Happy Release + Review: Darken The Stars by Amy A. Bartol – The Kricket Series – Book 3

Posted on 09/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Darken The Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 3

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.

As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.

As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.

Buy: Amazon / B & N

Robin’s Review

***Many thanks to 47North and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of Darken the Stars by Amy A. Bartol. This is my honest review. This review may contain spoilers***

The final installment of The Kricket Series by Amy A. Bartol is now upon us. Darken the Stars has been highly anticipated since readers were left hanging from a veritable cliff in the climatic ending to Sea of Stars. After finishing the final novel of this trilogy, I realize writing a spoiler-free review for Darken the Stars isn’t going to be easy to accomplish, so I am giving readers a spoiler warning. Before I begin, it’s important to mention The Kricket Series should be read in order. Darken the Stars is not meant to be read as a standalone novel.

Readers who have followed this science fiction/fantasy series will remember that our heroine, Kricket Hollowell, is a priestess who has the power to see the future. She’s also a soothsayer who can discern if someone is speaking the truth. Kricket is believed to be the priestess of the prophecy – the priestess born of two worlds and two Houses (Rafe and Alameeda) who will become the Empress of Ethar.

Darken the Stars continues where Sea of Stars ended. Just like the first two novels of The Kricket Series, Darken the Stars is full of non-stop action. The five Houses of Ethar are on the precipice of war. Kricket discovers she is a pawn, caught between two ruthless leaders who are vying for supreme rule over Ethar. She is also being held by Kyon Ensin, a member of the Alameeda Brotherhood who plans to make her his consort, on his tropical island estate. Kricket continues to have visions of the future, where she learns the machinations planned for her and the future of Ethar. With each new vision that occurs, Kricket counters to change future events. It’s a game of chess between warring factions, and Kricket is the pawn, being used by others for their own gain.

Bartol has an extremely creative imagination. But what I find equally important is her ability to express her imagination on paper. She’s an excellent author. When I look back at the content of this trilogy, it’s truly impressive. Amy Bartol created a whole new world with its own vocabulary. She even includes a glossary in the back of her novels to assist readers!

Halfway through the story, I knew Darken the Stars was going to be my favorite novel in this trilogy. Bartol slowly reveals the true nature of each player in The Kricket Series. Kricket learns who has her best interests at heart. People Kricket thought she could trust are not so trustworthy. For me, just learning these characters are not all black and white – sometimes they are gray – gives The Kricket Series more depth.

All Kricket has ever wanted is to be able to make her own choices, to live a life of her own choosing. I’m going to be honest. For me, the conclusion of The Kricket Series is bittersweet. I have a feeling Darken the Stars is going to be very controversial. Everything about this book screams 5 stars! If I knew Amy Bartol planned to write more story about these characters, I would definitely give Darken the Stars a 5-star rating. But I was left wanting more, and the series is finished. So much is left unresolved that it leaves me with no choice but to give Darken the Stars a rating of 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading The Kricket Series. There’s no doubt in my mind that Darken the Stars is my favorite book of The Kricket Series, and I’m adding it to my list of 2015 favorites!

___________________________________________________________

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Kricket Hollowell never wished upon stars. She was too busy hiding in plain sight, eluding Chicago’s foster care system. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, she now eagerly anticipates the day she’ll stop running and finally find her place in the world.

That day comes when she meets a young Etharian soldier named Trey Allairis, who has been charged with coming to Earth to find Kricket and transport her to her true home. As danger draws close, he must protect her until she can wield the powers she cannot use on Earth…and he soon realizes that counting a galaxy of stars would be easier than losing this extraordinary girl.

Kyon knows the powerful depths of Kricket’s gifts—gifts he’ll control when he takes her for his tribe and leads the forces that will claim Ethar and destroy his enemies, starting with Trey Allairis. Now, Kricket faces the most difficult choice of her life: whether to wage a battle for survival or a fight for love.

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars.

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Author of Inescapable: The Premonition Series (Volume 1), Intuition: The Premonition Series (Volume 2), Indebted: The Premonition Series (Volume 3) , and Incendiary: The Premonition Series (Volume 4). Currently working on a fifth novel in the Premonition Series entitled Iniquity.

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.weebly.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Cover Reveal: World Without End Box Set by Nazarea Andrews

Posted on 08/20/2015 by shellbellereads

Today we are revealing the cover for THE WORLD WITHOUT END Series Box Set by Nazarea Andrews. This set will be released on Sunday, August 23rd. It contains each novel from the series and some amazing extras.

BOOK BLURB:

The complete set of The World Without End series, with exclusive bonus content.

The World Without a Future–Book 1
Nurrin has spent her entire life in a world with zombies, behind the dubious safety of Haven walls. But when her Haven falls, she manages to escape with her boyfriend, brother and her brother’s partner.
Finn O’Malley wants nothing more than to leave his past behind. But on the run in zombie nfested lands, he’s forced to work with Nurrin to find the medicine that might save her boyfriend.
The Havens are falling, and in the end, everything ends in blood.

The Horde Without End
It was supposed to be over. But the stakes are even higher and there is no one to trust but Finn.
They’re following breadcrumbs, and Finn’s past is catching up with them. And time is running out–the zombies aren’t the only dangerous thing in the world.
In the end, there is only blood–blood that is spilled, and blood that is shared.

The Future Without Hope
Everything has changed. The Order has their hands in every dark corner of the Haven. With enemies on every side, and the horde bringing down the Havens, the question isn’t who will survive. It’s how far are they willing to go?
In the end, only one thing will matter…

The Ruin of the World
The thrilling conclusion to The World Without End series.
In the East, working for the Order, everything will change in one last battle.
It all ends in blood

Box Set Contents
The World Without A Future
The Horde Without End
The Future Without Hope
The Ruin of the World
Dinner in the Haven–Short Story
The Road Less Traveled–Short Story
The Girl Who Fought the East–Short Story
Reclaiming the West–Novella
Exclusive look at The Blood Scion

CLICK HERE TO ADD THE BOX SET TO GOODREADS.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Street Team

Happy Release Day + 1st Chapter Reveal + Giveaway: Maxim by K.D. Jones

Posted on 04/14/2015 by Saucy Southern Readers

Maxim (Galactic Cage Fighter Series Book 8)

Synopsis

Maxim is a droid halfsie, part human and part android, created in a lab. Now free from the madman that converted him, he must find a way to make a new life for himself. In an effort to put his past behind him, he takes a job as a fighter for the Galactic Cage Fighter Association. Unfortunately, he soon learns that the position comes with some unwanted benefits, like constantly being surrounded by adoring fans. It’s a situation that’s definitely all new for him, and he has to work hard to adjust. Just when he thinks he has finally moved on and gotten used to his new life, he discovers that the past cannot simply be ignored forever. These revelations of his past put everyone around him in danger, including the one woman that holds the key to his hidden heart.

Alona is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful halfsie women in the world. But human men only seem to seek her out when they want to display her as their trophy, and most halfsie men see her delicate features as far too human-like. Just as she feels ready to give up on the hope of a real relationship, she meets a droid halfsie that attracts her like no other. The more she tries to fight her attraction, the more she seems to want him.

Will Maxim let down his guard and allow Alona to see him for who he is? Will Alona overcome her disenchanted view of relationships and give Maxim a chance to prove there is more to him than the surface? Can they find their way to one another while surviving the dangers surrounding them?

