REVIEW - A HINT OF FROST

"Lourdes has to change the binding agreement promising Rhys her hand in a true marriage with the price of saving her sister. But Rhys has secrets, and his interests in marrying her seems much more than just political scheming, but can she trust him, after all she seems to have nothing in common with the flesh eating, poisonous, scheming Mimetidae Clan of skilled mercenaries."

Author: Hailey Edwards
Published: Samhain Publishing on April 17th 2012
Pages: 122 Pages
Form: E-book (from the author for an honest review)
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Araneae Nation #1
Amazon: Buy / $7.63 (Kindle) Pre-Order ( EU price, click to see US price )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $4.56 (Nook) Pre-Order
Samhain : Buy / $3.85 (Ebook) Pre-Order
Excerpt: Chapter 1

Lourdes has agreed to bind herself to Rhys, a political "marriage" of sorts to the questionable Mimetidae, to keep her Clan of silk weaving Araneidae safe and to revenge her parent’s murder which has made her the leader of her people.

But when her sister is kidnapped by their old guards, turned her parents' murderers Lourdes has to change the binding agreement promising Rhys her hand in a true marriage with the price of saving her sister.

But Rhys has secrets, and his interests in marrying her seems much more than just political scheming, but can she trust him, after all she seems to have nothing in common with the son of flesh eating, poisonous, scheming Mimetidae Maiven and her Clan of skilled mercenaries.

A Hint of Frost was one excellent fantasy novel, with romance to spice it up. From bear riders to spider like clans of people it was unique read, even to a mild case of arachnophobia like me. I loved the Araneidae people, the artisans of the nation, them spinning silk stronger than any metal to armor and to soft to touch fabric. I loved how much fantasy this novel had and how well it was used to tell an interesting story that is begging for a book two!

The plot was interesting, Theridiidae Clan went back on their word killing Lourdes’s parents making her the youngest Maiven of the Araneidae Clan, which forces her to make a deal with the Mimetidae Maiven ( equivalent of a Queen ) to marry one of her sons for the protection of her Clan against the Theridiidae. Lourdes expects one of the poisonous cannibalistic brute warriors and is shocked to find herself with a man with kindness and understanding. But that’s not all, her sister has been kidnapped, and on her search for her they come across a deadly gruesome plague that turns animals and people to something unnatural and bleeds them yellow.

The romance in A Hint of Frost was suggestive and mostly sweet, protected Lourdes had no clue how things were to go, and having Rhys tempt her and protect her gave a interesting feel to their romance. I probably would have loved more romance in the book, I felt it was perhaps left too much in the end. The book almost had a slightly christian feel to it with the innocence and the waiting, but when things got hot there wasn’t much christian about it.

I enjoyed the contrasting religions of healing and science, I liked seeing it explored in the book. I think this book introduced the characters well for the future books, left a lot of interesting openings for future relationships and political intrigue. Great fantasy, lovely romance and interesting twist on the mesh of spiders and people and their culture.

Rating :

THE CURSE OF GREMDON & E-BOOK GIVEAWAY!

"In a world where marriage is forbidden, sex is only granted to male warriors, and the outer realm is full of murderous creatures, Arianna fights to protect the life of her only living relative, her brother."

Author: Ciara Knight
Pages: 282 pages
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Published: December, 2011
Form: E-book (from a tour for an honest review )
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Amazon: Buy / $11.49 (Kindle) ( EU price, click to see US price )
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $7.99 (Nook)
All Romance E-books: Buy / $6.99 (E-book)

"In a world where marriage is forbidden, sex is only granted to male warriors, and the outer realm is full of murderous creatures, Arianna fights to protect the life of her only living relative, her brother.

Tardon, an elite warrior, is granted anything he desires by the Elders, but finds little joy in the voluptuous women presented to him. Born for the bloodlust found only in battle, complicated emotions emerge when he discovers his equal in the alluring warrior, Arianna.

Charged by the Elders with saving the castle from attack, Tardon and Arianna risk the curse when they traverse the vast outer realm to retrieve serum from the Tree of Life. If successful, the Elders have promised Tardon the right to marry and Arianna the cure for her brother’s death fever. Will their love carry them through or will the discovery of a great deception be their ultimate demise?" ~from Goodreads

The premise for the book was very interesting, and the blurb immediately captured my interest, it conjured up this image of a hot love affair, danger and fantasy - unfortunately it didn't quite deliver for me. I do love fantasy as a genre as well as romance, well duh right? ;) But while this book was good and I enjoyed most of it for me it lacked in the depth of moving the story forward. Don't get me wrong it was an active book, but while reading it I felt little unattached to the couple. It was a good book, well worth the read - but personally it was lacking little bit. Of course I've seen this book get plenty 4 and 5 star reviews so possibly it could be just me. ;)

I liked the characters. Tardon being the strong warrior, proud and little uptight, and Arianna being a warrior herself no maiden to be rescued, she fought aside Tardon like one of the men. It was their love affair that I liked most about the book, their forbidden desire to be together, their near death sentence because of it and then their near exile because of it to a world inhabited by gruesome cursed creature who once were men like them.

