Once Burned Trailer

I ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS BOOK!!!

 

Once Burned
By: Jeaniene Frost
June 26th, 2012

Tell me More:
She’s a mortal with dark powers…
After a tragic accident scarred  her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a  person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of  solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out  with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
He’s the Prince of Night…
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest  vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most  feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against  him – a beautiful mortal with powers to  match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them,  threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop  an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

The Summer Lovin Tour: Summer of No Regrets

As part of the Summer Lovin Tour, The BookWhisperer has the pleasure of introducing readers to Katherine Grace Bond. As the author of The Summer of No Regrets she is a guest here today. The Summer of No Regrets is a young love story that will take readers on an incredible journey. Check out more about this book below, and see the guest post from the author below.

The Summer of No Regrets
By: Katherine Grace Bond

Little More about this Book:
The day Brigitta accidentally flings herself into the lap of a guy she's never met, her friend Natalie is convinced he's Trent Yves, egotistical heartthrob-in-hiding. When the boy, who calls himself Luke, is nearly eaten by a cougar, Brigitta finds herself saving his life, being swept into his spectacular embrace and wondering if she wants Natalie's fantasy to be true.
As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, she isn't sure of anything. What is the truth? More importantly, can she accept it?

 

Why We Crave Fame

“Celebrity-in-Hiding.” When I first started writing THE SUMMER OF NO REGRETS, I didn’t want to admit how much that idea intrigued me. I’m a lot like my main character, Brigitta—all about finding the meaning of life, not fantasizing over whether the guy next door is a movie star. When I bought a National Enquirer, I explained to the grocery store clerk that it was for research— that I was writing a book (“Yes,” I told her modestly, “I am an author.”) I certainly didn’t normally read that sort of thing. Of course not. Well, okay, maybe the headlines. Occasionally.

But as I read through stacks of People and Star and Us (which is a lot like eating sugar cubes all day long), and more stacks of celebrity biographies, I started to wonder what the deal is about fame. Why does it fascinate us? Why do we love the idea of either being famous or being connected to somebody famous?

I think it’s because we’ve got some interesting ideas about “being known.” If I’m “known,” people know who I am, right? Lots of people. Those people will say I’m talented and beautiful and they’ll treat me with special respect. If I’m known, I get to wear amazing clothes and ride in limousines. People will do what I want just because I’m known. If I only eat the green M&M’s, someone will pick those out of the five-pound bag and put them into a crystal dish for me. If I’m known, I am important—more important than that boss who fired me, or the teacher who gave me a C and said “You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” or the security guard who threw me out of a mall in Seattle for plugging my cellphone into a floor outlet (true story!)

But is that really what being known is? Getting special treatment and being better than somebody else? Who really knows me when I’m known like that? What I crave, what I really crave, is to have a few people who will look into my eyes and know me—know how I wrinkle my nose when I laugh, and what my favorite show is, and why I’m afraid of guns. It’s what we all want, I think—people who will listen to us when we’re scared, and scream with us on the roller coaster, and trust us with their hurts. We want to know we matter. We want to have a few people we don’t have to hide ourselves from.

So is Brigitta’s next-door-neighbor a secret superstar? We can talk about that later. I need to go to the grocery store and read some headlines.

Guest Post from Karen Schreck

Karen Schreck author of While He Was Away is a guest today on The BookWhisperer. While He Was Away is a novel about the young love and separation of war. This is a heart wrenching story about the changes that happen to not only soldiers, but the love and family they leave behind.

Stories My Mother Told Me . . . and the Ones She Never Did

I think a lot about family stories, perhaps because I’m an only child, and now that both of my parents are dead—no longer living, I almost wrote, because the other, more naked statement is still sometimes hard for me to write—I feel like I’m the only one left who can and will carry them.

Sometimes the family stories rattle around in my head, demanding attention all at once, and I don’t know where to focus—I guess that can be the effect of remembering. But other times, (especially when I follow the advice that great writer and teacher once gave me, which was: “Write where the pressure is!”) a particular story will rise up above the others and say: “Pick me.”

