Night Reigns (Immortal Guardians #2) by Diane Duvall

Description:

Ami isn't much for trusting strangers. She has a hard time trusting anyone. But she's no coward, and she's no pushover in the protection department either. So when she comes across a mysterious warrior taking on eight deranged vampires on his own, she doesn't hesitate to save his bacon. Of course, that was before she realized what one little rescue would get her into . . .

Marcus Grayden has been an immortal protector of humanity for eight hundred years, and at the moment he's not interested in backup. From the moment Ami arrives in his life, he can't deny that she's strong, smart, and extremely skilled at watching his back. But she's also destroying his protective solitude and stirring desires he can't bear to awaken. After all, whatever her secrets — how can she defeat death itself?

Oh this is another swoony read by Diane Duvall. The first was Darkness Dawns (my review linked) and really needs to be read first. This book takes place not long after the first and you are already introduced to several of the characters and their situation. In this book Marcus, a immortal guardian is paired with Ami. This is their story.

So, without spilling the beans of the first book, I will tell you I loved the characters. Marcus was grouchy at first but quickly fell into the sweet bf role we all can swoon over. What I also loved about the first book was that Sarah was an interesting character in herself. I was not disappointed with this book either. I really enjoyed Ami and found her strength despite her fears such a great combination. There is also a twist with her character I wasn't sure I would like at first. I think it just threw me for a fruit loop. However, once more of the pieces were put together, I really enjoyed this twist. No, I'm not telling you what it was *evil laugh* (oh it's been too long), but I will say that it will make the next books very interesting.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I think if you love PNR, action, and fun you really need to get into this series. Read in order like I did... *gives smelling salts* because I think it is necessary to piece everything together. No, it's not complicated, just makes more sense. Oh and there is a sort of cliffie in this book. More like the major aspects were solved, but a thread forms that will lead you to the next book. Those I don't mind. :)
I received this book from the author and no compensation for my review was given.

This book is to be published on the 6th. 

Btw, come back on the 2nd for a author post and giveaway!

First book in the series:

Once, Sarah Bingham's biggest challenge was making her students pay attention in class. Now, after rescuing a wounded stranger, she's handed in the middle of a battle between corrupt vampires and powerful immortals who also need blood to survive. Roland Warbrook is the most compelling man Sarah has ever laid hands on. But his desire for her is mingled with a hunger he can barely control...In his nine centuries of immortal existence, no woman has tempted Roland as much as Sarah. But asking her to love him is impossible - when it means forfeiting the world she's always known, and the life he would do anything to protect.

Amazon/B&N/Kobo/Google/iBooks

This book inspired a book boyfriend. I wuvs Rowland!

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Description:

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

Okay... gotta make this unspoilery for those not yet started the first one... *taps foot* Okaaay.... *sigh* but I want to say SO much... *zips lip* but I won't!

This is a great second book in this series. LOVED it! We find ourselves shortly after the first book ends. We go through all the everyday school stuff we were set up for and are learning how to defend ourselves as is required of every mythos student. We also get a bit more background and learn along with Gwen more about the pantheon and what really exists in this world. *side note* Personally, although it seems that everyone doesn't like mythos history, I would love that class. Can I sit in or just borrow a book? Please? *end side note* While the beginning is a bit slow we do get the information we need and we also get caught up with what we may have not remembered.

Now, in the middle part of the book there is tons of action and mystery. And although I did figure out who did it before Gwen, I must say it still was a fun ride! I really enjoyed what happened and I feel that a few things were set up for us in the next book within this ride. I can't wait, personally to find out what it is!!

I should also say a few things about Logan. He is still the hottie of our first book, but to avoid spoilers I cannot say how I feel about him now. I don't even think I can say how I felt about him in the first book, but... oh nevermind... Just know that he is a hottie to swoon over!!! ;D

I give this book 4 stars! I loved it and I can't wait for the next book in the mythos series. Can I have it now? Seriously! Oh, and I want it for the story not because we were left with a cliffie. No cliffie!! Whee!!! ;)

Oh yea... and PS... I want a Fenrir wolf. The pups at home wouldn't mind, right? *lives in denial*
I was given this book by the author and no compensation for my review was given.

Books in the Series:

First Frost (ebook prequel)

Touch of Frost

Kiss of Frost

Btw, come back on the 1st. My fave character from the series, Vic, will stop by for a short Q&A with a giveaway! 

TEAM VIC!!

Unlovable by Sherry Gammon: Review by AimeeKay

Greetings! So my tour on the Rusty Dagger has ended. :( Boo! Hopefully they will be looking for a new crew again soon! Until then I am enjoying my shore leave, and just in time for the holidays too! So here is the latest book Melissa has sent me. Unlovable by Sherry Gammon. 

Description:

Port Fare, New York, has fallen into the clutches of true evil. The Dreser brothers have arrived with a scheme to increase drug sales in the area by whatever means possible. Seth Prescott is part of MET (Mobile Enforcement Teams) a branch of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). He's been assigned to work undercover at Port Fare High, and things aren't going very well, until senior Maggie Brown enters the equation. He's harbored a secret crush on her from day one, and now that she is in the center of the case, he's trying to stay clear and objective while walking the line between business and unrequited love.

Maggie is truly the poster child for Heroin Chic, complete with jutting bones and dark-ringed eyes, but is she an addict, or is there another reason for her appearance? She struggles with her feelings for Seth, fearing he is just another person who will eventually let her down, as everyone in her life has done thus far.
Maggie has spent her life caring for her alcoholic mother. A task that has left her heavily burdened and alone. Before long, her mother's health takes a turn for the worst, sending Maggie's life into a tale-spin.

While Seth works relentlessly to inject fear into the dealers and flush them out into the open, Maggie fights to stay alive as the hunt turns deadly.

