Exclusive Interview With Aphrodite From The Pool of Souls Series by Krystal Shannan - Book 1 Now FREE at most retailers!

Aphrodite walks into the interview room. She twirls a finger through her long curly auburn tresses. Twinkling ice blue eyes and a friendly smile meet the gaze of Krystal Shannan and Sabrina.

Copper beads dangle from her ears and wide bands of engraved copper clink on her wrists. White denim leggings, brown leather high-heeled stiletto boots, and a sparkling champagne colored tunic finish off the Vogue worthy ensemble.

She sits down in the chair opposite the two ladies.

Aphrodite: Thank you for having us here today, Sabrina. It’s so nice of you to help out my author, Krystal Shannan.

OPEN HOUSE is the first story I shared with Krystal and kicks off the Pool of Souls Series. It’s about a young human couple, Rebecca and Robert. They are soul mates and it takes some intervention on my part to get them where they are supposed to be. I don’t usually like to interfere on the mortal realm, but Ares left me no choice.

K. Shannan: The next book is out now too. Can you tell us a little about FINDING HOPE.

Aphrodite: Hmmm…without spoiling the story? Let's just say things are heating up on Olympus and Ares and I have come to an understanding. *wink* Oh, and those pesky goth lackey's of his get locked up in his palace this time!

K. Shannan: Tell us a little about Ares. I know you and he have a history.

Ares, the God of War, is a complicated situation. We had a relationship and then he ruined it and now... I think he is trying to piece it back together. He’s certainly making a valiant effort, but we’ll just see. I’d rather not get into details at this time.

K. Shannan: Do you want to share a little about your soul mates?

Aphrodite: Of course. You know your soul is immortal, right? Well, now you do. Most humans refuse to believe such nonsense, no scientific proof and all. Well, they are wrong. Your souls live lifetime after lifetime, always looking for their mate. Once two souls have joined as mates, they are together for the rest of eternity. When one dies, it will wait until it’s mate dies and then they will reincarnate together in the same decade so they can be together again. Joined souls are drawn to each other like magnets, once joined it would take an act of a god to separate them. Souls that are looking for their mate, but haven’t found them yet, are also drawn to each other, but the pull is not nearly as strong.

That is where I come in. I assist with that little extra push to make sure the soul mating is complete. Of course that assistance only happens when I have physically meet the person the soul resides in. I must touch the soul to be able to track it. Needless to say, you might meet me at a local wine festival and not even know it. *wink* I love wine festivals. Dionysus and I have a long-standing partnership.

K. Shannan: Why are the souls so important to you?

Aphrodite: I’m connected to them and them to me. When souls ache, I ache. When souls are joined I am refreshed. It is a symbiotic relationship. One cannot exist without the other.

Mother Gaia gave me a gift no other Titan received. I am linked to humanity in a way that can never be broken and the Olympian gods have never been pleased by that fact. It keeps me stronger than any of them. All the other Titans were banished or killed, but they cannot get rid of me without getting rid of the human race. And that would just be stupid. The Olympians are not stupid. Petty and vindictive, yes, stupid…. No.

K. Shannan: Several people have asked why you say you are a Titan. Most people think of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, as an Olympian.

Aphrodite: There is an Olympian named Aphrodite, but she is not the Goddess of Love. Zeus named his daughter after me to irritate me. *hiss* Which it did. That sniveling little cheerleader called a goddess deals in physical lusts and instant attractions. Superficial passions, I suppose you could call it. She has nothing to do with actual love and true human passion.

K. Shannan: What do you like to do when you aren’t helping souls?

Aphrodite: *Huge grin* I love fashion. I subscribe to every human fashion magazine I can find. Dionysus teases me, but I love clothes. We may be gods, but we can definitely appreciate many human conveniences –coffee, clothing, chocolate. I just joined social media, too. I was tired of being told I needed to join the twenty-first century. You can visit me at my FaceBook fan page, Aphrodite – Pool of Souls Series, for all kinds of updates and musings.

K. Shannan: Thank you, Sabrina, for having us here today. Aphrodite has graciously offered to answer questions from the readers. So please ask away.

 

 

The Pool Of Souls Paranormal Romance Series

OPEN HOUSE | Pool of Souls Book 1

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates.

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their original chance to bond when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career ten years ago. Their souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance at love, but...How far will the gods go to get their own way?