That’s what happened with While He Was Away.

I got quite and waited until the pressure revealed itself—and it was a story my mother told me in three simple sentences right before she died when I was fourteen.

Her story went like this.

“I was married before I married your father. I was very young. My first husband died in WWII.”

That was it. That was all she would say.

She knew she was dying, and she wanted me to know this truth about herself. For years afterward, no one else said a word about it, and then finally, it was revealed that there was really very little to say—only the classic: “They were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love; it was like a dream”—and then there were a few pictures that a cousin gave me—my mother, young and beautiful, in love with a young and beautiful boy.

When I started thinking about the other young and beautiful boys and girls who were heading off to Iraq to do battle for all kinds of reasons, I found myself thinking again about my mother, the girl, and her boy, and how in some ways, love in wartime is so different now, and in other ways, it isn’t all.

I wanted to retell the story she told me in three simple sentences, and it turned into a novel., While He Was Away.

Giveaway for Try Me by Diane Alberts

Yes Oh Yes! My favorite part of blogging is offer wonderful books to all of you! Entangled Publishing is offer one free ebook of Try Me here on The BookWhisperer. See more about the book below.

Try me
By: Diane Alberts
Series: Take a Chance Book 1

Here’s More:
What happens in Vegas…can lead to romance.
It took one wild night for Sergeant Jeremy Addison to realize that Vegas? Was a bad idea.
Bloody. Bruised. Dehydrated. Abandoned in the desert, and left to stagger down the road. The only way this leave could get worse was if his savior was his ex-best friend’s sister…and the girl he’d loved since childhood.
The last person Erica expected to find on the roadside was her high school crush. She hadn’t seen Jeremy in seven years—ever since the night he said he loved her, and she ran away. Losing him then had been a mistake, but wanting him now could be catastrophic if he discovered the secret that chased every other man from her life. But with a tall, tattooed Marine determined to prove he’s always been faithful, can Erica resist his advances…or will she surrender ground and give love a try?

 

To participate in this giveaway please leave your comment below. Make sure to include your email address in case you are the winner. This contest will end June 15th at 12:00 am. I will post winner later in the day of June 15th, and notify the winner. This contest is international, so everyone can participate.

Fated Blog Tour: Guest Post with Alyson Noel

Fated
By: Alyson Noel
Series: Soul Seekers Book 1
Released: May 22nd, 2012 by St Martin’s Press

Little more about the Book:
Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.
There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Alyson Noel has become a well known author due to her fantastic Immortals series. I have been a fan  of this series from the start, and was honored to participate in her blog tour for the debut of this Soul Seekers series. Please welcome Alyson to The BookWhisperer, and see what she had to share with our followers.

Alyson Noël Blog post for Animal Spirit Guides

In the world of The Soul Seekers, everyone is guided by a spirit animal (whether they know it or not!). These animal are mystical beings that guide us from their home in the Lowerworld. And in the first installment, Fated, Daire Santos must embark upon a magickal journey to discover who’s guiding her.

Our spirit animals speak not only to who we are, but where we are headed. Which spirit animal do you think is guiding you?

Raven: Raven represents mystery, magick, and a change in consciousness. Raven teaches us how to take the unformed and give it any shape we desire. By helping us to confront our failures and shortcomings, Raven reminds us that we have the power to transform anything we have the courage to face. Raven helps us to work the magick of spiritual laws to manifest that which we need and to bring forth light from darkness.

Coyote: Coyote represents humor, wiliness, and a reversal of fortune. Coyote teaches us how to strike a balance between wisdom and folly. As a cunning adversary, Coyote reminds us to understand circumstances surrounding a situation fully before developing a plan to achieve our goals and objectives, but as a survivor, Coyote will take extreme measures to insure the well-being of its off-spring and lineage.

Horse: Horse represents freedom, power, and enlightenment. Horse teaches us the benefits of patience, sensitivity and kindness, and that positive relationships are cooperative ones. Possessing great stamina and speed, Horse encourages us to awaken our own power to endure and reach the full potential of our abilities. A strong and powerful animal, the spirit of the Horse reminds us of our inner strength and gives us the courage to move forward and to head in new directions.

