Friday, August 31

Blood Bond Giveaway

blood bond

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

This is one of my favorite parts of blogging. The chance to give you a copy!

For your chance to win a ebook copy of Blood Bond sign up here. This contest will run through September 14th, 2012 midnight. The only thing you need to participate is leave a comment with name and email on this post. I will forward contact information to author once contest is concluded. Thank you always for following us here at The BookWhisperer.

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Blog Tour Blood Bond by Heather Hilderbrand

blood bond

Blood Bond
By: Heather Hildenbrand
Series: Dirty Blood Book 3

Hybrids.

If I had to choose one word to sum up all of my problems, this would be it.
Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to watch my best friend slowly becoming a monster. Without hybrids, I could let go of the mentality “hunt or be hunted.” CHAS wouldn’t be scouring the Earth, intent on slaughtering and using Alex to do it. Without hybrids, I wouldn’t have to be on guard that losing my temper meant losing my shape. There would be no monster inside me, struggling to get out.

Then again, without hybrids, I wouldn’t have Wesley St. John.

For your wonderful pleasure Heather has offered a guest post from Wes’s point of view. The prequel previews Wes hunt for hybrids. Check it out below!

The smell of death coated my throat. I swallowed against the acrid taste of it and stared at the scene before me. We were too late. These people had been dead at least a day, probably two. I nudged a tent pole with my toe. The fabric lay in heaps on the ground in a messy circle around the remains of a campfire. Clothing lay strewn about, bloodied and shredded. Miscellaneous items such as water bottles, purses, and cell phones littered the dirt-packed ground.

“There’s nothing here.” Cord wandered between bodies, stepping haphazardly. She’d pulled her hair up off her neck, but her cheeks were still flushed.

The humidity in Louisiana was enough to make my eyes water. I’d taken to travelling in nothing but a pair of shorts and flip flops. The backseat held a pile of t-shirts to choose from and pull on whenever I needed to enter a public place, but the heat made it impossible to stand the fabric for long. Besides, I’d lost way too many shirts these past weeks. On a hunt like this, there was rarely warning before the need to shift nor any time to undress beforehand. At least this way, I only lost the shorts.

“We’re not even close behind them, Wes. This is pointless.” She sounded irritated—more so than usual.

I sighed and shoved my hair back from my forehead. “I can see that,” I said, the words curt and biting. I didn’t want to be here any more than she did, but if not us, then who? If CHAS found the hybrids first they’d end up exactly like these innocent humans I stood in the midst of. Bloody. Dead. Left to rot.

“Let’s go,” I said, turning on my heel and heading for the car. I opened my phone as I emerged from the trees, heading for my car still parked at the shoulder.

No traffic passed while I waited for the call to connect and I didn’t expect any to. Not all the way out here. The people we’d just found had been guests of a remote campground. They’d been such an easy target. Probably had no clue what had hit them.

Cord joined me as I hung up with emergency. “Did you report it?” she asked in a bored voice. She pulled the visor down and checked her reflection in the mirror then used her hand to wipe under her eyes where her eyeliner had smudged.

“Yeah, they’ll take care of the bodies. It’ll probably make the news. Animal attack. Nothing we can do about that now short of burying them ourselves.” Cord shot me a look, letting me know the chances of that happening. “Right. Let’s get going.”

I started the engine and shifted into gear, easing us onto the narrow two-lane highway. Trees rose up above us, coating the cliff’s edge and closing us in. Normally, this sort of scenery would tug at me, urging my wolf out of the tightness of the car and into the wide open. I ignored the pull of the outdoors and focused on the road. The pull I felt toward Frederick Falls, toward Tara, was greater, by far, than any urge I felt to linger here.

“Where to, now?” Cord asked.

“Jack should be done meeting with our contact by now. Let’s see if he’s heard anything new.”

“And if not?” I didn’t answer. Cord huffed out a breath. “We both know he’s not going to hear anything solid. If we were going to find them, it would’ve happened already. Face it. They don’t want to be found.”