You'll like this if... you like your romance to have an element of fantasy and danger, you want your hero a strapping warrior and your heroine a valiant match to him in body, mind and spirit! 

Rating :

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REVIEW - LORD OF THE ABYSS

"As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy."

Author: Nalini Singh
Pages: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Nocturne
Published: November, 2011
Form: E-book (review copy from the NetGalley for an honest review)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: The Royal House of Shadows #4
Amazon: Buy / $5.50 (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $5.50 (Paperback) 
The Book Depository: Buy / €5.50 (Paperback)
Excerpt: 1st Chapter


Liliana - the abused daughter of the Blood Sorcerer who conquered Elden twenty years ago, killing the King and the Queen and cursing the four children who only nearly escaped the battle - has had a vision, so she escaped her father to find the youngest of the four siblings, Micah. The only problem is she will have to get him to remember who she is because she only has a week before it will be too late.

Micah is fascinated by the woman who dropped out of nowhere to his castle and isn't afraid to meet his eyes. Eventually he agrees that she may cook for him, but the outspoken Liliana is so much more than meets the eyes and it doesn't take long before he begins to be tempted by the woman who seems oblivious to how she makes him feel.

     "He was the most beautiful monster she had ever seen.
     It was the first thought Liliana had as she lay weak and drained across the black marble of the floor, her face reflected in its polished surface. As she watched, the one they called the Lord of the Black Castle rose from his ebony throne at the head of the room and walked down the ten steps with a lazy grace that spoke of power, strength…and death.
     Trying desperately to close her hand into a fist, she attempted to push herself up onto her knees, unwilling to meet him at such a disadvantage. But her body was debilitated beyond bearing by the blood she had spilled to make the crossing, her wrists spotted with it, though her magic had sealed the wounds. Her father would’ve sacrificed another without a thought to the life he took, would call her a fool for using her own blood.
     “Weak.” He had spit the judgment at her more than once. “I took a beautiful witch to wife and got a hatchet-faced mewling brat in return.”
     Sensing the vibration of the monster’s boots getting ever closer, she took a deep breath, able to feel it rattle in her throat. It wasn’t meant to be like this. The spell should have deposited her in the forests beyond his domain, not in the midst of his great hall, where he stood as the lone, lethal shield against the vicious beings beyond. She could feel eyes on her, hundreds of them. And yet no one made a sound.
     The boots were almost to her now."

I loved this book, Liliana and Micah make a sizzling hot couple! Both completely new to the other genre one because of his duty and one because of her lacking outer appearance. Of course Liliana's hidden mission to make Micah remember who he is, after all he was only 5 when his parents cast a spell on him to save him from the Blood Sorcerer, might but a damper on their budding romance.

I loved how arrogant and possessive and cave-man Micah was, but he also had a deliciously wicked sense of humor after her got to know her. Liliana I loved because she was not a norm beauty, but was "ugly", eyes too close to each other and too small, hooked-nosed, hair like straw but she still didn't pity herself, she accepted what she looked like and when Micah begins to show interest on her she becomes baffled.

I haven't read Nalini Singh before but I'm a FAN now! This story was great! The plot, the characters, the weird creatures, burning hot romance, tension, fantasy and truly great finish for the Royal House of Shadows series! I suppose this could be a stand-alone, but at least read 1st and 2nd book before reading this, because they are just GOOD and the siblings from all the books make an appearance in the end battle. But like I said this can be read alone because a lot is explained about thing got to this point (and without spoilers! because it does not ruing the other books, so you can read these in mixed order!).

You'll like this if... you like fantasy, paranormal romance and like your heroes bit on the domineering side. ;)

Rating :

KHANTARA REVIEW AND INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE FRANKLIN

"Khantara is a Haanta conqueror, meant to wage war and rule over the enemy nation of Thellis, but after vanquishing Thellis and occupying a construction of a Haanta outpost, he meets Anelta, a woman enslaved by her own people bearing a brand of servitude on her neck."