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

 Free at most eRetailers! AMAZON | B&N | ARe | Smashwords

 

 

FINDING HOPE | Pool of Souls Book 2

Warning: The plot thickens with a passel of pissed off Olympians. Ares and Aphrodite are in for a double dose of trouble! More Olympians join the mix in Finding Hope: Pool of Souls Book 2. A jewel addict, a kick-ass possibly-virgin huntress, and an insatiable ancient oracle are just a few. But don’t worry; Ares and Aphrodite are still front and center.

Addison Connelly has given up on men. She is disappointed yet again when her best friend tries to play matchmaker, and the match falls flat…or does it? Her friend knows all Addison needs is a chance, a little hope, and maybe a dropkick in the right direction. With an extra push from Aphrodite, will this lonely soul learn to trust again? Or will she run from the only man who could make her happy?

Adrian Colter, Nashville Police Detective and certifiable bachelor, puts his foot in his mouth in a big way when his roommate’s fiancé tries to match him up with her best friend. After making a horrible first impression, can he earn the trust of a woman who won’t speak a civil word to him?

Adrian isn’t the only one trying to earn the trust of a beautiful woman. While Ares fights to rebuild the trust he lost thousands of years ago with the Goddess of Love, his parents do what they do best —show off their greed and selfishness. Will he find the hope and forgiveness he so desperate seeks or will his parents destroy his chance at happiness? Amazon | B&N | ARe | Smashwords

 

Connect With Author Krystal Shannan:

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest

 

Who has some questions for Aphrodite? Don't forget to go download book 1 of the series for FREE from most retailers!  

 

 

One Wrong Move by Shannon McKenna Book Review & Giveaway!

Book Review: One Wrong Move

By: Shannon McKenna 

Publisher:  Kensington 

Release Date: September 25, 2012

Romantic Suspense 

3 Heart Review

Book Blurb: 

Alex Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his Ukrainian mafia family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say goodbye. He’s prepared for anything except the call from his friend, Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a mysterious woman with a deadly secret and a white hot passion that binds them together.

 

Social worker Nina Moro knows her life is forfeit if she makes a wrong move and the ruthless syndicate hunting the terrified Ukranian prostitute she is hiding discovers her involvement. And so Nina avoids the inscrutable interpreter who suddenly appears on her doorstep. Until that six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle is the only thing between her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time, death, and their desire for one another… 

What I enjoyed most about this book is that you are left without any doubt that the hero and heroine of this book totally belong together. While both Nina and Aaro are self-proclaimed "damaged goods" they find their perfect counterpart in each other. 

From the way Nina can laugh off all the extremely rude and crude sexual advances Aaro sends her way, to how he can get her past her paranoid craziness, they just work. That working together as characters means we readers get some insanely hot but graphic scenes and boy does Aaro have a dirty mouth!

What didn't work for me was the slight paranormal slant the story took on. It felt like an editor had suggested the author work that angle into the story to fit it into a certain category. I could have done without it and felt it took away from what could have been a very strong contemporary romantic suspense. 

If the book had stayed out of the paranormal realm, this could easily have been a 4 Heart Review, but it just threw me out of the story more than pulled me in. By the way, this book is part of a series of books by Shannon but I had no problem at all with reading it and not having read the rest of them.

Fast pacing, a hot, dirty-mouthed hero and a solid plot make this a book I can recommend to lovers of romantic suspense. I'll be excited to check out more books by Shannon and maybe I won't be as surprised by the paranormal aspects of her next story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Shannon McKenna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of super-sexy, super-scary romantic thrillers. After a bizarre assortment of jobs, from singing cocktail waitress to medical secretary to strolling madrigal singer, she decided that writing hot romantic suspense suits her best. She lives with her husband and family in a small seaside town in southern Italy. Readers can visit her website at www.shannonmckenna.com.

Giveaway Info
Shannon is giving away TWO prizes, a copy of one of her books at each blog stop on her tour AND a grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Touch!!! There are several copies of One Wrong Move, Blood and Fire, Ultimate Weapon, and Fade to Midnight up for grabs!

1)    To win a book: leave a comment on this blog post to be entered to win a book. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner. This giveaway ends five days after the post goes live.
2)    To win a Kindle Touch: Click the link to go to Shannon’s website and enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. A winner will be selected on September 27th. Here’s Shannon’s Website.
 