“We can’t just stop.” I kept my eyes on the road and worked the muscle in my jaw. It was a nervous habit from way back. One Fee hated and always fussed about. Her voice rang in my head and I forced my teeth to relax.

“Why? Because she won’t allow it?”

Cord’s response came out twisted with disdain. I ignored it, as I always did with Cord. Changing her mind was a lost cause. Besides, I knew that deep down she didn’t despise Tara nearly as much as she wanted me to believe. If she did, she wouldn’t have protected her at Wood Point. Not even for me.

There were chinks in her stance on Tara, ones I planned to keep chipping away at until she came around. If not for my sake, then for Tara’s. I knew it bothered her that Cord disliked her.

“Because Tara’s right. They deserve a choice,” I said.

“Are you sure about that? You saw what they did back there, right? Mayhem. Violence. Half-eaten bodies. That sound like someone who needs a choice to you?”

“They may not all be monsters,” I said quietly.

As usual, whenever this subject came up, something deep in my gut tightened. I wouldn’t allow someone else to be labeled by what they were any more than I wanted someone doing it to me. So I would continue to hunt. Even though I secretly wished she’d just call me and demand I give up and come home to her. Because I wouldn’t do it unless she asked. But God, I wanted to.

Thank you so much for the guest post, and chance to participate in the blog tour for your wonderful series!

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Thursday, August 30

Review: Gabriel’s Rapture by Sylvain Reynard

gabriel's rapture

Title: Gabriel’s Rapture
By: Sylvain Reynard
Series: Gabriel’s Inferno Book 2
Publisher: Penguin Berkley
(May 22nd, 2012)
My Copy: Netgalley Review Copy
BookWhisperer Rating:

five stars

About the Book:

Professor Gabriel Emerson has embarked on a passionate, yet clandestine affair with his former student, Julia Mitchell.
Sequestered on a romantic holiday in Italy, he tutors her in the sensual delights of the body and the raptures of sex. But when they return, their happiness is threatened by conspiring students, academic politics, and a jealous ex-lover.
When Gabriel is confronted by the university administration, will he succumb to Dante's fate? Or will he fight to keep Julia, his Beatrice, forever?
In Gabriel's Rapture, the brilliant sequel to the wildly successful debut novel, Gabriel's Inferno, Sylvain Reynard weaves an exquisite love story that will touch the reader's mind, body, and soul, forever
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If there is one thing that Professor Emerson is good at, it is wooing his one and only Julianne. By golly, this book shows just how deep his love is for her. It starts out with their vacation in Italy. Now that they are free from the policies of the university, they can express their love openly to each other, and they take full advantage of that. They experience the culture, partake in its culinary delights, and most importantly take each other as lovers. How Gabriel shows Julia the art of a relationship blew my mind. To take a soul like his, torn to bits from his past and see how he has grown with Julia’s love to where he can be so soft and gentle with her. Truly brilliant writing.
But with the good comes the bad and boy does Sylvain Reynard bring just that. The university is evaluating their relationship and this is where the book tears at your soul. Since Julia and Gabriel union in the first book, they have been this united force that sticks together through thick and thin (even though they have their fights.) Through friends and family who disapproved of their relationship, through crazy exes, and through each other’s tormented pasts. As a reader I thought nothing could rip them apart. But when the university meeting came and the emotions and actions were revealed, oh, my heart couldn’t take it.
However, during this time after the meeting, you find that you learn a lot more about the characters. For Gabriel, you find that there is true love that can live in his heart and goodness that can come from what harbors there. For Julia, you find that she can stand on her own two feet and stand up for herself. She doesn’t always need protection from someone else.
Just remember when you read this wonderfully written book that Gabriel does state that he would go to Hell and back for Julia and that nothing could keep him away from her.
Brilliant story paired with wonderful writing makes this a great sequel. Read it.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

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Review: North of Need by Laura Kaye

north of need

Title: North of Need

By: Laura Kaye

Series: Heats of the Aneomi Book 1

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

(October 1st, 2011)

My Copy: Ebook from the Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

four stars

About the Book:

Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves…
Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she’s recreated the very thing she’ll never have.
Called to life by Megan’s tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.
Megan is drawn to Owen’s mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration—before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow’s grief and learn to trust love again, or she’ll lose Owen forever.