Seth and Maggie's romantic journey is one of humor, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

*SIGH* When I first began reading this book I couldn't escape from images of 21 Jump Street. Baby-faced undercover operatives busting drug dealers in school... The problem is that this was not the biggest problem I had with the book. I'm sorry, let me digress a little, and tell you about the book first.

Seth Prescott is one of a team of undercover agents that is assigned to the high school in Port Fare. He original assignment was to get close to the in crowd and see if they were in any way involved with the heroin that was bombarding the town. Then his agency gets a lead that Maggie's mother might be involved with the heroin ring and he is told he is to get close to Maggie in an effort to find out what is going on with her mom.

Maggie is 17 and, while she looks like she is a heroin addict she is not. She is simply starving to death because her mother is drinking their money away.

I really liked the story itself. Gammon's characters are well drawn and she really seems to understand what motivates them. She also didn't shy away from the issues that Maggie faces as the child of an addict. While I thought that Maggie was foolish, I could understand why she made the choices she did. Her need to cover for her mom, and her constant need for her moms love were driving forces that I've seen in real life, and therefore they made the story feel real. I felt bad for her because she was stuck in a co-dependant relationship with her mom, that brought her nothing but abuse and heartache. I feel bad now because I am going to throw more abuse and heartache on her, because I just can't give this book a glowing review.

*double sigh* OK. First the storyline itself reminded me A LOT of 21 Jump Street. This in itself however I feel can be ignored since that t.v. show was A LONG time ago, and while it is popular because of it's actors that it helped give a career jump start, it is not really remembered anymore.
Also story wise, Gammon is very good at fleshing out her characters. But, yes of course there's a but. BUT, for some reason she goes into in depth descriptions of certain characters and leaves others kind of bland. For example there is a library clerk who you find out isn't into drugs, even though she looks like she is, and is very into tattoos. In fact she is given free reign to tell Maggie all about her boyfriend and why she got a werewolf tattoo for him and how he is the best one on a video game about said werewolves. However one of Seth's closest friends, Cole, really didn't seem to stand out at all. I took away from the novel that he is an accident prone workaholic and he's incredibly sexy and smart. But other than that he just seemed flat. Again, this I would have commented on but isn't the main reason I disliked the book. I assume Cole will be fleshed out more in the next book in the series, since it says at the end of the book that book 2 is all about Cole. So maybe she was holding more of him back since he wasn't as involved with Maggie as say Booker, Seth's boss and close friend, was. If these were my main issues with the book I would end the review here and tell you it's a good read to pick up for the holiday season and that it was a strong start to what looks to be a promising series. Because I liked the characters, I liked Port Fare, I really did. 

 
The thing is the whole relationship between Seth and Maggie just left a REALLY bad taste in my mouth. She is 17. I know, I know she is a MATURE 17, but she is still 17. I didn't find out how old Seth really was until after half-way through the book. So I was really relieved to find out that he is only 21. (At least he wasn't pushing 30 with a thing for little girls) And in reality if Maggie was 18 going on 19 and was already out of high school I probably wouldn't have batted an eye. But Seth is supposed to be this highly intelligent, dedicated cop. A police officer! Yes he is undercover, but even before he is told to start "getting close" to Maggie he is already checking her out at school. Yech! Sorry it just feels really slimy. I mean he has tons of money, is sexy, bright, and has a heart of gold, but he isn't interested in anyone his own age. Instead, he is checking out some random girl at the school he is working undercover at. His boss, Booker even encourages him to go after her! and not just to get the evidence for their case! Booker even tries to get them back together after they have their inevitable falling out when Maggie finds out who Seth really is. But all the while he calls her "jail-bait", he even goes so far as to call her that to her face! So you know he knows there is an age issue.

Of course Maggie isn't bothered by the age difference, she is more concerned with the fact that Seth didn't tell her who he was to begin with. But that is exactly how most 17 year olds would feel, because they are young and in love. Besides the fact that Maggie has a whole other additional set of emotional and mental issues from the years of abuse from her mom. So I can forgive Maggie for not caring about the age, and as I said before if she was only a year older I wouldn't have had an issue with it either. Seth even redeems himself somewhat by telling her he believes they should wait until they are married before they have sex. But still the whole time I was reading the book I couldn't shake the fact that this adult male cop was eyeing up a teen-age girl. The more I found out about how abused poor Maggie was the more I wanted to just smack Seth for taking advantage of a confused young girl. Ok I understand she is 17 and turns 18 during the course of the story. Fine. Whatever. I'm just saying why I really didn't like the book. 

The messed up part is I would gladly read the rest of the series. I liked Gammon's writing and I liked her story and her characters. I want to find out where she is going with the bad guys, a crime family by the name of Dreser, and how she is going to work them into the other books in the series. I want to find out more about Cole. I would love to see how Booker handles falling in love, having kids, and then having some college kid sniffing around his teen-age daughter. (sorry the whole scenario just really bugs me)

Anyway, Until next time!

Hope all of you have a Happy Holidays! Stay warm and stay safe!

AimeeKay

What are you doing here???

Well, unless you are reading other posts or entering the contest listed above...otherwise...

Look what is brewing at the Bookish Brunette:

Seriously... what are you still doing here?

The schedule of events are HERE

Now you know I wuvs you but...

SHOO!

On My Wishlist...

Wishlist Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
tbp: May 2012
Description:

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

To Walk The Night by ES Moore
tbp: Jan. 2012
Description:

Even a vampire has to face her inner demons…

Kat Redding is the very thing she hunts: a vampire, thirsting for blood, capable of killing any creature unlucky enough to get in her path. The difference is, Kat kills her own kind in order to protect human Purebloods. She’s good at what she does. Good enough to earn the nickname Lady Death—and the enmity of every bloodthirsty being around. But now a vampire Count is intent on merging his House with a werewolf cult to create a force of terrifying power.