Welcome Author Melissa Bourbon Ramirez & Enter to Win!

Cheeky Reads is pleased to welcome Melissa Bourbon Ramirez, author of the new release Deceiving the Witch Next Door! Melissa agreed to do an interview for our readers and is giving away an eBook copy of Deceiving the Witch Next Door to one lucky reader! 

Be sure to leave a comment on this post letting Melissa and me know if you love magical stories as much as we do! 1 comment will be randomly selected before 5pm Friday, Sept. 7th and will receive an eBook copy of Deceiving the Witch Next Door! 

Welcome Melissa!

WOULD YOU TELL US ABOUT DECEIVING THE WITCH NEXT DOOR, YOUR NEW RELEASE FROM THE COVET LINE FROM ENTANGLED PUBLISHING?     

Of course!  Thank you for having me today J  Storie Bell is a witch whose powers are fairly rooted in the natural world.  She comes back to Bloomington, Texas and has to figure out how to fit in.  But Reid Malone, a man she had a close encounter with just after high school, is also back (helping his dad with a very important task that forces him into the Storiebook Café, the business Storie just opened.  And, well, sparks fly—magical and otherwise. 

WHAT ABOUT YOUR HEROINE? WHAT THREE WORDS WOULD BEST DESCRIBE HER? 

Survivor. Resilient.  Girl-Next-Door (does that count as one word?)

NOW THAT WE KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTERS, WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THEM THAT HAD YOU WANTING TO WRITE THAT HEA FOR THEM?

When Storie learns a truth about her mother, she goes to the lake and harnesses the power of a brewing Texas summer storm.  Clouds rolling in, thunder, lightning, and rain help ground her.  But Reid Malone is there, and he thinks she’s drowning and going to be electrocuted in lake.  I loved writing that scene and that’s when I knew Storie and Reid had to have a happily ever after.

WAS THERE A PARTICULAR SCENE THAT WAS THE MOST FUN FOR YOU TO WRITE? 

Absolutely, the mirror scene!

WHAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED WHEN YOU'RE WRITING?

I love writing, and I love creating magical stories.  I’d love the world to have magical realism.  I like light magic, and that keeps my stories grounded in a contemporary world, and that is what keeps me inspired!

DO YOU HAVE A PROCESS YOU LIKE TO FOLLOW OR A FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE? 

As long as I have my computer and a mocha, I’m happy and can write!  Inspiration happens…eventually.

I ALWAYS FIND THAT AUTHORS HAVE THE BEST BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS. ANYONE YOU'VE READ RECENTLY THAT YOU LOVED READING OR A NEW AUTHOR YOU'VE DISCOVERED? 

Good question!  I wish I had more time to read than I do.  I have a few standouts from the last year: Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution and Kristen Hannah’s Night Road.  I loved them both so much!

WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU NEXT AND IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?  

I’m working on the next book in my Magical Dressmaking cozy mystery series, A Custom Fit Crime.  Book 3, Deadly Patterns, comes out in October.  After that is my next romantic suspense, the next Deadly Legends book following Sacrifice of Passion.  Busy, busy!

About Deceiving the Witch Next Door:

Storie Bell has a little secret—she’s a witch. But magic hasn’t exactly kept her life from being a complete mess—her love life is non-existent and the town thinks she’s a total nutter. Plus there’s her neighbor Reid Malone who runs hot one minute and cold the next. 

Reid Malone can’t wait to escape Bloomington, Texas. Unfortunately, he’s stuck where he is unless he helps his father hide a very illegal secret. The only key to Reid’s freedom lies with the eccentric Storie…and he’ll do whatever it takes to get the information he needs from her. 

But Reid’s holding something back. Something big. And if he’s not careful, he’ll find out exactly what happens when you try to deceive a witch…

Also by Melissa Bourbon Ramirez:

Sacrifice of Passion

Texas rancher, Vic Vargas, finds himself facing more than his stubbornly silent son when the chupacabra, a supposedly mythical blood‐sucking beast, starts killing his livestock—and stalking Delaney West, the town’s newly returned veterinary assistant, the sensual woman who ran from the altar and broke his heart twelve years earlier.