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What a fantastic and romantic read. As I read this book, I felt so bad for Megan and how she just couldn’t let herself let go and be reborn in the beginning. She tortured herself with spending her late husband’s death anniversary at their cabin. In the midst of mourning, Megan builds a snowman family cries herself to sleep while clutching on the male snowman. This act generates Owen into a semi human form and he falls upon her doorstep. At this point, the story starts to steam up.
Owen could gladly fall upon my doorstep anytime! He was the perfect character and the perfect match for Megan. He was charismatic, chivalrous, and wanted nothing more in the world than Megan to be happy, oh and a side note, he was SEXY! The two characters together just had so much fun with each other. I would find myself just smiling because in the book they were so carefree and excited about their new bond.
A very sweet read with the perfect ending.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~

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Review: The Knight and Maggie’s Baby by Lisa Mondello

the knight and maggies baby

Title: The Knight and Maggie’s Baby

By: Lisa Mondello

Self Published August 30th, 2011

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

five stars

About the Book:

Sometimes fate needs a little help…
Jonah Wallace knows what it’s like to grow up without love. Despite having more money than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew up in boarding schools. He’s dedicated his life to helping homeless and displaced children find the love and support they need by creating the Haven House Foundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.
Now that he’s living in America, his work is going along just fine…until his grandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he can inherit.
Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby’s dad has gone AWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when Jonah Wallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up on his offer, even if it’s only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby a name and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfect arraignment strictly business…or will fate’s helping hand bring them love at last?

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An incredibly heartwarming story, and the picture perfect happily ever after. Maggie is a young woman with a problem. From a family legacy of survival without men; she is no stranger to hard work and dedication. At twenty four, pregnant and alone she knows that the future will be a struggle. Fate lands Jonah Wallace in her coffee shop one late afternoon after his fiancé leaves him the day of the wedding. Let not get hung up on the fact that their wedding was a ruse for him to be able to ensure his ownership of the family heritage. After learning his Grandfather’s plans to sell the family land; he was furious to discover the stipulation that he must marry for the length of a year in order to be eligible for the ownership. Determined not to lose the property he suggests that he and Maggie marry for the year. Maggie being a very realistic and moralistic character was mortified to think about marrying for money, but after some thought she had found one thing that he might be able to provide that would make this sacrifice with it. Being well experienced in living without a father, Maggie is none too familiar with the cruelty of children. So, just maybe in exchange for this one favor Jonah could offer her child the chance to feel like she is a part of something bigger. While, she knows that they will never be a family, and this arrangement is only for the length of a year; she also knows that no matter the name would offer her child some much more than she could ever hope for. This was an incredible story about love and devotion. Even prior to the mountain of emotions that readers feel through Jonah and Maggie; a mother loves for her child could be no greater. This was a heartfelt and emotional read. It becomes apparent right away that the lines so clearly drawn are blurring, but it is as this couple was drawn to one another. It displayed this author amazingly talented writing for such a romance to grow emotional through the pages with the lack of physical aspect. The Knight and Maggie’s Baby will definitely entice some potent emotions, and proves well worth the effort with such an incredibly rewarding story.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

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Saturday, August 25

Review: Divinely Ruined by Diane Alberts

divinely ruined

Title: Divinely Ruined

By: Diane Alberts

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (April 26th, 2012)

My Copy: Ebook from Author

BookWhisperer Rating: three books

About the Book:

She finally meets a decent man–after she’s oath-bound never to touch men again!
Rebecca’s life sucked before she became an angel. Crappy apartment, awful jobs, abusive boyfriends–it was no wonder she jumped at the chance to escape it all and become a real live angel. The problem is Rebecca’s not very angelic, and she’ll have to do more to earn her wings than end her love affair with the word f–er, frick.
Especially when she’s assigned to save single father Tony Weis, whose less-than-pure thoughts wreak hell on a telepathic angel’s nerves. It’s all Rebecca can do to keep her hands off him…but when she loses her memory injuring herself to save Tony’s daughter, now it’s Tony’s turn to be her angel and care for her. But will Tony’s devotion tempt her from her angelic path, even if it means being human again?