Kat can’t allow that to happen. Even if it means taking on a den of weres and a vampire more ruthless than any she’s encountered before. She has the weapons, the skill, and a few allies. But that may not be enough to eliminate the Count before her own dark nature rises to the surface—and costs her whatever is left of her humanity…

The Uncertain Places by Lisa Goldstein

Published!

Description:

An ages-old family secret breaches the boundaries between reality and magic in this fresh retelling of a classic fairy tale. When Berkeley student Will Taylor is introduced to the mysterious Feierabend sisters, he quickly falls for enigmatic Livvy, a chemistry major and accomplished chef. But Livvy’s family—vivacious actress Maddie, family historian Rose, and their mother, absent-minded Sylvia—are behaving strangely. The Feierabend women seem to believe that luck is their handmaiden, even though happiness does not necessarily follow. It is soon discovered that generations previous, the Feierabends made a contract with a powerful, otherworldly force, and it is up to Will and his best friend to unravel the riddle of this supernatural bargain in order to save Livvy from her predestined fate.

So, what is on you wishlist this week?

Oh and while you are here, there is an international giveaway for In the Forests of the Night HERE!

Kersten Hamilton Author Blog Post and Giveaway!

My best Christmas memory from when I was a child happened when I was six years old. My family was homeless and someone was letting us stay in their basement. The family we were staying with had a huge Christmas tree, with piles of presents under it, decorated with candy canes and ornaments—we could see the tree, but none of the presents were for us. My baby brother got in trouble for sneaking in and eating a candy cane off of the tree. We were thankful for the basement—it was December in Alaska, after all. But it was hard. We barely had money for food and necessities, and no money for presents or candy.

The day before Christmas, my mother took us all with her to the laundromat to do our laundry. The last load was drying when I walked down the rows of machines—and saw a fresh, new $50 bill on the floor. It hadn’t been there two minutes before. There were only three other people in the laundromat. No one had come in or gone out. I am sure now that one of those three dropped that bill for me to find, probably the scary–looking man who growled “If you found it, it’s yours, isn’t it” and frightened me so much I ran back to my mother.

Whoever dropped that money didn’t just change our Christmas—they changed me. When I had children of my own, we made it a tradition to look around to find someone who needs a blessing at Christmas time. One year it might be the child of someone in prison who can’t give them a present, the next neighbor kids whose parents are out of work. There are only two rules—buy the best gift you can afford—one you would be proud to give to the person you love the most—and it must always be a secret where it came from.

I’d like to ask your readers to join in the fun. Change Christmas for someone this year. Keep it secret. Pass it on.

Thank you for letting me tell people about this on your blog today, Melissa!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Such a beautiful story! Oh I so agree with you Kersten. Plus there are so many ways to give at anytime of the year. Even if it is just a smile to brighten someone's day. Oh and I think Kersten is about to brighten someone's holiday! Because...

Giveaway!

Kersten is giving away a HB copy of In the Forests of the Night! Oh and guess what??? It's INTERNATIONAL! I bet that made a few of you smile today. ;) Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Easy!

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

My review of In the Forests of the Night

Don't forget too, that Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars #1) is still only $2.69 at Amazon for Kindle, $2.99 at B&N, iBooks and Kobo.

Black Friday Winner Announcement!

The Winner of the Black Sun's Daughter (4 books) is...

Brenda D.! (confirmed)

also,

Winner of the ebook of North of Need (hubba hubba) is

June M.

the winner of the snowflake ornaments is...

AimeeKay

Don't forget there are still giveaways going!

You can still enter for Queen of the Sylphs HERE

Also, new giveaway for HB In the Forests of the Night HERE

It's a much safer way of spending Black Friday! No gambling with your life! ;D

Queen of the Sylphs by L.J. MacDonald

It was a dream come true. Solie had her own battler, a creature of almost infinite magic who could vaporize legions in the blink of an eye and would willingly suffer a thousand bloody deaths to protect her. She was his love. More simply, she was his queen. 

Many others feel the same. The new-built settlement is a haven for all. Erected by sylphs of earth and fire, air and water, the Valley is Solie’s dominion. But, lovers without peer or killers without mercy, the very nature of their battler protectors means peril. It is not in any sylph’s nature to disobey, and while some are hers to command, others are the slaves of Solie’s enemies—the jealous, the cruel. Those who guard her must not fail. Their peasant-born ruler is not yet safe as… 

QUEEN OF THE SYLPHS

 I really enjoyed this installment of the Sylph series. In fact I think I enjoyed this one most of all. The story switches POVs of several different characters as well as a few sylphs, but it doesn't get confusing, in fact I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters much better. We even get a glimpse of what it was like in the hive world where the sylphs were born.

I still felt that Solie and Heyou (the main characters of the first book) were still a bit too immature to be rulers, but I felt that by the end, Solie became quite adult. She had a more personal reason and even though the transformation was quite sudden, I did enjoy seeing her become the strong woman you always hoped she would be within the series. I also really enjoyed getting to know those secondary characters I have loved in the other books. And there was a villain within this story you truly love to hate. In fact, I think the author really wrote the sociopathic personality well. Almost too well.... in fact, I wanted to reach in and kick her little bootay.

In the end, I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed this adventure. Within this one, you will laugh, tear, and some characters will tear at your heart with what they were put through. I think if you are going to read this series... make sure you end up reading this book.
I received this book from the author an no compensation for my review was given.

I am currently giving away this book HERE. So, go enter if you can. Unfortunately, it is only for US/Can addys. 

