Review by Andrea - St. Charles at Dusk: The House of Crimson and Clover Series Prequel By Sarah M. Cradit

St. Charles at Dusk: The House of Crimson and Clover Series Prequel

By Sarah M. Cradit

Synopsis:

A father’s threats. A tragic accident. Unanswered questions. Oz Sullivan has finally moved past the tangled web surrounding his brief, but intense, relationship with the young, impetuous Adrienne Deschanel. Through his family, and successful career as an attorney, he has forged a tranquil predictability.

Then Adrienne unexpectedly emerges, with no memory of the life she once led. Her desperate attempt to flee the confusing and dark influences in the bayou instinctively propels her to the one face for which she has a name. Oz’s world is once again turned upside down, as he must decide how to help her without losing himself entirely.

Set amidst the lush and vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, St. Charles at Dusk tells the story of Oz and Adrienne; of forbidden love, and startling heartbreak.

Andrea’s Review:

I began St. Charles at Dusk without a single clue as to what I was getting myself into. I had not read the synopsis nor had I read any of the books in the series previously. I was blown away. Normally I plow through a book with a vengeance because I cannot get enough. This time, however, I chose to savor and nurture my read.

St. Charles at Dusk is an amazingly powerful story of friendship, family, sacrifice and love.  Set amongst the beautiful and intriguing city of New Orleans, we are drawn into the complicated relationship of Oz Sullivan and Adrienne Deschanel. While the story starts on a day that is full of conflicting emotion and sadness, it is only but a small part of a long and emotional journey.

I loved the manner in which Sarah Cradit approached the story of these two individuals through each point of view and addressing points of the past. Through this type of storytelling you instantly become invested in the relationship of Oz and Adrienne, as well as those that surround them.

Throughout the entire book I found myself drawn to every word, every moment and every emotion each of the characters held. I am an instant fan and cannot wait for more of this series and people I have grown to care for.

Rating

About the author:

Sarah is the author of the Paranormal Southern Fiction series, The House of Crimson and Clover. The series was born of her combined loves of New Orleans, family dramas, and the mysterious nature of love and desire. Her books combine elements of paranormal, mystery, suspense, intrigue, and romance. She is always working on the next book in the series, and absolutely loves connecting with her fans.

Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest, but has traveled the world from Asia to Europe to Africa. When she isn't working (either at her day career, or hard at work at writing), she is reading a book and discovering new authors. The great loves of her life (in order) are: her husband James, her writing, and traveling the world.

Find Sarah at:

http://www.sarahmcradit.com/

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Andrea's review of The Deep End of the Sea By Heather Lyons

The Deep End of the Sea

By Heather Lyons

Synopsis:

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong? Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age. But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

Andrea’s Review:

When I first sat down with The Deep End of the Sea I was a little apprehensive. Greek Mythology? I am the first to admit my complete ignorance on the subject. I will also immediately admit to loving the book. With a modern twist we are taken on a journey with the one and only Medusa as she faces the past, the life she has been forced into and the life she desires. Through friendship and love she discovers the woman she has always wanted to be. The woman that she was meant to be.

This is not only a story of love, family, friendship and self discovery but one of justice. Heather manages to take a villain and make him into a person. A broken and disturbed person, but a person all the same. She takes the heroin and the hero and puts obstacles in their way that only true love can overcome.

You can feel the author's love for Greek mythology as well as her belief in justice, friendship and true love and even her sense of humor. I have to appreciate any author that devotes time to the wonders of a relaxing bath, a shopping trip with a girlfriend and the appreciation for shoes!

Rating

Author bio:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Find Heather on:

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Website

Jeanne's review of See How She Runs by Michelle Graves

See How She Runs by Michelle Graves

Synopsis:
One delivery changed her whole life.

Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.

Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall?

Find out in See How She Runs.

Author Bio: 
Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.
 
Find the Author on: 
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Jeanne's Review:
Izzy Boone has a normal life for the most part.  She spends her days working a bicycle messenger and her nights hanging at a bar with her roommate, Keenan O'Malley.  Her past is full of loss - her parents and her Grams, but Izzy maintains an optimism that is unscathed.  On the eve of her 25th birthday, Izzy's world is turned upside down.  She discovers she is a member of a rare race of Seers, who have unique abilities, and Keenan is her Guardian, deemed to protect her at all cost.  An intricate world evolves around Izzy and Keenan, as they train Izzy in her abilities, and hide her from the evil Corporation who wishes to use her power for greed.