Warning: For Mature Adult Audiences. Contains sexual content, language, and actions some may deem offensive. M/F

TAKE THE QUIZ AT THE BACK OF MAXIM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $200 VISA GIFTCARD

US Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ynPaZb
UK Amazon http://tinyurl.com/o3bmjlz
AUSTRALIA Amazon http://tinyurl.com/qdsn5cb
CANADA Amazon http://tinyurl.com/ndav88p
NETHERLANDS Amazon http://tinyurl.com/petexem

Chapter 1

Maxim grunted as he took the brunt of the punch to his ribs. His internal operating (IO) chip reported that he would suffer a break if he took another direct hit. He needed to end this match soon. His internal clock told him the second round wasn’t near the end yet, but he knew it would be more efficient for him to get it over with before his systems started to shut down automatically.

He stood in the center of the GCFA cage. He didn’t try to protect his ribs. His Beastial opponent grew in size right before he ran and jumped at Maxim, attempting a superman punch with one arm extended. Maxim didn’t move until right before the other man’s fist was about to make contact. Then he stepped to the side so quickly, hardly anyone saw him. The Beastial landed on his stomach and face hard, clearly a bit dazed.

As the Beastial attempted to get up, Maxim stepped forward and aimed a punch at his temple. He pulled the punch slightly, hitting with just the amount of force his IO chip calculated was necessary to knock his opponent out. He didn’t want to kill the other man, after all. It was just enough to make the Beastial slump over and black out.

He straightened up and waited for the bell to ring. It took a few seconds for the crowd to realize that the match was over. Half of them applauded and the other half booed. He was not the most popular halfsie fighter, but his fans were slowly growing in number. Mostly they seemed to be women, and they were constantly throwing themselves at him. He found this strange. He had no interest in them. Maxim turned and headed for the healing facility to recuperate.

*****

“Well, that was quite a match Johann,” said the commentator, sounding a little uncertain of what to think about the outcome.

“Yes, quite an interesting and . . . short match, Poland. You would have thought that the Beastial, with his larger size advantage, would easily defeat the smaller Droid halfsie. But that may be the fastest match I’ve ever witnessed.”

“I think I have whiplash from the speed with which the Droid knocked out his opponent. Speed and strength are definite factors on the Droid halfsie’s side. He’ll be a fighter to watch! But I’d say he still needs to work on his personality a bit to be much of a crowd pleaser.”

“I agree, Poland. He won’t keep his fans happy with his non-existent charm. The winner of the match, ladies and gentleman . . . Maxim the Cyborg.”

*****

“They’re right. At this rate he’ll start losing fans and we’ll have to buy him out of his contract. He’s making us look bad for hiring him. You need to do something.”

Nigel sat back in his seat in the VIP box and stared at the assistant director of the Galactic Cage Fighter Association, William Macey. “What do you want me to do about it?”

“Clean up his image, make him more appealing. I don’t care what it is, just do something. He’s not pulling in the numbers that we need,” William ordered, taking a sip of his beer.

“He’s got a good number of female fans already,” Nigel pointed out.

“Great, expand on that.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” Nigel had the beginnings of a headache. He rubbed his temple. His assistant Amelia silently handed him a bottle of pain medication. He looked at her briefly in surprise. How did she always know what he needed?

William certainly didn’t seem to notice that anything might be wrong with his minion. He continued, “I don’t care what you have to do, just change his cold and mechanical image any way you can.”

Nigel sighed. There were times like these where he hated his job. He took the pain meds and handed the bottle back to his assistant. At this rate, he was going to have to invest in a pharmaceutical company to keep his headaches away.

*****

Maxim heard them announce his fighting name as the winner and cringed on the inside. He wasn’t a Cyborg. He was a human droid halfsie. Why the GCFA insisted on calling him that was beyond him.

He walked to the healer’s facility to have his injuries checked, although he honestly considered it a waste of time. The healing program on his IO chip told him that most of the injuries would be healed by the morning. As he entered, he saw there was one other fighter being treated. Hammer was lying on a bed with IV fluids running into him. They grunted at each other but didn’t say anything.

“Lay down on the bed, Mr. Maxim,” one of the healers said, directing him to an empty bed.

He shook his head. “I don’t need to lay down. I need a chair and an outlet so that I can recharge myself.”

“But, sir, we need to evaluate how severe your injuries are.”

“I have already run an internal diagnostic. I have bruises on my chest and upper arms. My ribs are also bruised and require a healing agent. I have some minor scrapes, but no infection has been detected.” He ignored the bed and walked over to the corner, where he pulled a chair over next to a power outlet.

He placed his hand over the outlet and pulled the current of power out and through his fingers. There was tingling sensation, neither painful nor pleasant. He could ignore it for the most part. But it was necessary for his IO chip to have full power in order to heal him from within much faster.

“That was a quick match,” Hammer commented.

Maxim didn’t look at the other fighter as he responded. “My IO chip reported that if I took another direct hit in the ribs, they would be a break. I would rather not have broken ribs, it takes longer to heal from those.”

“Hey man, I understand that. But we’re here to put on a show for these people. They don’t care about your ribs taking longer to heal.” Hammer sat up further on the bed.

Maxim nodded but didn’t say anything else. He understood what his job was; he didn’t need anyone else telling him. He knew that he was not the most well liked of the GCFA fighters, but he had no clue how to fix that. He enjoyed working with the GCFA. If he had friends, they would be those here, his fellow GCFA fighters. He had spent the most time with them since his conversion. He was honestly willing to work on improving his demeanor to appease the fans, but it was all just so foreign to him. There wasn’t a program he could upload that would teach him how to relate to others.

Maybe the problem was in how he was converted to a halfsie. He wasn’t the result of a natural conception or even fertilization splicing, as most halfsies were. He had a whole human life before his droid conversion. He didn’t remember any of it, of course, but he read the report and been told things by the human family he didn’t remember.

His name had been Maxwell Copely. He had been twenty-seven years old. He was training for the Galactic Olympics as a weight lifter. A freak accident had him rushed to the hospital, where they pronounced him brain dead. His human parents had agreed to turn off the life support system when they were told it was the only thing keeping his body alive. As far as they knew, he had died in that hospital room. His brain hadn’t been completely dead yet, but it showed so little activity, and the doctors argued that his body would be useful to others because it was athletic in build and he was otherwise healthy. What his parents didn’t know until much later was that Maxwell had still had brain activity. The reports had been falsified to make it look like he was dead. All in the supposed name of science.

He didn’t recall being this Maxwell, or being in an accident, or any of that. What he did remember was waking to excruciating pain and having wires and tubes running all throughout his body. He had actually thought his body was on fire at first and begged for them to kill him. He had to be restrained. The next time he woke there was less pain and less fire and he found that his brain was processing at an abnormally high rate. He understood things he shouldn’t have, but also seemed to feel fewer and fewer emotions.

It had taken a week for him to be able to sit up, stand, and walk. Maxim was introduced to the scientists that had brought him back to life: Dr. Forbes, Dr. Deans, and a crew of about twelve lab technicians. They all looked at him like he was some kind of experimental equipment instead of a human being. Technically, he was as full of internal operating chips and wiring as he was human organs, so maybe they were right. He hadn’t dwelled on the whys; he only knew he had to learn everything he could so he could escape. So he accepted whatever programming they wanted to upload.

It wasn’t until the IDJ, Intergalactic Department of Justice, raided the lab that had become his only home that he fully understood what had been done to him. The scientists had lied to his human parents, lied to the authorities, and lied to him. They weren’t creating him to help improve medical advancements. They were creating him to be their working model, so they could get funding from the military for a new line of weapons. The military wanted an army of droids just like him.