Author: Michelle Franklin
Pages: 97 pages
Publisher: Red Willow Publishing
Published: September, 2011
Form: E-book (review copy through the tour for an honest review)
Series: Haanta Series Novel; Khantara #1
Genre: Fantasy
Amazon: Buy / $5.74 (Kindle)
Barnes & Noble: Buy / $2.99 (Nook)
Excerpt: from Chapter 4

As Thellis attacks the Haanta people, they are left to meet their assult by conquring the coast line city and set up their own settlement. Khantara their highly decorated commander has always had a kind and quiet nature where other Haanta men battle with their rage, their curse, he desires to understand the Thellissian people and when one evening he sees a woman scorned by her husband he end talking to her and finds out that she's a Marked, a slave with very few rights and even more obligations.

Khantara can't get her out of his mind, her abusive keeper, her frigthtened nature and her kindness and innocent joy. He decides it's his obligation having witnessed her blight to help her, but how?

I really, truly, enjoyed this novel! The language and the way it's written is beautiful and poetic, I loved reading this book for the simple pleasure of reading the writing.

The plot was interesting, and definitely shed light on the history of the Haanta people, their customs and their habits, which I found very interesting. And true to the Fantasy genre this novel was colored with Haanta's original words, and they were beautiful, reminiscent of quenya ( Tolkien's elvish ) in its smooth and solid phrasing. Loved it! The conqueror becomes involved in the life of a slave, and ends up feeling more for her than just his duty, even if he would like to deny there is more to his actions than kindness.

Anelta was a beautiful character, not a victim even living as suppressed as she does, she has inner strength and innocence that was so easy to read - you can't help but like her.
Khantara, a nine foot tall giant, gentle, caring, efficient and plenty scary when he wants to be was a joy to read! I've never met a giant before and I have to tell you I'm quite smitten. ;) I think I have to go buy the first book in the Haanta series! Because I absolutely loved the world created by Michelle Franklin! It's old fashion, entail brute strength, gentleness, weaknesses and determination - wow, loved it!

The supporting cast was great as well, I loved the three warriors who Khantara teaches but I also loved the birds who Khantara could communicate with! ( Learn more about one especially funny bird incident on the Interview below! )

Of course this is Vol. 1 and now I have to wait until Vol. 2 to see how Anelta takes to living in the Haanta settlement and if their romance blossoms in to something more than a kiss, look and embrace!

Rating : 

Photo by Nicole at NGP

Niina : Welcome to For The Love of Reading, Michelle! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Michelle Franklin : I am am award-winning fantasy and romance author who writes six to ten-thousand words a day, loves classic literature and chocolate.

Niina : Now can you tell us a little about Khantara?

Michelle : Khantara is a conqueror and the father of the Den Asaan Rautu. Though he was bred for war, he ends up falling in love with one of the conquered. In consequence of his love with Anelta, the Thellisian slave, Khantara then decides to free her and begins to devise a way to free all Thellisian slaves without starting war.
 
Niina : Khantara tells the story of the Den Asaan Rautu's mother and father, but can you tell us about the Haanta series?

Michelle : The Haanta series is a blend of high fantasy and literary romance. It begins with the meeting of the commander and Den Asaan. They ally their two nations and share a relationship that is condemned by his people, which leads to the ultimate saving of both their nations. The series is about thirty books long, six of which are already published by Red Willow Press. It follows more humourous and romantic fantasy and spans across the world of the Two Continents.

Niina : So, how much fun is it create a whole new world?

Michelle : I'm not really creating it so much as I am visiting it. I learn about the world as the reader does, I just happen to spend about ten to sixteen hours a day there. I'm just thankful that they allow me to see as much of their world as they do.
 
Niina : What chapter of Khantara did you most enjoyed writing and why?

Michelle : I think the Bird's Eye View chapter, only because I enjoy seeing the world how Khantara's wren sees it. He thinks everyone is a tree, and I find that rather amusing.
 
Niina : Now, what is your writing style? Do you follow from beginning to end or write a chapter here and one there?

Michelle : I write in story arcs. An arc is usually one volume, and once I finish it, I return to the beginning to add anything I've left out.
 
Niina : So, why did you pick Fantasy genre?

Michelle : It's always been fantasy with me. My mind doesn't go anywhere else.

Niina : Now little more mundane questions… What's a typical day like for you?

Michelle : That is mundane indeed. My day is rather boring to most: I write from the moment I wake up. I take a walk for two hours when my eyes are tired, and then I come back to the computer to continue writing for the rest of the day.

Niina : Before we finish her are some Quick Fire Questions!