This story is gripping.  Izzy's snarky personality is delightful, and loyal, devoted Keenan, hubba bubba! We learn so much through Izzy's dreams and nightmares, and I was really intrigued by Ms. Graves use of Druid/Celtic history.  There are so many twist an turns, that it's almost impossible to put this book down.  Secret worlds, family members warring against one another, interesting characters and a deep connection between the hero/heroine are a few things you will discover in this story.  If you're a fan of Twilight and The Mortal Instruments, you will love this book.

I rate this book at: 4 honey pots

Release Day! Fix You by Carrie Elk

"Richard, we had a baby." 31st December 1999. Seventeen-year-old Brit, Hanna Vincent, meets New Yorker, Richard Larsen; a Columbia student and step-son of scion Leon Maxwell. Divided by wealth, distance and a common language, an unconventional friendship grows between the two. From London to New York, from 1999 to 2012, Fix You follows the story of quirky, music-loving Hanna and handsome, driven Richard as they fall in love and are torn apart. Their tempestuous relationship leads to an explosive revelation that threatens to destroy them both. Emotional and touching, this is a story of second chances. Is their shattered love beyond repair?

EXCERPT: 

Prologue

May 12th 2012 Richard had filled out nicely since she had last seen him. The thin cotton of his shirt clung to his biceps, skimming his taut abdomen as it tucked into his dress pants. His hips were still lean and tight, and she closed her eyes as she tried not to remember how they had felt between her thighs, as he had moved inside her, breathing softly in her ear, as she had moaned and whimpered and— She shook her head. She wasn't standing in his large, oak-panelled office just to take a trip down memory lane, as pleasant as that might be. She had flown here, over three thousand miles, to tell him what he deserved to know. Inappropriate laughter bubbled up in her throat as she considered the ridiculous melodrama of the situation. Her 17-year-old self would be rolling her eyes, wondering how this 29-year-old woman had managed to turn a seemingly promising life into a soap opera. She glanced up at his face, looking at his lips, which had turned down into a deep scowl. His eyes had narrowed beneath his brows, and his straight, patrician, nose was slightly crinkled in response to her presence. The contempt he felt toward her was radiating from him. Hanna tried to keep her breathing steady, reminding herself that although she was in his office, on the penthouse floor of his building, this was her show. She was in control. If he viewed her with contempt now, God only knew how he would feel once he'd heard what she had to say. He had been an integral part of her life for so long—as a friend, a confidante, even a lover—but never before did he have the power to break her. "As nice as it is to see you," he drawled, the tone of his voice making it patently clear that her being in his office was anything but nice, "I have a meeting in five minutes. Exactly what is it that you want?" He had no idea, but this was it. Time to open her mouth and tell him what he needed to hear. Her arms suddenly felt heavy, and her fingers trembled; a physical manifestation of her nervousness. Her laughter was replaced by something more unsettling, as she tried to take in a deep breath and form the words that she had travelled all this way to say. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips. She watched his gaze move down to her mouth, staring at it with dark eyes, as her teeth drew in her bottom lip. "Richard." Her voice was surprisingly strong. She could do this. She could tell him the truth, and then get the hell out of here. Back on a plane. Back home. Back to him. "Richard, we had a baby."

Author Bio: Carrie Elks lives near London, England and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. At the age of twenty-one she left college with a political science degree, a healthy overdraft and a soon-to-be husband. She loves to travel and meet new people, and has lived in the USA and Switzerland as well as the UK. An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two.

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carrieelks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carrieelksauthor
GoodReads link for the book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19236365-fix-you

Here is the buy link

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICXD842

New Cover for Desire TSS#1 by B.L.Wilde

*Announcement* 

New Cover for Desire, The Seductors Series #1 

By B.L.Wilde

Cover designed by Jo Matthews at Written Elegance.

Summary:

Jade has worked as a Seductor in a secret organization for five years now. Her main job? To earn the trust of her targets and secure the object or information her company was hired to steal—by any means necessary. She’s damn good at it, too. With five years left on her contract, she is handed an assignment that turns her world upside down.

Oliver Kirkham is the attractive, young CEO of Kirkham Industries, a weapons manufacturing company, and is currently in possession of some very important blueprints—blueprints that could change the way war, as we know it, works. He’s extremely focused and doesn’t have time to date, at least until he comes to the rescue of a shy but very alluring Jade Gibbs.

What happens when one night of passion turns into more? Will Jade allow her feelings for Oliver to get in the way of her mission? Or will she do what she was hired to do and secure the steal?

Buy Links:

Amazon      |     Amazon UK     |     Smashwords     |     B&N

Author Links:

Goodreads     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     

    Blog     |     Website

Hunger (TSS#2) 

Cover Reveal coming April 2014