Author: D.B. Reynolds
The Pacific Northwest . . . home to lush forests and constant rain, to lumberjacks and computer geeks, especially those of the vampire kind.
Sophia, beautiful and deadly, has spent the last hundred years dancing her way through the balmy nights and hot-blooded men of South America. But when her Sire sends an urgent summons, Sophia rushes home to Vancouver only to find he has disappeared, leaving nothing behind but three dead vampires and a letter with Sophia’s name on it.
Colin Murphy, a former Navy SEAL, came to the Northwest seeking a quiet place to heal the scars earned in more than a decade at war. But when someone starts killing local vampires and torturing their mates, Colin takes on the mantle of a warrior once again as he sets out to find the killers and do whatever it takes to stop them, even if that means hunting with vampires.
Following her Sire’s trail of death to a small town in northern Washington, Sophia unexpectedly discovers the heat of a South American night in Colin’s arms. But all too soon Sophia and Colin find themselves in a race to uncover the killers before the next dead vampire is Sophia herself.
Author: D.B. Reynolds
RAJMUND GREGOR is a vampire . . . and the undisputed Master of New York City. He bows to no one but his Sire, Krystof, who is the Vampire Lord for the entire Northeastern U.S. Based in Buffalo, NY, Krystof is an old vampire—-too old, it would seem, because he’s slowly losing his mind. Summoned back to Buffalo by his Sire, Rajmund finds his master out of touch and rapidly weakening. He knows the territory will crumble if something isn’t done, and he’s the only one of Krystof’s children strong enough to seize power. But there’s also the matter of some missing women and a rogue vampire who seems to be moving in for the kill.
SARAH STRATTON has a secret, one she’s never shared with anyone–—at least not anyone who knows her now, not even her good friend Cyn. It’s a secret that could destroy her carefully constructed life, but it’s one she may have to share with a vampire, if she’s going to save the lives of the missing women.
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Cassie's Cowboy Crave
-
After
learning about Cassie’s story I wanted to adopt her as my own sister and give
her the life she always wanted but never had.
- Chef John's Easy Apple Pie |
Even amid the desire, Shane’s main focus was on getting to
know her heart because he intended this to be forever. That melted my heart
more than any steamy kiss they shared.
“I got it,” Shane offered, coming up from behind. He was quick to move, and none too subtle as he nudged up against her, reaching high overhead to open the cupboard. "
What a fun, clean read!
I felt like I could relate to his family which is why I enjoyed them so much and look forward to learning more about them in future books!
I was pulled into the book from the beginning. There are kissing scenes, but the book doesn't go farther than the kiss. This is the kind of romance book that I really enjoy. Sweet with a bit of spice that doesn't make me blush!
Though he was certain her cup of cocoa had been as cool as his, all he could taste was the heat.
Today Kimberly and I are going to dish some of our top, favorite kissing moments from movies, TV and books...
"One of my favorite Movie Kisses would have to be from A Walk In The Clouds..."
Cassie's Cowboy Crave was a fantastic diversion. I loved it.... A perfect way to spend a few hours by the pool while your kids swim. :) (yes, that's exactly how it went for me)
“A kiss goodbye?” The laughing stopped, and he could swear Cassie’s gaze had landed solidly on his mouth. Shane moistened his lips, suddenly hungry for a taste of hers... He had to get out of there. And fast.
I want to get a good grip on the attraction right away. Even if there’s a bit of a love-hate thing going on, I like knowing there’s something brewing, an undeniable attraction no matter how maddening the opposite is.
It was actually Shane who came to me first, and I loved his story: Two older brothers who’d met their wives through this witness protection thing – I loved the expectations that came along with it, and knew I needed to write his story.
I also loved the setting on the ranch. The horses and hard labor, the group meals and gatherings, the camaraderie and the way Shane's family adopts everyone who works there or marries into the family.
I loved the times when Cassie and Shane went off on walks, rides, or on a picnic. Just the simple things they did to develop their friendship.
This was an addictive little story. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this book.
I just couldn't put it down.
Author: D.B. Reynolds
Houston, Texas—Cowboy boots, baseball and journeys to the stars . . . right?
Wrong. Because Houston is also home to Jabril Karim, one of the eight powerful Vampire Lords who control all of North America. And as Private Investigator Cynthia Leighton will soon discover, not all Vampire Lords are created equal. For Jabril is the face of evil in the new world, a vampire who values no life but his own, who enslaves those he desires, steals whatever he covets and destroys anyone who stands in his way.
Running from L.A. and its seductive Vampire Lord, Raphael, Cyn sees the Houston job as a welcome refuge, a place to get away and heal her broken heart. But Texas will be no vacation. For in Jabril Karim, Cyn will confront a true enemy, one who will go to any lengths to satisfy his lusts, enrich his coffers and expand his power.
