing Jessie and Claire together, Payton wants that kind of love herself. The sequel to Going Under is Payton's story. I can't wait to read Shallow to see if she's able to find the love she wants.

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I am a wife, mother of two daughters and a labor and delivery nurse. I have recently added Paranormal Romance Writer to my list of things to keep be busy, but I am ecstatic to release my debut novel, Blood of Anteros, the first book in The Vampire Agápe Series.

Like others that enjoy a great story of paranormal romance, I am easily bored by the tale of an obtainable, ordinary romance and was inspired to create The Vampire Agápe Series. When I am not tied up with my family or delivering babies, I am working feverishly on the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series.


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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