I may not be around much today due to the US holiday, but will catch up on my blog reading tomorrow! So, for everyone celebrating Thanksgiving... 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

For those not... Happy Thursday! :D

Mini Reviews of Sylph #1 and #2

He is one of many: a creature of magic, unrelentingly male. He is lured through the portal by pure female beauty, a virgin sacrifice. She is killed, and he is silenced and enslaved.

Such a dark ritual is necessary. Unlike their elemental cousins—those gentler sylphs of wind and fire—battlers find no joy in everyday labor. Their magic can destroy an army or demolish a castle, and each has but one goal: find his queen, then protect and pleasure her at any cost. What would a maiden do if she were given such a servant? What would befall that kingdom foolish enough to allow a battler to escape? Young Solie and the people of Eferem are about to find out.

This was a very interesting world that was created. In this world, the sylphs live in a alternate universe ruled by a queen. Not unlike bees. They are elemental in nature and the most coveted type of sylph to rulers are battle sylphs to make them invincible in war. In this world, women are seen as nothing but property, second citizens or slaves at best. Of course there are always dreamers in this world in which have a glimpse at a world where they might control the direction of their lives and one we come to know in this story is Solie.

Although this is Solie and her battle sylph's adventure, I actually found the secondary characters and sylph's more interesting. And to just make this a mini review rather than the bigger review it is threatening to be, I'll say that although the main characters were almost too juvenile for my tastes, I really had fun in this world and enjoyed the progression of the sylphs and the women into being free citizens... even if only in one area of their world. I give this book 3 1/2 stars.

Kidnapped by slavers, Lizzie Petrule was dragged in chains across the Great Sea to the corrupt empire of Meridal. There beneath a floating citadel and an ocean of golden sand, lies a pleasure den for gladiators-and a prison for the maidens forced to slake their carnal thirst.

Despite impossible odds, against imponderable magic, three men have vowed Lizzie’s return: Justin, her suitor; Leon, her father; and Ril, the shape-shifting but war-weary battler. Together, this broken band can save her, but only with a word that must remain unsaid, a foe that is a friend, and a betrayal that is, at heart, an act of love.

 This book happens a few years after Battle Sylph. The Sylph valley is thriving even and are learning how to co-exist with their sylphs rather than enslaving them. The world becomes more and more interesting as it becomes more complex in nature. This is also Ril and Lizzie's story and I was thrilled because Ril was one of the more interesting characters in the first book.

In this book Lizzie is captured and several people come to her rescue. Within this new world over one of their seas, Lizzie and the rest have to learn to survive in a strange new world. Because I felt this one was darker within the story, I also think it made the humor and the lighter times brighter due to the contrast. I have to say that this adventure almost drove me crazy. You wanted to know what was going on and it felt like it took forever to get to the big show down. The only reason I felt this way is because I just couldn't see how they were going to give me an HEA as the story kept becoming more complicated. I didn't see the ending until close to the end and it made sense. I give this one 4 stars. I enjoyed this one more than the first.
I was given both books by the author and no compensation for my review was given.

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

Description:

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

 In the Forests of the Night starts where Tyger Tyger left off. For those that have not read it, I will do my best to be non-spoilery for the first book as much as possible. It did take me a minute to catch up since the last book, but I did so easily. I was back with the crowd loving all the characters again. In fact, you will all love Aiden the little boy in the first book... and you will have your heart stolen again in this book.

In fact, although this is primarily Tegan's tale, really Aiden steals the show for most of the book until the end climax. Although I really enjoyed that, I also would have loved a bit more of Teagan. What she learned since the first tale and how she applies it to life now. It is by no means devoid of that growth, but I think I would have liked to be a bit more intimate with her in that growth.

For those that demand good research within a book, you will not be disappointed. It is well researched and little known facts are woven into the story and the lore within the book. I found that fascinating and even checked on a couple of facts to see if it was true and not Kersten's imagination. :D I really thought that was fun.

I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed my time there and I cannot wait for the next adventure. It is a good book for adults as well as the YA crowd that enjoy a good goblin tale!!
I received this ARC ebook from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Don't forget! This one is published today! If you missed the first one, it is on sale at most ebook locations (Amazon, B&N, iBooks) for $2.99! Get them both!

Also, don't forget to come back on Friday, 25th. Kersten will be over for a blog post and a giveaway!

Author Guest Post L.J. McDonald and Giveaway!

Since I was apparently younger than even I remember, I’ve been writing stories of some kind or other. I’m pretty sure I started with bad fanfiction that I burned in self-defense, since otherwise my brother might have found it. I have vague recollections of giant robots and extradimensional energy beings who looked like green monkeys In plate armour. Fortunately, I’ve long since forgotten what I was thinking when I wrote it.

My first short stories were all Twilight Zone styled pieces with bizarre endings. My books, which I started to write in my teens, were science fiction. I still have those. I’m afraid to read them, but I have them.

At some point in my twenties, I wandered into the realm of fantasy and I was immediately hooked. Now I didn’t have to worry about writing a science fiction piece where the science turns out to be completely wrong. Nor did I have to be concerned about messing up some detail about the real world while trying to set a book in it. Instead, with fantasy, I control the world.

There’s a great deal of glee to be had in shaping a universe and throwing some poor, unsuspecting characters into it. More, in fantasy, I can create a world that lets me play more easily with whatever concept it is that I want to explore. When I wrote the first Sylph book, sI had, along with all the other stuff I tossed in there, a philosophical concept I wanted to explore. I had these wonderfully sensual, completely masculine beings with immense amounts of power, and I made them utterly submissive. It was a bit of me touching onto the idea of sub/dom relationships and also a nudge at the particular brand of feminism I learned in university. After all, it’s the women who have the power in any relationship with a battle sylph. I’m not really trying to say anything with it. I’m just going “hey, what happens if I do this?” Fantasy makes it easier for me to get away with things like that without having a story come across as unbelievable.