Cats or dogs? Cats.
Beach or forest? Forest.
Night or day? Night.
Bad boys or good cops? Both.
Brunettes or Blonds? Redheads.
Vampires or werewolves? Giants.
Romance or erotica? Whips and ropes.
Men: Alpha-male or submissive? Master.
Male POV or female POV? Both.
Pick-up or Mini-van? Feet.
Beer or Wine? Coffee.
Coffee or tea? Tea.
Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? The answer is always dark chocolate. 
Cake or Donuts? I think you mean to say 'and'.
TV or DVD? Neither.
Halloween or Midsummer? I will dress-up for both.
Times New Roman or Courier? Calibri.
Crayons or markers? Pencils.
Pens or pencils?  Keyboard.
Books or e-books? Hardback. I'm a purist.
Kids or pets? Some would argue they are the same.
 
Niina : I like Calibri too! ;) Thank you for stopping by Michelle, this was fun!

Michelle : Thanks for having me! Enjoy the Haanta Series!

Michelle Franklin is a woman of moderate consequence who writes many books about giants, romance and chocolate.

I am a small woman of moderate consequence who writes many, many epic fantasy books involving giants, romance, and chocolate. I'm a rather boring woman in life, but that only gives me permission to be more interesting on the page. I'm meant to be read and not seen anyway. I am also excessively sarcastic, but never serious, and I do my utmost to be as quiet and polite as possible when being forced to leave the commons. I adore people, but am not fond of the public. Such is an author's burden: to be a hermit and a crone, blessed with all the joys of unquietness.

Twitter: @MrsDenAsaan

REVIEW - NORTH OF NEED + GIVEAWAY!

"Called to life by the power of Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body..."

Author: Laura Kaye
Pages: 234 pages
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Published: November 1st, 2011
Form: E-book (review copy through the tour for an honest review)
Series: Hearts of the Anemoi #1
Genre: Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Amazon: Buy / $11.04 (Paperback)
The Book Depository: Buy / €8.55 (paperback)
Barnes and Noble: Buy / $12.99 (paperback)
Excerpt: The 1st and 2nd Chapter

Megan Snow lost her husband on Christmas Day morning one year ago, now she's come to their cabin in the snowy mountains to be alone on Christmas. Noticing exertion gets her mind away from John she cleans the snow covered yard and ends up building a snow a snowman, woman and child. When done she realizes just how alone she is and ends up crying , leaning into the snowman.

A snowstorm brings Owen, a snow god, to Megan's cabin. Her deceased husband's request is for her to find happiness and closure, and Owen finds himself desperate to fix her broken heart, because he finds he can't help but fall in love with Megan. Now to stay human he needs to hear from her that she loves, so that he can stay, forever, with her. The only trouble is that Owen has only 4 days to win her heart before the warm from descends and he, like the snow, melts.

This has to be the happiest PNR/Fantasy I have ever read! North of Need was joyous, romantic discovery of love, letting go and opening your heart to love again, without the unnecessary angst!

This story made me feel good, lighthearted and happy like no other has before! If you want a happy, romantic, paranormal and scorching hot Christmas Holiday read - well this is it! Some of the scenes will sure melt more than just snow, wow!

I loved Owen's character, he genuinely wanted Megan to be happy, smile and accept him, love him. Megan begun as heartbroken and sad at the anniversary of John's death and suddenly comes to life with Owen responding to mundane things with genuine happiness of being corporeal, eating and well, making love like he only has 4 days to indulge in it.

The plot is simple, but the writing made it beautiful and I was fully invested in seeing them together at the end of the book. I can tell some might view it as naive, I did not, I found it delightful and a true feel good, deliciously hot Christmas love story with a fantasy twist! I'm so happy this is book one Hearts Of The Anemoi series! Because then there will be more!

Read an romantic excerpt from North of Need here!

"A deep sound of satisfaction rumbled low in his throat and ricocheted down her body. Those soft lips found hers, already open, waiting for his touch. With his kiss, he possessed her. His scent—winter spice and male—filled her senses. His body covered her. She could live on the cool, sweet taste of his tongue. And, God, his little moans and grunts reverberated right down to the wet heat between her legs.

He trailed open-mouthed kisses over her cheek to her ear, sucked her lobe between his lips and flicked it with his tongue. She gasped as goose bumps erupted everywhere and she offered her neck to his exploration.

“I want you, Megan. Be mine. Gods.”

Rating :

Kiss and Tell Tour

Want to take part in the Giveaway? 

Here is your chance to win the North of Need Trading Cards!