Wolf: Wolf represents protection, loyalty, and spirit. Wolf teaches us to balance our own needs and that of family and community, reminding us of the importance of ritual to establish order and harmony, while informing us that true freedom requires discipline. An extremely intelligent animal with keen senses, Wolf encourages us to go out of our way to avoid trouble and danger and fight only when necessary. A great teacher and pathfinder, the spirit of the Wolf urges us to listen to our own internal thoughts and words to help us find the deepest levels of self, inner knowledge and intuition.

Eagle: Eagle represents illumination, healing power, and creation. Eagle teaches us that while we are free to choose our own paths, we must respect the freedom of others and the path they have chosen, while its strong sharp beak informs us to mind our words and their impact on others. With its ability to soar to great heights and survey all directions, Eagle reminds us to see life from a higher perspective, for if we look with limited vision we may be blinded to what lies in front of us. As a symbol of great power, the spirit of the Eagle means taking on responsibility and power greater than yourself, using the gift of vision and clarity to help others through dark times.

Review: Try Me by Diane Alberts

Title: Try Me

By: Diane Alberts

Series: Take a Chance Book 1

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (May 24th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook provided by the Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:

What happens in Vegas…can lead to romance.
It took one wild night for Sergeant Jeremy Addison to realize that Vegas? Was a bad idea.
Bloody. Bruised. Dehydrated. Abandoned in the desert, and left to stagger down the road. The only way this leave could get worse was if his savior was his ex-best friend’s sister…and the girl he’d loved since childhood.
The last person Erica expected to find on the roadside was her high school crush. She hadn’t seen Jeremy in seven years—ever since the night he said he loved her, and she ran away. Losing him then had been a mistake, but wanting him now could be catastrophic if he discovered the secret that chased every other man from her life. But with a tall, tattooed Marine determined to prove he’s always been faithful, can Erica resist his advances…or will she surrender ground and give love a try?

Try Me was an wonderful and captivating love story. Young and in love Erica and Jeremy both made mistakes. Confident that their futures will never be together; they have lived the past eight years trying to move forward. Even though this is proving harder than anticipated; neither of them though. It they would find one another on a lonely desolate road in the desert. Erica is a wounded and fragile woman after what life has unfolded for her in the past few years. Determined that Jeremy will be like every other man she has known; she is determined to keep herself at a distance. This proves harder than planned when Jeremy begins pressing her boundaries, and searching for a way into her future. This story was very short, and over in a blink of the eye, but not without securing me as a new fan. I am anxious to see what else the Take a Chance series has to offer.

Review: Forget Me Not by Belinda Boring

Title: Forget Me Not

By: Belinda Boring

Series: The Mystic Wolves Series Book 2

Publisher: Moonstruck Media (May 6th, 2012)

My Copy: Purchased from Amazon

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Only a fool would think they could steal from a werewolf …
Anticipating a quiet night alone with the man she loves, Darcy’s world is sent into a spin with the arrival of someone from the past—Mason’s. She is further shocked by the intruder’s claim she may not even be the true mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha. Accusations start to fly, leading to her new enemy being granted asylum, and this is just the beginning of trouble.
Relying on the reassurances of Mason and the support of her friends and Pack, Darcy soon falls under attack. Suspicions are raised, and with no other choice, she must flee with Devlin to safety where hopefully they can untangle the lies hidden behind the use of magic. Time is quickly ticking away, leading to a showdown where everything is on the line.
They need to uncover the truth before it’s too late, or once again, Darcy will need to fight to hold onto her dreams.