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 Divinely Ruined was a very sweet love story about an Angel and Man lacking faith. When the two cross paths fireworks will erupt. With their scarred past, both will attempt to ignore the obvious evidence of attraction. Determined to earn her wings; Rebecca sets herself in Tony and Miranda’s lives as times passes she will finds herself absorbed into Tony’s family effortlessly. As the days pass she dreads a time when she will no longer be needed. An unexpected turn of events leave her with amnesia, and she must remember who she is and her purpose or is this life what she really wanted all along?

~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

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Friday, August 24

Review: The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

Title: The Wild Ones
By: M Leighton
Self Published August 1st, 2012
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:
**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**

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.

Okay, so can I say absolutely wonderful!!! The Wild Ones was an incredible story of love beating all odds. At first glance I noticed the cover of this book, and the explicit warning and expected, for lack of a better word, smutty book. I never anticipated such an incredibly wonderful love story. This was amazingly written with the readers guessing until the very last page. Trick and Cami are the two main characters, and share this story in alternating points of view. The two of them have some smoking hot chemistry which leads to the explicit warning, but while the author does delve into sexual scenes there are only three in the entirety of this book.  I hate that this cover and warning would be readers first impression, because it truly does not do such an amazing story justice. It is easy to see straight off that this relationship will have obstacles. With the combination of Cami's Dad, financial struggles of Trick's family, and the ever present Brent (Cami's Boyfriend) readers will anticipate a suspenseful read. Although, when I was completely blind sided by the actual climax of the story it was nothing that I had anticipated. This is not your typical everyone is in love, and live happily ever after conclusion. Although, it offers a happy ending it proves that something can't be changed. What is important is what's best for you!!!!!!
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~

Review: For Always by Danielle Sibarium

Title: For Always
By: Danielle Sibarium
My Copy: Ebook from Publisher
BookWhisperer Rating:


About the Book:
You never really get over your first love. Such is the case for fourteen-year-old Stephanie Barrano, self-proclaimed misfit and death magnet. A freshman in high school, Stephanie is befriended by Jordan Brewer, a hot, in-demand senior, who pulls her from the outer circle of obscurity into the realm of acceptance. Jordan quickly works his way into Stephanie’s heart. He’s her everything. And the only person she trusts with the truth about her father’s death. But he won’t act on the strong feelings he has for her. Stephanie vows to wait for him, knowing in time she’ll win his heart.

Two months before her eighteenth birthday, Jordan serves as an impromptu prom date. After sharing a magical evening, Jordan leaves Stephanie with the promise of a future together. Then tragedy strikes. Jordan not only shuts Stephanie out, he also blames her for what happened. Feeling broken and beaten, will she try one last time to get through to Jordan or will she lose him forever?



This was a really hard one to review! I really liked the characters, and the longevity of the romance building between Jordan and Stephanie. This was a young adult novel, and it was a glimpse of pure young love. Romance readers will melt with the growing bond between these two main characters. As a story this was as far as my raving could go. As much as I wanted to love this story it just seemed to be lacking the power and intensity that seemed to be simmering under the surface. The constant tug of war for Jordan and Stephanie was a very luring aspect in the beginning, but as the story progressed I found this to be frustrating and overwhelming with the slow and steady pace. Closing in on the conclusion things seemed to pick up as the plot thickens, but at this point I think it was a bit too late. I found myself with a sense of confusion at a couple points in the story. For example, Stephanie's friend was an enigma to me. At first it appeared as though this girl was a horrible friend. Never caring about her friends feeling, and only out to guarantee happiness for number one. Then all of a sudden it appeared to shift when she was not angry about Steph's feelings for Jordan. Then, only to have it questioned again when Jordan and Steph are no longer getting along. So in the end, I am just as conflicted as I started. Is this girl a true friend, or is she really the selfish and conceited person that I was portraying through the pages? It was very confusing and misleading at times. With a combination of the length, pace, and uncurtaining this left a lot to be desired. With some much potential I really wished I would have liked this story better.