[GIVEAWAY CLOSED]

Laura is offering two ways to win on her Kiss and Tell Tour Posts, 11/28 - 12/6.
1) One commenter who leaves their email address on this post will win a full signed set of Laura's romance trading cards for all four of her books.
2) A tour-wide prize will also be chosen on Friday, December 9: Laura will draw three commenters from across all Kiss and Tell Tour Posts to win one of THREE $5 Amazon gift cards. The more Tour Posts you visit and comment on, the more you'll be entered to win! Commenters must leave email address. Both are open to international! Good luck!

Use as collectibles or bookmarks or to remind you fo this great book! Just comment on this entry with your email address if you'd like to take part! I'm jealous, I wish I could take part too, I'd love to get my hands on some!

REVIEW - HOWL

"The alpha wolf in Zalin's pack is slowing going insane, which is tough enough to contend with, but the guy is gunning for the woman Zalin loves--the rancher's daughter who saved his hide. He's torn between taking off to avoid a confrontation with the Alpha, and sticking around to protect Lucia."

Author: Silke Juppenlatz
Pages: 64 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Published: June, 2011
Form: E-book (review copy from the publisher)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Fantasy
Lyrical Press: Buy / $3.50 (30% off $2.45)
Excerpt: Lucia sees Zalin change...

Lucia stops her father from shooting a wolf that has wondered to their farm lands, little does she know the wolf is Zalin a new wolf to the Pack of the area, and he now ows her for his life.

Zalin can't seem to get the farmer's daughter off his mind and when a chance meeting in town brings them together it becomes evident that there is attraction there that can't be ignored. That Zalin who is wishing to leave the town cannot ignore.

Zalin, trying to find his Pack's Alpha's daughter enters the farm lands again, which for some odd reason are off limits to the Pack, he find's instead the Alpha's mate bound in the shed, he turns to change to his human shape just as Lucia walks in.

As Lucia is forced to accept there are werewolves, she's taken to Pack lands and a painful secret from her past is revealed and nothing will be the same again. Seeking to forget she takes Zalin to bed, but it seems the act makes her forget but also springs love and then it's all bets off.

I really liked the Novella, I felt really connected to Lucia and found Zalin in both wolf and human form very entertaining, he has few demons in his closet as well, but isn't maimed by them which is really refreshing to see, a guy who can get past his issue without it having to escalate it into conflict.

I really liked the plot, and was surprised to see what the end result was, as this was a novella things went by fast, and I believe this would have also made a great full length novel, there was enough there to prolong. Actually I really would have liked it to be little longer to explain few things deeper and build on the characters and scenes, if it had had this the story would have been super.

Juppenlatz's writing is good, it's easy-flowing and keeps the reader entertained, she has a way with words; she can create a playful scene as well as one with angst and heartbreak very convincingly! A joy to read!

A fun, very sexy werewolf meets a woman story with unstable element of the Alpha and the threat of who's trying to get Lucia killed - really exciting read!

Rating :

TWO FREE KINDLE BOOKS ON AMAZON

Two NEW free Kindle books ( you can get a free 'Kindle for PC' on Amazon HERE. That is what I am using at the moment ).

Snake Skin by C.J. Lyons

Just your average Pittsburgh soccer mom, baking brownies and carrying a loaded forty-caliber Glock...

Lucille Teresa Guardino. A woman of many identities. Lucille to her doting mother, Lulu to her devoted husband, Mom to her pre-teen daughter, Lucy to her friends, LT to her co-workers, and Supervisory Special Agent Guardino to the criminals she captures for the FBI's Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement squad.

A loving mom and wife, dutiful daughter, consummate professional, and kick-ass federal agent, Lucy is living the perfect life.

Until the day she comes up against a predator more vicious and cunning than any she's ever tackled before, one who forces Lucy to choose between the life of the young victim she is fighting to save and her own daughter's....and Lucy's dream life is shattered.

Gods of Dream by Daniel Arenson
What are dreams? Some think they are figments of our mind. But what if they were wisps of a distant, magical world… a world you could visit?

Twins Cade and Tasha discover Dream, the land dreams come from. It is a realm of misty forests, of verdant mountains, of mysterious gods who send dreams into our sleep. Cade and Tasha seek solace there; they are refugees, scarred and haunted with memories of war. In Dream, they can forget their past, escape the world, and find joy.

Phobetor, the god of Nightmare, was outcast from Dream. Now he seeks to destroy it. He sends his monsters into Dream, and Cade and Tasha find their sanctuary threatened, dying. To save it, the twins must overcome their past, journey into the heart of Nightmare, and face Phobetor himself.

Discover a world of light and darkness, of hope and fear, of dreams and nightmares. Discover The Gods of Dream. 

Get them while they are still free, I but them both on my list of Books to Read.