Reluctantly, he seeks her help to get to the bottom of the disturbing animal mutilations, only to have her break through to his sullen son...and rekindle the love he’d thought was lost forever. But her refusal to share a terrible secret sends her running straight into the lair of the chupacabra, plunging her back into her worst nightmare, and forcing them both to confront the wrongs of the past—in order to stay alive for the future they desperately want.

 Bare Naked Lola

Going undercover is second nature for Private Investigator Lola Cruz, but she’s out of her league when the case of a murdered Royals Courtside Dancer leads her to a local nudist resort. Parading around the sidelines of Sacramento’s professional basketball scene in a barely-there cheerleading outfit is one thing—but parading around in nothing but smile? If she has any chance of hiding this from her traditional family and on-again/off-again boyfriend Jack, she’s going to have a lot more than her duct tape bra and killer dance moves to keep under wraps…

About Melissa Bourbon Ramirez

Melissa Bourbon, who sometimes answers to her Latina-by-marriage name Misa Ramirez, gave up teaching middle and high school kids in Northern California to write full-time amidst horses and Longhorns in North Texas.  She fantasizes about spending summers writing in quaint, cozy locales, has a love/hate relationship with yoga and chocolate, is devoted to her family, and can’t believe she’s lucky enough to be living the life of her dreams.

She is the marketing director at Entangled Publishing, is the author of the Lola Cruz Mystery series with St. Martin’s Minotaur and Entangled Publishing, A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series with NAL, and is the co-author of The Tricked-out Toolbox and two romantic suspense titles.

Visit Melissa at her website | Twitter Page | Facebook Home | Goodreads | and Books on the House, a website bringing books and readers together!

Book Review: Forgotten Dreams by Alexia Banks

Book Review: Forgotten Dreams
By: Alexia Banks
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Paranormal Romance
3 Heart Review
Excerpt

Book Blurb:
Shane Connelly – a pretty young entrepreneur – is determined to shake things up as she leaves her drone of a boyfriend Marc, and the mean streets of Miami far behind. She goes in search of greener pastures in the North Carolina mountains, but finds it’s anything but the perfect spot to while away the hot summer months.

Her recently acquired country home turns out to be a burned out hovel in the middle of nowhere – and after a series of unexplained and chilling visions – she suspects it’s haunted. With her hopes dashed before her adventure can even begin, she is about to head home when a handsome stranger unexpectedly arrives at her doorstep.

Before she can beat a trail out of Swan Creek wine country, Shane and her handsome Cherokee neighbor Jesse are inexplicably drawn together as they dodge bullets, unearth ghosts, and unravel a dark town secret. As events reach a surprising conclusion, Shane realizes that it’s not the high altitude that’s making her head spin, but her tall lover with the penetrating dark eyes.

The plot of this story was unique and interesting and I felt Mrs. Banks did a good job of unfolding the journey she was taking the heroine on. I also thought she did a great job of creating a full cast of characters in a short work which made the story feel more complete, not to mention that the side characters really added to the story. Many shorter stories fail to include supporting characters that actually reflect on the hero and heroine, but Forgotten Dreams provides extras that help us see the hero and heroine more fully.

I did want more development of the relationship between the hero and heroine. Time passes in the story and their relationship seems to grow and develop off the page in those in-between times more so than on the page. It made the story feel much more plot driven apart from the romance, instead of being romance centric. This was one of my main issues with the story, but if you don't mind the lighter focus on romance, then it might not be as much of a concern for you.

The meeting between the hero and heroine was a scene that I felt was slightly off. The circumstances are definitely creative, but I still had a hard time with how each reacted to the other. The scene felt a little over the top and dramatic for how the two characters had been portrayed up to that point. Both the hero and heroine came across as rude and even mean during that meet-up and that didn't flow with their personalities in the rest of the story. 

Most of all though, I wanted to read more of the romance. I wanted to really understand why the heroine Shane and hero Jesse fall for each other and I wanted to live through it with them. Give me more budding romance scenes! :) 

The plot really is the star of this story and I'll be looking for more books by Mrs. Banks based on that alone. If you are looking for a interesting paranormal story that's lighter on the romance side, you might enjoy Forgotten Dreams by Alexia Banks.  

Happy Reading! 
Cheeky Girl Sabrina 

Meet Alexia Banks:


Amazon Link for Forgotten Dreams
website: www.alexiabanksromance.com

Twitter: @alexiabanks2

Facebook: facebook.com/

alexiabanksromance

Romance Book Review Round Up!