They had implanted computer chips and wiring all through his body and a central operating chip inside his brain. As far as appearances went, he still looked completely human, but he wasn’t. The IDJ showed him the lower level of the lab, where the scientists kept most of the failed experiments. It sickened him to see all the half-alive, mostly dead species that they had attempted to make into droids.

Human DNA seemed the most compatible for the droid conversion process, but it had taken many failed attempts for them to discover this. Seeing those failed attempts made him realize how close it had been for him. That was the first time since his conversion that he could remember feeling actual fear. He didn’t like it. The IDJ claimed that some of the staff had gotten away and wanted his help to locate them. But Maxim wanted nothing more to do with the lab.

The IDJ took him back to his human family, whom he didn’t remember at all. At first they welcomed him and treated him like a miracle. But it didn’t take long before his stoic and rather blank personality, added to the fact that he couldn’t remember any of them, made it difficult for them to accept him. It was clear that he didn’t belong with them anymore; his human life before was gone. His human mother begged him not to leave, but he knew it was for the best, for their sakes as well as his. They only re-lived the loss of their son over and over, every time they looked at him.

So he left. He changed his name to Maxim, dropping the last name completely. He looked for jobs that didn’t mind his unnatural strength and stoic personality. But it was a chance meeting with one of the trainers for the Galactic Cage Fighter Association that connected him to the fighting circuit. He owed the GCFA a great deal for the opportunity, so he needed to find a way to uphold his contract with them.

“I’ll work on it,” he told Hammer, switching hands over the outlet to focus the charge through the other side of his body. He was determined to make this life work.

Author Bio

KD Jones has been a huge fan of both romance novels and science fiction novels since she was 16 years old. Her favorite television shows growing up were Star Trek and Doctor Who. When not writing, she can usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book, working on her hobby of photography, or spending time with her family. As a single working Mom she wants to show her son that a person can follow their dreams no matter how old they are and where they are in life. Dreams can come true if you work hard and keep believing.

Visit her website at www.kdjonesauthor.net

https://www.facebook.com/kdjonesauthor

Twitter: @authorkdjones

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/KD-Jones/e/B0086FP8SU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Other Books in this series by K.D. Jones

Galactic Cage Fighter Series Volume 1 (Includes books 1, 2, 3)

Warning: For Mature Adult Audiences. Contains language and actions some may deem offensive. M/F

RAGE

Special Agent Rachel Kegan of the Intergalactic Department of Justice is sent on an undercover assignment. She must pose as a fighter for the Galactic Cage Fighters Association, GCFA, in order to investigate the disappearances of several human women. In the midst of all the blood and broken bones common in this sport, she finds herself attracted to a half-human, half-alien fighter with an inner beast–literally.

Rage the Animal is angry that a pure human female has been hired to travel on the GCFA tour circuit. No matter what he says or does, or how hard he tries to intimidate the little human, she refuses to quit. Normally he could ignore the human, but something about her stirs his inner beast and leaves the man–unable to resist.

TALON

Lindy is finally finished with school. Now she wants a taste of freedom before she begins the life her parents have planned out for her since childhood. She admits to being sheltered but doesn’t believe she’s spoiled. She believes in hard work and persistence. She and her college friends are going to celebrate their graduation at the one event that has Lindy enthralled, the GCFA Cage Fighting match. She gets more than just a good show, she meets a man that fires her up and leaves her craving more. Her infatuation quickly deepens. However, she is in more danger than just losing her heart.

Talon lives his life simple and easy, just how he likes his women. But when he encounters a captivating little human, all that changes for him. He is determined to have her at any cost. He finds that once with her would never be enough and craves more. Unfortunately, he’s not the only one who becomes obsessed with the little human. Someone else wants her for himself and he will kill anyone who gets in his way.

TAURUS

Maya is looking for a change of pace. Being a full blood Arian, she is sheltered against the human elements. She is tired of being kept in the dark and wants to know what the real world is like. She takes a job as a ring girl for the GCFA. The moment she meets Taurus she is instantly attracted to him but is reluctant to her charms. After Maya witnesses something suspicious, she is in danger and Taurus can no longer keep himself from her.

Taurus the Ape Man is one of the popular GCFA fighters. It’s a living, one that pays well and he is in charge of what happens with his career. The females find his unique abilities appealing. Little do they know how unique his abilities were. After the abuse he suffered growing up in the orphanage and then in the breeding programs, he doesn’t care to get close to anyone especially females. When he meets the halfsie Arian hired to be a ring girl, his senses go crazy. He fights his attraction but it is a losing battle. Once she is in danger, all bets are off.

Only $3.99 on Amazon

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FOflIh

Galactic Cage Fighter Series Volume 2 (Includes books 4, 5, 6)

Warning: For Mature Adult Audiences. Contains language and actions some may deem offensive. M/F

ZARA

They call her–Zara the Amazon. She has been a fighter from birth, a fighter growing up, and a fighter with a life’s mission, so it made sense for her to fight for a living. The Galactic Cage Fighter Association is the ideal venue. She is paid to do something she enjoys, which is fighting and kicking ass. At the same time, it takes her all over the different regions where she can continue her search for the prize possession that had been taken from her years ago. What she doesn’t count on is having to fight these strange overwhelming feelings she develops for a very attractive human.

Special Agent Trig Roberts agrees to help the female fighter with her search. It is part of his job and he is the best at what he does. He travels with the GCFA while doing his investigation and finds himself frustrated when the beautiful leggy woman wants to be an active participant. He normally doesn’t allow the inexperienced to get involved with his investigations, but he has a hard time turning her down. As they spend more time together, he realizes there is more to the woman than she allows the world to see. He wants to know more and more about the mysterious woman.

HAMMER

The Sledge Hammer is one tough, mean, fighter for the Galactic Cage Fighters Association. He doesn’t take crap from anyone and if a person makes the mistake of pissing him off, they will pay for it … painfully. He prides himself on being able to handle any kind of situation that arises. He is unafraid of anyone or anything except for … the kids.

A terrible tragedy leaves the halfsie fighter the sole guardian of his sister’s children. His life is about to be turned upside down and inside out. No longer responsible for just himself, he must find a way to balance working the hectic schedule a top GCFA fighter and with being a single parent. He finds that it is not as easy as he thought.

Molly Maynard is ready for a fresh start. Her divorce that she has been waiting two long years for is finally within her grasp. She wants a new life for herself free of her lying, cheating ex-husband. She ends up homeless, jobless, and with limited funds available to her. With few choices remaining, she agrees to take a job traveling with the Galactic Fighters Association as a nanny for one of their fighters. But her ex-husband continues to cause problems for her even from a distance.

Hammer expects the usual nanny that the company would send. She is sure to be stuffy, uptight, old, and half senile. He worries that the kids be their usual rowdy selves. The nannies never last long. He doesn’t think the newest nanny will be any different. It’s a real shame because Nanny Molly was hot! Hammer has to keep his mind and his hands off the nanny and her curvaceous body. He finds himself protective of her when she is harassed.

ZEN

In book six of the Galactic Cage Fighters: Zen the Sin is the hottest male in the Galaxy according to the Galactic Times and every woman who attends a GCFA fight. Being charming comes naturally to Zen, giving him the ability to play the part of the Galactic Cage fighter playboy–well. He poses with fans, signs autographs, and is a pro at doing commercials. No one sells sex better than Zen the Sin. So when the Galactic Times sends a female to do a two week long expose; it should have been just another day in the life of Zen the Sin. Problem is, she doesn’t seem to fall for his usual playboy routine nor does she seem swayed by his good looks.
womanizer but decides

Shawna Baker jumps at the opportunity by the magazine she works for and agrees to do an in-depth interview with the fighter known as Zen the Sin. She has been waiting for this day to come for years, a chance to travel on the Galactic Cage Fighters ship and get to learn about a man from her past.