~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~


Review: Happily Ever After? by Jean Haus

Title: Happily Ever After?
By: Jean Haus
Sequel to Sleeping Handsome
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:


About the Book:
Paige and Zach have the perfect relationship. Too bad the world can’t revolve around them. Responsibilities suck. Paige’s acting career is starting. Unfortunately, half across the world. Thirty days apart. All while Zach has commitments to college and a new job. But they refuse to let time, distance, or obligations come between them. 

Yet their biggest challenge may not be time apart. It just might be their belief in each other. 

Can a story so beautiful be real? Is there a love so strong that time and life won't manipulate and scar it? After such a heartfelt and incredible story like Sleeping Handsome; I was anxious to get started on this short read. After the perfection Sleeping Handsome created I was curious where Jean Haus would take this story. Naturally, it seems I was pondering the same conclusion that author had in writing the story. Happily Ever After? Took the perfection of book one, and blemishes it with reality. Once life has made its mark it is easy to see the perfect fairy tale transform into a realistic love story that will withstand the test of time. I have now had the pleasure of reading and reviewing both of these stories, and I can say that I loved every minute of the journey. This was an impressive display of writing ability by Jean Haus, and one that sealed my fate as a dedicated fan. After such incredible reads I am anxiously await the future to see what more will come from this talented author.



Review: Unattainable by Deb Apodaca

Title: Unattainable
By: Deb Apodaca
Series: Affliction Novel Book 2
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:
“What do you want from me?” I demanded.

Dean examined my eyes and looked disapointed in what he saw. “Do you remember anything?” He asked with hope.

“What are you talking about? I was with Shane, then I woke up here! He’ll kill you for this!” I warned.

Dean threw back his head and laughed. “That little mosquito can try.” Then he lowered his eyes and cocked a smile. “I dare him.”

The way he gazed at me was intense. I felt butterflies frantically flying in my stomach and up my chest. “What do you want from me?” I demanded, as I pretended not to feel a rush of excitement from his close presence. 

“Do you remember anything from your human life?” Dean asked and tilted his head to the side. 

“No.” I responded immediately.

“Are you sure? Think really hard.” Dean insisted.

“I don’t. I’ve already tried thinking really hard. Why is this so important?” I asked.

Ignoring my question, Dean asked, “Do you remember your friends? Family?” He hesitated and nervously rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe a boyfriend you had?”

After the heartbreak of book one I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Unattainable. The story started out much slower than I had anticipated, and it continued through much of the story. This second installment was much different from the first in that with the separation of Dean and Miranda we alternate chapters, and follow the two of them separately. It is a book long heartache to watch Miranda with her unknown past, and the slow by progressive deterioration of Dean knowing that he must eventually kill the one he loves. The ending redeems much of this story once the action really hits. Dean and Marcus predicaments are going to make for a very interested third book to the Afflicted series. To honestly rate this book I have to say that Captivated was better, but it is still a very good read. Even better I am ecstatic about the upcoming book three, and can not wait to see if Deb can surpass expectations with the best book yet. The series is about to transform, and I can't wait to see where it will go!!!!