All of my books have something philosophical to them, though most of the time I think it’s buried so deeply only I know it’s there. Some are more obvious than others, however, and in a few, I explore some really nasty ideas. In QUEEN OF THE SYLPHS I wanted to show how utterly disastrous a human/sylph relationship could become with the wrong pair. Apparently I struck a cord with this, given how many people have told me that my lead villain made them want to scream. I actually held back with her. Makes me wonder about writing a piece with a villain who’s truly evil and if anyone would want to read it.

Either way, I’m sticking with fantasy. I won’t say I’ll never venture into science fiction again, or write something set in the modern world, but right now, I’m enjoying creating worlds where I make the rules.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for coming on the blog today! I am currently in the middle of the series and my reviews will come shortly. I am really seeing your the idea of women power in a world of male dominance. 

So, does this make you curious? Well...

Giveaway!

It was a dream come true. Solie had her own battler, a creature of almost infinite magic who could vaporize legions in the blink of an eye and would willingly suffer a thousand bloody deaths to protect her. She was his love. More simply, she was his queen. 

Many others feel the same. The new-built settlement is a haven for all. Erected by sylphs of earth and fire, air and water, the Valley is Solie’s dominion. But, lovers without peer or killers without mercy, the very nature of their battler protectors means peril. It is not in any sylph’s nature to disobey, and while some are hers to command, others are the slaves of Solie’s enemies—the jealous, the cruel. Those who guard her must not fail. Their peasant-born ruler is not yet safe as…

The giveaway is LJ MacDonald's newest book, Queen of the Slyphs. The giveaway is open to anyone with a US or Can snail addy. All you have to do is enter below!

Good luck!

On My Wishlist...

Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Arise (Hereafter #2) by Tara Hudson
tbp: June 5 2012
Description:

Amelia—still caught between life and death—must fight for every moment of her relationship with the human boy Joshua. They can hardly even kiss without Amelia accidentally dematerializing. Looking for answers, they go to visit some of Joshua’s Seer relatives in New Orleans. But even in a city so famously steeped in the supernatural, Amelia ends up with more questions than answers…and becomes increasingly convinced that she and Joshua can never have a future together.

Wandering through the French Quarter, Amelia meets other in-between ghosts, and begins to seriously consider joining them. And then she meets Gabrielle. Somehow, against impossible odds, Gaby has found a way to live a sort of half-life...a half-life for which Amelia would pay any price.

Torn between two worlds, Amelia must choose carefully, before the evil spirits of the netherworld choose for her.

This book is the one that I didn't want an HEA. So, I do need to know what happens next!

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

tbp: July 24, 2012

Description:

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

I'll make a bet that Ashley, the Zombie Queen, doesn't want this one. ;D

The Taken by Vicki Pettersson

tbp: June 12, 2012

Description:

He’s a fallen angel. She’s a rockabilly reporter. Together they must solve a deadly string of murders plaguing the mortal and the immortal worlds.

Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was over fifty years ago when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Now he’s a Centurion, an angel who assists other murdered souls through their journey to the afterlife. But while Shaw might be an angel … he’s no saint. Haunted by the mysterious events surrounding his own death, he seizes a chance to wreak some vengeance when he witnesses a deadly attack on journalist Katherine “Kit” Craig.

Joining forces, the unlikely avengers take to the streets, hunting a killer whose trail of bodies stretches across Las Vegas and into an immortal netherworld. It is a dangerous trek that lead them into the darkest corners of Sin City and into the heart of an evil conspiracy extending beyond the lights of the Strip that could destory them both.

But destruction isn’t the only threat Griffin faces. The closer he gets to Kit, the more he finds himself bewitched by her mortal charms. Can he resist falling under her spell? And does he want to?

I'm quite curious about the rockabilly angle to this one. Fits the blog! ;D

So, what is on your wishlist this week?

Bookish Happenings...

Tyger Tyger is having a sale! $2.99 for ebook at Amazon, B&N, and iBooks. A great deal for those that have yet to start this series. I'll have a review up soon of the next, In the Forests of the Night, the sequel to Tyger Tyger. I'll also have a giveaway of the next book on the 25th. So, this is a great way to get prepared to winning the next book! ;)

I also just found out that the book, Cinder and Ella, will be available now in hardback and in ebook. I think it is a cute story for those in the MG crowd.  

Tiger Eye (oh, Tiger's everywhere!) is FREE right now! I've been wanting to start one of Marjorie M. Liu series since I've read a few of her short stories. Great way to start this one!
Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iBooks

Oh and a book I LOVED is now $3.99 in ebook form. Oh do get this and if you search for my review, you will find links for the prequel for free! ;)
Amazon, B&N

Laura Kaye Author Blog Post and North of Need Giveaway!

My Vision of Hero Owen Winters 

Already riding the high of finishing book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series and sending it off to my editor, I decided yesterday to stop by Books and Things to get a feel for the blog and decide what to submit for a guest post. And, lo and behold, what do I find to my great surprise and intense pleasure? Melissa has featured North of Need’s Owen Winters as her book boyfriend! I squeed out loud and then, after several long minutes of panting on my monitor, during which time there may or may not have been drool, I found my inspiration for today’s post.

Since you all seem to enjoy the spicier side of life here at Books and Things *winks*, here are the passages from North of Need that make THE BELOW PICTURE OF OWEN the one that was in my head the entire time I wrote:

Exhibit 1:

Even asleep, unconscious, whatever, the guy was ruggedly handsome. Mop of shiny black hair, strong brow, square jaw, fair skin, full red lips. A male Snow White.
Her eyes traced down. Very male.


Exhibit 2:

Peeking into the living room through the bathroom’s connecting door, she called out, “You gonna be okay out there, Owen?”