Only $4.99 on Amazon

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GDL3ea

GIVEAWAY

Take the quiz at the back of Maxim for a chance to win a $200 visa gift card

Attend the Facebook Release Party for all kinds of prizes from K.D Jones and R.E. Butler

https://www.facebook.com/events/1417159495256446/

Cover Reveal: Defend by Kallie Ross – Lost Tribe Series – Book 2

Posted on 04/08/2015 by shellbellereads

Defend

Lost Tribe Series- Book 2

Young Adult Fantasy

By Kallie Ross

Release Date: May 21, 2015

Synopsis

After emerging from her Descent into an uncharted underground world, Ollie Miller is sure of three things. First, her feelings for her best friend, Mateo, are far from platonic. She can’t even look at Mateo without blushing at the memory of his lips on hers. Second, an evil man named Zadok is plotting to destroy the civilization above the surface. Third, there is no way to save the earth without returning underground. At least this time, she will have her mother along with Mateo and her friends to help guide her.

On their journey, noor, a mystical blessing guides them, but only if they’re willing to follow. Ollie’s determined to save the tribe from their evil leader, even if it means facing off with her long-lost grandfather. As Zadok comes face to face with his runaway daughter and his granddaughter, his plan starts to unravel, but is it too late to stop the destruction that he put into motion? Can the tribe survive and the surface be saved? Will Ollie learn to trust her own heart before it is too late?

Defend is the conclusion to Ollie’s discovery of a lost tribe in Descent. Don’t miss this adventure, brimming with ancient secrets and a thrilling underworld.

The Lost Tribe Series

Descent – Book 1

Amazon Barnes & Noble iTunes Kobo**

Descent

Lost Tribe Series- Book 1

Synopsis

Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…
Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

Over time my love for learning gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. My conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. I am a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would be this fun!

KallieRoss.com Kallie Ross Facebook Page @KallieRoss Twitter KallieRossWrites Tumblr Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Page Goodreads Page Read more about DESCENT ** DEFEND: Read Chapter 1

5 Star Review: Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol- Kricket Series- Book 2

Posted on 04/06/2015 by shellbellereads

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Robin’s Review

If you have not read the novel Under Different Stars, this review may contain spoilers. I would like to express my appreciation to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read and review Sea of Stars.

I’d like to introduce you to the world of author Amy A. Bartol. She writes novels in the young adult genre. Paranormal, science fiction and fantasy with a touch of romance. She is probably better-known as the author of the Premonition series. I plowed through every novel of the Premonition series during the early months of 2013. Although her paranormal romance series about angels continues to be a work in progress, Bartol surprised readers with something completely different back in December of 2013. It was a novel titled Under Different Stars, and it was the first novel of a brand new series.

The Kricket series is a combination of science fiction and fantasy. Science fiction is not my usual cup of tea, but I knew Amy A. Bartol was capable of writing a creative and exciting new story. This review is specifically for the second novel of the Kricket series, Sea of Stars, but I’ll give a brief summary of Under Different Stars for readers who are interested in this series.

In Under Different Stars, we learn eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell grew up in the foster care system of Chicago, Illinois. In recent years, Kricket has become an expert at evading case workers, learning how to blend in and live on her own. She has always longed for someplace she could call home. Trey Allairis is given the assignment of locating Kricket. He is to retrieve her from Earth and bring her to Ethar. Kyon Ensin knows just how special Kricket is. She’s not just your average teenager from Chicago, and he is also in the process of locating Kricket.

Trey is from the House of Rafe; Kyon is from the House of Alameeda. Kricket learns her father is Rafian, and her mother is a Priestess from the House of Alameeda. She learns her ability to see the future is a catalyst for a war between her parent’s clans. Under Different Stars is a fantastic start to the Kricket series. We learn about the differences and conflict between the five houses of Ethar and why Kricket is so important to their future.

This brings me to Sea of Stars. If you have read any of her novels, you already know Amy A. Bartol has a fantastic imagination! Under Different Stars sets the stage for the rest of the Kricket series. We are introduced to the world of Ethar, which is very different from Earth. When I think of the differences, it makes me realize the amount of thought Bartol put into this series! Bartol created a unique language specifically for the Etharians. When I sat down to read Sea of Stars, it had been months since I read Under Different Stars. I had forgotten what many of the Etharian words mean, so I was very happy to discover Bartol included a glossary for her readers to refer to. And that glossary was a lifesaver for me – don’t be afraid to use it!

Sea of Stars is full of strategy and nonstop action and completely unexpected twists and turns! I really thought I understood who the bad guys were after reading Under Different Stars, but now I’m not so sure. We have an antagonist who I am strangely empathizing with. This is confusing for me because I absolutely love the relationship between Kricket and Trey. We are introduced to new characters who are in pursuit of Kricket in Sea of Stars. What are their agendas? Do they have good or bad intentions? And, finally, war breaks out on Ethar. All of that nonstop action that I mentioned earlier? Sea of Stars just steamrolls into pure awesomeness throughout the entire story! It keeps getting better and better until we finally reach the climax! For all of these reasons, I am giving Sea of Stars a 5-star rating and placing it on my list of 2015 favorites! Don’t be afraid to try something different. I highly recommend the Kricket series!

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Happy Release Day: Sea of Stars by Amy A. Bartol – Kricket Series – Book 2

Posted on 03/31/2015 by shellbellereads

Sea of Stars

The Kricket Series – Book 2

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

The highly anticipated sequel to Under Different Stars, winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars

The Kricket Series- Book 1

By Amy A. Bartol

Synopsis

Winner of four 2014 utopYA Awards, including Best Book of the Year and Best Sci-Fi Book of the Year.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

______________________________

Under Different Stars (Kricket Series Book 1)
Sea of Stars (The Kricket Series Book 2) – (Release date 3/31/15)

The Divided – A Science Fiction Romance short story, which is included in the Take Me To Your Reader: An Otherworld Anthology.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Release Day Blitz: A Bride Of Salt And Tear by Terry Maggert

Posted on 09/29/2014 by shellbellereads

Title: A Bride of Salt and Stars

Author: Terry Maggert

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cover Design: Amalia Chitulescu

From a secret tomb beneath the ashes of a Mexican volcano, something has broken free. Something luminous. Beautiful. And deadly. From the deepest part of our human legends, she is known simply as The Bride, and she’s visiting Florida for dinner, but her arrival has not gone unseen.
The Fearless will make certain her reception is memorable. In a place where creatures like The Bride hunt each night, The Fearless will go to any lengths defending humanity. But only after dark. That’s when the hunting is best. In this battle, new warriors emerge against this timeless evil as Ring, Wally and Risa rejoin their stalwart friends to turn demons into dust –and justice into reality.
They’re joined by Aurelia, the Romanian stripper who fights better than she dances and has a very unusual history. Aurelia brings a legendary weapon to bear against The Bride– but first, she’ll have to guide Ring through a maze of warlocks, a clever deity, and the ongoing reclamation of the succubus Delphine’s soul. Along the way, The Fearless will feed the dog, collect the rent, and act like every day in the sun might be their last.

AmazonUS | AmazonUK

*please replace these links with the “buy links” as soon as they become available. Please delete this message from the html before posting it. thank you!

*if you received an arc for review please post your review here. if you did not sign up for review please delete this as well as the “my review” picture above from the html before posting it. thank you!