Fighting for the lives of two young sisters, Cyn’s journey will take her through the streets of Houston and back to L.A., where the human police are determined to bring Raphael down for the murder of one of their own. But the danger doesn’t end there. For Jabril has set his sights on Cyn, and he will stop at nothing to have her.
Author: D.B. Reynolds
Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.
Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he'd give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it's too late.
Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who's tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn's happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.
Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.
Archangel's Legion (Guild Hunter #6) by Nalini Singh
Nalini Singh, the New York Times bestselling “alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) returns to an immortal world of violent passion and lethal power…on the brink of a deadly archangelic war.
Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.
Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.
Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.
Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…
My saber firmly in hand, I marched across the street and stepped through the opening. The darkness swallowed me whole.
The lingering musky scent of a cat hit me. So, not a bear after all.
Where was he? I scanned the building, peering into the gloom. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the walls, creating a mirage of twilight and complete darkness. I knew he was watching me. Enjoying himself.
Diplomacy was never my strong suit and my patience had run dry. I crouched and called out, "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty."
Two golden eyes ignited at the opposite wall. A shape stirred within the darkness and rose, carrying the eyes up and up and up until they towered above me. A single enormous paw moved into the moonlight, disturbing the dust on the filthy floor. Wicked claws shot forth and withdrew. A massive shoulder followed, its gray fur marked by faint smoky stripes. The huge body shifted forward, coming at me, and I lost my balance and fell on my ass into the dirt. Dear God, this wasn't just a lion. This thing had to be at least five feet at the shoulder. And why was it striped?
The colossal cat circled me, half in the light, half in the shadow, the dark mane trembling as he moved. I scrambled to my feet and almost bumped into the gray muzzle. We looked at each other, the lion and I, our gazes level. Then I twisted around and began dusting off my jeans in a most undignified manner.
The lion vanished into a dark corner. A whisper of power pulsed through the room, tugging at my senses. If I did not know better, I would say that he had just changed.
"Kitty, kitty?" asked a level male voice.
I jumped. No shapechanger went from a beast into a human without a nap. Into a midform, yes, but beast-men had trouble talking.
"Yeah," I said. "You've caught me unprepared. Next time I'll bring cream and catnip toys."
I don't always have the patience or the time to write reviews for all the books I read in a week, that's why I had this idea :)
This week I've read:
Styxx (Dark-Hunter #23)
by Sherrilyn KenyonJust when you thought doomsday was over…
Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.
As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.
The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished.
Until now.
She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.
But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.
Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it’s your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?
Florence + The Machine - Breath Of Life
Florence + The Machine official Youtube Channel
Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.
What a Wicked Earl Wants (The Sinful Scoundrels #1)
by Vicky DreilingWILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...
LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?
It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...
I hasn't been on my TBR for that long[26th February 2013], but I do like how the blurb sounds.
BLURB
Earth, Wind & Fire aren't just a band anymore . . .
Used to be my greatest achievement was holding a job more than three days. Now suddenly I can shoot fireballs, chill your drink, or blow-dry your hair at fifty paces with a blink of my eye!
It all started when this crazy scientist dropped something in my Grande Mocha Latte. Of course I got wicked sick. Next morning I'm waking up with this total hottie bending over me. He tells me 1)his name's Rome Masters, 2)he's a government agent and 3)I can control the four elements with a thought.
He seems even less pleased by my (apparently irreversible) transformation than I am . . . Because now he'll have to kill me.
Main characters:
Belle Brooks
Rome Masters
Why I added the book:
I signed up for UTCs Gena Showalter challenge
Thoughts:
The book has the feel of an X-men movie mixed up with some James Bond, it was good :D. Gena has created a seemingly ditzy heroine and has paired her with the strong, silent type hero, just imagine the sparks that fly.
The plot is well-executed and it keeps you on the edge of the seat: Belle has her coffee spiked by a crazy scientist with a formula that gives her power over the elements. Obviously she isn’t too happy about it and wants to find an antidote. I forgot to add that now, after she developed her powers every paranormal agency wants her a) working for them, b) available for testing or, unfortunately for her, c) dead so she doesn’t fall in the hands of others. An agent(Rome) from one of the “good guys”-agency finds her first and tries to take her in, but she manages to escape by jumping in Tanner’s(future sidekick) car. Everything goes even worse from there…
All the characters are interesting and well rounded, I never felt that I was reading about a cardboard cut-out, they all felt real with emotions, fears and dreams.