He was lying on his back, long flannel-pajama-clad legs crossed at the ankle and arm up over his head. Cover off to the side. No shirt. Jeez, his chest was broad and defined, stomach cut with ridges of muscles. He turned a lazy gaze from the fire to where she stood in the doorway. “I’m good. Thank you, for everything.”

Good, indeed. She’d never look at that couch the same way again. She hugged herself. “Okay, well, give a shout if you need anything, or just help yourself. G’night.”

He nodded. “Good night, Megan.”

Exhibit 3:

Hmm, yes, all that sculptured back muscle argued in favor of the stripping down. The way he’d turned in his stool to watch her popped his corded lat muscle out all down his left side. Megan licked her lips. Tried but failed to ignore the desire to taste that lean length of skin.

Exhibit 4:

“Let me look at you.” Big hands stroked her knees.

She trembled, the result of her racing heart and shallow breaths. The adoration on his face gripped her, made her feel safe. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she relaxed her thighs, let them fall open.

His gaze followed her movements, alighted on her most private place like a physical caress. Her arousal spiked, coating the soft folds of her cleft. Owen inhaled deeply, licked his lips. His intense observation set her body on fire, had her wet, needy.

After a time, she pouted. “Don’t tease me.”

He met her eyes. “Never,” he said, as he tugged at the string tie of his pants.

Megan sucked in a breath. He was naked underneath. And huge. Her hips bucked at the sight. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. He was long, thick, swollen with need, veined in ways that made her salivate.

He gripped himself, stroked once, twice. Her mouth dropped open, fascinated. All at once, she understood why he’d looked at her so long.

Annnnnd Exhibit 5:

“Megan.” He swallowed hard. “Look, angel.”

She followed his voice and her gaze drifted to the right. “Oh, God.” The mirror over the dresser framed their lovemaking. Neither could tear their stare away from the erotic image reflected back to them. Megan’s golden waves bounced with his every thrust. Owen’s body curled around her, held her. The muscles from his ribs to his thighs corded as he moved against her. Their eyes met in the mirror.

And hers were absolutely alive with unspoken emotion.

Owen threw his head back and roared out his orgasm.


And what do all those excerpts add up to? Just this, my friends. My version of Owen Freaking Winters:

So, what say you? If you didn’t see Melissa’s pick yesterday, scroll down to yesterday’s post and take a looksee! Then let us know which one you’d like to lick have a nice pleasant conversation with the most!

Thanks for reading!

Laura Kaye

P.S. Click here if you’d like meet another lickable nice to chat with guy! I revealed my West of Want (book 2 in the series) cover yesterday!

Buy Laura's Books

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WANT TO WIN NORTH OF NEED? The North of Need Book Launch Blog Tour runs through November 20. A giveaway everyday!

About North of Need:
Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.

Called to life by 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, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

About Laura Kaye:

A multi-published author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance, Laura Kaye’s hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura is the author of the bestselling contemporary romance and award-nominated HEARTS IN DARKNESS and the bestselling and award-winning paranormal romance FOREVER FREED (NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011), as well as an erotic romance novella, JUST GOTTA SAY. Her fourth book, contemporary fantasy romance NORTH OF NEED, is the first in the 4-book Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Romantic Excerpt

The men in her life wanted her to be happy, wanted her to let go of the pain. Wanted her to embrace life. To live.

John couldn’t. But she could.

Owen’s mouth dropped open when she dragged her exploring fingers across the deep red of his bottom lip. So soft.

For now, she’d start with what she knew. “I do want you, Owen. And I need you.” She swallowed. “So much.”

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.”

He licked and sucked down her neck. She shivered and grabbed onto the firmness of his sculpted biceps. He nipped at the tendon where neck met shoulder. A moan exploded from her, loud and wanton, but couldn’t be helped. She threaded her fingers into his silky black hair and held him to her. “Again,” she rasped. He teased her with his teeth, then his tongue and lips. “God, Owen.”

She chuckled even as she whimpered at the spine-tingling nips and bites.

“What’s so funny?” His warm breath caressed her bare skin.

“Sorry, it’s just…” She covered her mouth with her hand, humor-induced tears now gathering at the corners of her eyes.

He pulled her hand away. “Never hide your smile from me.”

He pressed kisses to her knuckles, then pinned her wrist beside her shoulder.

She finally reined in her amusement. “I’m sorry. It’s just, I said, ‘God, Owen,’ and then”—the chuckles threatened again—“it hit me that, you know, you really are a god, and all.”

A playful smirk framed Owen’s face. “Are you amused by my godhood?”

She nodded. He thrust his hips into hers, rocking the ridge of his impressive erection against her right where she craved him. Her lips dropped open as she sucked in a breath.

His mismatched eyes blazed. “Still amused?”

She nodded and pressed up against him. Wrapped one leg around his waist and dug her heel into his firm ass. He grunted and ground down on her, just as she hoped he would. Then his mouth crushed against hers again, their tongue intertwining. He drew away with little kisses on the corner of her lips. “I like you amused. Smiling. Laughing. I want to make you feel that way.”

His words wrapped around her heart, mending, binding. She cupped his cheek in her palm. “Sweet, sweet man.” She took a deep breath and a leap of faith. “Make love to me.”

“Gods, yes.” In a flash, he’d pushed up from the couch, lifted her in his arms, and crossed the room.

Butterflies took flight in her stomach. His humor, his gentle kindness, his raw sexuality, his masculine beauty—he appealed to every part of her mind and body. And, maybe, just maybe, her heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guess what Laura... we had very close visons of Owen. I spotted your guy but could only find one pic and no name. I thought that was so funny if I wasn't drooling so much. ;D However, I couldn't resist Robin Martin's coat with no clothes look. It just "felt" *ahem* so right! LOL

So, would you like to read the whole book after getting a taste? Well, there is one ebook available for grabs to anyone that has an e-mail address! 