There are a lot of books that I read and somehow never manage to write a review for them at the time. This could be because I was busy, the book just didn't speak to me either way, or a handful of other reasons. Some of these books were really good and some not so much so just because these are shorter reviews doesn't automatically reflect how I felt about them.

So, I thought I would start doing occassional posts with short reviews of these books. Think of it like book review cliff notes. Most of these are not new books, but that's the beauty of finding a new book or author - who cares if it's a new release...It's new to you!

Coming Clean by Inez Kelley - 4 Heart Review
Coming clean never felt so good...
Grant and Vivi Michaelson share everything in their marriage: love, commitment--and their wildest sexual desires. But their relationship is tested when Vivi admits she wants a threesome with Grant's old friend Cade, proposing their annual trip to the lake as the perfect opportunity to fulfill her fantasy.

All three of them are aroused by the idea. Vivi and Cade have long felt a smoldering attraction to each other...and Grant and Cade have hidden an illicit desire for decades. Going through with the ménage will test their boundaries, reveal old secrets...and maybe tear them apart. After all, there might be room for Cade in bed, but is there room for a third in their marriage?

I had my doubts about this book because to be honest, I've never read a menage involving a married couple and the idea of it made me slightly uncomfortable with how I could enjoy this book. But wow. Inez Kelley can seriously write. This novella is insanely full of deep emotion and insight and so much of it just felt "right" for the characters. Which is really the difference between good and bad writing with any menege. These characters and their story just felt natural and because of how stellar this book is, Inez is on my auto-buy list.

The Scent of Jade by Dee DeTarsio - 2 Heart Review
Julie Fraser is the least adventurous person she knows…until she hops on a plane to surprise her husband who’s on a business trip in Costa Rica. Reeling from the discovery that her husband isn’t who she thought he was, she embarks on an unexpected rainforest adventure that leaves her not knowing where to turn, literally, or whom to trust. She knew she should have stayed home! Can a monkey, a Latin hunk, and a mysterious ‘love potion’ help Julie on her mission to find and forgive her husband?

Not a typical romance, this one kept me reading because I really wanted to figure out where it was going with it's plot, but in the end I wasn't happy with the outcome. I can't tell you the major reason I didn't enjoy the book without giving away a spoiler, but I can tell you that I was half way through the book and still wondering it is was really going to turn into a romance. The heroine had some good points in that I liked how she handled herself at first, but I felt like halfway through her actions and responses didn't fit with the character that has been introduced at first. I will give this story credit for being very creative and engaging since I never did put it down, but in the end, it really came down to not buying into the hero/heroine really belonging together.

Building Magic by Lilly Caine - 3 Heart Review
When architecture student and summertime welder Tina Moreland develops a reputation as a peeping Tom, it isn’t the first time she’s been teased for being different. Catching a glimpse of the man of her dreams is worth the aggravation. But when she witnesses him doing something stranger than stripping in his hightower office, it’s enough to make her forget that when working unharnessed on the fifth floor, the first step is a long way down.

Sent to Earth to find a power source strong enough to end the civil war at home, Devin Ken’Draga doesn’t have time to rescue a damsel in distress. But since she is literally falling at his feet, he can’t help but to save her. Bringing her home wasn’t part of the plan, but once they fall through the magical portal together, there is no going back. It is only when he spreads his wings in his true dragon form that Devin realizes something he hadn’t anticipated – the woman is a virgin, a temptation no dragon can resist. Together Devin and Tina create a sensual bond, gladly sacrificing virginity to find love and a solution to the bloody war.

I was plesantly surprised by this book and thought it was highly unique and I thoroughly enjoyed the heroine. If you are looking for more Dragon shifter romances I would suggest putting this one on your list. There were a few things about the writing that would occassionally pull me out of the story. Nothing big, or it wouldn't have still received 3 Hearts, but the occassional word choice here and there felt off to me. Again, this book suprised me with how creative the story was and I enjoyed the world-building very much.

Throwback Book Review: A Perfect Darkness by Jamie Rush

Throwback Book Review: A Perfect Darkness (Book 1 of the Offspring Series)
By: Jamie Rush
Paranormal Romance
Published By: Avon Books
5 Heart Review

Before I posted L.A.'s review of this book I wanted to include part of the email she sent me with it because I thought it added to the great review she did:

Hey Sabrina,
Here is the review for Jaime Rush's A Perfect Darkness.  It get 5 hearts.  OMG I loved this book.  I read it in 4 1/2 hours, one sitting. (Cute right?)