Born in 1968, I discovered fishing shortly after walking, a boon, considering I lived in South Florida. After a brief move to Kentucky, my family trekked back to the Sunshine State. I had the good fortune to attend high school in idyllic upstate New York, where I learned about a mythical occurrence known in Florida as “seasons”. After two or three failed attempts at college, I bought a bar. That was fun because I love beer, but, then, I eventually met someone smarter than me (a common event), and, in this case, she married me and convinced me to go back to school–which I did, with enthusiasm. I earned a Master’s Degree in History and rediscovered my love for writing.
My novels explore dark fantasy, immortality, and the nature of love as we know it.
I live near Nashville, Tennessee, with the aforementioned wife, son, and herd, and, when I’m not writing, I teach history, grow wildly enthusiastic tomato plants, and restore my 1967 Mustang.

::::connect with terry maggert here::::

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Image by Cool Text: Free Graphics Generator – Edit Image

ARC Reviews: The Invitation by Erika Wilde + Cherry Girl by Raine Miller from Spice Box Anthology

Posted on 07/13/2014 by Saucy Southern Readers

Title:

Spice Box Set

Authors:

Raine Miller, Cathryn Fox , Erika Wilde, K.M. Scott, Nina Lane, A.C. James, Christina Thacher, Stephanie Julian, Kathy Kulig, Geri Foster, Lisa Alder, Jan Springer, Sarah Mäkelä, Maureen O. Betita, Riley J. Ford, Travis Luedke

Genres:

Erotica, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Satire, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Thriller Romance, Erotic Suspense.

Publish Date:

June 29, 2014 on sale for one month only

~Synopsis~

What do your get when your mix sixteen spicy reads by sixteen premiere romance writers in their respective genres? Then add a dash of HOT, a pinch of SINFUL, whisk in some BDSM, fold in some SENSUAL SIN, whip to a SEXY froth, and then let DESIRES rise. The result is SPICE BOX SET…..

Whether it’s contemporary romance or romantic suspense, alpha vampires, stories with shifters, or BDSM romance—Spice Box offers sixteen erotic romance books with something for everyone. For a limited time this is your chance to enjoy books from today’s New York Times, USA Today bestselling authors, and many more.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | iTunes | Kobo

WHAT’S YOUR SPICE?

Sample Your Spice.

PDF

.mobi (Kindle) | .epub (Nook)

The epub and the mobi version will need to be downloaded and then uploaded to your device.

Spice Box Title: The Demon’s Deception (Demon’s Unleased Erotic Novellas, #4)

Author: Lisa Alder

Genre:Paranormal Romance

Publish Date: December 9, 2013

~Synopsis~

Barbas, the Demon of Healing, has a secret. One he’d do anything to keep. Until the day that he meets his sworn enemy and finds himself drawn into her world. Certainly a Demon strong enough to survive being chained for a millennium beneath the Earth’s crust can resist one virginal princess when she demands his help. To reveal the truth would make him a traitor to his people. So why does deceiving the princess make him feel like a traitor to his heart?

Warning: This erotic romance novella contains sex outdoors, virginal sex, sex between sworn enemies, and lots of smokin’ hot Demon and Fae sex!

This futuristic fantasy romance series is set in the near future after a massive earthquake unleashes magickal Demons who have been trapped beneath the Earth’s crust for the last thousand years. When they burst to the surface, their energy fries all electrical systems and throws the Human world into an industrial apocalypse. In this post-apoc, dystopian world Humans are caught between the warring Demons and their mortal enemy, the Fae.

Demons and Fae draw magickal power from Human emotions. Each side gains victories and suffers defeats. But lately the Demons have been increasing in power exponentially, while the Fae are growing weaker.

But the Fae have plans to change their luck

Goodreads The Demon’s Deception ~ Demon’s Unleased Series

About the Author

Lisa Alder has a split personality.

Naughty Lisa writes HOT Demons, Fae and Humans in a post-apocalyptic world.

Nice Lisa writes sexy, contemporary romantic romps.

She has been writing romance for years.All manner of stories lurk in her mind, with all manner of fictional creatures vying for her time and attention. Right now she’s consorting with Demons and Fae (Demons Unleashed Erotic Novellas) or innocent small town girls (One Wild Night). But she’s been known to play with sexy Angels, modern day Amazons, hot CIA dudes, and kick-ass heroines as well. And lately, she’s been immersed in modern day Amazons.

You can find her on the web at http://www.authorlisaalder.blogspot.com , on Twitter @LisaAlderBooks , on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/lisaalder , Friend her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lisa.alder.585 and on email: lisaalder@pacbell.net She loves to hear from readers!

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Newsletter Sign Up | Goodreads

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: The Kraken’s Mirror (The Kraken’s Caribbean #1)

Author: Maureen O. Betita

Genre: Hot Romance Adventure

Published Date: January 6, 2014

~Synopsis~

Captain Alan Silvestri is a man haunted by a strange curse. Good luck is his to command, but it comes at the cost of any place to call home or people to reckon as family. Resigned to die and shunned by all, he is forced to sail every three days, until he begins to dream of a special woman. Treated by our youth-oriented society as invisible and sexless, Emily Pawes is ready to move on with life. She attends a pirate festival, hoping to recapture the make-believe magic she knew as a young woman. Lucky to win an interesting bit of booty at a brick-a-brac stand, she finds herself transported by the Kraken’s mirror through a magical portal to a land of Hollywood piratitude, where swashbuckling heroes own iPods. With little choice, Emily embraces the madness. Playing pirate has to be safer than falling into the arms of handsome Captain Silvestri, right? When they meet, sparks fly, passion flares. He needs her to be free, but more than that, he needs her to be whole. Setting sail and uncertain of who actually controls the wheel, they seek ways to defeat his curse of good luck and discover the Kraken’s mirror has plans for them. Will Emily stay in this pirate haven to fight alongside him or will he lose her because of his curse?

Goodreads The Kraken’s Mirror ~ The Kraken’s Caribbean Series

About the Author

Maureen lives along the lovely Monterey Bay and finds great inspiration in being so near the Pacific Ocean. She shares her home with Stephen, her high school sweetheart, married for over 30 years; a cat named Isabeau and a dog named Bonnie. She travels miles and miles to attend pirate festivals, renaissance fairs, scifi/fantasy conventions and writing conferences.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Website | Twitter

——————————————————————————————————————–

Title: Fifty Shades of Fifty Shades of Grey

Author: Riley J. Ford

Genre: An Erotic Romance Parody/Romantic Comedy

Published Date: February 10, 2013

~Synopsis~

What happens when you try 50 Shades in the REAL world?

When accountant Ben Weaver awakens after an erotic dream, he encounters a wife who is unwilling, uninterested, and who once again has a headache. The unworldly but focused Ben decides he will do anything to rekindle his sex life, including imitating the erotic techniques of billionaire Christian Grey from the Fifty Shades series. Unable to withstand the pent-up ache radiating from his tender blue testicles, Ben decides to take Grey’s methods to a whole new level in order to relieve the pressure on his . . . er, marriage.

Shocked by her husband’s unusual plan, Kate Weaver hesitates in giving him what he desires. But for all his trappings of non-success–his ordinary accounting job where coworkers steal his sandwiches and brag about their sex lives, his lack of wealth, his inability to seduce his own wife–Ben is a man with one saving talent: the driving determination to reignite his sex life no matter what it takes. When the couple embarks on a daring and dangerous physical adventure, Kate discovers her husband’s fanatical zeal to explore all of Christian Grey’s darkest desires, with calamitous results.