Review: Once Bitten by Trina M Lee

Title: Once Bitten
By: Trina M Lee
Series: Alexia O'Brien, Huntress Book 1
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:
Alexa O'Brien is a professional huntress and a werewolf with the ability to conduct and manipulate metaphysical energy. When she is inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic vampire Arys Knight, the dangerous power they create together becomes more than either of them anticipated. As a result of their actions Alexa risks the loss of more than her remaining humanity, she risks losing the very person who holds her heart, Shaz Richardson. 

When her former lover and Alpha pack member Raoul is framed for murder, he comes to her for help and Alexa is forced to face past emotions and betrayals that were never laid to rest. As the murders continue she is torn between past hurts and present loves. Amidst the rush of power and the struggle for control, Alexa must dig deep within herself to discover where her heart truly belongs. As secrets are revealed and lies exposed, she comes to discover that not everyone is who you think they are and the greatest loves are undying.


This is a captivating love triangle of intense power and emotion wrapped all into one. As I had said previously in the review for the prequel Stunner; Trina Lee writing style reminds me a lot of The BookWhisperer favorite Jeaniene Frost. She is not afraid of stretching readers to the emotional limit, and no single emotion is left untouched. Alexia is a strong dependable character that readers will adore, and the way trouble seems to follow her will make her adventure all the more entertaining. Action packed from start to finish is that way this author presents her stories, and each installment will leave readers craving the next taste. There seems to be three story lines running which keeps readers captivated, but will require devoted attention to grasp the whole story. As Alexia trying to unravel the mystery behind the murdering of the Alpha's ex lovers; she will also be battling the growing friction between Arys and Shaz. Which only further escalates when Alexia bond with Ayrs seems only increasing. This was one incredible love triangle that had me torn between characters. Arys and Shaz are both incredible strong and lovable characters. Trying to determine the best match is nearly impossible, and it is even harder when Alexia finds more and more complimenting traits in both men. In the end I felt that they are both perfect for her, and I am curious to see how Lee will maneuver them in future books. This a hot, intense, captivated read that will definitely keep me coming back for more.



Review: Stunner by Trina Lee

Title: Stunner
By: Trina M Lee
Series: Alexa O'Brien, Huntress .75
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:
A prequel short story from the urban fantasy Alexa O'Brien Huntress series. A brief look at Arys and Alexa’s first meeting. 

Reckless and young, Alexa O’Brien has finally met her match. A werewolf with unusual power, Alexa has a talent for finding trouble. This time trouble is a vampire who will change her life forever.

Stunner is a much anticipated thrill ride. This short prequel shed some light into this debuting series. Jeaniene Frost has always been my comparison to strong female heroine leads, but her novels are much more than that when you include the romance and protective nature of hunky men. Stunner has previewed that series strongly follows those same characteristics, and I couldn't be more excited. Stunner is a very short prequel, but it gives enough attention to grasp the reader’s attention and demand the reader to continue. I am eager to continue into book one, so be on the lookout for a review of Once Bitten shortly.

Thursday, August 23

Earth Girl Blog Tour Excerpt

Earth Girl
By: Janet Edwards
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Released: August 16th, 2012

2788. Only the handicapped live on Earth. While everyone else portals between worlds, 18-year-old Jarra is among the one in a thousand people born with an immune system that cannot survive on other planets. Sent to Earth at birth to save her life, she has been abandoned by her parents. She can’t travel to other worlds, but she can watch their vids, and she knows all the jokes they make. She’s an ‘ape’, a ‘throwback’, but this is one ape girl who won’t give in.

Jarra invents a fake background for herself – as a normal child of Military parents – and joins a class of norms that is on Earth to excavate the ruins of the old cities. When an ancient skyscraper collapses, burying another research team, Jarra’s role in their rescue puts her in the spotlight. No hiding at back of class now. To make life more complicated, she finds herself falling in love with one of her classmates – a norm from another planet. Somehow, she has to keep the deception going.

A freak solar storm strikes the atmosphere, and the class is ordered to portal off-world for safety – no problem for a real child of military parents, but fatal for Jarra. The storm is so bad that the crews of the orbiting solar arrays have to escape to planet below: the first landing from space in 600 years. And one is on collision course with their shelter.