Book Blurb:

They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary.  They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry – and they are in terrible danger.

A sexy stranger awakens Amy Shane in the dead of night.  Lucas Vanderwyck barely has time to whisper a few words before three men burst into her bedroom and drag him away.  But what Lucas reveals shatters Amy’s safe little world forever.

Lucas and Amy share a psychic gift – a fight that could put them in mortal danger.  And as they share night after night of savage passion, as a shadowy government conspiracy tracks their every move, they will fight to save each other.  But only with their powers of second sight can they escape the terror of a perfect darkness.

This book took off from the very first chapter and left me glued to the page until the last word.  It was fast and exciting with just the right amounts of romance and suspense.  I devoured A Perfect Darkness in one sitting, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The main plot was simple enough to be resolved in one book, but had so many possibilities and open-ended questions that I can see this easily being a hit series.  I was a little taken aback when the action started right away.  Actually I found myself feeling a lot like Amy was at the time, like the world had spun and suddenly I wasn’t sure I knew the truth of anything anymore.

Jaime, the author, achieved what every paranormal writer strives for – believability.  The paranormal aspects of this book have a solid background and believable origins, all set within the world we live in.  That being said, they are also open for growth.  The characters themselves are learning the extent of what they can do, and I have a feeling there’s a lot more to come.

The characters in this book aren’t perfect, and that’s just how I like them.  Most of them have to make hard decisions on what is right and wrong, and they don’t always do the right thing.  I immediately liked Lucas, even though part of me wished he could have played a larger role in general.  Amy was also likable and I loved watching her surprise herself with how strong she really can be.  I was impressed that Petra and Eric got part of their story told in this first book – it isn’t always that way for side characters– and I have a feeling their stories are only going to grow throughout the series.  I also want to see more of Ozzie, Amy’s neighbor.  His role was small in this book, but he has a lot of potential.

I’m super excited to see where this series goes.  I can tell more and more characters are going to be introduced in future books…this is only the beginning.  If you’re looking for a fast paced, original story that keeps you on your metaphorical toes, you can’t go wrong with A Perfect Darkness.

My advice: get real comfortable before you open this one…you may not be getting up again until you’ve read it all.

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl L.A.

4 Heart Book Review: Enemy Lover By Karin Harlow

Book Review: Enemy Lover
By: Karen Harlow
Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Pocket Star
Rating: 4 Hearts

When you have no alternative, then you call in L.O.S.T.   Because with the Last Option Special Team, it’s do or die…

It’s Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T. – one that will give the former cop who went rogue a chance to prove herself.  Her assignment: gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross…eliminate him…then take down Marcus’s mentor, Joseph Lazarus, a man with a bold eye on the White House.  But the woman who’s known by her team for being a femme fatale succumbs to passion, only to discover Cross’s deadly secret.  He’s a vampire, and Joseph Lazarus is his creator.

Left for dead by his platoon in the violent hills of Afghanistan, Special Ops sniper Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life.  His newly heightened skills make him the perfect killing machine, and as Lazarus’s right-hand man, he’s quickly rising to the top of his dark empire, purging enemies with speed and precision.  Only when dangerous beauty Jax Cassidy is sent to bring him in does he begin to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions.  But when Jax’s life is threatened by the one thing that can destroy them both, Marcus must make a bitter choice – her death or his.

I was a little skeptical about this book after reading the cover.  The concept of Marcus being a vampire was unexpected, and I wasn’t sure how it would fit into the premise of the story.  On the other hand, I knew this book would be mixing my two favorite types of stories – urban fantasy and secret agent.  I was either going to love it or hate it.  Let’s just say I’m really glad I didn’t miss this one.

From the first chapter, I knew I was going to like Jax.  She is strong, resourceful, and a smart-ass.  However, she isn’t without her vulnerabilities – but that’s what makes her realistic.  The author, Karin Harlow, certainly didn’t pull punches with Jax.  She is a heroine who has had a tough life, and it’s about to get tougher from the moment she sets eyes on Marcus.