Erotic, hilarious, and highly disturbing, Fifty Shades of Fifty Shades of Grey is a spin-off that will titillate you, amuse you, and stay with you until the next erotic romance crosses your Kindle.

Goodreads Fifty Shades of Fifty Shades of Grey ~ Additional Books by the Author

About the Author

Riley J. Ford is a graduate of UCLA with a degree in English. After teaching at both the high school and college levels for a number of years, she turned to writing full-time. Her non- fiction books are used in college classrooms around the country, and her essays have been featured on such websites as MSNBC.com. She is the author of four fiction books, INTO YOU, a young adult mystery, CARPE DiEMILY, a romantic comedy caper, FIFTY SHADES OF FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, a satire, and CIRCUS OF LOST SOULS, a thriller. She enjoys running with the bulls in Pamplona and downhill skiing in her free time.

If you have enjoyed the author’s books, please write a review on Amazon.com. You may also visit the website http://www.rileyjford.com for more information about the author and her books.

Author’s Social Media

Website | Facebook | Twitter

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Wrong Room (Accidental Pleasure Series)

Author: Geri Foster

Genre: Erotic Romance with a twist

Published Date: November 14, 2013

~Synopsis~

Lexi Ryan wants her boyfriend to propose, so when his business sends him to Las Vegas, she follows. But the rat has chosen to marry his ex. Dressed in a sexy teddy and carrying a half empty bottle of bubbly, Lexi manages to get locked out of her room. In desperation she jumps into the first open door. Jack Harrison is in Vegas with two friends celebrating his birthday. The guys promised him a great surprise. When a beautiful woman dressed for sex knocks on his door, he mentally thanks his buddies. What a present! He’s more than willing to enjoy his birthday gift with this beautiful woman. Lexi and Jack learn sex between them is amazing. But can their relationship survive the light of day?

Goodreads Wrong Room ~ Additional Books by the Author

About the Author

Geri Foster writes light-hearted Erotica Comedy with a twist. She loves watching her characters get in quirky situations on their way to falling in love.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Website

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Torn Between Two Brothers

Author: Cathryn Fox

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published Date: April 4, 2011

~Synopsis~

Lauren Gray loves everything about Adam Wilson, but she can’t deny that while she loves their frantic lovemaking sessions, there are times when she’d like to shift things into slow gear.

When she discovers Adam asleep in his bed, she slips between his sheets and attributes his achingly gentle touch to his mellow state. Except come morning she realizes that it wasn’t Adam who was searing her body with slow, sultry lovemaking, it was his brother Garret.

Lauren can’t help but think that separately the brothers are amazing, but a combination of the two makes the perfect package. And when this good girl realizes she’s torn between two brothers it has her thinking about breaking all the rules…

Other Books by the Author

About the Author

Cathryn is a wife, mom, sister, daughter, and friend. She loves dogs, sunny weather, anything chocolate (she never says no to a brownie) pizza and red wine. She has two teenagers who keep her busy with their never ending activities, and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life, is always trying to find time to go to the gym, can never keep up with emails, Facebook or Twitter and tries to write page-turning books that her readers will love.

A maritime native and former financial officer, Cathryn has lived all over Canada but has finally settled down in her childhood hometown with her family.

Author’s Social Media

Cathryn also writes New Adult under the name Cat Kalen

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Eternal Ever After (Ever After #1)

Author: A.C. James

Genre: Paranormal Romance Erotica

Published Date: April 3, 2014

~Synposis~

His past holds a secret…

Arie Cush has a secret that he thought he’d left behind. When his past follows him to Chicago he must protect someone that reminds him of all the painful memories he’s tried so hard to forget. But when every touch from her sets his heart and body on fire–he finds it hard to maintain his aloof façade.

…that becomes her nightmare.

Holly Ellis has secrets of her own. An encounter with the handsome stranger who frequents her coffee shop reveals a vampire with baggage. Even though it might be more than she bargained for, she can’t resist the one person who understands her. But her life is in danger and a supernatural threat could reveal the underground world of vampires to humankind in this Gothic Cinderella re-telling.

Heat Level: This book is a steamy romance. It’s the development of a romantic relationship that contains more explicit language and sex. The sex is not an inherent part of the story, character growth, or relationship development, and if removed you still have an amazing plot.

Warning: This book is fictitious. The bdsm portrayed in this story does not portray the lifestyle. Vampires will be vampires. They don’t exactly stop to discuss a scene, pain thresholds, and there is no aftercare involved. Trust is an intrinsic part of the lifestyle. Use due diligence and research before deciding to make fiction into reality.

Goodreads Eternal Ever After (Ever After #1) ~ Ever After Series

About the Author

A.C. James happily pounds out steamy scenes at her keyboard where romance is laced with horror in hot stories of vampires and bad boy werewolves, sexy witches and feisty fae. Usually, some handcuffs and chains; whips and floggers—can be found in her unrestrained narratives of their consuming desire. Stories always feature strong heroines and alpha heroes, all of them from the heart, capturing the intense emotions of love and passion, with plenty of action, twists, and turns that will keep you turning pages. She’ll dominate your desires until the very last page that climaxes in a happily ever after.

Author’s Social Media

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: His To Keep (DeMarco Investigations #2)

Author: Stephanie Julian

Genre: Erotica with heat and heart

Published Date: February 25, 2012

~Synopsis~

One phone call is all it takes to throw Nic DeMarco’s carefully controlled world into chaos. The woman he’s loved for years has been threatened, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe… only, she’s not his to protect.

Annie Reed has been in love with her best friend’s brother since she first laid eyes on him, but he’s kept her at arm’s length. When she takes a job at the DeMarco family private investigation firm, Annie tries to keep her emotions in check. But Nic is too much to ignore.

As Nic and Annie get closer, so does the danger that stalks them…

Goodreads for His to Keep ~ DeMarco Investigation Series

About the Author

Stephanie Julian writes erotic series that combine heat with heart.

She’s happily married to a Springsteen fanatic and has two sons who became men much too fast.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Pinterest

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Red Tape (FLC #1)

Author: Kathy Kulig

Genre: Erotic Suspense

Published Date: Coming July 2014

~Synopsis~

Bondage in the White House. Hot passion explodes when two headstrong CIA agents and ex-lovers are hand-picked for a secret organization that uses sex and scandal to manipulate a sadistic leader. Danger escalates when their target discovers the plan and devises his own scheme. The mission and love affair spins out of control, forcing a decision between love, loyalty or National Security.

Goodreads for Red Tape

About the Author

Kathy Kulig is an award-winning erotic romance author whose works include elements of BDSM and the paranormal. She has published several novels and novellas for Ellora’s Cave. Her latest release, Summer Sins, is part of a BDSM/ménage series called Dark Odyssey.And her upcoming release, Red Tape, is book one of the new FLC series of romantic suspense. Besides her career in writing, she has worked as a cytotechnologist, research scientist, medical technologist, dive master and stringer for a newspaper. Kathy resides in eastern Pennsylvania with her husband.

Author’s Social Media

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Arouse (Spiral of Bliss #1)

Author: Nina Lane

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Published Date: March 17, 2012

~Synopsis~

“One day I’m going to touch you in a thousand different ways and show you how to touch me,” he said. And he did.

Struggling with a tormented past, undergraduate Olivia Winter once led a practical but isolated life. Then she met Professor Dean West, a brilliant scholar of medieval history who melted Liv’s inhibitions and taught her the meaning of both love and erotic pleasure. But after three years of a blissful, lusty marriage, Liv and Dean now face a crisis that threatens everything they believe about each other. And when dark secrets and temptations rise to the surface, the fallout might break them apart forever.