Forget Me Not is the second full length book in The Mystic Wolves series. Book one which is  compilation of three original stories is now offered as a full length novel. The end of  The Mystic Wolves was a cliff hanger with the arrival of Mason’s  betrothed’s arrival. This second novel jumps right into where we left off, and the developments will carry readers through the remainder of this book. Always feeling as though the short stories were never enough this full length novel will quench readers thirst for more. Don’t underestimate the power of this story, and readers will still be left craving more, but it was refreshing to settle in for the ride. The anticipation for more will continue as Belinda leaves readers with yet another cliff hanger that will suspend Mason and Darcy into the unknown. Also surprisingly I was intrigued by the developments of one beloved Vampire, and find myself torn between loyalty and curiosity of what will come. This is awesome series, and I can’t express my love for it enough. Until the next book I will be waiting patiently!

Review: The Syndicate by Shelena Shorts

Title: The Syndicate

By: Shelena Shorts

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing (July 9th, 2012)

My Copy: Review Galley from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the Book:

For centuries, the Petrescu family has been protecting society from a danger that moves among the population undetected. Eighteen-year-old Vasi Petrescu has never had a problem carrying out his duty, but, when ordered to eliminate an eighteen-year-old girl, he is immediately taken out of his comfort zone.
The Syndicate has never targeted a female before, yet somehow this one has ended up on more than one hit list. Vasi would like to find out why, but there may not be time.
Now, he'll have to decide whether or not to keep her alive even if it means going against his own family.

The Syndicate is a very unique storyline that will entice a selective audience. Narrated by a eighteen year old young man that happens to be an assassin, for the secret organization known as the The Syndicate, readers will notice a very different dialect, and overall experience. Watching this story unfold from a males point of view may deter some readers, but those that find their selves invested will be rewards with this action packed adventure. Shockingly, this is also a love story which was quite interesting paired with the males point of view. The fast pace will carry readers through effortlessly as this author builds an entire world of danger; only to break it back down with the climax of the novel. Upon concluding the book I have many lingering questions, and hopes to see another novel for this unique and refreshing story. I look forward to more, and anxiously anticipate reading author novels by this talented author.

Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Title: Underworld

By: Meg Cabot

Series: Abandoned Series Book 2

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

My Copy: Review Book from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.
Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead.
Not this time.
But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.
Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.
But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.
And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

Meg Cabot has always been a fave of my since my introductions to her Mediator Series. While I am not a huge fan of the chic lit novels that she has created; I can honestly say that she definitely knows her way around paranormal. I am absolutely not a mythology buff, but I love reader stories that are a retelling of these various myths. Abandon was just that in the variation to the tale of Hates and Persephone. This is a dark and twisting tale in itself, and I felt that Cabot captures that mystery and intrigue in her writing. Regretfully, I did not find Underworld to captivate me as deeply as book one, but all in all it was a good addition this this loved story. I look forward to seeing if Cabot will be offering more in the way of supernatural, but I have to say that this novel has made me question the continuation of this particular series. 

Review: The Departed by J.A. Templeton

Title: The Departed

By: J.A. Templeton

Series: A Mackinnon Curse Novel #3

Genre: Young Adult Horror/Supernatural

My Copy: Ebook provided from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Psychic? Check.
Haunted by a malevolent spirit who is making life a living hell? Check.
In love with a smoking hot Scot, who is the reincarnation of the man creepy malevolent ghost murdered two centuries before? Check.
Friends and family think you’re losing your mind? Check.
Welcome to the life of sixteen-year-old Riley Williams, whose life hasn’t been the same since she moved to Scotland and met the spirit of Ian MacKinnon, and Laria, the witch who murdered him.
Since helping Ian cross over to the other side, Riley became Laria’s target, and now the witch has made it clear she wants her dead. Laria has already possessed Riley’s brother and friends, and Riley is starting to feel a little strange herself. She just hopes that she can stop Laria before the ghost takes everything from her. With her boyfriend Kade, her brother, and her buddies by her side, Riley is in for the fight of her life.