Marcus is all kinds of yummy.  He’s controlled, focused, and determined to be on the side of right.  This man has a tighter hold on his emotions than most women keep on their purses.  And yes, he is a vampire…not that he needs the heightened senses or special skill-set that comes with being an undead considering he would be a force to be reckoned with as a plain human.

Watching these two spar words and rough each other up – in more ways than one – was a lot of fun.  Especially since Karin didn’t make this just a book about two enemies falling for each other.  The plot is intricate and fast-paced.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing all the way to the end. 

The one thing I wish Karin would have paid more attention to is the vampire aspect.  I didn’t really get to connect with the world that Marcus lives in, because I didn’t really get to see it.  It’s there…but its background noise.  I would have liked a more in-depth look at the paranormal world and the rules that govern those who live in it.  I felt a little taken aback by how rationally everyone seemed to accept there being vampires.  It was so fast and easy for L.O.S.T. to figure out how to handle them – I’ve read a million vampire books, but if I ever ran across one in real life I’m still not sure if my best bet is wood, silver, perhaps a cross and some sunshine. 

I also felt a little sorry for Gage.  He appears to be a central character at first, getting some page time at the beginning, but sort of disappears through a lot of action.  He obviously has a thing for Jax, and if it weren’t for Marcus, I would say they’d make a great pair.  I guess all I can hope for is that Karin will write another L.O.S.T. book and Gage gets to find himself in his own sticky situation.  I’ve definitely got my fingers crossed.

If you like urban fantasy, suspense, and SEAL-like men, you’re going to love Enemy Lover.  It’s like a s’more…all your favorites in one place and hot!  

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl L.A.

Book Review: The Hambledown Dream by Dean Mayers

Book Review: THE HAMBLEDOWN DREAM
By: Dean  Mayers
Paranormal Romance
5 Hearts

Story Blurb:
Australian Denny Banister had it all; a successful career, a passion for the guitar, and Sonya - the love of his life. Tragically, Denny is struck down with inoperable cancer.
Andy DeVries has almost nothing; alienated from his family, moving through a dangerous Chicago underworld dealing in drugs, battling addiction; all while keeping a wavering hold on the only thing that matters to him: a place at a prestigious conservatory for classical guitar in Chicago.

As Andy recovers from a near fatal overdose, he is plagued by dreams - memories of a love he has never felt, and a life he's never lived. Driven by the need for redemption and by the love for a woman he's never met, he begins a quest to find her, knowing her only by the memories of a stranger and the dreams of a place called Hambledown...

This book is one of the best I've read in a long time.

It was  one sitting book!  I rarely care for romance books by men, but this story is sweet,  poignant and very well written. The way he brings Andy and Denny together is very well done. I was afraid that one personality would become lost in the other but Dean manages to keep the best of both.

The author creates such wonderful word pictures that you feel like you are living it too.
 My favorite part is the music, I've never had the emotions of music described in words that were so powerful, it is very stirring.
Dean depicts the Chicago underworld graphically and has some pretty raw sex and language at the beginning. Please don't let this stop you from reading the rest. You will be glad you did! This is a great book.

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sharon

Book Review: When Blood Calls by J.K. Beck

Book Review: When Blood Calls
By: J.K. Beck
Paranormal Romance
Published by Bantam Books
4 Heart Review

From the back cover
Sara Constantine is one of the country’s most tenacious prosecuting attorneys—and she’s just secured a well-earned promotion. At first she’s thrilled. Then she finds out her new job involves prosecuting vampires and werewolves. And nothing prepares Sara for the shock she receives when she meets the first defendant she’ll be trying to put away: Lucius Dragos, the sexy stranger with whom she recently shared an explosive night of ecstasy.

When Lucius Dragos kisses the beautiful woman sitting next to him at the bar, he’s only hoping to blend into the crowd and avoid the perceptive gaze of the man he’s following…and planning to kill. But what starts as a simple kiss to secure his cover ignites into a fierce hunger that leads to an all-consuming passion. Charged with murder, Luke knows Sara will do whatever it takes to see him locked away—unless he can convince her that he’s not the monster she thinks he is. And that might mean making the greatest sacrifice a vampire can make.

It's something I never thought I'd be able to say, but this book actually brings something new and fresh to vampire lore! J.K. Beck has created a new world with a very creative and compelling take on how vampires are created and what they do to stay "alive". I usually steer clear of vampire romances lately because they are like cookie-cutter imitations, but I was really excited to get into this one.