Goodread Arouse ~ Spiral of Bliss Series

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization.

She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once.Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she’s that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.

Author’s Social Media

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter Sign Up

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Blood Slave (Dark Paranormal Romance) (NightLife)

Author: Travis Luedke

Genre: Sexy Paranormal Erotica with a bite

Published Date: November 17, 2013

~Synopsis~

Her mother named her Esperanza Salvación – Hope for Salvation. But when a girl works as an escort for Colombian cartel in the ghettos of Spanish Harlem, there wasn’t much hope, or salvation.

Hope’s telepathic ability keeps her a step ahead of ruin, but her unusual gift attracts the attention of a psychotic vampire bitch. Trapped in a Manhattan penthouse with the psycho, she thought she was dead meat.

Her survival lies in the hands of Vampire Master Enrique. He seems to respect her, perhaps even care. As a measure of protection, he makes her his personal Bloodslave. Helplessly addicted to his bite, Enrique rules her every moment. As always, Hope must adapt to survive.

Swept into the decadent nightlife of Manhattan’s elite, she falls in love with Enrique and prays someday he may grow to love her, too. But is it simply a relationship of convenience? Is she nothing more than a concubine desperate to satisfy his nightly demands for blood and sex?

And forever in the background is the fear that one day the cartel boss she abandoned will hunt her down to collect on old debts.

Goodreads for Blood Slave ~ Night Life Series

About the Author

#NSFW author of the violently sexy NIGHTLIFE SERIES (Vampires, Escorts & Strippers). Has auditioned for Christian Grey in 50 Shades film. He is currently catching a 3rd degree sunburn in San Antonio, Texas, and loving every minute of it.

As the author of the Nightlife Series novels, Travis lives very vicariously through his writings. He invites you to enjoy his macabre flights of fancy, but be warned: The Nightlife Series is violent, sexy, and occasionally violently sexy.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook (Author) | Facebook (Books) | Goodreads | Google +

Twitter (Author) | Twitter (Books) | Website | Ebookstore

EMagazine | Social Media Hub | YouTube | Amazon

Newsletter | Triberr

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: The Witch Who Cried Wolf (Cry Wolf #1)

Author: Sarah Mäkelä

Genre: Sexy Paranormal Romance

Published Date: November 30, 2014

~Synopsis~

Be careful what you wish for…

A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check. But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves“that she didn’t even realize existed…

Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker, Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew she’s been nursing a long-time crush…

The power of love: things take a terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s been denying what he really wants? Mia…

Goodreads for The Witch Who Cried Wolf ~ Books in the Series

About the Author

Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she’s written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy…even a sweet contemporary romance!

A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies (and Ghost Adventures), and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.

Author’s Social Media

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Cherry Girl (Blackstone Affair #3.5)

Author: Raine Miller

Genre: Erotic Romance

Published Date: November 27, 2013

~Synopsis~

Blackstone Affair spin-off, yet can be a standalone

Elaina Morrison has loved Neil McManus her whole life. She doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t love him. Through heartbreaking tragedy and years of separation, her love holds true…until life stomps all over her heart, shattering her perfect dream, teaching her how hard it is to let go.

Real life doesn’t have anything on romantic dreams though, as these two have learned repeatedly. It sucks big time, leaving painful scars in its wake.

But Neil isn’t giving up. He’s endured years of longing and sacrifice to wait for her. Always a soldier, he knows his way around a battlefield, and winning Elaina is no different. So that’s precisely what Neil is going to do. He’ll go in fighting, and make Elaina see what he already knows.
That she will forever be his Cherry Girl…

Goodreads for Cherry Girl ~ Books In the Blackstone Affair Series

Tracey’s Review

Readers of the Blackstone series by Raine Miller first met Neil McManus and Elaina Morrison in Ethan’s and Bryn’s books, but ‘Cherry Girl’ is Neil’s and Elaina’s own story. We finally get to see how Ethan’s best friend and the sweet Elaina that works at BSI got to be where they are.

I was so excited to see that we got to have a back story for Neil and Elaina. I absolutely adore Neil. He is not only gorgeous, he is loving, gentle, and thoughtful. He calls Elaina his ‘Cherry Girl’ because of her hair, and, even though he is seven years older than Elaina, and a friend of her older brother Ian, he is never anything other than sweet and caring to her. He’s like a second brother to her and son to her parents, although Elaina knows from the first time she meets Neil that he is ‘the one’ for her. And, surprise surprise, the feeling, we find later, was absolutely mutual, as time went on and Elaina got older. Their story is filled with love as well as heartache, so much which could have been avoided if they had just communicated. Ultimately, though, ‘Cherry Girl’ is about second chances, and true love, hallmarks of Raine’s books.

Raine Miller does an excellent job of not only creating characters that are extremely real and likable, but of writing about them very realistically, even though she’s telling a story about a culture and place not native to her own life. As ever, Raine has done a fabulous 4.5 star job with ‘Cherry Girl,’ and I can’t recommend this book enough.

About the Author

Raine Miller is the author of the New York Times Bestselling series, The Blackstone Affair. She lives in California with her husband and two sons, where she is undoubtedly working on the next spicy book for your reading enjoyment.

Author’s Social Media

text RAINE to 96000

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Blood Avenged (Sons of Navarus #1)

Author: K.M. Scott writing as Gabrielle Bisset

Genre: Erotic Paranormal

Published Date: December 10, 2013

~Synopsis~

Long ago, the first vampire was born from the love of the goddess Macaria, the daughter of Hades, God of the Underworld, and Navarus, the human male who fell in love with her. As her consort, he walked the night as she always had, becoming the first vampire. Loving her, he turned her vampire and together they had eight sons. The youngest, Idolas, had a vision of the world long after ancient Greek times, of a time when the Archons, those vampires chosen to keep law and order in the vampire world, would move to overthrow the elders in the Order of Macaria and impose their iron rule on all.

The vampire world is now very far from the love Macaria and Navarus shared millennia ago. The Archons have moved to fulfill the Prophecy of Idolas and begin the takeover. Standing in their way are the Sons of Navarus, eight vampire warriors chosen by the Order of Macaria to protect the way of life vampires have enjoyed for thousands of years and defeat the Archons when the day Idolas prophesied came true.

That time has come and for the eight Sons of Navarus, this war will test all their strength and courage. They must unlock the secrets of the Prophecy of Idolas to defeat the Archons or perish in trying for none of their kind can be safe if the Archons win this battle.

Goodreads for Blood Avenged ~ Books in the Series

About the Author

Gabrielle Bisset writes erotic paranormal romance about sexy vampires. Her alter ego, K.M. Scott, is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling erotic contemporary romance author. Whether she’s writing vampires or billionaires, her heroes are always Alpha males who know how to take care of a woman. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Fan Page Facebook | Website | Pinterest

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: Sex with the Ex

Author: Jan Springer

Genre: Science Fiction Erotic Romance

Published Date: March 1, 2013

~Synopsis~

When Sex Squad Detective Sky Kelley informs her fiancé, Detective Jim O’Brien, that she wants to wait until they’re married before they have sex, he dumps her! Angry and defiant at his rejection, Sky undertakes a dangerous mission into the dark and sensual world of sex slave training on one of Saturn’s pleasure moons.

When Jim discovers Sky has volunteered for the mission, he’s enraged. She’s too pure and innocent for such a naughty assignment and he has no choice but to follow her. However, Sky isn’t anybody’s damsel in distress and she’s going to prove it in ways Jim has only dreamed about…

Please Note: This story was previously published as “Loverboy” by another publisher and has been re-written for Spunky Girl Publishing.