This is book three of the Mackinnon Curse novels. These are all incredibly short reads that I can buzz through in a mere sitting, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat every minute of the ride. As a reluctant horror reader; I was impressed by my captivation to these stories. Our main character, Riley, is an amazingly strong young woman. The display of bravery and strength seen through this terrifying journey was awe worthy. Templeton is talented author that will have you looking over your shoulder while reading her bone chilling tale. The Departed seemed to conclude the current situations surround the Mackinnon Curse which leaves me anxious to see if the future holds more for these well loved characters. If this is the end for the Riley and her friends I felt that it wrapped up nicely, and look forward to seeing more from this highly talented author.

Review: Out of the Dark by Quinn Loftis

Title: Out of the Dark

By: Quinn Loftis

Series: Grey Wolves Series Book 4

Release Date: June 7th, 2012

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Darkness has descended on the Transylvanian Alps.
Four packs of the powerful Grey wolves – in a rare show of cooperation – had joined together here in an effort to help their pack members find true mates. Then they were betrayed by one of their own – an Alpha hell-bent on becoming the most powerful of the Canis lupis. And though the wolf's assassination attempt on the currently-reigning Romanian Alpha failed, his plans to get Decebel, the Romanian Beta, out of the picture were coming together even as his treachery was discovered. The wolf fled, leaving destruction, death, and a missing mate behind him.
Unbeknownst to the other packs, the wolf has employed a witch to finish the deadly job and help him gain another tool to increase his power. A curse of devastating proportions will cripple Decebel in a way that may dissolve his fragile bond with Jennifer. Meanwhile, injured and alone, Jen has been fighting for her life. She had come to terms with her fate, accepting that she would not share a life with Decebel, until help came in the most unexpected form...
Vasile will have to use all his resources – including Sally, the new gypsy healer of the Romanian pack – to discover a way in which to destroy the witch, lift the curse from Decebel and reunite him with the one woman who makes him whole, and solve a mystery that's been surrounding the Romanian pack for 300 years.

 UNBLEIVABLE! This is book five of the Grey Wolves series. What began with a little paranormal love story as grown and evolved in a complex and intriguing world of Werewolves, Fae, and Witches. As each story progresses that world expands, and the characters shift adding even more to love. Never losing sight of the original characters readers will devour each and every story to catch up on where their beloved characters have gone, all the while, falling in love with new characters that take the spotlight. Quinn Loftis is an indie author that has grown into amazing talented author who has the ability to capture readers in her stories. Determined and driven she is continuously raising the bar and mystifying readers will each new book. I find it very difficult while writing this review not to spoil the adventure for readers, but the quest for a peaceful ending is far from their grasp. The plot continues to thicken, but Loftis does allow readers a moment of clarity in this novel to resolve loose ends, and bring moments of peace for these lovable characters. Although, she also finds new twists and turns that will shift the series yet again, and broaden the horizons for the Grey Wolves series.  This is an author to watch closely for her future promising. Don’t miss out on this series, or anymore that are to come, for she will not disappoint and will leave you breathless. BOOKWHISPERER FAVORITES!!!  BOOKWHISPERER FAVORITE AUTHOR!!!

~BOOKWHISPERER REVIEW JO~

Review: If I Can’t Have You by Lauren Hammond

Title: If I Can’t Have You

By: Lauren Hammond

Publisher: S. B. Addison Books (January 31st, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook from the Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the Book:

One is lonely. Three is a crowd.
Robin Mason has never been the same since Drake Robertson, a hot lifeguard at her family's yearly vacation spot saves her from drowning. Ever since that day she's never let another guy hold a candle to him. She's idolized him and has been waiting for the day where they can go from Facebook friends to more. Much, much more.
Flash-forward three years and Robin isn't the same tween Drake rescued from the deep blue sea. She's college bound, curvy, and finally ready to take what she wants most--Drake.
But not if Drake's brother Elliot has anything to say about it.
Robin is torn between what's right and what's wrong, her head and her heart, and two brothers that are simply irresistible. But who will she choose? Safe, sweet, Elliot? Or the hot, smoldering, Drake?
Two brothers. One Girl. One choice. So which will it be?