Likewise, I was equally interested in the entire world of creatures that the author has created and again felt that there's a new twist to all of them. This isn't just any old world-building. It's different and unique.

The heroine Sara appealed to me and I liked that she was neither a silly fool or overly rigid when faced with this brand new world. Her reactions felt honest to the character and I felt her back story really played well into the plot and conflict.

Lucius made for an hero that really rode that line of good and bad with a past that lets you in on why he lives his life in such extremes and makes you go back and forth in how you as a reader feels about him, his being a vampire, and if it's smart to be with him.

There were a few things about this story that threw me off slightly but it's hard to go into without plot telling a little. I will say that I felt the ending was a little predictable with what happens to Sara and wish this part of the book would have been drawn out more to really play with some twists before the inevitable happens. Other than that, I thought it was a really awesome debut book and a great start to the series!

If you think Vampires are getting tired, give this one a try and it might revitalize your feelings on them!

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina

Here's The Book Trailer For This Series:

Book Review: The Third Wish by K.F. Zuzulo

Romance Book Review: The Third Wish
By K. F. Zuzulo
Publisher: Sapphire Blue Publishing
Rating: 4 hearts

Book Blurb:
On a dig in the Jordan desert, archaeologist Bridget Devine unleashes cursed and captivating jinni Ashura-Goreem…and her own sensual awakening. The jinni must fulfill three wishes before he is free to settle a 3,000-year-old score, so his attraction to Bridget is a distraction he can’t afford. Bridget soon realizes that she is the captive—bound to Ash by desire and unwilling to let him go. But time is running out for the jinni. As an enemy from his ancient past returns, Ash must decide between freedom and love. The third wish will either release Ash or destroy him.

I really enjoyed this and even though it was a short story it didn’t feel like it was missing anything.
I was impressed with Bridget and how she responded to the events within the story and she came over a strong and intelligent woman who knew her own mind. Even with some of the bizarre events she approached them with a level head and trusted her instincts which made her a very likable character to me.

Ash had a mysterious air about him and on occasion I was unsure how he was going to react but he always kept the story interesting.

Bridget and Ash made a really appealing and enjoyable couple and the passion between them was believable and at times intense! I liked the fact that they didn’t instantly fall for each other but had time to get to know each other. The twist near the end of the story had me a little disappointed, but only briefly!

I haven’t read many books about the Jin but this has made me want to give them a try and I will definitely be on the look out for more books by this author!

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Vicky

Book Review: 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover
By Linda Wisdom
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3 Hearts

Story Blurb:

Jazz can't decide whether to scorch him with a fireball or jump into bed with him.

Jasmine Tremaine, a witch who can't stay out of trouble.

Nikolai Gregorivich, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop on the trail of a serial killer.

The sizzling love affair between Jazz and Nick has been off-again, on-again-for about 300 years. Mostly off, lately. But now Nick needs Jazz's help, and while Jazz and Nick try to figure out their own hearts and resist their ever-increasing attraction, they must steer clear of a maniacal killer with super-supernatural powers. They are surrounded by a hilarious cast of oddball paranormal characters, including Irma, the chain-smoking ghost who haunts Jazz's sports car, Dweezil, her ghoul of a boss, and Fluff and Puff, a pair of bunny slippers with sharp teeth and short tempers (watch your ankles)!

This book was fun to read and quite light hearted. From the blurb I was expecting an action packed story but felt it was a bit slow at the beginning. When things did start to progress it was intriguing and had me wanting to find out what was going to happen next.

Jazz is a feisty witch with strong opinions and a lot of sarcasm and I grew to like her character. I think Nick came across as quite weak willed and I wasn’t that taken with his character to start with as I normally prefer the Alpha male type. They seemed quite mismatched as a couple and it wasn’t until about 2/3 of the way through that I wanted things to work out for them. I was left feeling that there was a lot more drama to come for the couple in the future!

The secondary characters, Irma, Dweezil and Fluff and Puff really added to the book and made it more enjoyable. Without them I think the story would not have been as entertaining. (I want a pair of bunny slippers like those two!)

Unfortunately I found the ending a bit anticlimactic but it did seem like a good set up for the future books in the series.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would happily read the others in the series.

Happy Reading!
Cheeky Girl Vicky