Goodreads Sex with the Ex ~ Other books by this author

About this Author

Jan Springer is a full-time author. She lives in Ontario, Canada and writes erotic romance and erotica.

She is published with Ellora’s Cave, Spunky Girl Publishing. Siren BookStrand, Totally Bound, Pocket Books and other publishers.

She is a member of The Writer’s Union of Canada, Romance Writers of America and Passionate Ink.

Hobbies include kayaking, hiking, gardening and photography. Jan loves hearing from her readers.

Author’s Social Media

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: The Bequest

Author: Christina Thacher

Genre: Erotic Romance with some BDSM for fun.

Published Date: December 21, 2013

~Synopsis~

Sara leads a double life: CFO by day, sexual submissive at night. When her Master dies suddenly, Sara discovers his will leaves her to his nephew, as though she’s a valuable piece of furniture. She’s ready to move into a hotel when she gets her first sight of the new owner, gorgeous six-foot-five Cal. Sara has a sudden desire to kneel at his feet. Only problem, he’s not a Dom.

Cal, a gifted but impoverished composer, barely knew his uncle. So it’s a shock to inherit Bruno’s fortune … and his sexual submissive. Under the terms of the will, they’ll have to live as roommates before Cal can deed the house to her. Smart, lovely and graceful, Sara drives Cal crazy with desire. Only problem, he’s not a Dom.

Cal is used to directing an orchestra to create the performance he wants, but he has to visit The Club to understand why his uncle left him The Bequest.

Goodreads for The Bequest

Future Titles in this Series

Lawyer to the Doms #2 “The Negotiation” is due April 2014

Lawyer to the Doms #3 “The Appeal” is due August 2014.

About this Author

In real life, Christina Thacher is a bankruptcy lawyer who writes her BDSM-themed erotic romances while waiting for her cases to be called in court. She can’t post a picture that shows her face, because if her boss finds out what she writes, she’ll have to use the furry handcuffs on him…and she can’t do that until after she’s made partner.

Author’s Social Media

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | Website

——————————————————————————————————————–

Spice Box Title: The Invitation (The Marriage Diaries #5)

Author: Erika Wilde

Genre: Sexy Adult Erotica

Published Date: January 15, 2014

~Synopsis~

Erika Wilde turns up the heat in another installment of THE MARRIAGE DIARIES, an erotic series about a married couple who take intimacy and passion to the extreme.

THE INVITATION…

After months of indulging in some of the hottest sex of his married life, Dean Noble intends to give Jillian a very special gift for their twentieth anniversary… an invitation that will take them beyond their wildest, most erotic fantasies.

Goodreads Invitation ~ Goodreads THE MARRIAGE DIARIES Series

Tracey’s Review

‘The Invitation’ is the fifth novella in ‘The Marriage Diaries’ series by Erika Wilde. These are short and sexy reads that revolve around a married couple that have seriously spiced things up in the bedroom.

Jillian and Dean Noble have been married for twenty years. For most couples that have been together that long, things can get a little stale. Determined to keep the fires burning, Jillian stepped things up by seducing Dean at his office in Book 1 of this series, ‘The Awakening.’ Since then, their marriage is better than ever, and the two continue to grow closer. This brings us to ‘The Invitation,’ which refers to an invite to The Players club, a members-only, anything goes group that some of Dean’s friends and colleagues belong to. Sensing that Jillian might be open to this next step, Dean obtains the invitation and gets Jillian to agree to explore the club with him.

I enjoyed the relationship between Jillian and Dean, especially as they are a solid couple, intent on keeping things fresh and exciting in their relationship. There are a few bumps here, even after twenty years, as Jillian pushes Dean past his comfort level in regards to wanting to be more independent. But they are so in tune with each other, and really so invested in their marriage, that these are just hiccups along the way.

I’d never read anything by Erika Wilde prior to ‘The Invitation,’ and it was a nice and easy entree into her work. This was a good solid 4-star read for me, and I would definitely check out the rest of the books in this series.

About the Author

Erika Wilde, author of The Marriage Diaries and The Players Club series, enjoys writing stories on the kinkier, spicier side of romance. Once a Southern California native, she now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughters, and loves the Pacific Northwest. Find out more about Erika and her books at: www.erikawilde.com

Author’s Social Media

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

Over 50 Prizes

11 $25.00 Gift Cards for Amazon

3 $10.00 Gift Cards for Amazon

1 $20.00 Gift Card for Amazon

2 digital Copies of Nightlife London by

10 digital Copies of Cursed Ever After by A.C. James

1 digital bundle of Blackstone 1-3 by Raine Miller

3 digital copies of The Negotiation by Christina Thacher

3 digital copies of Allure by Nina Lane

3 digital copies of Awaken by Nina Lane

3 digital sets of books 2 and 3 from The Kraken’s Caribbean series by

3 digital copies from Kathy Kulig backlist.

3 e-books by

“The Key Club Box Set” Volume 1 by Jan Springer

3 digital copies of THE MARRIAGE DIARIES, Volumes #1-#4 by Erika Wilde

3 Box Sets of Demons Unleashed by Lisa Alder

Entry -Form

Share this:

Today we are revealing the cover for THE WORLD WITHOUT END Series Box Set by Nazarea Andrews. This set will be released on Sunday, August 23rd. It contains each novel from the series and some amazing extras.

BOOK BLURB:

The complete set of The World Without End series, with exclusive bonus content.

CLICK HERE TO ADD THE BOX SET TO GOODREADS.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Street Team

Share this:

Share this:

Defend

Lost Tribe Series- Book 2

By Kallie Ross

Synopsis

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Kobo

KallieRoss.com ** Kallie Ross Facebook Page ** @KallieRoss Twitter ** KallieRossWrites Tumblr ** Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Page ** Goodreads Page ** Read more about DESCENT ** DEFEND: Read Chapter 1

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Title: A Bride of Salt and Stars

Author: Terry Maggert

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Cover Design: Amalia Chitulescu

AmazonUS | AmazonUK

*please replace these links with the “buy links” as soon as they become available. Please delete this message from the html before posting it. thank you!

*if you received an arc for review please post your review here. if you did not sign up for review please delete this as well as the “my review” picture above from the html before posting it. thank you!

::::connect with terry maggert here::::

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads

Share this:

Title:

Spice Box Set

Authors:

Raine Miller, Cathryn Fox , Erika Wilde, K.M. Scott, Nina Lane, A.C. James, Christina Thacher, Stephanie Julian, Kathy Kulig, Geri Foster, Lisa Alder, Jan Springer, Sarah Mäkelä, Maureen O. Betita, Riley J. Ford, Travis Luedke

Genres:

Erotica, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Satire, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Thriller Romance, Erotic Suspense.

Publish Date:

June 29, 2014 on sale for one month only

~Synopsis~

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | iTunes | Kobo

.mobi (Kindle) | .epub (Nook)

​The epub and the mobi version will need to be downloaded and then uploaded to your device. ​

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

About the Author

About the Author

About the Author

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

About the Author

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Author’s Social Media

Giveaway

Over 50 Prizes

Share this:

Amazon Barnes & Noble iTunes Kobo**

KallieRoss.com Kallie Ross Facebook Page @KallieRoss Twitter KallieRossWrites Tumblr Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Page Goodreads Page Read more about DESCENT ** DEFEND: Read Chapter 1

The epub and the mobi version will need to be downloaded and then uploaded to your device.