Also, Laura is giving away:

Perfect for those wishing for a little snow in their area! ;)

(this is only open for US/Can)

So, how to enter? 

Via the Rafflecopter form of course! ;D

My Book Boyfriend

Meme hosted by The Unread Reader

Today my book boyfriend is Owen Winters. He's one hot elemental snow god who Megan "built" for me... uh I mean her. He has dark black hair, one blue eye and one brown and a physique to make you sweat. He's also sweet, patient, and has a great sense of humor (my review HERE). Now, I wasn't sure who could play Owen, but when I saw this pic:

I thought it was perfect. I mean Owen needs the cold but will don on a coat to keep up appearances. So the shirtless pose with the coat just seemed perfect. This is Robin Martin btw.

Oh! I'm sure some of you remember that my review was labeled for the adults... well, here's one you might like better. Kids... turn around now...

Hm... I wonder if he made the penguins blush? ;)

So, who is new in your man harem this week?

PS... come by tomorrow for a author blog post and giveaway!

The Guardian (Dark-Hunter #21, Dream-Hunter #5) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Description:

Dream-Hunter Lydia has been charged with the most sacred and dangerous of missions: To descend into the Nether Realm and find the missing god of dreams before he betrays the secrets that could kill her and her kind. What she never expects is to be taken prisoner by the Realm’s most vicious guardian… 

Seth’s time is running out. If he can’t hand over the entrance to Olympus, his own life and those of his people will be forfeit. No matter the torture, Seth hasn’t been able to break the god in his custody. Then there’s the beautiful Dream-Hunter Lydia: She isn’t just guarding the gates of Olympus—she’s holding back one of the world’s darkest powers. If she fails, an ancient curse will haunt the earth once more and no one will be safe. But evil is always seductive...

Yes, yes... you may laugh now. I've done it again. I've read out of order. Okay, done laughing. Fine, we will wait a few minutes more to let you get it out of your system. *taps foot* Better now? *hands over a hankie* Okay, I'll get on the review now.

I have to say that I loved this book and devoured it quickly. Seth is one handsome demi-god that despite the fact he is evil's right hand man will break your heart. Seth is not in the underworld as a willing employee, but as a broken slave. In fact what breaks your heart is that Seth has never known love or kindness. Any he thought he was given was laced with betrayal. Not one person had ever shown him anything else. Even so, he develops a moral center and a strength of character that allows him to endure the pain and humiliation he is given daily.

We also have Lydia. Someone with a secret past and inner scars of her own. Both have a hard time trusting anyone but Lydia has known love of family. Both her parents cared for her deeply. But the amount of horror that engulfed her life at a young age allows her to empathize with Seth more than any other person could. She also understood how hard it is to open up herself to another and be vulnerable on purpose.

Ah so you now have the main players. You also have circumstances that seem impossible to draw these two together. And while the way things played out would not happen so quickly in real life (I mean the trust issues not being pursued by immortal beings.. lol) it doesn't matter. This is a fantasy romance after all, and getting lost in the world and the way they save each other is all that matters here.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really enjoyed my time here. And even though I have not read all the books in order, I can tell you that it isn't needed. There might be a time or two when you are given names and would like to know who they are, but they are minor players here and it only happened to me twice. It did not take away from the enjoyment of this book and I'd say it is as close to a stand-alone as it could be. Don't don't fear... and pick up this book if you love fantasy romance!
I was given this book by the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Description:

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family. 

Engrossing and suspenseful, All These Things I've Done is an utterly unique, unputdownable read that blends both the familiar and the fantastic.

This book gives us a dystopian world in which I would not do well. Okay, granted, I have not come across  a dystopian world in which I would do well, but this was one that I could see happening all to easily. It is a world suppressed by not just by the government, but by the lack of courage coming from the masses into standing up for what was right. So on one hand it was an interesting world and on the other hand, it comes too close to reality in some ways.

We are taken within this world on a journey with Anya who is a crime bosses's (Russian mafia) daughter. Already seen unspeakable acts of cruelty toward her own family she becomes the leader and the caretaker of what is left of her small immediate family. One who she protects fiercely. That makes me like her. Her character becomes more fleshed out the more you understand her sacrifices she makes without hesitation and at such a young age.

Now, I did like her family and found them interesting. However, I must admit that I found her best friend and her boyfriend Win (one that could endanger her family) uninteresting. They just felt flat and 2 dimensional. So, I really didn't connect with them or her feelings toward Win. Still her journey and what she endured to protect her family I still found interesting.

There were also a few things that did bother me within this world and even with Anya. One was the fact that no one had any problem judging the other as soft or strong based on what they thought their background gave them. Now, I do understand this is a real world problem, but when you had all the characters do it, it became tedious. I also had a problem that strength was seen as keeping abuses silent. That did not sit will with me, although I did understand it from Anya's POV. Her character would have too much to lose to whistleblow, but many of the others did not. Hence, my annoyance at that part.

I give this book 3 stars. I really did enjoy Anya and her journey. I also understand that this story will continue. I'd be curious as to where it take us and I'm also curious as to what could get fixed and how. That way at least one annoyance would be erased for me. :)
I received this book for review and no compensation was given.

On My Wishlist...

Meme hosted by Book Chick City

Deliverance (Mortal Path #3) by Dakota Banks
tbp: March 7, 2012

Description:
A demon's assassin for centuries, Maliha Crayne has gone rogue, determined to save a life for every one she's destroyed in order to free herself from an eternity of enslavement, damnation, and excruciating torment. But as the powers that sustained her in the past fade, she is wary of trusting those closest to her-especially her lover, Jake. Should Maliha listen to her heart or the alarms going off in her head? Then her closest friends begin to disappear, one by one. Amid her anger, suspicion, and sorrow, she feels her life spiraling out of control.