Excerpt from Earth Girl
I arrived in a very basic accommodation dome. There had been no attempt to disguise the curve of the outside wall, or even colour the flexiplas from its depressing natural grey. I hadn’t expected anything better, because I’d been to several dig sites before with the school history club.
A harassed looking man of about thirty had been watching a trail of bobbing luggage head out of the door, presumably following its owner. He turned to face me and my own shoal of bags. ‘Welcome to University Asgard Pre-history Foundation course at the New York Dig Site. I’m Lecturer Playdon. You are . . .?’ He scrolled down a list of names on his lookup.
‘Jarra Reeath,’ I told him.
He first looked startled, and then as if he’d just noticed a very bad smell. ‘You’re in room 6,’ he said, stabbing his lookup with a vicious finger to check my name off on his list. ‘Student greet is in the dining hall in one hour.’
Someone else had just come through the portal. Lecturer Playdon turned to the new arrival, and I led my little procession of bags through the door and went in search of room 6. I’d learnt a few useful things in the one-minute encounter. Lecturer Playdon obviously knew what I was, and didn’t like it, but he was being professional and he wasn’t going to tell the other students. That was good news, but even better was the fact he hadn’t been able to tell at first glance that I was the ape girl. Rationally, I knew there was no truth in all the exo jokes about the look and smell of apes, but eighteen years of seeing them on the vid channels had still worn away at my confidence.
I tracked down room 6, which for some reason was between room 4 and room 12. It wasn’t bad for a room on a dig site. Bed. Storage space. Even a very small wall vid. I unpacked my bags, and then it was time to face the student greet. I’d survived meeting one enemy, and now I was going to meet another twenty-nine. I comforted myself with the fact that Playdon knew what I was, but the other students wouldn’t.
I’d already discovered the dining hall while looking for my room, so I headed back there. I found a dozen or so students sitting on grey flexiplas chairs around grey flexiplas tables and looking at the grey flexiplas walls. More were arriving.
I sat near the back, and tried to get in character. For a month, I’d studied Military vids. I’d trained in unarmed combat. I’d built an entire life history and family for Jarra Military kid, or JMK as I’d nicknamed her. By this time, I knew JMK better than I knew myself.

Wednesday, August 22

Title: Wrong Bed, Right Guy
By: Katee Robert
Series: Come Undone Book 1
My Copy: Ebook from Author
BookWhisperer Rating:

About the Book:
Seducing Mr. Wrong has never felt so right...

Prim and proper art gallery coordinator Elle Walser is no good at seducing men. Heck, she’s been throwing hints at her boss for months, but he’s completely clueless. Desperate to escape her mother’s matchmaking efforts, she comes up with a plan—buy some lingerie and climb into her boss’s bed. The plan goes brilliantly…until she accidentally seduces a sexy stranger instead.

Bad boy nightclub mogul Gabe Schultz just had the best almost-sex of his life. Too bad the smoking hot blonde thought he was his brother and bolted before he could finish what they started. Though her holier-than-thou attitude puts a serious damper on his mood, Gabe’s never been one to give up on something he wants. And he wants Elle. But does a man who lives on the dark side really have a chance with a proper lady?
I was enthralled with this story. I absolutely loved the overall feel of "don't judge a book by its cover" kind of attitude. Gabe is a mouth watering testament to temptation. I loved his character, and could wait for him to find the happily ever after. This was such a fresh feeling to experience in this novel. Understanding and siding with the male character is not my usual reaction in a romance novel. Elle character spent more time frustrating me than I cared to endure. She was just so completely hoity toity in the beginning, but as the story unfolds and I had the chance to really learn her true character it was easy to understand her. She was the picture of a victim of life. Everything else around her determined her choices and happiness. Or so she thought; until she unexpectedly met one heart stopping, smoking hot Gabe... The only complaint I have about this book is that is over. It was so short, and all I want now is more. 
~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~