Robin has spent her life her life dreaming up a fantasy that she may just find falling at her feet. Her family has been vacationing at the same beach house for as long as she can remember. After her near drowning experience, when she was fifteen, she has spent every summer wishing for the one thing that was just out of her reach. That one thing just happens to be her knight in shining armor and lifeguard rescuer. Drake is always at the forefront of Robin’s mind. She looks forward to the chance summer encounters with the hopes that one year he will notice her as more than the “kid”, that he has nicknamed her since her near drowning. The summer following her senior year she is right back at the same beach house with the same dreams. Only when she runs into the gorgeous and heart stopping Drake; she notices immediately that he no longer looks at her like the “kid”, and from that point on her fantasies begin to form her reality.  The only problem is that she also finds that her chance encounter a few weeks earlier while college visiting is none other than Drake brother Eliot. As the story begins building it is obvious that Robin’s perfected dream was much better than reality. When Drake proves less than perfect, Robin will have to learn to let go of her fantasies, and accept reality. Or is she looking in the wrong direction.

This was a great story about watching a young girl become a woman. It was relatable, and easy to feel your way through the story. The emotional rollercoaster will catapult readers through with little to no effort. I recommend this read for young adults, and adult that enjoy a good romance.

Review: Stealing Breath by Joanne Brothwell

Title: Stealing Breath

By: Joanne Brothwell

Series: Stealing Breathe Book 1

Publisher: Crescent Moon (March 8th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:

Deep in the backwoods of North Dakota, twenty-one year old Sarah Ross is searching for a missing child when she is attacked by a glowing-eyed, transparent... creature. Sarah survives, destroying the monster by using mysterious abilities she didn't even know she had. Bloody and bruised, Sarah flees the scene and runs directly into Evan Valente, a handsome, charismatic stranger who helps her back to safety. But what is Evan doing out in the forest at five in the morning?
Turning to a healer, Sarah is shocked to learn her eyes bear the mark of the Indigo Child-an evolved human with the ability to feel the emotions of others. But her indigo aura also makes her an easy target for those who wish to consume her powerful essence.
Soon, Sarah is falling deeply in love with Evan and wants nothing more than to follow her heart and trust that he is the man he says he is. But she can't ignore the lingering feeling that Evan is hiding a terrible secret. The deeper she digs, the more danger she faces, leading her on a course that will force her to face the darkest, innermost parts of her soul.

Stealing Breath was not your typical supernatural love story. I began this book wondering if I had stumbled upon a horror novel, but was soon discovering that this author covers a variety of emotions throughout the journey. Sarah Ross is not your typical young adult, and she has known that her abilities set her apart from everyone around her. She is determined to keep her secrets hidden; but little does she know that many of her peers have secrets of their own. This story was a fast read that was enjoyable and mysterious. While it appeared to be lacking the power that would have propelled it from good to great.

Review: Crash Into You by Roni Loren

Title: Crash Into You

By: Roni Loren

Series: Loving on the Edge Book 1

Publisher: Berkley Heat (January 3rd, 2012)

My Copy: Review Book from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:

Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat-a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her, Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn's past.
Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he's all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate-and so does the danger. Their hearts aren't the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

Can we say INTENSE! Crash Into You will make readers laugh, cry, and blush all in one sitting. The story is a naughty and exhilarating adventure of love, betrayal, and submission. I was captivated from the start. As my first BDSM novel I was leery about what I was getting myself into. I can honestly say that this was an experience that I never anticipated, but while it was promiscuous it also captures and intense and romantic love story. The mystery side of the novel offers yet another interesting side story that will keep readers turning the pages. Brynn and Reid are very unique characters, and both have a variety of baggage. The two character are obviously puzzle pieces to the same puzzle, but stubborn resist holds them at bay for the majority of this story. The story has readers jumping in feet first, only to have alternating chapters that will display their history that has been building through their past. It was not awkward display and tied in nicely,  but it does leave the readers with questions about the direction of the story in the beginning. I loved this story, and I am anxious to give book two a try. Especially, to see more of the beloved Jace…..