Worse still, a beautiful, Renaissance murderess is recruiting Maliha as her new assassin. Maliha is turning into a lethal puppet with an evil Immortal pulling the strings, forced to kill innocents or see her missing friends die horribly. Suddenly trapped in a moral no-man's land, Maliha is damned if she does and damned if she doesn't…and time is rapidly running out.

Yes, (and don't be too surprised) I read and reviewed this series in order! The first is Dark Times, then Sacrifice and now this one (my reviews in links). You know I needs it! :)

Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noël

tbp: May 22, 2012

Description:

So here's the deal . . .

Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico. There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes.

Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them.

Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover if Dace is the guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines

tbp: Aug. 7, 2012

Description:

Isaac Vainio is a Libriomancer, a member of the secret organization founded five centuries ago by Johannes Gutenberg. Libriomancers are gifted with the ability to magically reach into books and draw forth objects. When Isaac is attacked by vampires that leaked from the pages of books into our world, he barely manages to escape. To his horror he discovers that vampires have been attacking other magic-users as well, and Gutenberg has been kidnapped.

With the help of a motorcycle-riding dryad who packs a semi-automatic pistol and a pair of oak cudgels, Isaac finds himself hunting the unknown dark power that has been manipulating humans and vampires alike. And his search will uncover dangerous secrets about Libriomancy, Gutenberg, and the history of magic.

So, what is on your wishlist this week?

Win Black Sun's Daughter Series (4 books) by M.L.N Hanover!

I have a great opportunity to give away 4 books in the Black Sun's Daughter Series! Yes! All 3 books! The winner will be announced on black friday (get it?) and then should get the books later that week! By publisher's request it is US only (we still love ya international peeps!). 

The books in the giveaway are as follows:

Unclean Spirits (Black Sun's Daughter #1)

Description:

In a world where magic walks and demons ride, you can't always play by the rules.

Jayné Heller thinks of herself as a realist, until she discovers reality isn't quite what she thought it was. When her uncle Eric is murdered, Jayné travels to Denver to settle his estate, only to learn that it's all hers -- and vaster than she ever imagined. And along with properties across the world and an inexhaustible fortune, Eric left her a legacy of a different kind: his unfinished business with a cabal of wizards known as the Invisible College.

Led by the ruthless Randolph Coin, the Invisible College harnesses demon spirits for their own ends of power and domination. Jayné finds it difficult to believe magic and demons can even exist, let alone be responsible for the death of her uncle. But Coin sees Eric's heir as a threat to be eliminated by any means -- magical or mundane -- so Jayné had better start believing in something to save her own life.

Aided in her mission by a group of unlikely companions -- Aubrey, Eric's devastatingly attractive assistant; Ex, a former Jesuit with a lethal agenda; Midian, a two-hundred-year-old man who claims to be under a curse from Randolph Coin himself; and Chogyi Jake, a self-styled Buddhist with mystical abilities -- Jayné finds that her new reality is not only unexpected, but often unexplainable. And if she hopes to survive, she'll have to learn the new rules fast -- or break them completely....

Darker Angels (Black Sun's Daughter #2)

Description:

In the battle between good and evil, there's no such thing as a fair fight.
When Jayné Heller's uncle Eric died, she inherited a fortune beyond all her expectations -- and a dangerous mission in a world she never knew existed. Reining in demons and supernatural foes is a formidable task, but thankfully Jayné has vast resources and loyal allies to rely on. She'll need both to tackle a bodyswitching serial killer who's taken up residence in New Orleans, a city rich in voodoo lore and dark magic.

Working alongside Karen Black, a highly confident and enigmatic ex-FBI agent, Jayné races to track down the demon's next intended host. But the closer she gets, the more convinced she becomes that nothing in this beautiful, wounded city is exactly as it seems. When shocking secrets come to light, and jealousy and betrayal turn trusted friends into adversaries, Jayné will soon come face-to-face with an enemy that knows her all too well, and won't rest until it has destroyed everything she loves most....

Vicious Grace (Black Sun's Daughter #3)

Description:

When you’re staring evil in the eye, don’t forget to watch your back . . .
For the first time in forever, Jayné Heller’s life is making sense. Even if she routinely risks her life to destroy demonic parasites that prey on mortals, she now has friends, colleagues, a trusted lover, and newfound confidence in the mission she inherited from her wealthy, mysterious uncle. Her next job might just rob her of all of them. At Grace Memorial Hospital in Chicago, something is stirring. Patients are going AWOL and research subjects share the same sinister dreams. Half a century ago, something was buried under Grace in a terrible ritual, and it’s straining to be free. Jayné is primed to take on whatever’s about to be let loose. Yet the greatest danger now may not be the huge, unseen force lurking below, but the evil that has been hiding in plain sight all along—taking her ever closer to losing her body, her mind, and her soul. . . .

Killing Rites (Black Sun's Daughter #4)

Description:

Jayné Heller has discovered the source of her uncanny powers: something else is living inside her body. She's possessed. Of all her companions, she can only bring herself to confide in Ex, the former priest. They seek help from his old teacher and the circle of friends he left behind, hoping to cleanse Jayné before the parasite in her becomes too powerful.

Ex’s history and a new enemy combine to leave Jayné alone and on the run. Her friends, thinking that the rider with her has taken the reins, try to hunt her down, unaware of the danger they’re putting her in. JaynÉ must defeat the weight of the past and the murderous intent of another rider, and her only allies are a rogue vampire she once helped free and the nameless thing hiding inside her skin.

So, how to win all 4? Easy! Just enter via the rafflecopter form below! The winner will be picked on the 22nd and you need to get back to me ASAP so I can announce it on Black Friday. So, check those spam folders! 

Good luck!