Favorite character:
Reminds me of Tanner and Belle perfectly![/caption]Tanner :D he has the “funny, crazy sidekick” down pat. He projects the whole I-am-a-hip-teenager-that-cares-about-nothing persona, but he’s actually a sweetheart.
“Is this your place?” I asked.
“Hardly.”
“Then whose is it? Does the owner know you’re a criminal and holding me against my will?”
“For the moment, this is our place.” He paused, his expression mocking. “I feel warm and fuzzy all of a sudden. I just realized it’s like we’re on a secret honeymoon.”
Honeymoon of horror. “Did you kill someone to get this dump?”
A grin tugged at his lips. “Do you think this poorly of everyone or am I just lucky?”
OR
“Pyro Chica?” Tanner grabbed my arm to prevent me from chasing after Rome. “Is that your superhero name? No fair. I need a name, too.”
I whirled on him, needing an outlet for my frustration. “That is not my name, and if you dare call me Pyro Chica or Periodic Table Chick or Four Elements Girl I’ll singe the hairs right off your balls.” Once I learned how to do that without destroying the world, that is. “Got it?”
“Fine.” Backing away from me, he held up his hands, palms out. “I’ll just call you Homicidal Tendencies Wench.”
Rome, who had his back to us and was a good distance away in the living room, barked out a laugh. “That’s the first intelligent thing you’ve said, kid. It’s the perfect name for her, no doubt about it.”
If you’re a fan of humans with superpowers, like books with lots of action and a HFN(happy for now) ending this one is for you.
[adapted from Julia Child]
I made this yesterday as a belated B-day present to my mum, she loves chocolate. Read below for the recipe.
2 egg yolks
85g sugar + 1/2 spoon
85g dark chocolate(70% cocoa)
30ml strong coffee(espresso)
85g butter(82% fat)
2 egg whites
1 tea-spoon water
Pinch of salt
-Add 1 inch of water to a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat.
-Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.
-Melt the chocolate with the coffee and the butter over the saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time until the mixture is smooth. Set it aside.
-In a large, heat-proof bowl, beat the egg yolks, water and sugar together until it’s pale yellow. Place the bowl over the simmering water and continue beating for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture foamy and thick. When the sugar is melted place the mixing bowl with the thickened egg mixture in the ice bath and beat until it reaches room temperature, about 3-4 minutes. It will have the consistency of mayonnaise.
-Beat the chocolate into the egg yolk mixture.
-Beat the egg whites, the 1/2 spoon of sugar and salt until stiff peaks form. Fold one fourth of the egg mixture into the egg and chocolate mixture carefully. It doesn't have to be smooth! Fold in the rest.
-Poor into individual serving dishes and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or over the night. If you need it faster you can place it in the freezer for about 2 hours, but check it sooner, otherwise it'll turn into ice cream.
EXTRA: I also add a little bit of chili. You can add any spices you want[cinnamon, nutmeg, etc] or alcohol[it should be added in the egg yolk mixture].
!If you use milk chocolate add less sugar.
It is delicious and fast to make, it will also impress everyone :P
BLURB
He had planned a perfect weekend for her…
Gabriel “Force” Banner has been unable to get a certain sexy accountant out of his head. Sole Regret’s inventive drummer has created big plans to keep sweet Melanie entertained all weekend long. Unfortunately, Melanie arrives for their rendezvous with a bit of baggage that just might ruin their fun.
She didn’t mean to make things difficult…
Melanie wouldn’t blame Gabe if he left her at the airport with her bit of baggage, but he’s determined to make their limited time together work. When they leave behind the bustle of New Orleans and the rock ‘n’ roll scene to visit his serene oasis outside of Austin, Texas, their romantic weekend seems to be back on track. But life has a way of butting in at the worst possible times.
Can they learn how to support each other in the face of adversity or will reality destroy their budding relationship before it even takes flight?
This novella is 60,000 words long and includes an extra night, because one night with Force just isn’t enough.
***
Gabe and Melanie's story continues in Book 11: Trust Me (not yet released).
This is Nixxi...[/caption]
Tempt the Stars (Cassandra Palmer, 6) by Karen ChanceBeing a goddess is a lot less fun than you might think. Especially when you’re only a half goddess, and you only found out about it recently, and you still don’t know what you’re doing half the time. And when you’ve just used your not-so-reliable powers to burglarize the booby-trapped office of a vampire mob boss.
Yeah, that part sucks.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg for Cassandra Palmer, aka the Pythia, the freshly minted chief seer of the supernatural world. After all, Cassie still has to save a friend from a fate worse than death, deal with an increasingly possessive master vampire, and prevent a party of her own acolytes from unleashing a storm of fury upon the world. Totally just your average day at the office, right?