Review: Playing for Keeps by RL Mathewson

Title: Playing for Keeps

By: RL Mathewson

Series: A Neighbor from Hell Book 1

My Copy: Ebook provided by the author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book

Done with being the world's biggest pushover, Haley decides that things are going to change starting with the aggravating neighbor who has too much charm and not enough restraint. What she didn't expect was to sucked into his world, but Haley has a game plan and she won't let herself forget just what the bad boy next door is capable of. The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.

Haley has the worst neighbor; hands down! She finally leaves her “push-over” tendencies when she sees him pulling up her tulips in her garden and goes off on him. What she doesn’t know is that Jason has unearthed a beehive and the swarm is coming after them. Her house is the closest shelter so they make a run for it and end up spending the day together until the bees settle down. During this, Jason sees that there is more to Haley than being a push over neighbor and what he sees, he starts to like.

Let’s just say that this book had me laughing the whole way through it. I couldn’t help but love Jason (even after Haley’s description of him in the beginning.) His love for food and his quick wit made me fall in love with him, and he is a character in a book! I found it suiting that Jason and Haley brought out the best in each other. Jason was able to bring Haley out of demure self and really show her shining personality and fun side to where Haley was able to feed Jason and his endless stomach. A perfect match made in heaven. I loved their interaction with each other. It is the kind of interaction that usually takes years to build, but these characters have it immediately. Well, after he rips out her tulips from his side of the property.

I completely recommend this book to anyone who would just like to laugh non-stop through out this entire book. I would also like R. L. Mathewson to write my life so it can be as funny and loving as this book was.

And to leave you with one of my favorite quote:

“How dare you touch my cookies, you bastard!” Jason said in utter disgust before popping the cookie into his mouth and heading back to his house.

“Damn those looked good, too,” Brad grumbled.

Haley sighed. “Don’t worry I have a second plate on my counter.” The words were barely out of her mouth when Jason abruptly changed course and headed towards her house.

“Well, there was,” she said, watching Jason walk into her house like he owned it. A minute later he walked out of her house, carrying both plates and the gallon of milk she had in her fridge. He headed back to his house, but not before he glared at Brad. “You cookie thieving bastard,” they heard him mutter.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

Review: Kiss and Make Up by Faye Robertson

Title: Kiss and Make Up

By: Faye Robertson

Publisher: Entangled Publishing Feb 14th, 2012

My Copy: Ebook review copy

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

The Opportunity of a Lifetime…
Makeup artist Tabby Rogers is thrilled to land a job on a New Zealand movie set with lots of perks, including getting her hands on sexy Kiwi stunt man, Eli Black.
The sexual electricity zapping between them can't be denied, but neither of them is in a position to handle happily-ever-after. Eli’s jetting off to Hollywood, Tabby’s next assignment is in the UK. But there’s nothing wrong with a short-term fling, right?
Except as the sparks burn hotter and responsibilities pull at them from opposite ends of the globe, it quickly becomes clear that something’s gotta give. Must Tabby sacrifice her hard-won career for love? Or will Eli forever be the one that got away

Things are looking (somewhat) up for Tabby Rogers when she lands a job in New Zealand as a make up artist on a movie set; a movie set that includes the handsome Eli Black as the stunt man. Problem is, he doesn’t date anyone on the set and after the director calls “It’s a wrap!” they will move to the opposite side of the world. But that doesn’t stop the spark to flare between them. So what is a girl to do when Eli sets his beautiful eyes on her and suggests a “relationship” until filming is over? You take it of course, but what do you do after it is a wrap?

Okay, I admit it, the guy on the cover of the book is what made me decide to read “Kiss and Make Up.” I’m not ashamed to admit that! “Kiss and Make Up” was something I devoured in a day and I enjoyed the relationship between Tabbs and Eli. Both are attracted to each other from the start and can’t help but be pulled towards each other. Their scenes together show that their relationship is becoming more than just a fling, but how can it when Tabbs is moving to London and Eli is moving to L.A. after filming? You’ll just have to read the book to find out how the author zips you through their family’s problems, their promises to themselves, and their love for each other.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~